Job Discussion Forums

vancanman · Joined: 10 Dec 2005 Posts: 29

Hi it's me again.

I have a phone purchased in Bogota and has one of the bands used in Mexico. Problem is it is locked for 1 year, and the phone co says they need a special sofware from Nokia to unlock it, and even so won't do it.

I have heard it is simple to get a phone unlocked. Anyone know?

I assume it is possible to buy a phone cheaply in DF but recall the airtime was expensive.

Any free wireless? Such as Starbuck's?

Still looking for a weekly place/and/or flat to share. Seems I'll head to Zocalo area for the first few days. Hostel and cheap hotels nearby.

Really appreciate all the info on hotels and jobs. But I welcome any more.

Scheduled to arrive Nov 22 at 12:30 so I should have more than enough time to get a place in daylight hours.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

VIPs offers free wireless though I haven't checked it out yet. Starbucks, that I've seen, uses Prodigy, which is a Telmex offering, meaning you need an account. I find though that powering up a laptop just about anywhere in the city you will find an open wireless connection to, um, 'borrow'.

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

vancanman · Joined: 10 Dec 2005 Posts: 29

Yes, Lozwich, I am on a Comcel prepaid card phone which I bought a few weeks ago. I will first try to get a refund from Panamerica where they had assured me it would work in Mexico.

2nd option as you suggest I'll go to a service center.

3rd, do it in DF.

4th buy a new phone there.

I also have a 2 band unlocked Moto from Hong Kong. Maybe the other band will work.

I am just glad that before I bought this phone, I was prepared, worst case scenario, to write if off if it did not work in DF. But I'll try to get a refund first. I never trust these phone vendors or companies.

Guy, great news about free wireless at VIPS. I love VIPS, so innovative.

Found some cheap hotels/hostels on: www.hostelbookers.com by Googling the topic. I plan to stay a few days in the Zocalo area and perhaps move to the Casa Vieja.

Assume you get 90 days on entry, with the option to renew in Polanco for 90 more or exit/return to the country by land and get 6 months? I always try to negotiate. One time I was joking around with the airport immigration officer, who was quite a happy guy, and when he stamped my passport the date was smeared so I was able to leave when I wanted. This is a rather boring question but it seems things are always changing.

Still seeking longer term accomodation but I guess I need to get there first and see how long I'll stick around. China will be next, or I may even go back and forth.

All the feedback much appreciated. Glad you take time to help others. I have done that and this reminds me to keep doing it.

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

Sgt Killjoy · Joined: 26 Jun 2004 Posts: 438

You can get it unlocked with codes from the internet, it is called a simlock. I remember buying cellphones and more than once, the friendly tech would pull up the codes from his computer and punch them in. No problem, just gotta find a tech in el DF that knows his stuff.

Service Centers are not likely to do it because it is not the most kosher thing to do.