Job Discussion Forums

[itchyfeet81]

I'm doing the ITTO course in June and have started thinking about the little things to take care of when I get down there - such as opening a bank account...I understand that you have to bring a proof of address with you to the bank, such as a recent electricity bill. But if I am opening an account after being in Mexico for only a month I'm guessing I won't have this. Also, what if I move in with someone else who already has all the bills in their name? How have you solved this problem? Any advice?

Thanks so much for any help!

[El Gallo]

When I opened my bank account here, I needed a utility bill and an FM-3 visa.

It's customary when one moves into an apartment previously occupied to take over bill payment of the telephone, water and electricity bills from the previous tenant to avoid time consuming and expensive account changes. Just be sure their accounts are current. I learned that the hard way when my landlord told me the previous tenant was current with the electricity bill. This wasn't the case and one day while I was home working on my computer the government electric utility (CFE) showed up and literally cut all the electric wires to my house (usually they just remove the meter). The previous tenant was way past due unbeknownst to me. It cost me 900 pesos and a three day wait to get reconnected.

[El Gallo]

PS: It was no problem that the utility bill was in someone elses name as long as the address matched.

[Samantha]

In my area, if you don't have an FM3 you cannot open a bank account and I think this is fairly standard (except if you own property here, then that seems to fit the requirement of resident). You are a tourist until you get your FM3 or purchase property.