Do they accept credit cards or travelers checks?

We just had a recent thread about "Money Safety" in Mexico. I suggest the OP give it a read...

click here

What do you think you're going to be using your credit card for? Hotel charges? Restaurant meals? Arts/crafts purchases? If you'll be traveling at the "budget" price range hotels aren't likely to accept credit cards, and inexpensive restaurants don't typically do that either.

I think you need to be in the mid to upper "moderate" and above price brackets before you see cards accepted. You, can, though, use a credit card for bus ticket purchases, when you travel with the major bus companies and with airlines.

I don't think the credit cards will be all that helpful to you in Chiapas, and most of Tabasco. In the heavily-touristed Quintana Roo, you'll likely see greater acceptance- but most likely at the price levels I mention above.

I find that generally, credit card acceptance in Mexico is at a much lower rate (by many fewer businesses) than what I see in the USA and Canada.

The link provided in #10 didn't work for me, but this one did.

Thank you for all the advice, I'm reading every single one. I'm going to use my ATM to pay for my bus tickets and hotels.

I feel better now.

Thank you much, Tomas.

One difference between your ATM and credit card. Businesses are starting to accept ATM cards for payment. Fine enough. But if you pay with an ATM and later have an issue you don't have the protections of a credit card. For instance... I wouldn't buy plane tickets or expensive tours or prepay hotels with an ATM. As to the AE cash card...seems like the way things will go. At this point I don't know how widely it is accepted in Mexico. The VISA electron card might be a better deal. Always have some backup dollars...and they must be as new looking as possible.

hey just thought you would like to know. im going to tobaco as well in march. cardenas to be exact. will that be the same time you are there?

I don't think you should assume that your ATM and/or debit card will be accepted for payment at businesses in Mexico.

So it should be OK I bring along my Wachovia debit card with me to get pesos from the ATMs and also bring some cash as backup?

Are ATMs also common in places like Merida, Palenque, etc.?

Thanks

ATMs are quite common in even mid-sized towns.

You'll find ATM machines in even some very small towns, and I've never heard of someone's card not being accepted. Using the same card as a "debit card" to pay for a purchase at a store, or hotel, or bus company may or may not work. It's been several years since I attempted to use my ATM/debit card to pay for something, but at that time it was refused because it was not linked to a Mexican bank. Maybe someone else has current information about the debit function on the ATM cards. I think GTB's caution about using a debit card is well-given - because when you use those cards (when you can) to purchase something you surrender most if not all conflict resolution options if you have a complaint, etc.