Banking

[Natalie]

We've had difficulty with our U.S. bank account debit card and ATM's in GTO. Can someone suggest which U.S. bank debit card is accepted at a bank in Guanajuato? Our online bank account is on the Pulse system but it is limited in usage. We did find a bank in SMA but not GTO. Thanks so much.

[jesm]

US banks are infamous for placing sudden and unannounced "blocks" on cards being used in Mexico and Central American nations. Part of their "customer protection" efforts. BS.
No words of help otherwise except Scotiabank here has a partnering agreement with Bank of America if you are a BOA customer. There are other such arrangements but don't know them well.

[smithchuck]

I recommend getting a Charles Schwab "Investor Checking" account. I've had zero trouble with it in Guanajuato (I usually withdraw from HSBC), but the big bonus is they refund all your ATM fees anywhere in the world. I did have a problem with it once a few years ago in Puerto Vallarta, where they blocked it after they said I used it in a compromised ATM, but with a phone call I was able to get that lifted temporarily, and I happened to be heading back to the US soon and I got the new card when I arrived. That's the only issue I can remember with using it in multiple countries over about 4 years. I've also got things set up to be able to do an online transfer into Schwab from my main bank, so I just keep my current travel cash in Schwab, and pump it up as needed.