The big errand was to get some cash. Citizens Bank has still not sent me my new card so I don't have access to the money in my bank account. I called Amex and arranged to be able to use my gold card in an ATM to take money out of my bank account. They told me the only bank in QRO where I could do that was HSBC. So I figured out where that bank was and walked over there today. Lo and behold!! my card wouldn't work in their ATM. So I checked with the teller ( I think my espanol is getting pretty good until I try to talk with a bank teller) and she sent me clear to the other side of El Centro, in fact outside Centro, to a big modern building where there were several banks.
Well, the card didn't work there either. So, thinking that this might happen, I had called Citibank last night to see if I could use my Mastercard to get money. They said I should be able to go to a bank here with my card and passport and get money, and to try Banamex because they USED TO have a relationship with them. So there was a Banamex in this very modern sleek building, so I went in with my MC and my passport in hand to try that avenue. But they couldn't do that there. The person said go back to their main bank where they should be able to help me. That bank is pretty close to where I started out.
As I was leaving that very nice building, I noticed across the street, wonder of wonders...... an AMERICAN EXPRESS sign. Unfortunately, that was a money exchange place that just took Amex travelers checks. But she directed me a few more doors down the street where there was an American Express travelers aid office. Eureka!!! But when I got there, it was closed with a sign saying they would be back at 4:00 .... it was at that moment 2:45.
So I came home (not too far from there) to have some ice coffee and write. So anyone want to place bets on whether the people at the Amex Travelers Aid office will be able to help me? I'm not real optimistic. I'm down to about $70 in pesos which actually will go a long way here, and Ceci in Tequis very kindly said I didn't have to pay her right away.
And so it goes .... very humbling and exhausting.
Ha ha ha, oh Nancy, it reminds me of my first days in Salamanca many years ago, stuck there with a BANK CHECK for 10 thousand (my school financial aid) that no bank would take!!! My ex had to wire me some money and swearing words along through Western Union... which is by the way another possibility for you. Or, as I always advice students: carry your bank card (with a visa o master logo)... those work EVERYWHERE, I swear to God -i used it in a tiny village outside Istanbul- Enjoy your poverty, it is fun!!!!
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