Job Discussion Forums

MikeySaid · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 509 Location: Torreon, Mexico

So I will be getting on a plane in about 5 weeks for Torreon and I'm not really sure how to pack. One week's worth of work clothes? Two? (What's that... ten shirts?)

What's the most important stuff to bring?

I'm on top of toiletries and that sort of stuff, and I know I won't be able to find shoes on a regular basis (i'm a 12�/13US)... so my questions are more related to

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

It's stinking hot in Torreon...you'll sweat and so need to wash clothes often. Since you'll be there for a year, you'll inevitably buy some clothes to wear...local wear. I'd say pack the clothes you want and be ready to acclimatize.

Shaving cream and razors if use them...bring lots and lots as they are much more expensive in Mexico. Cologne too, which is subject to luxury taxes.

You might have a tough time getting skis, I mean shoes, in your size. Border runs for shopping might be in your future...

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

I knew someone who lived in Saltillo (quite near Torreon, if I'm not mistaken) and she used to do frequent border runs for clothing. I shouldn't think you'd need 10 shirts, but beware if you go to the laundry because they'll destroy your clothes in no time. Crying or Very sad

MikeySaid · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 509 Location: Torreon, Mexico

MELEE · Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 5:01 pm Post subject:

Seeing as you've been there before, I'm kind of surprised you'd ask.
You should have an idea about what is and is not available, and considering that nowadays just about everything--well excluding asian food items--is available in a small town in Oaxaca, I imagine there isn't much you can't get in Torreon!

In addition to shaving cream, sunblock is really way more expensive here. So if you are fairskinned, bring plenty of that.

Three or four pairs of shoes, if something happens to your only work shoes you don't want to be forced to do a weekend run to Texas just for footware!

Guys don't care about this as much, but Mexican towels and sheets tend to be poor quality and the top quality stuff --Costco is a good source for it--- can be mighty pricey! so I usually tell people to bring a set of sheets and a nice towel, provided they have space for it.

I alluded to this in my post about your flag, but really the only thing you can't get are things about you, photos of family and friends, post cards of places around you city or other places you've been. Something to decorate you apartment, desk, office or classroom and show your students and new friends because they will be curious about you and where you are from.

Something to do, if you play sports or an instrument--bring everything you need to do that here. You can buy that stuff here but it will probably be more expensive, or of poor quality.

And for Heven sakes bring gifts for your girlfriend's family!!!

danielita · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 281 Location: SLP

I'm a big foodie, so I brought along some curries and spices that I needed to make some of my favourite recipes. I mostly did this until I could find them in the local stores, but there are still a few things that I can't find like Thai fish sauce (I still have lots though). Being Canadian, I also brought along Maple Syrup and good Canadian Whiskey as hostess gifts. People were really impressed to receive it. Of course, you are flying, so your weight allowance is limited, so you will definitely need to prioritize.
Also, blue tack (the sticky stuff to stick up posters). It is pretty much impossible to find here.

D

davechile · Joined: 17 Mar 2006 Posts: 87 Location: San Francisco, CA

So How big do they sell shoes to? I am a 11 US and headed to Costa Rica. I need another pair of shoes like a shot in the head. I am going to drive through Mex on my way to CR. But, I'd love to get a custom pair of sandels..authentic Razz

man!

davechile · Joined: 17 Mar 2006 Posts: 87 Location: San Francisco, CA

I totally cook in Olive Oil and I noticed it was crazy expensive for olive Oil in CR when i was down there.

NAFTA hasn't helped with sonsumer goods prices?

I know when the Central American addition to NAFTA comes online it will help out on heavily tarrifed items in Central America...sorry a little off topic.

Confused

Dave

jillford64 · Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 397 Location: Sin City

I agree with MELEE on the sheets. A guy might not appreciate them, but I bet your girlfriend would. Costco is the only place I've ever seen good quality sheets for sale in Morelia. Actually, I bought a new set on Saturday for about $650 (matrimonial-sized), which is the same price I paid for the set I brought with me from the US. So, if there is a Costco in Torreon, I'd save the luggage space and buy them in Mexico. Also, buy a darker color; light colors get dingy here really fast. Speaking of Costco, a membership here costs $400 pesos, which is cheaper than in the US, so buy a membership in Mexico if you don't plan to be going back to the US anytime soon (you can use a US membership here, but you can't use a Mexico membership in the US).

MikeySaid · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 509 Location: Torreon, Mexico

jillford64 · Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 397 Location: Sin City

Oh, I am so sorry I assumed too much with my comment about the sheets. My mind was all caught up and thinking in the wrong direction with that other thread about the condoms.

dixie · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 644 Location: D.F

Hey!

10 shirts doesn't sound excessive if you like to do laundry as often as I do! Esp. when you consider the heat. One working day and you'll be needing to wash it. There is a washing machine at the house although you will have to hang your clothes to dry so....I hope you know (and enjoy..if such a thing is possible) ironing clothes.

The beds in the house are all doubles so regardless of which room you get that is the size of sheets that you need.

Soriana is just a few blocks from the place and City Club is right across the street from you. The school should actually give you a membership (if they don't....tell them you heard past teachers did and see if you can squeeze it out of 'em)

No idea how much sheets are there nor what quality. Never bought any when I was there let alone looked at them.

One other thing to remember is that becuase you'll be flying in the summer there is typically an embargo on luggage and airlines won't even let you pay for any extra baggage that you want to bring. If you're considering bringing more....make sure you get a straight answer and I would actually get someone of importance from the airline to email you the go ahead to do so. However, I'm pretty sure there is no leeway on extra luggage at this time of year....too many people flying.

When are you heading down there?

...dixie

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

jillford64 · Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 397 Location: Sin City

One thing to check into is if there is a weight restriction on the carry-on bag. For example, I flew on Continental, which only allowed two bags to be checked (at 50 pounds each), one carry-on with size restrictions for the overhead bin, and one personal item for under the seat. There was no weight restriction on the carry-on bag, so I put as many books and other heavy stuff as I could in there.

MikeySaid · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 509 Location: Torreon, Mexico