BajaNomad

Moving to Tijuana questions?

honda1013 - 1-9-2014 at 08:02 PM

Currently im planning on moving to tijuana, i already have sentri but i wanted to know if any baja nomads have a us adress or po box.

bajaguy - 1-9-2014 at 08:27 PM

Yes, a PMB (Private Mail Box).

Several are on the US side near the border area. A UPS store or a Postal Annex store will receive your mail and packages

honda1013 - 1-9-2014 at 08:35 PM

do you use it as a residential address ?

bajaguy - 1-9-2014 at 08:39 PM

Nope. I use it as a mail receiving address. the USPS/Homeland Security require a "real" home address.

When you get a PO box at USPS or a PMB at a private business you have to fill out a form and show proof of "residence"

Don't know if they will accept documentation from Mexico tp prove residence

What address did you use on the SENTRI application??
Quote:
Originally posted by honda1013
do you use it as a residential address ?


[Edited on 1-10-2014 by bajaguy]

bajalearner - 1-9-2014 at 08:39 PM

There are 2 PO box businesses on E. San Ysidro Blvd. that I know of. I used the one nearest the 99 cent store and I highly DO NOT recommend that PO box service. I have several problems with them and they charge alot when you receive ALL packages or oversize anythings. IE, I was charged $6. when they received a motorcycle tire for me. I do not remember the name of that business but it is almost next dor to a fried chichen place, church's or popeye's chicken. (not KFC, that's further down the street) The last problem I had was when I picked up my child's wrapped christmas gift and found a hand sized hole in the package. I complained to the owner and she shrugged. I had the box for 2 years and their customer service sucks I left there and it was a pain to change addresses for everthing so it is important to get a good one now.

I use a PO box service in San Diego now and I am happy with it and do not get charged for anything extra I receive and they are very professional and helpful. It is way up by the sports arena. I do not have any experience with the other PO box business down the street from the one I spoke of but I would not be surprised if it is similar but I don't have first hand experience.

I have used the US post office for a box, way back when, but it is like going to the DMV.

tjsue - 1-9-2014 at 09:09 PM

When I moved to Tijuana, I kept my PMB, which is in Normal Heights. I pick up my mail twice per week, once on foot, once by driving and running errands. There are no problems holding packages for me, and box rates are extremely reasonable.

I know that Mr. Mail on E. San Ysidro Blvd, is not recommended for the reasons stated above, and I've heard that the SY USPS loses and opens mail.

I had a PMB in downtown San Diego for eight years. It was convenient when I lived in the East Village, but when I moved to City Heights, it wasn't. I was going to change it to one closer to where I live, but before I got around to doing it, they lost their lease, and I had change it anyway.

I agree, it's important to get a good one, because it really is a PITA to change your address.

SlyOnce - 1-10-2014 at 09:28 AM

I live in Playas de Tijuana and work in San Diego. I use a Postal Annex by my office. You get a street address, not a PO Box. Even though it is in fact a PO type box. They will receive UPS and FedX and you get a text when your package arrives. It is very important that you receive your US mail on the US side, do not try to have US mail sent to MX (it takes forever).

Check out Playas, great place to live, very safe, peaceful, family life. Not party city (if that's what you are looking for). Walk on the beach at midnight, have a coffee on the Malecon. Launch a globo de cantoya (hot air balloon).

tjsue - 1-10-2014 at 11:02 AM

You might want to shop around and check out the rates from several places. Postal Annex and The UPS Store are the highest in price, but if you find an independent store, they will probably be lower, and also see what's near your job.

My box is $78 per year, and I consider that dirt cheap.

bajalearner - 1-12-2014 at 11:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by SlyOnce
I live in Playas de Tijuana and work in San Diego. I use a Postal Annex by my office. You get a street address, not a PO Box. Even though it is in fact a PO type box. They will receive UPS and FedX and you get a text when your package arrives. It is very important that you receive your US mail on the US side, do not try to have US mail sent to MX (it takes forever).

Check out Playas, great place to live, very safe, peaceful, family life. Not party city (if that's what you are looking for). Walk on the beach at midnight, have a coffee on the Malecon. Launch a globo de cantoya (hot air balloon).


Playas is a nice area. I looked at it a long time but thought it was a little too quiet for me. Recently I walked on the beach there with a friend and saw a large crowd and flashes of light. I thought I might see a gang shootout so I hurried ahead to get a good seat. Turned out it was a hundred people lighting small hot air paper ballons and sailing them aloft. Not even armed with any bombs. Must admit it was a nice time. I'm a big city kid and need to have sirens and an occasional gunshot to sleep well. :cool:

dasubergeek - 1-13-2014 at 02:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajalearner
Playas is a nice area. I looked at it a long time but thought it was a little too quiet for me. Recently I walked on the beach there with a friend and saw a large crowd and flashes of light. I thought I might see a gang shootout so I hurried ahead to get a good seat. Turned out it was a hundred people lighting small hot air paper ballons and sailing them aloft. Not even armed with any bombs. Must admit it was a nice time. I'm a big city kid and need to have sirens and an occasional gunshot to sleep well. :cool:


You need to move to Cueros de Venado, then, or some of the less savoury bits of El Florido.

tjsue - 1-13-2014 at 03:12 PM

It's very quiet where I live. The only noise I hear at night are the church bells, an occasional car alarm, and dogs barking.

Where I lived in San Diego (City Heights), I was sandwiched in between two dive bars. No gunshots, but constant noise from the bars, and lots of drunks and fights, including where I was living.

Das U, Oh Ouch!

Gypsy Jan - 1-13-2014 at 03:16 PM

Yes, Playas can be pretty boring - it is a residential commuter suburb on the beach next to TJ, mostly populated by hard working, middle class families that get up early to take the kids to school and show up for a six-day-a-week, twelve-hour work day.

But, on the other hand. if the OP, the proposed Tijuana immigrant would like, I can point him in the direction of real estate agents who would be desperately ecstatic to take gringo dollars in exchange for a purchase of real estate in Venado or Florido.

They are both very lively neighborhoods, especially at night.

Nortenas and gunfire anyone?

bajaguy - 1-13-2014 at 03:27 PM

Rent, don't buy and use the money you save for Kevlar underwear :lol:
Quote:
Originally posted by Gypsy Jan

But, on the other hand. if the OP, the proposed Tijuana immigrant would like, I can point him in the direction of real estate agents who would be desperately ecstatic to take gringo dollars in exchange for a purchase of real estate in Venado or Florido.

They are both very lively neighborhoods, especially at night.

Nortenas and gunfire anyone?

SlyOnce - 1-14-2014 at 02:57 PM

Playas is only 10 minutes to Centro, 15 to Zona Rio. Best to live where it is quiet and safe and peaceful.

Yes me and my novia are some of those hardworking middle classers who get up at 5. But only 5 days a week. She's from Colonia Buenos Aires, out by Macro Plaza.

We looked at Cacho and Libertad and Mirador, I wanted to live by the beach.