MIT Mexico
From MISTI Wiki
This information is meant to supplement the MIT Mexico Living Guide
Contents |
Before Coming
Time
Mexico is
How to dial a phone
Mexico Country Code = City area codes have Area codes: To call Mexico from the States, dial
Living Arrangements
Be sure to make hotel/hostel reservations before arriving to Mexico. Although it is possible to reserve in person, hotels often offer much better rates when booked online. In addition, make sure that the hotel is close to your job, as Mexico is huge. For example, during peak hours, it may take a couple of hours to drive from one side of Mexico City to the other.
If you can find housing before arriving to Mexico, that is optimal. Craigslist is an excellent source. Other helpful sites include:
It is important to at least have an address of your hotel upon arrival. When entering customs in Mexico, your address will be requested. Don´t worry about this, as any hotel address will suffice.
Spanish
Know some basic Spanish! Although some of the first people you´ll meet in Mexico (taxi drivers, hotel clerks, cashiers) may know some English, there are many people who do not. Attempting to speak Spanish makes a great impression, and Mexicans will try to help you even if you don´t know specific words for everything. Mexicans are very friendly and will often try to make conversation. However, if you only speak English this can be intimidating to friendly strangers. Additionally, speaking English in taxis or markets will often put you at risk of getting ripped off. Conversely, because of the influence of American pop culture in Mexico City as well as massive tourism from the US, you will see and hear some English.
Safety/Taxis
As with any large city, there are many instances of crime. If you act wisely, you will learn that Mexico City can be very safe. General advice includes carrying smaller bills or coins when shopping on the street, concealing electronic devices such as ipods and cameras when in crowded areas, and traveling in groups. But some perceptions of danger in Mexico City are very real, such as "paratas" which are fake taxis that pose as real ones. Drivers of these unlicensed taxis are known for committing "express kidnappings" in which a victim is taken to an ATM instead of his destination, and robbed. Although these incidents are usually not violent, they can be. Make sure you are taking an authorized taxi by either calling a company or finding a taxi at a "sitio," which is an authorized dispatch station. Sitios are often located close to hotels. Although these taxis are a bit more expensive, taxis in Mexico are inexpensive. However if you live far from hotels or sitios, a knowledge can go a long way. Authorized taxis have different license plates than normal cars i.e. the paratas. Any cab that starts with A or B then 5 numbers is authorized. This number should be their license plate, and written on the doors of the cab, and possibly even on the dashboard/glove compartment. Also, avoid the small green VW beetle cabs even if they do appear to be authorized. (Another tip is speak spanish to the taxi drivers, most of them love talking about Mexico,etc. and sometimes will give you tips on sites to see.)
Money
Check with your bank in advance to review fees and service charges that will apply during your stay in Mexico. MITFCU and Bank of America are among the best options. You should not exchange more than 100 USD from your departing airport, as airports often offer the worst exchange rates. If you are a member of certain US banks such as PNC, they will provide "starter money packets" of 100 USD with an excellent exchange rate to all members so you have mexican pesos before arriving. There will be many ATMS at the airport in Mexico, although you want to avoid them for safety. Agree on a taxi fee to your first destination in Mexico, and try to have bills of 100 pesos or less, as many taxi drivers will claim to not have change. ATMS are ubiquitous in Mexico City, so don´t worry about having to withdraw more money.
What to Pack
One of the biggest culture shocks is that everyday things purchased in the states may not be available in Mexico, despite its proximity to the US. There are no stores like CVS in Mexico, but rather pharmacies. There is the possiblity that certain brands will not exist in Mexico City, and if they do, they will be significantly more expensive due to import fees and demand. For example, an English magazine can run upwards of 60 pesos or 6 USD. US clothing brands are also significantly more expensive. Chances are, if you feel like you should pack it, then you probably should. Most notably, remember to bring lots of jackets/long sleeve options. Mexico city is at a high altitude and gets pretty cold at night, so sweaters, zip-up hoodies,etc. are recommended. However, for girls, not many people wear the typical sweatshirt hoodie without a zipper up. Also for females, be wary of packing too many shorts or short skirts. In the city only toursits wear shorts, unless you are going out clubbing. It rains everyday during the summer, so remember to pack an umbrella! Don´t bother carrying bottled water, because it is everywhere and cheap!
Getting Settled
Cell Phone
Cell phones in Mexico are very affordable. You can purchase a decent phone with airtime for about 300 pesos or 30 USD. As you get settled, you will probably need to make plans with co-workers and friends, so it is a good ideas to get a mobile phone. They also come in handy for calling taxis after a long night in town. Although tempting, never use a cell phone to call the US, as rates make be as horrible as 2 dollars per minute. Skype is the best option for calling home, whether calling another line or computer.
Internet Cafes
Internet cafes are everywhere and very inexpensive. An hour will cost you about 10 pesos, or about $1. The service is surprisingly good, although obviously not MIT speed. Internet cafes are also a great place to meet young people, and a great place to catch a glimpse of Mexican pop culture.
Housing
What to Eat
Although many tourists experience travelers´ sickness when first eating Mexican food, you can, for the most part, avoid it. (Also if you bring along some Imodium i.e. anti-diarrea medicine, it will help you get over your sickness quicker and can get back to eating the amazing mexican food.) Save the food stands for later, and visit a larger restaurant. American chains and restaurants such as Sanbourns or VIPS are safe starters. As you become more familiar with Mexico, you´ll begin to learn where and where not to eat. A great bet is to also ask co-workers for suggestions as too which places are good. Don´t worry, there will be many opportunities to eat great Mexican food. You just have to find the safest places. If you have a stronger stomach or toward the end of your stay, tiny hole-in-the-wall restuarants offer a safer alternative to food stands (since they have refrigeration.) But they still are just as delicious and offer "real" mexican food as compared to the larger restuarants. Definitely go enjoy comida corrida, the 4-course lunches that are popular at all these tiny restaurants. You receive a bowl of soup, a plate of rice or pasta, choice of entree and then sometimes a desert, often jello or a little candy all for under $5 USD.
Daily Life
Transportation
Shopping
After Work
Weekends
Travel
Bus
Buses are by far the cheapest way to travel around Mexico. Safe, comfortable, nicer than Greyhoud, and often as quick as flying, they go to almost every Mexican city and can be booked when arriving at the station.
Plane
If you are planing on flying within Mexico to travel, Mexicana offers supersaver tickets on their website for half the price that is published anywhere else (expedia, etc.) These must be booked at least 24 hours before the flight though.
