$600 Rent in Mexico (with an OCEAN VIEW!)

[@JohnA-l5g]

If you're a foreigner in a foreign country, always be respectful and kind to the natives. Always listen to the warnings the natives give you and always be alert.

[@turnovertheleaf5505]

NO one does this in the U.S.. Why expect it the opposite way?!

[@e.m.9415]

Because if not then you'll get love from either your neighbors or the cartels in the area 😅

[@beckygonzalez5710]

We have homes in Rosarito. Been doing that for 20 years. We go back and forth every other week . Sentri is definitely a plus to have.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Sentri is amazing. And the penalties for using that lane without a Sentri pass are steep!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@walkerskii Looks like she said Rosarito, which is a bit further south from TJ.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@walkerskii I think a lot of Mexicans in TJ speak English. I think the cultural differences are probably more distinct. But then again, TJ has a more Americanized culture too.

[@beckygonzalez5710]

@@walkerskii Rosarito to inland empire . About 2 1/2 hrs

[@beckygonzalez5710]

@@walkerskii Rosarito to inland empire. Less than 2 1/2 hrs

[@winstonmcgill6667]

This interview is the perfect example of it takes all types.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yeah - that's true!

[@taylormaddux8433]

In addition to the videos Brighton, I enjoy reading the comments of your viewers, as well as your responses to them.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

That's great! And I'm feeling performance anxiety writing this comment ;-)

[@dianaj3139]

Hey Brighton! Another great interview, you really bring out the interesting stories and this one is no exception. I like hearing about adventurous people and have at least one family member who is married to a woman from Ukraine, so I understand the cultural differences there. I think for anyone looking for a partner in different culture than their own, some obstacles can unexpectedly arise. Being married to a Mexican, I am always finding unexpected differences! A really funny one came up today: The question came up about putting a tooth under your pillow in hopes that the "tooth Fairy" would come and exchange it for money or something... He said where he is from in Mexico that they expect a magical mouse to sneak the tooth out during the night... if you are "good" it might leave something special. haha!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

What do they call this magical mouse? The "tooth mouse"? I'm always excited to find the interesting storied! Most folks have something interesting to share - it just takes a bit to find it. Hasta pronto!

[@hiruu]

Global Entry and Sentri are a must if you live in TJ and cross often.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

So true! Do you live in TJ?

[@hiruu]

No, but I visit often. I hope to move south in a few years and quicker access will be even more important at that time.

[@almabeckwith6575]

and look how she loves him! adorable!

[@DeirdreHamilton0114]

His take on the immigration rules is wildly incorrect. To live/stay in Tijuana requires the same documents that living in Mexico City would. And as of late (past few weeks), I’ve heard they’re cracking down on ensuring everyone has said documents. It’s as easy as getting an FMM at the border. He could just walk out and then back in.

[@jackbaldwin3649]

Exactly. Brighton should've pointed this out.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks - a number of people pointed this out. It's not some I knew anything about, so I didn't question him on it. It appears that you can only stay for 72 hours without an FMM. But there would have to be a way for the government to prove you've been in the country longer than 72 hours. So perhaps this is one of those "loopholes" that folks in TJ know about.

[@jackbaldwin3649]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Personally, I wouldn't want my viewers to think I condoned this or that I was encouraging people to break the law. I suspect Mexican jails aren't very pleasant.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@jackbaldwin3649 I don't condone or encourage anyone to break the law. BTW, I spoke with Brian and he has an FMM.

[@stevedavenport1202]

Yes, correct. Mexico City has a great climate. I am not really a fan of the city since it has some bad traffic and the polution issues. It is, however, a great place to visit. It has so many great places to visit and eat. If you are willing to learn some Spanish, you can live in some outlying cities like Cuernavaca, Puebla, Queretaro, etc which have similar climates

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

Portuguese, French, Italian or Polish which language do you want to learn? Don't worry about pronunciation of Tijuana. Most Mexicans in USA can't pronounce Massachusetts or Wyoming or New Hampshire. So why would you feel embarrassed about mispronouncing Tijuana?

[@fdm2155]

Well, nothing wrong with wanting to get it right. And let's be honest, if a Spanish speaking immigrant mispronounces Wyoming or Massachusetts lots of Americans would grouse about it.

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

@@fdm2155 No we wouldn't. Americans are extremely tolerant once you leave NYC. It's mostly in NYC where people are prejudice. French, Italian or Portuguese? Which do you prefer to learn?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

You gotta check out the comments on FoxNews.com. I’m pretty sure those people don’t live in NYC and they are anything but tolerant. Have you seen the way Trump talks about immigrants? And half of America thinks it’s ok to talk that way.

[@nala3038]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexicoexactly

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Trump talks about illegal immigrants not legal ones. Have you seen how bad illegal immigrants litter the streets of NYC and live on welfare? They deserve to be talked bad about. They also commit most of the crimes.

