Mexican Silver, Pesos vs. Cash

[BoiseIdahoSpud]

Can any experienced Mexico cruisers provide me some advice on a couple of quesitons?

1) Which port if any (of Cabo, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta), is the best place to buy silver? Mostly jewlery but other artifacts as well.

2) I know you can get US cash at the ship's bank onboard - but can you get Pesos? Maybe it's just easier to shop with US dollars?

Thanks for any help and advice! Have a great day!

Pete :)

[JDOUGLEJ]

Just my opinion. Everything in Mexico, especially on the west coast, is over priced. Last time we were in Cabo (June 06) I did not find what I would consider a bargain on Silver. My only suggestion would be shop around, bargain hard, and pay cash. No credit cards as they have a way of being inaccurate when the bill comes in, and the credit card I used last time I bought in Mexico would not question international charge. Needless to say I do not carry that card any longer. Anyway, good luck, hope you get what you want, and most of all have a great cruise.:p I know you will.:)

[CocoKai]

Cabo is extremely expensive!!! There are few if any deals to be had anymore. Buying sarongs on the beach in Cabo is more expensive than buying them at a 4 star resort in Hawaii. I would save my shopping for Mazatlan and PV.

US $ works at all ports. Generally, calculate a 10 to 1 exchange. They will not take US coins but will give you change in pesos and rarely US$. Before I go, I always bring a huge stack of ones, fives and tens so I can pay people with close to exact change. Don't like coming home with a wad of pesos.

I love Cabo but there is A LOT of money there. A LOT!!!!! California has drooled down the coast to Baja Sur, along with our bags of cash.

[garydm]

As stated, Cabo has gotten way expensive. If you are on Sea of Cortez cruise, try La Paz. Wherever, I don't think you get any great bargains for the stuff you buy.

As to money, we usually get some pesos from an ATM as you get a marginally better exchange rate than the 10:1 in most retail establishments. US $$ accepted most anywhere with a 10% downside to the exchange rate.

FWIW

Gary

[dakrewser]

Mazatlan has the best shopping of those ports - by far.

We've had no trouble using credit cards in Mexico, lust get a receipt showing the price in pesos to double check.

If you'd prefer to use cash, get pesos from an ATM in the city - there are plenty all over. You can check with your ATM network's web site (or your bank's) to find exact locations for those most "friendly" to your card.

[BoiseIdahoSpud]

Thanks for your help and advice everyone! Much appreciated! :)

Pete

[JolieMadam]

Watch out purchasing silver artifacts or jewelry in any foreign country. From an experience I had buying diamond jewelry in Mexico...I would never buy any items of considerable value without using my credit card. You at least have some recourse if something goes wrong. In my case, the diamonds turned out to be CZ and my credit card company said I did not have to pay my bill for this item upon their investigation of the merchant.

I've bought attractive items from flea market type venues but there I would not shell out more than $20-25 cash.

[dakrewser]

Watch out purchasing silver artifacts or jewelry in any foreign country. From an experience I had buying diamond jewelry in Mexico...I would never buy any items of considerable value without using my credit card. You at least have some recourse if something goes wrong. In my case, the diamonds turned out to be CZ and my credit card company said I did not have to pay my bill for this item upon their investigation of the merchant.

I've bought attractive items from flea market type venues but there I would not shell out more than $20-25 cash.

Silver is the major exception, as silver purchases in Mexico are safer even than in the US!

[hammybee]

Taxco ( 925) silver is considered some of the best, in Mexico. Ebay and QVC.com are often better sources than a shop in Mexico. If however, the silver is to be a sovenier of your cruise, I agree with Dave, that Mazatlan is the best port, for it.

[garydm]

I recall looking at a silver money clip at a "chain" Mexican jewelry store in Cabo. Asked the salesperson what the black material was and she said onyx. I asked to see the piece and proceeded to peel the black "onyx" paper off the silver.

Gary

[Jsipes]

Mazatlan for Silver......use dollars, not pesos, and take a loupe to check .925+ monograms, as well as a code sheet for Mex City monograms.
Hallmks/monograms indicate authenticity. Mx silver is expensive, but is much higher in purity,quality, and workmanship.:) Jer the Bear