Monterrey - Post Report Question and Answers
Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards are widely accepted and there are ATMs at HEB and other convenient locations. I've heard of a few people being robbed or having their debit card stolen at ATMs, so there are some safety concerns. - Feb 2021
Yes credit cards are used but in restaurants it’s best to ask for the “terminal†and have them run the card in front of you. ATMs are safe. And some US banks have agreements with local ones so fees are less. - Sep 2018
Use the same common sense you use in the U.S. - Aug 2015
I used the ATM's and didn't have any issues in San Pedro ( I would be a little more selective in Monterrey). Credit cards, I used them once mine got rid of the overseas transaction fees and did not have any issues, in San Pedro. Just be smart, if it doesn't look like you should use it, don't. - Mar 2014
I use both all the time and have only had one problem, in which my card was charged twice. I think, however, that it was an accident. - Oct 2012
Several people we knew had their cards cloned, and there are some ATMs that are sketchy. Occasionally a credit card simply won't run, but that was not a common problem. - Oct 2010
We use only cash. There have been many instances when someone's card has been copied and their funds drained. The only safe ATM is at the consulate. When paying your cell phone, home phone, internet and cable bills they require cash only. - Jul 2010
There are ATMs all over the place. Most charge an out-of-network fee of $7.25 (that's seven and a quarter pesos, about US$0.66 at the current exchange rate.) While you can use your card in many large international stores, there are a surprising number of places that only accept Mexican issued credit cards. Liverpool, an upscale department store, is one surprising example. That said, there's almost always an ATM within a few minutes walk. Outside the city, expect to carry cash unless you have evidence to the contrary. - Jan 2008
Easy. There are banks all over the place; HSBC and Citi (here branded as Banamex) are the biggest foreign banks. - Jan 2008
