Mango - 9-13-2006 at 10:00 PM
OK, so here's my delima. I'm new here in Baja Nomad; and, only know my way around mainland mexico well. My fiance just finished school in DF and we
are looking to be together.
I'd like to live in the mainland; but, the laws in mexico regarding immigration and employment are tough to say the least. She'd like to live here;
but, we don't have the money. So, I've decided to compromise and live in the TJ/Rosarito area and commute to the San Diego area for work.
My work schedule varries as of now. I often work far from home and long hours; yet, have several days/weeks off on occasion. I make an OK living but
the hours are irregular. I could work in a similar situation in San Deigo; but, am also open to switching tracks and taking the train north from San
Ysidro to work.
I have heard and read some about the SENTRI pass; I have a car but I not sure driving it to work would be the best option. How are the wait times for
walking across the border or biking vs. driving? Is using public tranist a viable or better option?
Idealy I'd like to get a place within commute distance of Southern California; and find an inexpensive; yet, somewhat secure place to live while I
work 3 - 4 days a week north of the border.
I know a fair deal about Mexico, and Mexican culture. I am semi fluent in spanish and have lived with few families where I spent much time in both
small and large towns. I am comfortable and savy with public transport; but, want to make sure it is possible and reasonalbe to cross the border via
bus each day. I'd be on an FMT. Is this an insane idea? Or, do you have a friends that do the same thing all the time?
Thanks and have a good one.
DavidT - 9-13-2006 at 10:30 PM
I can't help with your questions, but thanks for the photo and the laugh.
Cypress - 9-14-2006 at 06:36 AM
That's one laid-back horse.
Bruce R Leech - 9-14-2006 at 07:03 AM
If you are going to live in Mexico get an FM3. and working here is not as difficult as you might think, check it out
JESSE - 9-14-2006 at 08:05 AM
Are you familiar with the SD-TJ area? i am afraid its really hard to give you advice unless you know the area and know where you are going to work.
Working in San Ysidro is a whole different thing than working in National city, and the city.
BajaGeoff - 9-14-2006 at 10:15 AM
My sister commutes from Playas de Tijuana every day to downtown San Diego. While I personally would not do it, she has made it work for the last 3
years with a Sentri pass. Public transportation is pretty much out of the question...it would just take too long...it takes my sister 1-2 hours in her
own car depending on the wait. The Sentri pass program is extremely impacted and they are not accepting new applications at the moment. That
said.......depending on your line of work.....maybe you should consider living in Mexico and telecommuting????
Mango - 9-14-2006 at 03:12 PM
Thanks for the advice everyone. And I am glad you guys liked the picture.
Currently I work in as a independent contractor for several differnt civil engineering firms here in Northern California. I have worked with one firm
located in San Diego several times and they have told me that they would have plenty of work for me if I moved to the San Diego area..
With my current line of work the job location varies quite a bit. For example; this week I will be working in Las Vegas for 3 days and then south of
Sacramento, Ca for two days. The next two weeks I will be back in Vegas. This makes it impossible for me to use public tranist; as, my job locations
change often.
I was curious about the public tranist mainly becuase I have heard about the waits/problems getting a SENTRI pass. I took the train from San Yisedro
to the SD airport years ago and it worked well for me.
I have entertained the idea of getting a folding bike and riding the train/bus/bike to a less nomadic job somewhere in the SD area near the train.
What are the typical crossing times on foot or bike? Years ago I flew though with no problem. I'd try to only work 4 days a week to limit my
commute. I have a few friends living in the area and enough savings to take some time to find a decent job that fits my needs.
Bruce, I have looked into getting an FM-3 and living in the mainland before. The 1000 dollar a month outside income requirement would be hard for me
to satisfy after some time. I've heard of some people just using the same money each month by withdrawing then re-depositing it.... can this work?
The main reason I thought of an FMT is to reduce costs and hassles since I would be working outside of Mexico. I'd be renting and living close to the
border. I believe I should be able to do it without getting into trouble; but, I would love to hear from others.
[Edited on 9-14-2006 by Mango]
DENNIS - 9-14-2006 at 03:42 PM
What you are looking into is really tough, but not impossible.
Rents in San Diego are expensive, even in areas you wouldn't want to live in.
I used to work in S.D. while living in Ensenada. I parked a camper at our National City offices and joined the Holiday Spa for showers. Only got
home between jobs. It got real old.
Crossing the border today is nothing like it was before 9/11. The dedicated bike lanes are no more and the pedestrian lane can be an easy hour,
worse with work traffic.
As far as papers are concerned .... you can be in the country, in the free zone, for one week now without papers. This only works as long as you
avoid the law/immigration. You cant be obviously living there and try to tell them you're a tourist if you get jammed up. Again ---- no contact
.... no problem.
The San Diego trolley is good transportation. It covers a lot of S.D., but it takes time. The good thing is, you cross the border and it's right
there. Leaves every 15 minutes.
AmoPescar - 9-14-2006 at 03:57 PM
MANGO...
Why did you quit your last job?
You were really great in your former career on...SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE!
Amo
QuePasaBaja - 9-14-2006 at 05:41 PM
OK. As for SENTRI. they have a dricing one, and a walking one. I know that the driving, applications are not being taken. Not sure about walking.
You could easily live in TJ or Rosarito, and drive to the border. Park and pay for the day, Its about 8$ maybe a little more, and then walk across and
jump on the train.
Rent varies from place to place. I am renting while building, in rosarito, and I pay 400 for a 3/3 with an ocean vie from the upstairs bedroom/office
Feel free to mail me if you would like. info@quepasabaja.com