Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Central America and Mexico
Central America and Mexico Topics specific to Central America and Mexico only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 Jul 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 25
Watch the Pemex guys in Mexico!

As most people probably know, be CERTAIN to watch the Pemex attendants when getting fuel in Mexico. We've heard plenty of stories about how they try to put fuel in vehicles when the meter is not at 'zeros', but being on a bike, that's not really an issue.
What is an issue though is giving them a note, and then they exchange the note for a smaller one. They tried it twice. Once I gave the guy a 200 peso note and when I turned around to zip my tank bag back on, he was holding a 20. The last time, I gave the dude a 500 hundred note and looked down for literally a split second. He was putting a 50 in my face as if I'd given him the wrong note. Neither time did they get away with it, but the second time the guy almost did.
It is worth noting however that we have rode nearly the entire length of Mexico, visiting many Pemex stations.
Other than that, Mexico is great!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 135
Yeah, always watch the hands, and that goes for the money changers in Central America as well. Some of those guys are very good with slight of hand shenanigans.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Norwich,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 1,058
There will always be somebody still trying to scam the tourist I guess , and as you say you traveled far in Mexico and only had this happen twice.
Most of the Pemex stations are quite good at pointing out to the driver that the pump is starting off with zeros so make it your business to read those pumps before they start up. And then when paying rea d the amount and dont divert your attention during the transaction.Make it a habit to mention the value of the bill you are proferring in Mexico and Central America- even in the USA this is advisable- and wait for any change before doing anything.
If you know how empty your tank is and there is no need to top it up to the brim just round off the amount you buy to a nice even figure that will fit, say 200 peso or whatever and hand over exact payment . Get a feel for at what stage on the fuel gauge this amount fits and then top up regularly
Since adopting this strategy years ago I have never been ripped off and actually find that Pemex is one of the easiest places to break large bills like 500 peso. I just ask for 200 in gas, give the quinientos pesos note and quickly get the change peeled off their big wad, no hassel. Rare is the Pemex pump where you will hear the otherwise common lament "no tengo cambio ,senor"
__________________
http://advrider.com/index.php?thread....207964/page-5 then scroll down to post #93
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 Jul 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Ketchum, Idaho Tucson, Az
Posts: 80
Always be sure the gas pump attendant reset the pump to 0$ before
filling your tank.
This is a very common occurrence, where they start the pump quickly
with it showing the total from the previous sale.

With money changers, don't be lazy and let them show you the rate
and total on their calculators, do your own math.

Max
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 Jul 2011
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
One item I've found useful while travelling overseas is a small cheap pocket calculator. It's great when you're talking prices in a store or whatever and are usure of your pronunciation of numbers: just punch the number into a calculator and show it to the merchant.
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mexico
Posts: 338
Wait until you find out how they are shorting you on the quantity of fuel they are selling you. Many Pemex locations have the chips changed in the pump computer control and screw you consistently. Very few times do they actually get caught. When they do they are closed for a long time as a penalty or they are only allowed to dispense with one or two pumps.
I've never had a worker try to screw me with the switch the bill trick in the close to two decades I have been living and riding here. Always keep $100 peso notes and $50 peso notes, count it out to them and then give them a few pesos for a tip, they earn next to nothing and survive on tips.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 21 Aug 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Now Alberta, Canada! (originally the Netherlands)
Posts: 276
we have just finished a 6300km trip through Mexico with two bikes (lots of fuel ....) without any problems.

I always fill up my bike myself, check whether it is on zero.
Then try to pay with Creditcard, and if it doesn't work we pay cash.
The advantage maybe is that we are together, and are both there when we give the notes!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 26 Aug 2011
charapashanperu's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Huanuco, Peru, SA
Posts: 671
Hold on!

I have lived in CA and SA for over 30 years as a gringo, so I have developed some tricks. Most importantly, be at ease and speak the language. Then they will rarely try to trick you.

When paying for gas with a large bill, or especially when exchanging $$, show the bill(s) that you have, then ask for the change or the exchange, but continue to hold your $$ in your hand until you have the change or the exchange, have counted it and are satisfied, then hand over the big bill.

On exchanging $$, I often show the $$, then put it back in my pocket, wait for the exchange, count it, put it in my other pocket, then get the $$ back out, hand it to the man/woman/child, and wait for their nod of approval before walking away. If you always hold all the cards, you cannot be cheated!

Cheers, Toby
__________________
http://www.aroundtheblockmotoadventures.com/
'We build the bike (in Peru) for your Epic Ride of South America.'
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 28 Aug 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 7
great advice, will certainly use it this fall in south america...thanks
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 5 Sep 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Denver
Posts: 35
Thanks for sharing.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 6 Sep 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Homeless Somewhere
Posts: 1,165
Quote:
Originally Posted by charapashanperu View Post
I have lived in CA and SA for over 30 years as a gringo, so I have developed some tricks. Most importantly, be at ease and speak the language. Then they will rarely try to trick you.

When paying for gas with a large bill, or especially when exchanging $$, show the bill(s) that you have, then ask for the change or the exchange, but continue to hold your $$ in your hand until you have the change or the exchange, have counted it and are satisfied, then hand over the big bill.

On exchanging $$, I often show the $$, then put it back in my pocket, wait for the exchange, count it, put it in my other pocket, then get the $$ back out, hand it to the man/woman/child, and wait for their nod of approval before walking away. If you always hold all the cards, you cannot be cheated!

Cheers, Toby
Great advice thanks Toby

Always nice not to have to learn the hard way if you don't have too.
__________________
Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 14 Sep 2011
Ize Ize is offline
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 4
Nice, will keep that in mind. Especially with the big bills.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 24 Sep 2011
charapashanperu's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Huanuco, Peru, SA
Posts: 671
Little things that can change your whole experience.

__________________
http://www.aroundtheblockmotoadventures.com/
'We build the bike (in Peru) for your Epic Ride of South America.'
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Another Hurricane to watch for in Mexico yuma simon Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 2 20 Oct 2009 03:55
Ddd you watch this BORN2BMILD Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 2 25 Aug 2008 13:38
Using watch as a compass Chris of Motocross Africa Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 4 25 Mar 2007 22:53
Pemex gas rip-off (Mexico) Mike Stone Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 7 2 Apr 2005 02:20
what to watch out for martync Which Bike? 0 2 Sep 2003 23:48

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:05.