[Fractal]

I will come to Mexico City on 23 of august. would be awesome to meet up with you guys!

[duedue]

I'm going there for a week in October and I have two questions:
A good SIM card with both phone number and data? Telcel? Any way to buy it while in the US?

Also how safe is it really? I mean quarters like Condesa, Roma and Centro. Is it wise to carry a big DSLR in plain sight?

[Cattle Rustler]

Buy it at the Airport terminal, the have a shop in Terminal 1 on the second floor passing the hall that takes you to the bus station. It's like 15 dollars and gives you some credit. Ask them what specials they have going on (data and messaging). Movistar has better deals from what I heard but I'm not sure about their quality.

No, I wouldn't carry a DSLR in plan sight around DF. Maybe carry it in a backpack or pouch but I wouldn't be walking like it's 11AM on a Caturday walk.

[ElFlaco]

(09-24-2016 11:11 AM)duedue Wrote:  

Also how safe is it really? I mean quarters like Condesa, Roma and Centro. Is it wise to carry a big DSLR in plain sight?

The safest advice is to keep your expensive camera stowed away or out of sight except when you're using it. In the parts of town you mentioned (at least Condesa and Roma -- not so much in Centro), you're probably fine even without that precaution, especially if it's daytime. Lots of people walk around with expensive phones in their hands (Pokemon Go) without giving it a second thought. Doesn't mean it's totally safe, though. Mexico City is far safer than most visitors think but it's good to be overly cautious at first. More important than where is how. Keep an eye on who is near you at all times. With practice, this "situational awareness" skill becomes ingrained in and you do without even noticing. Almost every story I've heard about robberies and muggings here starts with someone doing something stupid. Well I stumbled drunk out of the club and ...

[duedue]

Thank you. One more thing: are their customs regulations really that strict that if you have more than $500 worth of stuff with you you'll have to pay customs fees??

[DMario]

(09-24-2016 11:11 AM)duedue Wrote:  

I'm going there for a week in October and I have two questions:
A good SIM card with both phone number and data? Telcel? Any way to buy it while in the US?

Also how safe is it really? I mean quarters like Condesa, Roma and Centro. Is it wise to carry a big DSLR in plain sight?

I walk around with a 3DR Drone strapped to my backpack. I would say Mexico City is more safe than alot of cities i've been to in the states.

[ElFlaco]

(09-24-2016 07:44 PM)duedue Wrote:  

are their customs regulations really that strict that if you have more than $500 worth of stuff with you you'll have to pay customs fees??

Almost everything you bring into Mexico as a typical tourist is exempt from this regulation. For example, your clothes, your laptop, your phone, (limited) sporting equipment, books, (two) musical instruments and your luggage don't count towards the limit. Here are the rules in English as of 2013: http://www.sat.gob.mx/informacion_fiscal...ingles.pdf

At the airport, you will be asked to push a button that activates a stoplight randomly (red or green). If it's red, your luggage will be examined. If it's green, you go through without an inspection. I've entered Mexico City dozens of times and have only had my luggage examined once or twice. Even then, they just gave it a cursory look. They used to pass suitcases through an x-ray machine but I haven't seen that recently.

(09-24-2016 07:58 PM)DMario Wrote:  

I would say Mexico City is more safe than alot of cities i've been to in the states.

Agreed.

[Friar]

I bought a Telcel SIM at the airport, which by the way you can't find any specific store at that sprawling mass. It feels more like a shopping mall without any posted maps and hundreds of shops. My Telcel plan was cheap, about 1GB for five bucks. Unfortunately it stopped working after two days and had to change to another carrier.

Also walked around with my DSLR in my bag. I was actually surprised how safe Condesa, Roma, Polanco felt. No issues walking around late at night. Centro is more chaotic, but still a good spot to wander. Just watch your stuff like you'd watch anywhere else in the US. A coworker had his laptop stolen from his bag at the airport, so know it's out there. Stick to the areas mentioned here and you'll be good as golden.

[ElFlaco]

(09-26-2016 08:34 AM)Friar Wrote:  

My Telcel plan was cheap, about 1GB for five bucks.

Pre-pay cell usage packages have gotten cheaper/better in Mexico over the last year. I currently have a TelCel 'Sin límites' package, about five US dollars for unlimited calls (Mexico/US/Canada), unlimited SMS, 300 MB for internet, 1000 MB for whatsapp/twitter/facebook, lasts three weeks or so. Find a TelCel 'centro de atención a clientes' (recommended over a Telcel 'distribuidor autorizado'). Offers are constantly changing, so anyone reading this post after 2016 should do some independent research. As Friar mentions, there are other carriers (Iusacell and Movistar) with similar or slightly better offers.

