Use of PrePaid MasterCard in Mexico

4POSTS

5 years ago

I only have a PrePaid MasterCard and would like to spend 6 months in Mexico.聽 I鈥檓 wondering if anyone has used this option in order to receive money from the ATM machines.聽 Thanks!

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hobomona New member

3POSTS

5 years ago

I'm moving also. Called direct express and they said that it would work in banks and ATMs but you must inform direct express so they open it for international use. If not..and you try to use atm...in Mexico..your card will be blocked as your normal area is not Mexico. So call direct express and inform them of dates and general area you will be living.聽 But yes...you will have issue if you don't report the move. I just did this and I'm still scared. We shall know soon. Good luck.

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Albeethere1 New member

4POSTS

5 years ago

Thank you so much!聽 Wishing you all the best on your new adventure!

hobomona New member

3POSTS

5 years ago

Yes dear. And happy travels to you also. I will be in Merida in 2 weeks. I will let you know if my card works. I am withdrawing my living expense money before I go. Just in case I have issue I have money untill I can fix it it or figure it out. I will let you know soon! Take care!

lasvegan Serial expat

616POSTS

5 years ago

Hi
I have direct experience with this problem! It took 3 months to get it fixed! I was in the Philippines and failed to alert direct express and my card was blocked first ATM use! However I was always allowed to buy in stores while paying at checkout or customer service! But I have been too at least 20 different countries since then and no problem as I called direct express and stayed on phone until i spoke with live person while they noted my account! Once you are active for International Travel no problem but still wise to let them know any out of area trips! Be sure when you talk to live person you ask to be able to be transferred to Fraud Dept. they have the final say!!! Be sure you get the Phone number from him that will connect you to his office in future calls! You will be speaking to someone in Indiana or Austin Texas so be sure you are calling based on those time zones! Be sure to register with US State Dept so they have your info on file in case you get stranded! They can provide you with some info that may help! In Mexico try to only use your card inside a reputable business and never at the gas pump!

Dennis

Devi Nina Bingham Member

1POSTS

last year

I am in Mexico and have been here for 6 months. I notified them well ahead and when I got here it worked fine at atms and stores for 2 months. Then there was fraud on my card, and so they sent me a new card. I took that new card back to Mexico and it wouldnt work at any atm. It worked in some major grocery stores but thats all. No eating establishments or any other purchase. I have called customer service for the last 4 months about 5-6 times each month. Its a nightmare. They always promise to take the block off, but they never do. So I have had to drive back to the US EVERY SINGLE MONTH. I have explained this to the customer service reps and they all apologize, but it never changes. I have escalated it to level 2 supervisors and it makes no difference. I have also emailed them 4-5 times telling my story and asking for help with not one reply. Direct Express has FAILED ME BIG TIME.