Job Discussion Forums

EMH1969 · Joined: 27 May 2007 Posts: 38

Thanks to everyone who responded to my question about buying a laptop in Mexico City. I have a few other questions:

1) I�ve been in Guanajuato for the past 5 weeks studying Spanish at a language school. I�ve learned a lot but still have much to learn. Are there any bookstores in Mexico where I could pick up materials (books or CDs) for learning Spanish?

2) What about a bookstore that sells travel guidebooks (lonely planet or similar) in English)?

3) An inexpensive place to buy luggage? (I�ve decided my current suitcase is too small)

notamiss · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 1:48 am Post subject:

1) I've seen CD packages for learning Spanish at Costco.

2) You can download Lonely Planet guidebooks from their website. http://shop.lonelyplanet.com/index.jsp?affil=lpgn-h They have a mix'n'match option where you only buy the chapters you're interested in.

3) Costco, for one.

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

Costco...Melee's favorite.

There are several good bookstores geared toward language learning. In the centro historico, on Bolivar st, you'll find the American Bookstore. Four other smaller bookstores specializing in languages are on and around Antonio Caso street, close to Insurgentes. New Option bookstore is one I've used frequently.

I haven't seen Lonely Planets available in Mexico City. But, if they are anywhere, you might find them at a Sanborn's in a touristy area, or a Ghandi bookstore. There is one near Bellas Artes.

Costco and Walmart have cheap luggage. I've purchased some at smaller vendors in the centro historico before as well.

EMH1969 · Joined: 27 May 2007 Posts: 38

Thanks again for the replies. I assume that Costco in Mexico requires a membership just like they do in the States? If so, what does that run?

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

MELEE · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 4:05 pm Post subject:

I do love costco!
You might even find a good computer there, but you just never know--that's why I love it, it's an adventure.

But if you don't want to become a member...

Download your guide book. Lonely Planet should have done that years ago! (They do have them in Oaxaca at a book store called Amate...)

Get your Spanish materials on-line, there was a recent thread on this. Some are free, some are not.

So that just leaves luggage. It depends on what quality you are looking for. Costco would have name brands, but you can get a bag in a pinch in any market in Mexico, sometimes good ones, at good prices. There are also these great plastic burlap bags that fold flat and are sturdy enough for travel. Great for putting your clothes in, to make room in your exsisting suitcase. They used to only come in plaids, but now they come in Disney designs too.

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

You can buy a Lonely Planet at American Bookstore in DF, Insurgentes Sur 1168, if you're not into downloading it. I'm a messy traveller, printouts would get destroyed in my backpack in no time.

EMH1969 · Joined: 27 May 2007 Posts: 38

Thanks again for the replies! A few follow-up questions:

1) I don�t have a Costco membership so I�d have to get one if I decided to buy anything there. Just in case....can I get there via the subway?

2) Lozwich: I�m a messy traveler as well so a hard copy works better for me. Any idea if the American bookstore sells Lonely Planets for South America?

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

Three Costcos that I know of in DF. One is in Polanco, but not near the metro stop there. I usually taxi in and out...especially out with a load of stuff. Second is near San Jeronimo, and not near a metro. Third one is in Xochimilco, and near a metro line. Be advised though, they may not let you on the metro if you have an enormous amount of stuff.