Job Discussion Forums

sickbag · Joined: 10 Jan 2005 Posts: 155 Location: Blighty

What�s with the constant battle to get change in Mexico? Some days it�s the first thing I think of when I wake up - how am I gonna break that 200 to get to work this morning? I have to plan my day around how much change I have in my pocket. It doesn�t seem to matter what kind of shop - supermarkets, malls, taco joints, bars - invariably none of them have change. Is this all just a big game that I�m unaware of? I mean I quite enjoy the day-to-day challenge, but is there a genuine, economic reason for this shortage?

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

I think it's simply a matter of the size of denominations. If you try paying for something that costs 10 pesos with a 200 note, you'll be taking away a whole bunch of change from the 'float' (lingo for what a vendor or cashier starts the day with). I find it's easier towards the end of a day, or just before lunch to get change for bigger bills.

sickbag · Joined: 10 Jan 2005 Posts: 155 Location: Blighty

I understand the �float�thing especially early in the morning. And I try to get larger notes changed up in restaurants and larger stores. But even in Liverpool/Walmart (I had to, sorry) they still struggle for change. And don�t get me started on cab drivers.... There just seems to be an overall lack of change in this country, just wondered if there was a reason why.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

hlamb · Joined: 09 Dec 2003 Posts: 431 Location: Canada

I have this problem all the time! I try to break 200s at the supermarket but I don't shop there much, preferring the market where I have no choice but to pay in small change. Sometimes the supermarket will tell me they don't have change but when I say I don't either, the cash register is opened and they have lots of change. Every day I try to gather as much change as possible, yet it disappears so quickly! Rolling Eyes

Perpetual Traveller · Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 651 Location: In the Kak, Japan

This sounds like it could make a good Latin American Olympics event! The Getting Change Before Midday Challenge. Laughing

PT

PlayadelSoul · Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 346 Location: Playa del Carmen

I have that problem, as well. When I first started working in my present position, the salesgirls never had change. Making sure they did was one of the first changes I made (pun intended)

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

PlayadelSoul · Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 346 Location: Playa del Carmen

ls650, I am going to be in Hualtulco for 4 days starting on the 30th. Hook up for coffee?

tonydicer · Joined: 03 Mar 2005 Posts: 81 Location: Monterrey, Mexico

At least the machines don't kick out the new 1000 peso bills... Enjoy the ride, and look for reasons not to complain.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

MELEE · Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 3:19 pm Post subject:

I have a lot to say on this topic but luckily for you all I don't have a lot of time today so just one thing.

CFEMATICO

Pay your 75 peso electricity bill with a 500 pesos note and get 85 five peso coins for change, there's your change for the month! and if you squint you can imagine you're in Las Vegas.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Oh yeah! Forgot about those. I used one in Acapulco, but the CFE office in my DF neighborhood doesn't have the machines yet.

You're right about that being like Vegas. The one in Acapulco gave me 20 pesos extra in change once.

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

Great idea Melee! I love those machines. I can't count how many times our electric bill has gone astray, but all we have to do is scan an old bill and the current amount due pops up on the screen. Great time saving inventions. We have a drive-through with 4 lanes, as well as several machines inside the building.

MELEE · Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 7:49 pm Post subject: