Absolutely agree with you, Tim. Of course, our ATM hasn't ever had any extra fees (until this trip, when we paid 5 pesos per transaction at the airport ATM and the one at the Tulum bank. Yes, that's right...5 pesos, 50 cents US. I think that's the Mexican bank's charge.) We also have no problem with bringing home lots of extra pesos for seed money for the next trip. This time we overdid the ATMs and ended up with maybe 2500 or so pesos at home. Good start on next trip.

We also do use the Capital One Visa (no international fees with Capital One) sparingly, when we trust the place we're using it. And the Amex card on occasion, although they're now getting 2% on the exchange for the first time. Years ago we used travelers checks, but they're a real hassle. Lots of places don't like to accept them any more and to cash them at a bank you need your passport.