Job Discussion Forums

[baltomatt]

I need some advice. Some background: I am 49 and would like to teach English in Mexico. This is a career change for me. I have 4 years teaching experience (mathematics) but that was a while ago. (I still have a valid teaching certificate, though.) I have TESOL certification from SIT, as well as experience in accounting (although that is probably not relevant).

I would like to live north of Mexico City within a 4-6 hour bus ride. I am in the process of selling my house in the U.S., and my plan is to go to Mexico in the spring on a tourist visa, and hopefully convert to an FM3 once I am there. It's going to take me a month or two to tie up loose ends here, get rid of my accumulated belongings, etc. My questions are:

1. Is this plan realistic? Any revision suggestions would be appreciated.
2. Should I drive down or fly? I have a 2001 Honda Civic, and I am debating whether to sell it or take it with me. It would certainly be easier to take personal belongings by car, but I realize a car may be a liability once I arrive. Also, if I fly, do I need to buy a return ticket, an open ticket, or what?
3. What about forwarding addresses for credit cards, etc. Do I need to arrange for a power of attorney before I leave?
4. Where should I stay initially? It is my understanding that a valid FM3 is needed to rent an apartment.
5. Besides my passport, college diplomas, driver's license, and credit card, what other important papers do I need to bring?
6. Would it be wise to store some of my personal belongings in the U.S. (in Texas, for example) so I don't alert Mexican immigration that my intentions are other than to visit as a tourist?

Thank you in advance, and please offer any further suggestions I might find helpful.
5.

[baltomatt]

Also, what should I do about health insurance?

[amaranto]

With your certification, teaching experience, and the funds you will have from selling your house, you seem to be quite prepared for the job hunt in Mexico.

There are several cities to the north of Mexico City within 4-6 hours (Quer�taro and Guanajuato are a couple.). You will generally find more job opportunities in larger cities. Guadalajara is about 7 hours by bus.

Here are my answers to some of your other questions:

2. Though I live in a centrally-located part of Mexico City and do not need a car here, posters in other parts of the country recommend cars as there is a lack of public transportation in some cities. I would suggest doing research on the public transportation infrastructure of the place to which you would like to move.

If you fly and wish to bring all things dear to you, you will have to consider shipping options. If you do not yet have a place to live, you will want as little luggage as possible. You could keep some of your things in storage in the States and gradually bring them down as you get settled in.

With regards to the ticket, I purchased a one-way ticket when I moved here. I had no problems when passing through customs. Some people have had problems, I believe.

3. Depending on the level of complexity of your financial situation, you might want to consider forwarding options. Do you plan on using the same cards in Mexico extensively? I have had my family handle minor issues regarding my bank accounts in the U.S. Is this an option for you?

4. Lodging options vary depending on the city. You may have access to a hostel with a low monthly rate or weekly rate. I stayed in a hotel before relocating to a friend's place for a few days. The hotel was not cheap.

I have never known anyone personally who was required to provide an FM3 for renting an apartment, though I'm sure it's possible. It is common in Mexico for lessors to request the signature of a fiador, which is a property owner who is held liable for lack of rent payment in the event of default on your part. The fiador will generally be required to own property in the area in which your are signing your lease. Many people will rent you an apartment without this requirement, though you may have to offer to pay more than one or two months of rent in advance. Don't be afraid to negotiate. You may also check a websites like compartodepa.com.mx to see about finding a roomate for a while.

5. You will not need a driver license here. It is not an officially accepted form of identification (Though I use mine to get into bars.). The passport will suffice. Make sure your diplomas are apostilled before coming down.

I'm sure other folks will have lots to add. Good luck selling your house!

[amaranto]

Regarding health insurance, I believe there are some policies you can purchase in the States that will cover you in Mexico. I know nothing about the particulars here.

After getting your FM3 your company is required to register you with the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), which will cover your medical needs.

[TheLongWayHome]

[GuruSK]

Hey!

I just crossed the border with a car overflowing with my shit and I even got stopped. The nice border man asked me a couple very simple questions, I told him I was staying with my aunt for a few months (partially true) and that the reason I had so much stuff with me is because I had to leave my apartment behind and bring my stuff with me. I just said it was all my personal belongings. He looked in my trunk for two seconds and that was it. So I wouldn't worry about bringing you stuff with you, go for it. Registering my car once you cross the border was also very easy (if you own it, you just need the title and a passport and your driver's license.) Just took about 30 minutes.

I am in Queretaro area where you are thinking of going, I recommend bringing you car. Driving has been very useful for me and not as bad as I thought it would be (then again I'm coming from LA).

However, since you don't have a place to stay maybe you might want to wait til the June hiring season??? Just a thought, someone else would know better.

Get your degrees, birth certificate, and certifications apostilled with your local state department!!!!!

That's all I can think of, good luck! -Mel

[geaaronson]

That should read your secretary of state for the state that you live in. In the US, the secretary state department is Hillary Clinton, the US secretary of state.