A customer on our caravan just found a charge for 8000 pesos for fuel they did not purchase on their credit card. This was an extra charge in addition to the 2000 pesos they did spend. They were not given a receipt. It was at a station in Los Mochis. I am trying to figure out which one. They had headed out on their own to fuel up. They were told the station did not accept cash (That would be a red flag to me, I have never been refused cash payment at any Pemex). I will be strongly advising future customers not to use credit cards for fuel.She has complained to the card company but they are tellingher she needs a mexican police report. Good luck on that when they are in Canada. If I can ID which station, I will get my Mexican partner to go see the police there and at least report them to pemex. I think he will be in Los mochis in a week or 2. Not too hopeful anything will come of it, but I will at least post the station number here if they can ID it off google earth.These folks also say they think there is a charge from a station in Navajoa they did not fuel up at. Its possible both stations are owned by the same owner.I am thinking it's a bad idea to use a credit card anywher ewin Mexico.

OK, got the number, its 2540 on the east side of 15 just north of the interchange at the north end of town.

What a shame that that happened, especially to a newbie.We swear by using our cards at Pemex, and always save the receipt. In 4 years, 3 of using our credit cards exclusively at Pemex, we've had no problems. Admittedly, we aren't newbies, either.

I got a better recommendation. Don't rv or even take your car to Mexico. Horror stories go back 50 years. You are prey down there in more ways than one. I personally know two people with horror stories including vehicle theft, extortion/bribe requests from police 25 years ago, and armed robbery 15 years ago. But do what you want. In Canada I was chased for blocks by someone intent upon returning something i had dropped.. last story not true.

Kavoom wrote:I got a better recommendation. Don't rv or even take your car to Mexico. Horror stories go back 50 years. You are prey down there in more ways than one. I personally know two people with horror stories including vehicle theft, extortion/bribe requests from police 25 years ago, and armed robbery 15 years ago. But do what you want. In Canada I was chased for blocks by someone intent upon returning something i had dropped.. last story not true.I know of people being killed n Kansas and in Canada so I guess I cannot go there. Also someone was murdered in Casa Grande where winter so I cannot go there. MY route takes me through Texas where some people where murdered at a CG so I cannot go there either. I had to bribe the police in Chicago once when I was pulled over for an infraction I did not commit.Guess I find a basement and go into it and close the door.Edit:Oh I had my credit card skimmed while visiting Washington DC so I guess I cannot go there again. Of course I stayed in Maryland and visited Virginia so those are out as I do not really know where the skim happened

Let me figure now. Don't use credit cards for fuel in Mexico. Carry a bundle of cash for fuel in Mexico? No way! I'll just never go to Mexico. ;)

Do not use credit cards for fuel | Good Sam Community

19 Replies

azdryheat
Explorer
May 03, 2016
My bank does not require a police report for a billing dispute. We always use a credit card primarily because it is NOT your money you're spending but the bank's. Credit card billing errors are easily disputed and the bank will investigate. Using a debit card is much more risky as that IS your money, right out of your checking account. I don't recommend using debit cards for gas (or much of anything else for that matter).
DownTheAvenue
Explorer
May 03, 2016
Tequila wrote:

I am thinking it's a bad idea to use a credit card anywher ewin Mexico.

I am thinking it is a bad idea to even go to Mexico!

I can travel anywhere in the US and Canada without these hassles!
Almot
Explorer III
May 03, 2016
Talleyho69 wrote:
In 4 years, 3 of using our credit cards exclusively at Pemex, we've had no problems.

x2. The only problem I ever had with Pemex - besides their liters being smaller than normal liters - was that credit cards simply didn't work. I carry 2 of them, and both were declined in Baja Norte. Carrying cash is a must. Small tiendas and many campsites won't take anything but cash. You don't need to carry a lot.

As to the remarks on "being a prey" - this is getting old. You're always a prey in countries with lower standards of living. The only way not to be is blending with locals, taking a bus (their bus system is excellent, btw) and trying not to look like gringo. Doesn't always work. In the end, you'll still be a prey, same as majority of population in Mexico.
CKNSLS
Explorer
May 02, 2016
Do not use credit cards. OK-Carry tons of cash and be a REAL TARGET. Better yet-let all the apologists go to Mexico...have a great time!
3oaks
Explorer
May 02, 2016
Let me figure now. Don't use credit cards for fuel in Mexico. Carry a bundle of cash for fuel in Mexico? No way! I'll just never go to Mexico. ;)
darsben
Explorer II
May 02, 2016
Kavoom wrote:
I got a better recommendation. Don't rv or even take your car to Mexico. Horror stories go back 50 years. You are prey down there in more ways than one. I personally know two people with horror stories including vehicle theft, extortion/bribe requests from police 25 years ago, and armed robbery 15 years ago. But do what you want.

In Canada I was chased for blocks by someone intent upon returning something i had dropped.. last story not true.

I know of people being killed n Kansas and in Canada so I guess I cannot go there. Also someone was murdered in Casa Grande where winter so I cannot go there. MY route takes me through Texas where some people where murdered at a CG so I cannot go there either. I had to bribe the police in Chicago once when I was pulled over for an infraction I did not commit.

Guess I find a basement and go into it and close the door.

Edit:
Oh I had my credit card skimmed while visiting Washington DC so I guess I cannot go there again. Of course I stayed in Maryland and visited Virginia so those are out as I do not really know where the skim happened
Kavoom
Explorer
May 02, 2016
I got a better recommendation. Don't rv or even take your car to Mexico. Horror stories go back 50 years. You are prey down there in more ways than one. I personally know two people with horror stories including vehicle theft, extortion/bribe requests from police 25 years ago, and armed robbery 15 years ago. But do what you want.

In Canada I was chased for blocks by someone intent upon returning something i had dropped.. last story not true.
Talleyho69
Moderator
May 02, 2016
What a shame that that happened, especially to a newbie.

We swear by using our cards at Pemex, and always save the receipt. In 4 years, 3 of using our credit cards exclusively at Pemex, we've had no problems. Admittedly, we aren't newbies, either.
Tequila
Explorer
May 02, 2016
OK, got the number, its 2540 on the east side of 15 just north of the interchange at the north end of town.

Forum Discussion

Do not use credit cards for fuel

19 Replies

About Bucket List Trips

Related Content

Credit Cards For Fuel Discounts

Credit card charge

Gas Credit Cards

Pilot credit card needed ?

Good Sam credit card fuel limits