Can I use my President's Choice debit card in Mexico ATMs?

February 26, 2007 8:58 AM

CanadaBankingFilter: I need to know if I will be able to use my President's Choice Financial debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs in Mexico.

I can't seem to find a straight answer on this topic.

I've tried calling the bank and they say "they can't guarantee it" but say that if the machine has a PLUS symbol, I "may" be able to. But, there are no symbols on the back of my card at all.

I need to know for sure, so I am hoping someone who sees this has successfully withdrawn money using their PCF card from an ATM in Mexico.

Furthermore, I am in a bind, because my paycheck doesn't get deposited into my account until the day after I leave. So I can't even withdraw the money before I go... I will have to take it out down there.

I am going to Puerto Vallarta, if it matters.

posted by ninefour to work & money (7 comments total)

I used my PCF Mastercard in Playa and had no problems, although I didn't use my PCF debit card while I was there. I would imagine you wouldn't have any problems, since PCF is a division of CIBC and the PCF cards are usable on any interac machine (with a small service fee, of course). I realize this isn't as definitive an answer as you'd like, so I'd suggest you give PCF a call and see if there is a way that you can wire money to yourself through their e-banking or tele-banking options.
posted by Isosceles at 9:24 AM on February 26, 2007

Yes, you will be able to use your card in Mexico.

I was able to use my PC card in frickin Malawi (and, actually, every single one of the 31 countries I've ever travelled in - Malawi just seemed like the most dramatically remote example), so you sure as a hell will be able to use it in a city that is full of, and caters to, foreign tourists in mexico.

As far as their referral to the 'Plus' symbol, don't worry about the fact that it's not on the back of your card - all PC cards are part of plus system. You just have to look for the plus symbol on the machines themselves.

If you're really worried, bring your credit card.
posted by Kololo at 10:21 AM on February 26, 2007

Looking at the PC Financial FAQ: Can I withdraw money outside of Canada? and Can I only use President's Choice Financial® bank machines to access money in my account? leads me to the conclusion that you would be able to get access to your account in Mexico only if the bank machine was part of the PLUS network, as Isosceles mentions above.

And you're willing to spend mucho dinero on bank fees.
posted by gavia at 10:24 AM on February 26, 2007

There are PLUS and Cirrus ATM (cajeros) in Mexico. You should call your hotel and ask them what bank is their ATM affiliated with. In the worst case, you won't be able to withdraw money from your hotel's ATM, but you'll be able to do it in town.

I'll try to find out which ATM are PLUS and which are Cirrus.
posted by clearlydemon at 11:00 AM on February 26, 2007

Apparently you can use the following ATMs from most major banks in Mexico:

- Santander Serfin
- Banamex
- HSBC
- BBVA Bancomer

These are the most common ATMs, and I'm sure your hotel will have at least one.

Just look for the PLUS or the Electron logo in the ATM.
posted by clearlydemon at 11:09 AM on February 26, 2007

You should call your bank/credit card companies to let htem know you're on the road (protects against identity theft.)

You might want around $200 in traveller's checks, just in case.
posted by filmgeek at 1:31 PM on February 26, 2007

I used mine when I was in PV several years ago - so you'll be fine. The charges sucked, but there you go.
posted by Salmonberry at 2:03 PM on February 26, 2007