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Tequila's avatar
Tequila
Explorer
Mar 23, 2021

10 Tips for ATM safety in Mexico

From our RV Caravan orientation guide:


1) Always use an ATM inside a Bank when possible. Try to use ones in fairly busy areas otherwise, avoid street kiosks

2) Always cover your hand when entering pin

3) Consider downloading the “ATM Card Skimmer” app to your cell. It is in the play store. This will detect if there is an illegal Bluetooth device added to the ATM transmitting your information to a nearby receiver.

4) Mexican bank rate fees range from about 20 Pesos up to over 100 depending on bank.

5) Avoid using credit union cards in Banco Azteca machines. If you have to use one, try it out with a $20 withdrawal first. I have had these machines debit my account twice, with no money dispensed, when using a credit union card

6) Check your bank statement online after you withdraw, when you can. USE A VPN

7) Consider a separate ATM card on an account with little funds, and just transfer enough into it, online, prior to using the card each time.

8) If the ATM does not look right, examine it for possible overlay keypads

9) Always have 2 cards on different banks, so you are not stuck if one gets eaten or disabled.

10) Watch THIS VIDEO
  • Although we live permanently in Mexico, our banks are in the US. This means that we use ATM's exclusively for cash. During major construction work, that can means using one daily for months.

    Common sense rules. Don't be afraid to use an ATM anywhere in the world as long as you pay attention to the details, just like you hopefully do in your home country!
  • I have direct deposit to my Citibank checking account in the USA, since I am a retiree I do not get charged a fee for this, then I transfer funds from Citibank USA to my CitiBanamex account and do not pay fees for the transaction, before I had the Mexican account I would withdraw money from the ATM at the CitiBanamex bank not the kiosk at Walmart or Costco machines to exposed and to easy to be mugged.
    All the withdrawals with the US card were originally charged a fee that was later reimbursed so maybe those of you that can use Citibank might want to consider that option, the video is interesting and good to know.
    Stay safe out there ya all

    navegator
  • "7) Consider a separate ATM card on an account with little funds, and just transfer enough into it, online, prior to using the card each time."

    Really good!