sheepy731
Newbie
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Registered: 3-4-2014
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Moving to Tijuana?
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!!!
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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TJ
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
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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| 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.
"YOU CAN'T LITTER ALUMINUM"
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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| 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?
"YOU CAN'T LITTER ALUMINUM"
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Dave
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6005
Registered: 11-5-2002
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Learn Spanish. Without it you'll miss 90% of what's there.
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SlyOnce
Nomad
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Registered: 12-26-2013
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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.
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
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Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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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? |
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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| 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
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 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. 
"YOU CAN'T LITTER ALUMINUM"
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fdt
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4059
Registered: 9-7-2003
Location: Tijuana, Baja California
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Mood: Yeah, what if it all goes right
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
Are you macho or hembra?
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Or a little of both? 
Seriusly, If you need help on finding anything in Tijuana, U2U me and we can meet and I can show you around the city.
A well informed Baja California traveler is a smart Baja California traveler!
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65100
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| 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.
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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| 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).
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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.
"YOU CAN'T LITTER ALUMINUM"
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yellowklr
Senior Nomad
Posts: 507
Registered: 4-14-2006
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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
Derek
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SlyOnce
Nomad
Posts: 262
Registered: 12-26-2013
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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.
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Nye
Newbie
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Registered: 2-17-2014
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-lived in Rosarito 7yrs and worked in San Marcos-it was nice,but would not advise if you have school aged children.
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13212
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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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.
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yellowklr
Senior Nomad
Posts: 507
Registered: 4-14-2006
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| 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!
Derek
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SFandH
Elite Nomad
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Registered: 8-5-2011
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| Quote: | Originally posted by BajaBlanca
Playas de Tijuana seems so beautiful......
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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]
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BajaBlanca
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Location: La Bocana, BCS
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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.
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captkw
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3850
Registered: 10-19-2010
Location: el charro b.c.s.
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Mood: new dog/missing the old 1
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Hola,
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 !!!! TJ would be about the LAST place I would ever think of moving to
!!! Do you have flouride in your water ???
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SlyOnce
Nomad
Posts: 262
Registered: 12-26-2013
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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.
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