Posted by RickFeliz on October 13, 2000 at 09:18:47:
In Reply to: Rick Feliz posted by Strangelove on October 13, 2000 at 02:54:42:
| The most important is $5 + $1 for propina in a paper credit card holder I got from the bank. It's in my sock and is my "punch-out" kit. I was mugged once. Because I had read about it ahead of time on the internet, I was prepared. I immediately hailed a taxi for the border and pulled the "punch-out" taxi money from the paper holder in my sock. "La linea, por favor!" and I'm out of there! I feel a certain comfort knowing that whenever I need to, I can "punch out" and exit. I also have a money-belt that I bought at a leather store on Revolucion. The most important thing I do in the parking lot before leaving for Mexico is take the ignition key from my car and put it in the money belt along with my heavy emergency funds. I know I've never been "ripped off" for more than $5 by a waiter or "tienda" (store) no matter what condition I've been in. How do I know? Before going south I stop at the bank and get $50 in $5's and $20's in $1's. Half of the $5's and $1's are in another plastic credit card holder that I keep in my tee shirt pocket under a regular shirt. Whenever I need change in small bills, I've got it. I also keep half of the $1's in my left front pocket and half of the $5's in my right front pocket for easy access when needed. The $5's are in a small leather money holder that was "un regalo" (a present) from one of my "amigas especiales" (special friends). Whenever I need a five, I reach in my pocket, feel the soft, supple leather, think about her, and feel good. :o) My regular wallet and credit cards stay in the U.S. Somewhere in my consciousness is a comment I read from the internet that "most of the stuff in your wallet is no good in Mexico, anyway". "Dinero para fiestas" (party money) for las senoritas is kept in separate packages. One for "cada vez" (each time). I'm normally a pretty spontaneous guy, but have discovered the value of advanced preparation for Mexico. I always put the funds for each separate purpose in the same place and can then go on automatic about it. I'm free to have fun and pay attention to what's happening around me without being distracted fumbling for money in front of watchful eyes. Whenever I see a gringo in la zona pull out his wallet loaded with credit cards and cash to pay for something, I cringe a little. "Watch your habits." - Richard Saunders (Richard Saunders is the "Poor Richard" of Benjamin Franklin's famous almanacs and the first Ricardo). Regards,
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