General Reports

[QUOTE=CaptainSolo;1966381]Various attorneys have provided legal opinions on copying passports.

As in most criminal cases, it's the criminal intent that makes an act a crime. If you copy passports with the intent of making fake passports, then it's a crime. If you copy your own passport for your own legal use, even in colors, then you are correct, it's not illegal, as you are not using the copies for any illegal acts.

Similarly with copyright laws. If you buy DVDs, games or software, you have the right to make copies for your own use, but selling or giving away copies would be illegal.[/QUOTE]If you make copies of any ID with criminal intent it's illegal, just not passport. Someone had asked, should they carry their passport on them. I only made a suggesting to make copies as you would when you travel abroad and provide copy along with a driver's licence should you get asked. There was no criminal intent on his part. I also told him that most people traveling to Tj carry their passport on them because they dont have a place to keep it safe.

When you travel to some countries, like say vietnam, Cambodia, loas and some hostels in thailand will ask for it. The hotels will ask you to turn over your passport and visa, so they can register you with the local police and will return it to you upon check out. I always refuse and provide them with copies. I had lost my passport while working in Hong Kong, when I went to get a replacement, the staff at the embassy advised me on making copies and keep it in a safe place so the process of making a replacement is quicker. They also advised me to never hand over my passport except to authorized immigration and custom officials, to avoid travel traps, in which you can be scammed to get your passport back. I have seen it happen.. the more corrupt the government is in that country, the more likely you will be scammed to get your passport back.

I travel out of the country for about 5-6 months out of the year for the past 20 years, when someone besides immigration and custom officials asked for my passport, I've always given them a copy and they are okay with that. No one, even police should be in possession of your passport at any time except for immigration and custom officials.

[QUOTE=BigDawg007;1965433]Love my investor Schwab account, wife has no clue about it! Yesterday I removed 5000 pesos from the Las Pulgas ATM (one outside Adelitas is broken) and it accounted to $248.78.[/QUOTE]Yesterday I went to an ATM inside of Soriana while I was buying some juice boxes and Mexican cheesecake. Got 7000 pesos and the 33.35 pesos ATM fee will be refunded to me at the end of the month. Charge on the Schwab account was $342.49 for an effective / actual exchange rate of 20.54 pesos to the dollar.

I looked at the Bank of America website on Wednesday. Under Business checking accounts they are offering up to $200 bonus for new checking customers. But they only detailed two business checking accounts (Business Advantage checking and Business Fundamental checking. No mention of Business Analytical Checking, even after using the search function on their site). The two business checking accounts listed many features, but probably not all the features. No mention of charging nor waiving any 3% FX fee. So to get the lowdown I will probably need to make a branch visit. For the Business Advantage checking the bank charges $30 a month that can only be waived with high average account balances or $2,500 per month in net credit card purchases. The costs for waiving the $16 monthly fee on the Business Fundamentals Checking account were lower average or minimum balances ($3,000/$5,000) or just $250 in "net new qualifying purchases each billing cycle", so that might be the account to consider if they waive the 3%FX.

[QUOTE=ScatManDoo;1966806]Yesterday I went to an ATM inside of Soriana while I was buying some juice boxes and Mexican cheesecake. Got 7000 pesos and the 33.35 pesos ATM fee will be refunded to me at the end of the month. Charge on the Schwab account was $342.49 for an effective / actual exchange rate of 20.54 pesos to the dollar.

I looked at the Bank of America website on Wednesday. Under Business checking accounts they are offering up to $200 bonus for new checking customers. But they only detailed two business checking accounts (Business Advantage checking and Business Fundamental checking. No mention of Business Analytical Checking, even after using the search function on their site). The two business checking accounts listed many features, but probably not all the features. No mention of charging nor waiving any 3% FX fee. So to get the lowdown I will probably need to make a branch visit. For the Business Advantage checking the bank charges $30 a month that can only be waived with high average account balances or $2,500 per month in net credit card purchases. The costs for waiving the $16 monthly fee on the Business Fundamentals Checking account were lower average or minimum balances ($3,000/$5,000) or just $250 in "net new qualifying purchases each billing cycle", so that might be the account to consider if they waive the 3%FX.[/QUOTE]If you go onto the BofA website, and look under ATM use and foreign transactions, you will find that their default charge is a 3% fee for transactions made in any foreign currency. It's fairly well hidden in the fine print, but it is there, if you search thoroughly for it. They will not charge any ATM fee on their end if you use a bank listed under their global ATM alliance. In Mexico, the only one is Scotiabank. Up to about 2 years ago, Santander was also one, but no longer. If you use a foreign ATM from a bank that is NOT a global ATM alliance partner, BofA will charge $5 fee for that.

Now, for any selective upper tier account, it's certainly possible that these fees get waived, but unless the specific terms of the account say so, those are BofA's default terms for their standard level accounts. BTW, my experience with BofA is that they only disclose information about their more selective higher tiered accounts after they have pre-screened you as being qualified for them.

