BajaNomad

Moving to Tijuana?

sheepy731 - 3-4-2014 at 12:05 PM

Hi all,
I never used a forum before, so please be kind if I'm doing it wrong :?:
I have a general question, as I am exploring some options. I am a U.S. citizen, born and raised in San Diego, CA. I have not traveled much in Mexico (I've been as far as Rosarita) and it's been about 20 years since my last time there.
I'm considering moving to Tijuana and want some information on how to actually do it. Thx!!!

TJ

bajaguy - 3-4-2014 at 12:14 PM

There are several Nomads who live in or near Tijuana that may be able to provide the info you are looking for.

First things first, get a city map of Tijuana and look at some areas that interest you, then get an FMM (Tourist Visa) from Mexican Immigration at the border, come on down and look around at the areas on the map you picked out

DENNIS - 3-4-2014 at 12:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by sheepy731
I'm considering moving to Tijuana and want some information on how to actually do it. Thx!!!


Welcome to BajaNomad, Sheepy.

Do what? Can you be more specific? As your question stands, an answer could fill a book.
Why TJ, for starters?
What are your interests?
Are you macho or hembra?
Poor? Rich?
Working? Retired? sick? Well?
Fill us in so we know where to start.

DENNIS - 3-4-2014 at 12:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy

then get an FMM (Tourist Visa)


Won't need one if in TJ for a week or less, will he/she?

Dave - 3-4-2014 at 12:47 PM

Learn Spanish. Without it you'll miss 90% of what's there.

SlyOnce - 3-4-2014 at 01:08 PM

I live in Playas, I work in San Diego. I have SENTRI. I cross the border every day. I have a MX novia, bilingual, college educated. I speak intermediate Spanish. You don't need a tourist visa. My rent is in US dollars (its very cheap for where we live). My US cellphone and US mifi Internet works fine at the apartment.

My novia and I have lived here in Playas since October. We both love it.

Playas is not like living in TJ. Its a great blend of both cultures.

bajaguy - 3-4-2014 at 01:11 PM

No, but it wouldn't hurt....and if he/she is going to live in Baja, it's a start to be legal
Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy

then get an FMM (Tourist Visa)


Won't need one if in TJ for a week or less, will he/she?

DENNIS - 3-4-2014 at 02:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
No, but it wouldn't hurt....and if he/she is going to live in Baja, it's a start to be legal



:lol::lol: Having trouble shaking that police mentality.......eh Terry? Either way...he/she will still be legal, even while exercising his/her right/privilege to make an available decision rather than give in to excessive government regulation. :light:

fdt - 3-4-2014 at 05:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS


Are you macho or hembra?

Or a little of both? :saint:

Seriusly, If you need help on finding anything in Tijuana, U2U me and we can meet and I can show you around the city.

David K - 3-4-2014 at 05:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SlyOnce
You don't need a tourist visa.


Correct if one is a Mexican...

If not, and you are going to live in Mexico and want to be legal, then again, you are right... since one is no longer on a tourist on a vacation... You will need a visa for living in Mexico (FM-3 or whatever the new name is now).

Without an FMM (Tourist Card): Tourists on a vacation can be inside Mexican territory only for 72 hours unless they travel south of the border zone... then they need on right immediately.

The FMM is free for up to 7 days. 7-180 days is about US$25.

DENNIS - 3-4-2014 at 05:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K

Correct if one is a Mexican...

If not, and you are going to live in Mexico and want to be legal, then again, you are right... since one is no longer on a tourist on a vacation... You will need a visa for living in Mexico (FM-3 or whatever the new name is now).




