Credit Card Fraud in Playa del Carmen and Cozumel? (trip, summer, credit cards)

[millennialmom]

We are making our first trip to Playa del Carmen in March. I was reading some posts suggesting that credit card fraud was rampant in Playa and Cozumel ... double swipes, recording dollars as the currency when it should be pesos. These posts were somewhat dated so I thought I would seek an update.

We've been to a Cabo a few times in recent years and never had a second thought (or a problem) using credit cards in restaurants, stores, etc. I would have approached our upcoming trip the same way but after reading these posts, I thought I should seek recommendations on whether to pay cash for everything or go ahead and use credit cards. We are not in an all-inclusive so we'll be eating out and paying for eveything as we go.

Any thoughts ?

Thanks,
m mom

[Oildog]

Had a friend who had his CC# stolen and charges made. I usually go to a bank there and get a bunch of pesos to deal with the locals with. If I want a deal on something I offer to pay in dollars.

[millennialmom]

Thanks, Oildog. I appreciate your reply. I'll stick with cash.

[johnatl]

I've been to both a couple of times and had no problem. BUT, not saying it couldn't happen. I'm used to all-inclusive's, so much less of a chance of this type of thing.

I'll second Oildog's suggestion. Just pop into HSBC or Banamex and get a bunch of pesos.

Have fun. The area is absolutely wonderful, as are the people. Much broader mix of folks than Cabo, imo.

[southdown]

We were in Cozumel last summer and had no problems using credit cards.

But you get a better deal from the local places if you pay with pesos in cash, and the exchange rate for pesos at the bank is generally better than the exchange rate in a bar!