[@Resmith18SR]

Tia Juana literally means my Aunt Juana in Espanol. 😂😂😂

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yes - and historically, Tijuana was names after a ranch called Tia Juana (probably names after someone's aunt Jane!)

[@Ahosanofficial01]

Your videos are amazing! Thank you for putting out such great content. The time and care you put into your work is truly commendable.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thank you!

[@OldSchoolPrepper]

Brian, first you do need an FMM (similar to a visitor Visa) otherwise you are an illegal alien. I would strongly suggest you move further south...at least to Rosarito...we live in El Pescadero for 4 months a year so we like it further south with Air Con and warmer water. I also live in Oregon... I think you'll be happier further south and be safer... at least go visit, also all the way down the baja is dog friendly!

[@stevenmiller1031]

Thanks for sharing.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thank you for watching, Steven!

[@wesgraham2262]

That’s funny. I grew up in my hometown of San Diego, CA in the 60’s and whenever we went to the town or spoke the name Tijuana, it was always “t-uh-wanna” lol. After learning Spanish, I realized how “gringo” that was of me back then. Now of course, I’m more “edumacated” and know better!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

We can all grow more edumacated as we grow older (or we could choose to go the other way...)

[@eduardoconstantino1738]

I like being single, I can do what I want, when I want and go where I want, without having to inform someone else! like moving to Mexico soon, everyone is trying to talk me out of it!

[@walkerskii]

How is it dating with the language barrier?

[@lorenweatherby6520]

Any advise on driving your own car in TJ?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Hmmm... I just drove across the border at Tecate. The only advice I could give is to have a dashcam. That seems to act like kryptonite around corrupt cops.

[@jennycampagna3100]

Cutest dog ever!!!!!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

He was being extremely cute - but whenever I turned the camera towards him he was just being regular cute.

[@SPINEVENTZ]

$600 in playas with ocean view and utilities included! Must be a super tiny studio.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

It’s a relatively small studio

[@2ndlife-xq2yj]

Guessed also, last year I visited Tijuana, Rosarito, and Ensenada in a couple of trips, learned a fact that a standard 2 bedroom suite also costs 1000 USD above, the closer to US border, the more costlier, and because many others would be happy to give a house tour, and I expected to watch a house tour, but when there’s no house tour, that implies the condition may not be very ideal to most.

[@SPINEVENTZ]

@@2ndlife-xq2yj If you are coming from USA and want to keep a standard living similar to USA close to the border you will be paying $1000+ on rent for a small place in playas de tijuana. The good deals are in south Mexico, or other border towns not in baja Mexico.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I do have a video coming up where the guest wouldn't give me a house tour. But I met him at his house before going to do the interview at a restaurant. I wouldn't have wanted to share his house - but I think he was paying around $300 a month.

[@stevedavenport1202]

Well, umm, if most gringos say "Tia Juana" or "TJ", I am cool with that. It's the agreed way to pronounce it amongst English speakers. For example, we have no problem mispronouncing "Paris" or the names of German cities, etc.

[@jackbaldwin3649]

Brian is wrong. You can't just live in Mexico (including Baja) without the proper visa. Brian is not an expat, he's an illegal immigrant. Very disappointed Brighton as you should've pointed all this out in your video.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I didn't know the rules near the border, I only knew the rules were different. And it looks like you are correct - Brian should get an FMM. He crosses the border often enough to renew his FMM more often than necessary.

[@2ndlife-xq2yj]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico the rule is when you drive cross border to Mexico and plan to visit less than 7 days, you don’t need a FMM. But longer than 7 days you have to apply a FMM, with paying almost 600 MXN pesos of an FMM which can grant you 180 days visit. Just simply staying over 7 days without FMM is indeed illegal. Although those cops in Tijuana rarely check in the border town. But even once check, he would get into jail in Mexico.

[@michaelperry9580]

Can you get the 180 day visa when you cross on foot? It’s a stamp in your passport?

[@2ndlife-xq2yj]

@@michaelperry9580 yes, either on foot or on car crossing. when the border officer asks you how many days do you plan to visit? and if you answer a number

[@dapumakat]

Hola!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Hola. Que onda?

[@walkerskii]

I've lived in Orange County my entire life, surfing Newport & Huntington, my 3 best friends from college all live in SD (San Diego) The fog you're sitting in during this interview reminds me SD is one of the gloomiest places! Ironically they advertise as, "best weather in CA" haha

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I've lived in SD on the beach - at the end of the airport runway. I experienced 90% the best weather, but then there were the days when the fog would come in. We'd hear the fog horn all night and the planes would land from the ocean side (I guess it's best not to thread the needle between downtown buildings in the fog.)

[@walkerskii]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Thank you for taking the time to reply. I really enjoy your personality, your content is informative, fun, upbeat, classy & entertaining

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@walkerskii Thank you!

[@Shadowgrey5937]

Uhhh this guy gives me the creeps 🙅

[@jackbaldwin3649]

I have the same feeling. I'm wondering if it's his constant pursuit of a relationship in Ukraine. What's that about?

