Got some questions. Forgive me, I'm a newbie. Yes, I read the FAQs; yes, I checked the archives. Maybe I'm just bad at doing a search. Anyway:

1. Do Zona Norte (and, for that matter, all Tijuana) transactions tend to take place in American dollars? I note that generally Dollars are quoted here. Who uses Pesos, who uses Dollars? What's the story?

2. How does one go about extracting money from an ATM / bank / savings-and-loan /cambio / Banco-de-Mexico / whatever-the-fuck-it's-called? Is it legal, possible, reasonable, sensible, or just plain stupid, to expect to withdraw cash after I cross the border? What's the best plan?

3. If I'm not withdrawing cash, should I instead carry it with me? In which case, what are the customs? As in, what does US Customs have to say about carrying large quantities of cash to Mexico? Or Mexican Customs have to say about carrying large quantities of cash to Mexico? And where should I hide it on my body?

Looking forward to your lambasting for my stupidity and utter newbieness ...

BG

1. You'll have no problem using either Dollers, or Peso, at ANY place in the zona (Even the little taco stands). But quite often the prices are better in pesos.

2. Every ATM I've ever used in Mexico is in Spanish & (or) English. When withdrawing money, keep in mind you you're withdrawing Pesos. On more then one occasion, without thinking, I choose the $100 quick cash option (much like I do in the US) thinking I'm getting enough cash for a night of drinking, & whoring. But then when it just spits out one miniture Red bill, I realize I just withdrew enough money to pay for only a few beers.

Use good sence when using the ATM. A few of the people on the board have reported scams when using ATM. Usually with some seeming friendly local offering thier help using the Mexican ATMs. Although I've never had this happen, and used my ATM there dozens of times with no problems, it's something to keep in mind (but not be overly worried about).

3. Carrying money into Mexico is no problem. In all hundreds of times I've crossed the border over the years, I've only been sent to Mexican revision once, and then the guy there just looked inside my closed passenger side window and then waved me on. As far as US customs, they don't have a inspection going into Mexico.

That said, hiding your money isn't a bad idea. I usually take all cash out of my wallet and put it in my front pocket, and put my drivers licence in my back pocket, leaving my bulky wallet in my car. I think your less likely to be a target of pickpockets (or worse) if you don't have the thing flopping around in your back pocket.

"Looking forward to your lambasting for my stupidity and utter newbieness ... "

Actually these were very good questions. Have fun!!!

I was in TJ recently and I found an ATM that will give you American dollars. It's located in the Mexicoach bus station on Revolucion. Take care though, I was charged fifteen dollars by my bank for the withdrawal.

Mikeymae, use Banamex ATMs they give you Pesos, but for exemple my Citibank charges no fees and the exchange rate is good.
Get used to pay in Pesos, often you can safe some money since most prices even in La Zona are even in Pesos and rounded up to translate into Dollars.

The ATM in Mexicoach is the only one I know of that gives dollars, every other one I've used gives pesos. I like the Imbursa one in Sanborns at 8th & Revo because it gives small bills (50 & 100 pesos). Banamex ATMs tend to give 500 peso notes which are hard to get change for.

I used the one at Sanborns only one time and I don't recall the exact cost, but it was very reasonable.

The cost depends mainly on your bank. My Wells Fargo card charge $3.00 and my SDC Credit Union $1.00. I don't know what the Mexican company is charging but if I ignore it and calculate the entire amount to dollars it's about the same or better rate than the casas de cambio.