How did we get beyond the WTF stage? All the OP asked for was some info on moving to TJ. Now we're dragging him/her through the rigors of immigration.
I know it's an important part of the issue, but could probably be covered later. :?:

yellowklr - 3-4-2014 at 06:50 PM

I've lived in San Diego for my entire life and I'm actually considering living my last 5 or 6 years before retirement in TJ myself……I'm totally over California
Just not so sure about the daily commute even with the Sentri

SlyOnce - 3-5-2014 at 10:14 AM

I leave my Playas apartment at 5:30 AM. I drop my novia at the bus stop in Centro, then cross the border at 6 AM with SENTRI. The average border wait is 10 to 15 minutes (for the last 2 weeks its been all screwed up but its normal again).

I drive to Claremont Mesa area up the 805 and usually arrive about 6:45.

Coming home I leave work at 4, I'm home and sitting on my patio watching the sunset with a Dos XX, chips and homemade salsa before 5.

My total daily (one way) commute is about 30 miles.

My novia works for Baja CA del Norte government and she gets off at 2, so usually she's home waiting for me, with fresh fruits and vegetables from the street markets in Centro.

Nye - 3-5-2014 at 11:43 AM

-lived in Rosarito 7yrs and worked in San Marcos-it was nice,but would not advise if you have school aged children.

BajaBlanca - 3-5-2014 at 12:37 PM

Welcome, sheepy!

Maybe spend a couple weekends in TJ first? Just to get a better feel. Playas de Tijuana seems so beautiful......

Good luck with the investigation. This really is a good place to start. And yes, if ypu are going to in fact live here, you surely need the correct visa and we can help you with that when the time comes.

yellowklr - 3-5-2014 at 01:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SlyOnce
I leave my Playas apartment at 5:30 AM. I drop my novia at the bus stop in Centro, then cross the border at 6 AM with SENTRI. The average border wait is 10 to 15 minutes (for the last 2 weeks its been all screwed up but its normal again).

I drive to Claremont Mesa area up the 805 and usually arrive about 6:45.

Coming home I leave work at 4, I'm home and sitting on my patio watching the sunset with a Dos XX, chips and homemade salsa before 5.

My total daily (one way) commute is about 30 miles.

My novia works for Baja CA del Norte government and she gets off at 2, so usually she's home waiting for me, with fresh fruits and vegetables from the street markets in Centro.



my commute would be the same I work at Clairmont Mesa Blvd and the 163
doesn't sound too bad!

SFandH - 3-5-2014 at 03:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBlanca
Playas de Tijuana seems so beautiful......


WOW!!! WE HAVE A WINNER!!

You're the first person to use the words "Tijuana" and "beautiful" in the same sentence. Congrats!!

I know Playas (as the locals call the area), it's not a bad place. The main beach area is rather decrepit though. The new boardwalk is a bonus. A few blocks back from the beach is much better.

Playas is an upper middle class TJ neighborhood.


[Edited on 3-5-2014 by SFandH]

BajaBlanca - 3-5-2014 at 10:27 PM

Awww shucks, I had no idea I was making history.


Actually, I really like TJ, but I am and have always been different. In high school, I was voted most individualistic. There is a reason for that.

Hola,

captkw - 3-6-2014 at 12:58 AM

have you ever stayed a week in mendocino,,humbolt or lets say the nice parts of CA.... LA ,,Oakland and east LA or not what MAKES UP CALI....HOW BOUT CARMEL,,BIG SUR, MONTEREY,,Tahoe...jEEEZE, YOU FOLKS THAT LIVE IN THE JUNGLE THINK THAT MOVING TO MEX IS GOING TO CHANGE YOUR LITTLE OUTLOOK ON LIFE !! btw,,,WORD ON THE STREET IS THAT bAKERSFEILD HAS LOW RENT !!!.....get a grip !!!!:lol::lol: TJ would be about the LAST place I would ever think of moving to !!! Do you have flouride in your water ???

SlyOnce - 3-6-2014 at 08:33 AM

Playas is just getting "one foot in the water". I will retire from my Gov. job is 3 years. My novia and I are driving down to Loreto/Nopolo area for "Semana Santa". At that time I'll worry about visas. She just got her BCC (US Border Crossing Card). We are becoming a bi national, bi cultural couple. Its an adventure every day.