Mexico- Grand Sirenis -ATM - Advice Sought

keasy

Hi everyone,

I'm heading to Mexico at the end of June. Like advised by MSE I have been accepted for a Clarity Card....hooray! :j

Now begins my dilema.

I have heard on TA that the ATM in our hotel ( Grand Sirenis ) is a US non bank affiliated ATM and will charge. Kind of ruling out the point of the Clarity Card.

Can anyone advise?
Has anyone been to this area and used a Clarity Card?
I know there is Santander branches in Playa Del Carmen that should be a safe bet but it's getting there that's the problem.
I could get a collectivo I know but I'm unfamiliar with the place.


I am thinking on maybe on buying pesos prior to our holiday, £500 worth so that I have £200 set aside for our departure tax and £300 ready cash for the first few days/week of stay for tips etc.

Does that sound a wise plan or are there ATM's that are safe to use nearer than PDC ?

Thanks!

eDicky

keasy wrote: »

Does that sound a wise plan or are there ATM's that are safe to use nearer than PDC ?

You will lose money on the exchange rate by buying cash pesos in the UK. There will be ATMs available at your arrival airport.

benjus

And even if you're stuck using the ATM in the resort, it will probably be cheaper than buying Pesos in the UK.

PS. Go to Tulum. It's lovely. And has ATMs.

Ballard

I've had to Google the departure tax as I didn't pay it but I took a scheduled flight and it's apparently included in the ticket. I probably was aware of it but it's been over 10 years so I'd forgotten.

Being as you have the Clarity, do you need so much cash? I used cash for everything when I was there but that was pre-Clarity. I look to pay for as much as I can on the credit card nowadays.

I'd echo the idea of Tulum. Definitely worth the visit. I took a local bus along the road from Tulum to Carmen so I know that it's an easy trip to organise. A longer trip would be to Chichen Itza which is probably The Yucatan Peninsula's premier attraction.

benjus

Agree with Chichen Itza - definitely worth the trip. But if at all possible, arrive EARLY - being at the site when it's still quiet is lovely. But don't arrive TOO early - remember that Yucatan state (where Chichen Itza is) is one hour earlier than Quintana Roo state (where Tulum, Playa del Carmen etc are). You would probably need a private tour or hire a car to arrive early, though.

There are also nice ruins at Coba, on the Tulum-Chichen Itza road, and you can still climb one of the pyramids.