[@TropicTrdr]

He may be a Passport Bro...

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Brian is definitely looking for a relationship that works for him. If that's in Ukraine or Mexico or the USA, whatever works for him...

[@bfdee1603]

Unconditional love...with his dog. Love to b d dog in this case😂😂😂

[@davebaker489]

No offence but I do believe Brian is looking for love in all the wrong places. (yes it is a song). My thoughts are 1st go further south. Embrace the heat. Your body will adjust. Then attend events i.e. Brighton's happy hour events. Leave yourself open and explore. You obviously love your pet , so use that to your advantage and meet other singles through pet groups or any other areas that really appeal to you. PS rent cost isn't all that's important to a good life. Or at least that's how I see it anyway. P n D

[@Zacatl1]

Yes he needs a small town lady

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

He's definitely looking for love in places that I haven't looked (Ukraine, Mexico) but I was lucky enough to find love in my living room (yes, I met Kat in my living room.)

[@davebaker489]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico I've got you beat. I met Pam at the propane tank at Costco's.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@davebaker489 Winner winner chicken dinner!

[@davebaker489]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico How did you know what I had for supper ? Genius !

[@brokenstacker8297]

I’m not sure he is correct about the immigration rules being different in his area.

[@fdm2155]

Yes, why would the immigration law be different? Enforcement might vary but I wouldn't want to chance it.

[@OldSchoolPrepper]

he is very wrong. at the very least he needs an FMM and the max it's good for is 6 months. He can leave and re-enter (with a new FMM) indefinitely... until it all become computerized at least, last year it was still on paper (I drive down the Baja 2 x a year) but they are going to a computer system but who knows if they'll check...however the rules are still the rules and the law the law. He really needs to rectify this right now, just cross into the US and re-enter and get the 6 month FMM and then apply for a temp. resident visa.

[@jackbaldwin3649]

He's not correct.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Just an FYI - Brian currently has an FMM.

[@endylovesmusic]

Hi there

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Hi Endy

[@feliperuiz4074]

Nota una vez que los drones comiencen a transportar gente no más retrasos en las fronteras

[@Mphscat]

From experience: One of my male best friends met and married a Russian. WORST. MISTAKE. EVER. I think this guy is another example of that. That being said: I am a native American married to a Mexican born over there lol. We say we're a "mocha" lol. I am shocked he thinks living there is okay. Wow Brighton... how you found this guy?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks for sharing a bit of your story. Playas de Tijuana is a pretty safe place. I think the eastern side of TJ is the most dangerous part. I think I found Brian in the TJ Expats Facebook Group.

[@jude999]

How do I get a 73 day fiance? So in other words he wants to get laid but doesn't want to get married😂. I wonder how he was able to collect his pension while globetrotting. This is probably the coolest guess you've had. Just goes with the flow. I love his dog

[@2ndlife-xq2yj]

this Ukraine part is very interesting, Halvkolv, Leviv, Odessa, etc, can’t understand why he jump over all those Ukraine/Moldova places, unless he might have a family root to Europe / Ukraine? that was not mentioned

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I'm not sure what drove him to Ukraine - except that he had some experience with a Ukrainian woman in the past. I'm sure his pension is just deposited into his bank - you can collect your Social Security almost anywhere in the world (not counting Cuba, North Korea, etc.)

[@WalterMoorer-t5q]

Yes I had a Barbershop in zona Norte in Tijuana... No girlfriend needed! You can have multiple for an hour at a time.😂

[@colincampbell1478]

Only 1424 murders this year in Tijuana. Wonder if that's a record low?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yup - and Brian feels completely safe as do most Americans living there. Hmmm... how is that possible?

[@e.m.9415]

Para estas alturas de estar viviendo en México por tanto tiempo sabes que el mal llamado termino "expat" es sólo una vocecilla que los estadounidenses escuchan y que nadie usa excepto ellos, eso para tratar de justificar que ellos tienen necesidad de una vida mejor a mejor costo que la anterior que tenían, sin hacerse ver cómo uno de aquellos que vienen de esos países que les asusta ver en EEUU También ya debes de saber la diferencia entre Estados Unidos y América Ustedes no llaman "expats" a los venezolanos, cubanos, mexicanos etc en EEUU Son llamados ilegales o inmigrantes en el mejor de los casos

[@alexdetagxi8148]

600 is high

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

OK

[@brokenstacker8297]

I’m not sure he is correct about the immigration rules being different in his area.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I think you’re right. There are some more flexible rules in the border zone, but I think there are still requirements for people staying longer than 72 hours. Of course how do the cops know when you crossed the border if you didn’t stop at immigration?

[@OldSchoolPrepper]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico fingers crossed he doesn't get pulled over, while driving around Tijuana and gets asked for a copy of his FMM...

[@AnaFrost-z8n]

I'd love to know cost to insure my vehicle if I move to TJ? My research only gives American companies.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@AnaFrost-z8n Check www.bajabound.com for an insurance quote.