Job Discussion Forums

[Gosta]

hi guys,

first of all i'd like to thank you for all the advice you've given me over the past few months. i've finally arranged a job, and i'll be arriving in mexico city 9th jan.

now i need a little more advice could anyone recommend an insurance provider for someone coming from the uk? i guess medical cover is the most important. also, i'll be coming for 2 years, is it possible to get a renewable policy?

secondly, what should i bring with me? any essentials that i can't get out there? what kind of clothes should i bring? will it be cold in january?

and finally, how much money will i need to bring to get me through the first month, before payday?

as ever, your advice is appreciated. i look forward to hopefully getting to meet some of you too!

thanks

[Guy Courchesne]

Can help you with the secondly and finally...

Shaving cream, beauty products, perfumes...those are expensive items to replace here and should be doubled up on when coming. You didn't say in what context you'll be teaching, but you'll probably find Mexico City more formal than you are used to. Women don't often wear skirts here. Climate doesn't vary much...never warmer than 30C and never humid. It can be very cool overnight in January...down to 4 or 5 C, so a jacket will be needed.

1000 to 2000 quid will cover any and all contingencies I should think, though you'll likely not touch even half of that in the first month. If you're renting your own apartment, it's possible you may have to fork over up to three months' rent. Transport and food for the month will be pocket change.

[Gosta]

Thanks Guy. I'll be teaching in-company, so I guess a shirt and tie will be in order. Looks like I'll be using my full baggage allowance then

[Mrs L]

For your question about insurance, I always bought one of those 12 month backpacker type travel insurance policies (everywhere sells them now), but I went back to blighty every summer so was able to take out a new one then. I mentioned I was working abroad to the insurance companies and they just said I was only insured outside of working hours so any injuries that happened at the school wouldn't be covered. Since the school I worked for had its own insurance that never bothered me anyway.
For small illnesses you can pay up front because the doctors aren't too expensive but I always like to have a proper policy there just in case anything major goes wrong.

[CharlieBaloney]

Stuff I load up on when I go to the U.S. (which might give you a clue on what to bring):
deodorant; ATRA razor refills; and the after-shampoo stuff for my hair (I can't seem to find any of these here).

also, books in English, if you're a reader.

[scb222]

world nomads has good policies for emergency treatments and repatriation, for is the s@** really hits the fan. that's all you need. anything else you can get done in country.

www.worldnomads.com