Exchanging money in Guatemala

I prefer to have my funds safely in my bank account until I withdraw them anytime, day, night, weekends, holidays at an ATM.

Breezer, that was my main issue with Guatemala--I read so many stories about ATM fraud, that I didn't consider that my money would be safe in my bank account if I used one there. It was much easier for me (and I realize that everyone will have different priorities) to NOT use ATMs in Guatemala.

I preferred carrying cash to using an ATM in Guatemala. And supplemented by traveller's cheques-the blast from the past, lol--which were provided free from my bank. I didn't mind waiting in line at banks, I like watching the people going about their daily business, but I did mind when they would only change USA$200.......Not such a low limit in all places. Quite quick and easy to change money in banks in Coban.

Also I have never tried to pay any bill anywhere in Guat withTCs. I just use them to keep my funds safe until I am ready to change them into cash. I am so unhappy I cannot use them in Mexico anymore.

Paty, I had all the left over travellers' cheques from my Guatemalan visit and cashed them in Mexico. Yes, it wasn't as easy as in Guatemala where they are still very common. But I found a bank in Chetumal and cashed a few hundred dollars.

Then I still had some left over (they are USA$ and I live in Canada)and cashed them last year in Michoacan. It took about two minutes in total from when I entered the bank to when I left with pesos! Travellers' cheques weren't subject to the same scrutiny as USA$ cash. Normally in Mexico I just use the ATMs, although I just had a problem with the freezing of my card last week, luckily just for one day.

Good to know but in the Yucatan area they are not cashed anymore. * used to just go to the bank and get in the line for
tcs and leave fast while looking at the line to use the ATM. Now the banks won't take them . Well not in Playa del Carmen anyway. *

We just had a huge hacking take place where I live. I would never pay a bill on line as you put yourself at risk and I also won't bank on line . Accounts here have been emptied. The bank did replace them but who needsto have this occur.

I would never pay a bill on line as you put yourself at risk

One puts them self at risk crossing the road, most people still cross the road.

and I also won't bank on line . Accounts here have been emptied.

Ships have sunk, trains, planes, buses, cars, motos, tuk-tuks and hot air baloons have crashed but I still use all the above.

The bank did replace them but who needsto have this occur.

It's called living as opposed to the Canadian PM's famous hiding in the closet at the 1st sign of risk.

However different strokes for different folks, eh!

Yes the world if full of dangers and I try to limit my exposure. Around here banking on line is a risk I can pass on. I have sufficient other risks I have to endure.

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