[redbeard]

T-Mobile has free Mexico for all, and the other major carriers have North America options. It might cost more but is worth it for pipeline purposes.

[natas305]

Mexico City is the only place in the world that I've been to over the last 2 years where my T-Mobile phone didn't work there. It was BS. I landed and it was throwing errors that it couldn't connect to Telcel or Movistar's networks. Didn't end up workin the whole time I was there (10 days) and T-Mobile support had told me there were some known issues in Mexico. So don't rely too much on your plans to have T-Mobile in Mexico like I was.

[duedue]

Another question, although it may not really belong to this thread. Do you convert currency before traveling or at your destination? In theory foreign currency should be cheaper at the destination because it's abundant there and your own currency is in demand. But this may not translate into reality. I can get Pesos for $0.054 each here before traveling.

[AboveAverageJoe]

I always sell my US dollars on the black market because you get more in exchange, however this should only be done with Nationals that you trust.
Otherwise it is a good way to get stabbed in the back, both literally and figuratively. Mexico is so awash in US currency though, so I doubt it is as in demand as it is in other countries. Probably better off sticking with El Banco.

[ElFlaco]

(10-01-2016 08:13 AM)duedue Wrote:  

Another question, although it may not really belong to this thread. Do you convert currency before traveling or at your destination? In theory foreign currency should be cheaper at the destination because it's abundant there and your own currency is in demand. But this may not translate into reality. I can get Pesos for $0.054 each here before traveling.

If you're coming from the US, just get a minimum of pesos (if any) before arriving. The rate your bank in the US will give you is not good. (I have never changed dollars at a US airport but I assume it's not great, either.) The best rates I've seen in Mexico City are in Zona Rosa on calle Londres, although rates change daily (or more often that that), so who has the best rate will vary. It really only makes sense to worry about if you're planning to exchange large amounts of cash. Keep in mind that some places may be required by law to see your passport in order to exchange money. Also, a lot of things can be paid with a credit card, which you may find more convenient, even if you do get dinged for a 3% international currency fee.

Remember that you can always do a cash withdrawal (receiving pesos) at a local ATM machine when you arrive. Your bank will probably charge you around $5 USD for that. For many visitors, that wil be the best combination of convenience and a decent interest rate. Alert your bank to your travel plans, of course, specifically mentioning your debit card if you plan to do this.

As you probably know, the exchange rate is extremely favorable right now for changing dollars into Mexican pesos. Don't mention this to Mexicans, as it is a very sore spot right now with them, along with the Trump candidacy.

[redbeard]

Chase Sapphire Credit Card (no international fees) + Charles Schwab Checking (no ATM fees ever) = free money.

[Cattle Rustler]

(10-01-2016 08:13 AM)duedue Wrote:  

Another question, although it may not really belong to this thread. Do you convert currency before traveling or at your destination? In theory foreign currency should be cheaper at the destination because it's abundant there and your own currency is in demand. But this may not translate into reality. I can get Pesos for $0.054 each here before traveling.

Always exchange in the destination, never in your home location as you will get a cheaper rate. No one wants Mexican pesos in Texas, but they do in DF. There are a lot of places along Terminal 1, just walk around a couple of times and see which place offers the best rate. You can exchange more than 300 with your foreign passport. There are some places on the second floor of Terminal 2.

Either way man, just use your debit card and get money at BBVA Bancomer ATMs. Those guys offer the best rates, even better than "exchange currency" places. A lot of places at the airport are picky as fuck. They will give you one price, lets say 19.50 for example. But that's 19.50 ONLY if they're hundreds, or in good condition, or above certain amount. If you hand them 20s, 50s, 10s or the cash is in "damaged" (dirty, stains) they will give you a lower rate or simply refuse it.

If they try to give you less than their posted rate tell them that you'll exchange a good amount (300+) and they'll most likely raise to offer to the rate posted on their signs.

[DMario]

Just wait until you get here and use an ATM. I've had no issues.

[duedue]

I don't get it. My bank in the US was offering pesos for the exchange rate equivalent to 1USD= 18.29 pesos but now in Mexico City everywhere the exchange rate is about 1USD=17.7 pesos. ???

[TejasRojo]

(10-12-2016 08:56 AM)duedue Wrote:  

I don't get it. My bank in the US was offering pesos for the exchange rate equivalent to 1USD= 18.29 pesos but now in Mexico City everywhere the exchange rate is about 1USD=17.7 pesos. ???

