Job Discussion Forums

[holayola]

Hi everyone,

I visited Mexico City in November and fell in love with the city! Now I am planning a move with my dog, hopefully within the year. My rough plan is to start with the Spanish Language course offered at UNAM and then the Teacher course at Universidad Panamerica (as recommended by other posts) and then within the year find a job teaching english.

My questions though are about finding an apartment. Is it better to come down for a week or two and find a place, put down a deposit, sign agreement and then return to Canada to pack and move down? Or just stay at a hotel for the first month (hopefully one that allows dogs) and then search? I'm studying Spanish right now in Toronto but not able to call up anyone regarding a posting with confidence so wondering if I should just find an agent? Also not sure about the logistics around banking for this, i.e., keep bank account in Canada and use travelers cheques for deposit or open an account in Mexico before searching. And sorry, last question. I assume an unfurnished apartment would be cheaper so do I pack up all my stuff and move it down, or just buy stuff I need?

Thanks in advance for any advice/tips.

[Guy Courchesne]

Both options are good as you'll really want to be in town looking at apartments...tough to do from a distance. You might have some trouble finding a hotel that accepts dogs though. You always have the option of boarding your dog...just about every vet does it inexpensively and there's a vet or two in every neighbourhood.

Couple of points to cover...

-you may have some difficulty finding a landlord that will accept dogs. It can be done, but it is not as easy as in Canada.

-you can't open a bank account in Mexico until you have a visa in hand...can't do it with the tourist visa, and it will take a minimum of 3-4 weeks to get the visa

-an unfurnished apartment will most likely require you have a local guarantor or pay a company to be that guarantor. It's a pain if you don't know anyone here. Also, unfurnished apartments usually lack a stove and fridge...again, not like Canada. You're probably better off going with a furnished place (or possibly sharing with someone who already has a furnished place). For furnished apartments, you often don't need a guarantor.

[notamiss]

Traveler�s cheques are very much of the past: even a few decades ago when they were in common use, I found it very hard to cash them in Mexico; I imagine it could be even more difficult now.

The best way to get cash while in Mexico is to use your debit card from your Canadian bank to withdraw funds from your account at local ATMs here in Mexico; it will be in pesos. If you end up needing a large lump sum for your first month�s rent and security deposit, withdraw over several days, and arrange to make the payment in installments over those several days, also. Or if you have to pay in a single payment, carry it in a secure pouch under your clothes. At least that would be my recommendation; anyone have a better idea?

[Isla Guapa]

[holayola]

Gracias for the tips so far!

I'm thinking another exploratory trip is required since my dog may make it harder to get settled. He's a Chihuahua so I hope he'll get Mexican citizenship seeing as he's returning to the 'Motherland'

I did find a site that had a furnished/pets allowed apartment but it's $850 US/month which is a bit more than I'd like to pay. But as noted, I'll wait and see what I can find on my next trip down.
http://www.sublet.com/spider/supplydetails.asp?supplyid=1263167#

[AGoodStory]

[Isla Guapa]

[Guy Courchesne]

[leslie]

Hi there,

I have to agree that the idea of traveler's cheques is probably not good. I still have my Canadian bank account, and can withdraw money easily and cheaply (I think the exchange rate is better)from Canada while I am in Mexico. Bank cards are the way to go in my opinion.

I lived in a small furnished bachelor's apartment when I first arrived and it was great. I had the essentials while I decided if I wanted to stay or not.

Maybe you could contact the UNAM and ask if there are "student" accomodations near the university while you study. And ask about the small dog too. I bet there are families in the area that rent to students and are more flexible with short-term rentals without any paperwork (cash only) and maybe would accept a small dog.

Also, remember that you can always change your apartment if it is the "cash only" type because you haven't signed anything.

Good luck!

[holayola]

! Gracias a todos !

I'm going to finish up my class here in Toronto and then plan on next steps as the advice and tips have helped clear up a few questions I had.

In the meantime, I'll keep lurking on this forum as many of the posters have provided a great window into the ESL world of Mexico City.

[djpresidente]