It seems most folks keep their NOB accounts and direct deposit to them. I pay my rent in USD with a check on my NOB account. I've also purchased larger furniture with a check. Having a local account like Lloyds investment can also help in getting cash. I use the Scotia Bank ATM for cash using both Wells Fargo and Compass debit cards. Compass doesn't charge a fee, Wells does, Scotia does not. Cards are accepted at Soriana and many places in GDL like WalMart, Sams, Applebees, Chili's etc. so it's not a total cash society. American Express adds 2% so I rarely use that card.