BTW, my Schwab Investor Checking Account is now up and running: The hold came off of my initial deposit this morning, and my checks and ATM card arrived in today's mail. I'll be putting it to it's first use some time in the next 2-3 days.

I know our ISG bros would come up with brilliant advice for business banking.

I heard Citibank has the best and cheapest services for international transactions, may be even for ATM withdrawals and deposits in red light districts.

[QUOTE=CaptainSolo;1967003]I know our ISG bros would come up with brilliant advice for business banking.

I heard Citibank has the best and cheapest services for international transactions, may be even for ATM withdrawals and deposits in red light districts.[/QUOTE]I use bank of america and there is no ATM fees at santander banks. They have A large withdrawal max and its the cheapest way to get money if you have a be of a account.

[QUOTE=ItsXJustXJizz;1967371]I use bank of america and there is no ATM fees at santander banks. They have A large withdrawal max and its the cheapest way to get money if you have a be of a account.[/QUOTE]Hi Just Jizz:

Are you getting hit with the 3% FX fee when you make ATM withdrawals of pesos?

[QUOTE=Member#2041;1964789]BofA adds a 3% FX fee to Scotiabank ATM withdrawals. It's deceptive, because they don't charge it at the same time, but rather, as a separate fee that posts overnight on the night after the ATM withdrawal.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=ItsXJustXJizz;1967371]I use bank of america and there is no ATM fees at santander banks. They have A large withdrawal max and its the cheapest way to get money if you have a be of a account.[/QUOTE]I do not believe this is currently true, I know it once was as I did the same. [URL]https://locators.bankofamerica.com/international.html[/URL] lists BOA international partners, and Santander is no longer in that list.

I remember withdrawing cash from the ATM in OXXO, probably a Santander ATM, with my be of A business debit card.

The ATM fee was 29 pesos. Be of A did not charge any transaction fee.

[QUOTE=ItsXJustXJizz;1967371]I use bank of america and there is no ATM fees at santander banks. They have A large withdrawal max and its the cheapest way to get money if you have a be of a account.[/QUOTE]

After 9/11 and the draconian Patriot Act, it's wise not breaking, skirting or even having appearances of skirting Federal laws. Federal and local law enforcement agencies now have extreme power in the land. Individuals have little protection under the constitution. If you are ever charged with a federal crime, attorneys cost around $600 per hour. They are in high demand so they would never discount their rates. You will probably run up $200 K to $300 K easily just to prove your innocence, even in simple Federal cases.

Ex OC Sheriff, Mike C, was one time the shining star, appointed Senior Emergency Advisor to then president George Bush. But then he was trying to intervene on a [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord123][CodeWord123][/url] case of the son of his associate, Don H, and had a run in with the Tony are. He was investigated and prosecuted for corruption in federal court in a long trial, finally convicted of 1 count of witness tampering by coaching his friend Don H what to say on the witness stand. Don Haidl was wearing a wire for the FBI to save his own ass. He was sentenced to 6 years 6 months in Club Fed.

During the trial, prosecutors were delighted in describing to the jury and large audiences of supporters, families and friends, how, which positions, when, where and how many times he was fucking his mistress, his friend's secretary and his sisters in laws.

This has been a fictional account, which does not reflect the author's or the web site admin's opinions.

[QUOTE=AnonX69;1966493]If you make copies of any ID with criminal intent it's illegal, just not passport. Someone had asked, should they carry their passport on them. I only made a suggesting to make copies as you would when you travel abroad and provide copy along with a driver's licence should you get asked. There was no criminal intent on his part. I also told him that most people traveling to Tj carry their passport on them because they dont have a place to keep it safe.

I travel out of the country for about 5-6 months out of the year for the past 20 years, when someone besides immigration and custom officials asked for my passport, I've always given them a copy and they are okay with that. No one, even police should be in possession of your passport at any time except for immigration and custom officials.[/QUOTE]

I have been reading that it is much easier to park overnight in Otay mesa than it is in San Ysidro. Also it seems that it is quicker to cross back into the USA. I assume that the taxi to HK will be more, but no idea how much more. Thanks for any info you guys can provide.

I will finally be coming back to my home away from home, Tijuana beats Texas by far! The current exchange rate from BoA to get pesos from the bank is 19.56 and the money gram rate is 20.011. Has anyone out there ever sent money to themselves using money gram? Also, what is the current exchange at the boarder (US side)? It may save a lot of hastle getting pesos before I leave unless the exchange rate suggests otherwise. I'll maybe try the debit card thing with a smaller amount but not to much for my first time. I'll be in Tijuana on the 12-14th and would like a wingman who speaks more than my 75 words of espanol. I've always been solo but always had a good time, if any of you seasoned Tijuana pros would like to share a wingman experiance, I'd appreciated it. I'll be spending my two nights in the master suite. I figure if the nights are cold enough, a SW may like to spend some extra time in the hot tub LOL. I'll try to get some more pics this time around. Sharing is the key!! Hopefully there will be plenty of girls needing Christmas money. Any one planing to be around please feel free to PM me. I used to go to Nuevo Laredo at leat twice a month but Boys Town is a deadly ghost town, so now I go to Tijuana once every 3-4 months (twice per VIP card).