The peso has somewhat been fairly volatile because, according to some, of the presidential elections and how well Trump has been doing. That's like a 3% difference? Were you planning on buying a house? If you planned on spending $1000, it now maybe $1030 roughly? I'd relax and enjoy your time

Your bank may have been offering a slightly better rate because it doesn't want to hold pesos plus they may not be as quick to realign their rate with the market's.

[Cattle Rustler]

(10-12-2016 08:56 AM)duedue Wrote:  

I don't get it. My bank in the US was offering pesos for the exchange rate equivalent to 1USD= 18.29 pesos but now in Mexico City everywhere the exchange rate is about 1USD=17.7 pesos. ???

Damn, where do you live in the US?

I thought the peso was at 18ish. ATMs give you the best rate.

[Dalv17]

Just to bump up the thread Im in Mexico City until November 5th. If anyway wants to hang out let me know or send me a PM. I've been living here for a while so I know my way around.

[Bound2]

Best place I found was at the airport, gave me 18.5 pesos for a USD. There was a bank in Condesa on Ave Nuevo Leon giving 18.25 one day.

All the big banks and money changers I've been to have had crap rates though.

[LatinoHeat]

Hey guys,

I'm a huge fan of Mexico City and I'm actually moving there permanently this December (well at least for a year or two)

I had a question about Mexico City housing. I'm debating whether to do month to month airbnb, sign a 12 month lease, or perhaps even purchase a property if the price is right ...

Obviously I'll be choosing Roma or Condesa, but I was wondering if any of you guys had an experience regarding signing a lease or even buying a condo.

Are there any super mega highrises in Roma, Condesa Polanco that are similar to Thamrin in Jakarta or Gramercy in Manila, you know the type that has all the amenities you could think of, super crazy views from your balcony etc etc?

I was thinking a good option for me would be sign a 12 month lease but do it furnished instead of unfurnished so i'm not stuck buying all this stuff I won't know what to do with when the lease is over.

Also anyone staying in DF we should def meetup.

[ElFlaco]

(10-27-2016 04:40 AM)frankiecred Wrote:  

I'm a huge fan of Mexico City and I'm actually moving there permanently this December (well at least for a year or two)

I had a question about Mexico City housing. I'm debating whether to do month to month airbnb, sign a 12 month lease, or perhaps even purchase a property if the price is right ...

Obviously I'll be choosing Roma or Condesa, but I was wondering if any of you guys had an experience regarding signing a lease or even buying a condo.

Are there any super mega highrises in Roma, Condesa Polanco that are similar to Thamrin in Jakarta or Gramercy in Manila, you know the type that has all the amenities you could think of, super crazy views from your balcony etc etc?

I was thinking a good option for me would be sign a 12 month lease but do it furnished instead of unfurnished so i'm not stuck buying all this stuff I won't know what to do with when the lease is over.

You'll be new in town. Don't buy anything. Take things slowly and get a feel for what you like. Visiting and living here are two different things.

Roma (and especially Condesa) have many buildings with doormen, parking and occasionally other services such as a conference room for business meetings, laundry center, small gym and a rooftop that can be reserved for parties. Not all have awesome views, though.

AirBnb is not a bad way to start while you look around for something more permanent. A surprisingly good way to find a place is not necessarily working with an agent (corredor; agency = inmobiliaria) or looking at ads online but rather checking out neighborhoods on foot and looking for rental signs on the buildings. Write down numbers and call. Talk to the doorman and ask if there are units available. Take your time. Talk to friends. Your eye for what constitutes a good versus crappy neighborhood will improve over time, so don't jump into the first thing you see.

Apartments come in two flavors: furnished (amueblado) and unfurnished. When I got to town, one of the first things I did was buy furniture. In retrospect, that was a mistake. There are advantages to the flexibility of a furnished apartment.

Be aware that high-end apartments (and even many of the dumpy ones) in Mexico City generally require something known as an 'aval' or 'fiador'. You will need someone who has property in Mexico City to co-sign for you. You can sometimes get around this by leaving several months of deposit (which you should be mentally prepared to never see again). If you're working for a company here, they may be able to serve as an aval for you. There is also such as thing as hiring a company to be an aval for you. A possible exception to the aval requirement would be if the owner is handling the rental themselves rather than working through an agent. (In this case, the sign will say TRATO DIRECTO.) If you don't already have ties here, this may be the best option.

I actually know some guys who lived for a year at an awesome hotel on Reforma. It wasn't that much more expensive than a high-end apartment. Nice pool, unbelievable rooftop.

[Cattle Rustler]

Flaco,

Do you think Condesa and Roma have an overhyped RE bubble? Gringos keeps raving about it, so it has me thinking they're driving the price up and it should come down later.