Buying in Mexico, Simplified · Wire Transfers and Fraud
To send money to Mexico for a property purchase, wire the funds from your own bank to the account named in the notario público's closing instructions, confirm those instructions by phone using a number you already trust, and agree on the exchange rate and timing before the transfer is released. Never act on wiring instructions that arrive only by email.
How do you wire money to a Mexican notary?
In most Mexican purchases, the notario público prepares the deed, calculates the taxes and fees due at closing, and gives the parties written payment instructions. Buyers then send funds by bank transfer from an account in the buyer's own name to the account the notario designates. Your Coldwell Banker La Costa agent can coordinate timing, but the instructions themselves should come from the notario's office.
Mexican anti-money-laundering rules limit the use of cash in real estate transactions, so plan on traceable bank transfers rather than cash. Your notario will explain the current rules for your purchase.
What should the instructions include?
Ask for the account holder name, bank, the full account details your bank needs, the exact amount, the currency, and the reference to include with the wire. Match the account holder name to the notary's office or the party named in your purchase documents.
How do you avoid wire fraud when buying property in Mexico?
Wire fraud usually starts with a fake or altered email that looks like it comes from a notario, agent, attorney or title contact, asking you to send funds to a new account. Real estate buyers are targeted because the amounts are large and the timelines are tight.
- Call the notario's office using a phone number from their official website or your signed documents, never a number in the email.
- Treat any last-minute change to account details as a warning sign.
- Ask for instructions on the notario's letterhead and keep them with your closing file.
- Check that the account holder name matches the party you expect.
- Do not click links or open attachments in unexpected payment emails.
If you suspect a fraudulent wire, call your bank's fraud line immediately and ask about a recall. U.S. residents can also report to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov, and Canadian residents can report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Speed matters.
What exchange rate will I get when I send money to Mexico?
The rate you receive depends on who converts the money and when. Banks often build a margin into the exchange rate on top of any wire fee, so the headline fee can understate the real cost. Ask each provider for the final amount that will arrive in the destination account, then compare.
| Option | Typical cost structure | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wire from your home bank | Wire fee plus an exchange rate that usually includes a spread; ask for the all-in cost | Often a few business days | Buyers who want one familiar bank and a clear paper trail |
| Currency specialist | Rate closer to the market rate, with a stated fee or margin; compare quotes | Usually one to several business days | Larger transfers where the exchange margin matters most |
| Rate lock or forward contract | Fixes the rate for a future date; terms vary by provider | Set in advance for closing day | Buyers who want certainty on the peso amount before closing |
Compare the all-in result, not the advertised fee. A transfer with a low fee and a weak rate can cost more than one with a higher fee and a better rate.
When should the money arrive, and how much should you send?
Ask the notario for a written statement showing the purchase price, taxes, notarial and registration fees, and any other closing amounts, along with the currency and the due date. International wires can take several business days, and intermediary banks may deduct fees, so build in a buffer and ask your bank whether the full amount will arrive.
Banks may also ask about the source of funds for a large international transfer. Having your purchase contract and the notario's instructions ready helps the transfer move without delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wire money to a Mexican notary?
Request written payment instructions from the notario público, confirm them by phone using a number you trust, then send a bank transfer from an account in your own name for the exact amount and reference requested.
How do I avoid wire fraud when buying in Mexico?
Verify every set of wiring instructions by phone, be suspicious of last-minute changes to account details, and never rely on instructions received only by email. Report suspected fraud to your bank at once.
What exchange rate will I get on a wire to Mexico?
It depends on the provider. Banks usually add a margin to the rate, while currency specialists often quote closer to the market rate. Compare the final amount received, not just the fee.
Can I pay for Mexican property in cash?
Mexican anti-money-laundering rules restrict cash in real estate transactions, so buyers normally pay by traceable bank transfer. Ask your notario for the rules that apply to your purchase.
Questions about buying or selling in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit?
Talk to a local agentBrowse Puerto Vallarta homes for saleThis article is general information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Confirm details with a Mexican notario público and a qualified attorney or tax advisor. Coldwell Banker La Costa does not provide legal or tax advice. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each office is independently owned and operated.