A lot of guys get hooked on Tijuana and the pretty chicas, spending all their vacation time in Tijuana hehe.

With my be of A debit card, I get about 20.4 pesos to the dollar after all fees from the Scotia ATM next to Adelita. Just get enough cash for the day and don't carry too much pesos.

I will be in Tijuana a few times that week, usually Friday or Sat night after 8, and happen to speak at least 76 words if sexy Spanish. Would be delighted to have a few drinks with you. If you see any pervert near bar Kowloon and Pista Norte with glassy eyes and a big bulge in his crotch, just ask "Are you Captain Solo from ISG?" I may meet El Capitan in the flesh, or at least you will make new ISG friends and have some fun.

Between sessions with the chicas in bed, It's always lots of fun flirting with new girls, drinking, smoking, immersing in Latin music, and bullshitting with the bros.

[QUOTE=Donorita;1968323]I will finally be coming back to my home away from home, Tijuana beats Texas by far! The current exchange rate from BoA to get pesos from the bank is 19.56 and the money gram rate is 20.011. Has anyone out there ever sent money to themselves using money gram? Also, what is the current exchange at the boarder (US side)? It may save a lot of hastle getting pesos before I leave unless the exchange rate suggests otherwise. I'll maybe try the debit card thing with a smaller amount but not to much for my first time. I'll be in Tijuana on the 12-14th and would like a wingman who speaks more than my 75 words of espanol. I've always been solo but always had a good time, if any of you seasoned Tijuana pros would like to share a wingman experiance, I'd appreciated it. I'll be spending my two nights in the master suite. I figure if the nights are cold enough, a SW may like to spend some extra time in the hot tub LOL. I'll try to get some more pics this time around. Sharing is the key!! Hopefully there will be plenty of girls needing Christmas money. Any one planing to be around please feel free to PM me. I used to go to Nuevo Laredo at leat twice a month but Boys Town is a deadly ghost town, so now I go to Tijuana once every 3-4 months (twice per VIP card).[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Jaytomcar;1968226]I have been reading that it is much easier to park overnight in Otay mesa than it is in San Ysidro. Also it seems that it is quicker to cross back into the USA. I assume that the taxi to HK will be more, but no idea how much more. Thanks for any info you guys can provide.[/QUOTE]Depends completely on when you are going, and how long you are staying. I only do quick daytime bombing runs from San Diego, and I generally do them on Sunday to Thursday during the day. I've NEVER not been able to find a free parking space for my trips in San Ysidro (which typically last 2 hour, to 4 hours max).

But Friday evening and all day and night on Saturday are MUCH tougher to find parking in San Ysidro. But I never go during those times.

[QUOTE=Donorita;1968323]I will finally be coming back to my home away from home, Tijuana beats Texas by far! The current exchange rate from BoA to get pesos from the bank is 19.56 and the money gram rate is 20.011. Has anyone out there ever sent money to themselves using money gram? Also, what is the current exchange at the boarder (US side)? It may save a lot of hastle getting pesos before I leave unless the exchange rate suggests otherwise. I'll maybe try the debit card thing with a smaller amount but not to much for my first time. I'll be in Tijuana on the 12-14th and would like a wingman who speaks more than my 75 words of espanol. I've always been solo but always had a good time, if any of you seasoned Tijuana pros would like to share a wingman experiance, I'd appreciated it. I'll be spending my two nights in the master suite. I figure if the nights are cold enough, a SW may like to spend some extra time in the hot tub LOL. I'll try to get some more pics this time around. Sharing is the key!! Hopefully there will be plenty of girls needing Christmas money. Any one planing to be around please feel free to PM me. I used to go to Nuevo Laredo at leat twice a month but Boys Town is a deadly ghost town, so now I go to Tijuana once every 3-4 months (twice per VIP card).[/QUOTE]Today, for the first time I've ever seen, the rates at the Cambios in San Ysidro on the US side were well over 20. I got 20.5 this afternoon at one of the ABCs. I could have gotten 20.59 if I had been willing to wait on a line for maybe 15-20 minutes. I chose the slightly lower rate, with no wait in line, because I was only changing $50. Which pays for 3 typical SG sessions.

[QUOTE=Jaytomcar;1968226]I have been reading that it is much easier to park overnight in Otay mesa than it is in San Ysidro. Also it seems that it is quicker to cross back into the USA. I assume that the taxi to HK will be more, but no idea how much more. Thanks for any info you guys can provide.[/QUOTE]There are earlier posts on the taxi costs to HK from Otay. I believe it is about usd 10-12 dollars. Not much more. See if there are any shared taxis going to Tijuana Centro. That would be about a dollar.