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As an American with a 3 month tourist visa. Is this possible? I'm on the outer edge of Mexico city, there are no cash conversion shops nearby and banks will only do it if you have an account with them, my rent is paid online via AirBnb. No way to put money onto my debit card from the states. I've tried Banamax and BBVA Newcomer. The website claims they accept FMM. I came in, showed my passport and FMM visa - was told to bring a proof of address, on the second trip they said, "No we don't accept tourist visas."
Supposedly Oxxo's offer a "Saldezo prepaid debit card" which would have been fine. But after stopping by 2 locations they both said that this doesn't exist. Is it only at specific Oxxo's?

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1

Most travelers abd expats get their pesos at ATM macines with their credit cards or debit cards. Does this not work for you? If not, call your bank to set it up. The steps you have taken so far are becoming more difficult because of anti money laundering measures.

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2

In the morning of catching the flight I was in a hurry and never deposited the cash into my account at home and just brought it in thinking I could easily open an account and avoid most transaction / conversion fee's that way as well.
Haha... Oops.

It would be funny if I had to return to the states just to make a deposit.

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3

Wait, but where is the money coming from? One big pile of US dollars, and that's it?

Hard to see many better options other than making it into the center and shopping around for the best exchange rate...

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4

You will have to go to an exchange booth. There are plenty at the airport. Surely that is easier than what you have been trying to do? They may ask you the source of your funds, I had to fill out a sheet one time when I brought USA dollars.

It is a common error made by those posting, that you can change USA currency at banks.

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5

It is a common error made by those posting, that you can change USA currency at banks.

Don't believe everything you read... just because some were unable doesn't mean that it's not possible; it is. I've done it (with a passport), on two occasions in the last few months, at a Banamex and a BBVA.

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6

Banco Azteca will often change US dollars to pesos, and at a decent rate (as far as cash exchanges go). They often have a 300 dollar a day exchange limit.

Elektra stores often change US dollars to pesos as well, and at the same rate as Banco Azteca. You might look for an Elektra store and try there.

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7

Technically this won't really work, as you can't just pay Airbnb hosts in cash... there are other ways of making it happen (Paypal), but if the OP really took off without any backup measures or way to move cash via bank accounts/credit cards, it's going to be difficult.

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8
In response to #7

I might have misread the OP...I thought the AirBB was already taken care of before departure. Might have to bail on AirBB and go with hotels that take cash.

Lots of Elektra stores in CDMX.
https://www.google.com.mx/search?rlz=1C1NHXL_esMX767MX767&q=elektra+stores+in+mexico+city&npsic=0&rflfq=1&rlha=0&rllag=19433335,-99139285,7154&tbm=lcl&ved=0ahUKEwi12oqit8TZAhUOwGMKHYqACIgQtgMIKQ&tbs=lrf:!2m1!1e3!3sIAE,lf:1,lf_ui:4&rldoc=1#rlfi=hd:;si:;mv:!1m3!1d77128.72604485143!2d-99.10501198721983!3d19.43931116402367!3m2!1i946!2i492!4f13.1

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9
In response to #4

You will have to go to an exchange booth. There are plenty at the airport.

Yes, lots of casas de cambio at the CDMX airport (in both terminals) offering decent cash exchange rates.

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