Pros vs. Cons of Moving to Tijuana, Mexico | July 2022

[@julietb.g9870]

I moved to Tijuana 2 1/2 years ago and it was the best decision. I temporarily came to Tijuana and decided to permanently stay and recently bought a house in a private community and it's been so great for my mental health. I did have a few struggles with the language (Cali Spanish and TJ Spanish wayyy different), I did get lost a few times, but that's just how I learned to get around. LOVE LOVE TJ

[@nctacoz]

Hey, did you have any problem buying a house as an US citizen or do you have dual citizenship? I’m planning to buy a house in Tj in the future but I’m not sure if I can being a US citizen

[@MichaelBanfield-xz5sp]

Cali Spanish? I think you mean Spanglish?

[@LalaSmiles]

@@MichaelBanfield-xz5spno the way Spanish is spoken in California is different than Tijuana.

[@deehanspal6574]

I am looking to move to TJ. Did you use an agent to find your place?

[@mariocorral704]

@@LalaSmiles spanish is spanish all over the only diference are the native words same as english

[@alohadave13]

Great video. I live part-time in Tijuana and mostly in Ensenada. You touched on both the pros and the cons, and I agree with you. Crossing the border has become more challenging but fortunately I have a SENTRI pass so it's not too bad. My experience living in Mexico has only been positive with a few minor exceptions. I've found the cost of food, medical necessities, and basic everyday living are far lower than living in the U.S. Unfortunately, a lot of other people living on the other side of the border are discovering this which is making it harder for us that already live here. Such is life. Viva México!

[@nicolaevans2020]

Do you have a video about schools and safety in general?

[@brandonwalker1473]

I'm sitting in the 102° heat on Oct 13 in Phoenix watching this. I'm a 3rd generation Phoenician and am so ready to leave. The only thing I need to research is school systems there for my son

[@VergaDeLosVergas]

I’m not sure how good it is personally but my nephew goes in at like 630 and they’re teaching him English and whatnot as well. He doesn’t seem like he’s delayed at all compared to American kids

[@deejayhavana]

Hows it going now 6 months later? We need update pls.

[@andrea4liberation]

HI! Sorry, life has been...life. I'll do another video soon as a few things have changed!

[@deejayhavana]

@@andrea4liberation its all good

[@darkslayer1000000]

If you’re Mexican American and by this i mean both your parents were born in Mexico (not second or third generation Mexican Americans) get your dual citizenship ASAP! It’ll be much easier to do things.

[@80sbreaker]

hi i am in the process of moving into tijuana on september but is the crossing back into the us takes 2 to 3 hours daily and is that all day long or only in early morning hours and will it be faster to walk into the us and take a cab or trolley to san diego

[@armandoruiz2089]

Are. U. A. Truck. Driver. Class. A. Thx.

[@ShaysRebellion1786]

The 2-3 hours is a good estimate during the workday. There are three crossings (San Ysidro, Otay and Tecate). I find if you go to Otay after 6 pm the wait time is a bit better.

[@TomMurrayPHR]

Punctuality is an issue in Mexico. I lived in Los Cabos for two years and quickly learned that "I'll be there tomorrow" could mean later today or sometime next week. If you're going to live in a border town, get Global Entry and/or Sentri. It's cheap, easy, and well worth the effort.

[@pauli4036]

Great info AV! Thank you!

[@gemstateofmind]

Great video! Thank you for sharing. Does anyone know if websites like Rent Berry and Point 2 Point are reliable websites to apply and rent an apartment from in TJ?

[@josephrodriguez5510]

I agree, we do need green areas, I really don't trust that they will end up doing the park, is up to us the citizens to create more green spaces and maintaining those. Plus a con for me is that the public transportation sucks

[@Ms.Littles2020]

Hello Andrea. Do you know and recommend a facilitator to help with temporary residency in Mexico. I'd be entering Mexico from Tijuana

[@andrea4liberation]

Hi! I believe that there are people who help with this. I would recommend checking the Expats of Tijuana Facebook group. :)

[@omargarcia67]

What did you use to find a place down there? Do you rent or own?

[@JaeFleming]

Hello, I just got a job offer in SD. I want to live in TJ and I need some tips

[@andrea4liberation]

Hi Jae! I highly recommend joining the Expats of Tijuana group on Facebook. So many questions have been discussed here. ♡ Best of luck!

[@JaeFleming]

@@andrea4liberation Thanks I’ve been living here for 3 months now

[@rudyy19]

@@JaeFleming how is it? Been thinking of moving there

[@JaeFleming]

@@rudyy19 it’s great. I’m saving so much money

[@rudyy19]

@@JaeFleming what area did you move in to?

[@theconfessionsofahebrewisr2975]

Hello, Thanks for the video. It helps alot. Im also considering TJ coming from MN. What area would you recommend down there? Playas, chico? Thanks! Yes, the TR video would be nice

[@theconfessionsofahebrewisr2975]

Sounds like yoy may be in playas if your that close to the beach but three minutes from the border. If so, do you enjoy the area?

[@MichaelBanfield-xz5sp]

The road to playas is under construction due to a giant sinkhole. The ocean is always contaminated from sewage run off. It's usually a 2 to 3 hour looong wait to visit The USA.

[@hippiepastor1953]

Beautiful. Great tips, Tks

[@rubyrobles7727]

Love ur video Can u make a video of where u go to the doctor and dentist in Tijuana please

[@jachmd]

Great summary! I would add as a pro the affordable dental care.

[@futbol1972]

Which is a good area to live in tj?

[@ThatBlackGuyinMexico]

It depends if you are looking for the more affordable cheaper areas or the nicer more luxurious scenic areas

[@abrahamgonzales6240]

Altamira or if you want upscale then Cacho.

[@leighlester9002]

Your IG is not working. I'd love to chat with you about moving to TJ.

[@GuadalupeAvalos-ey7qg]

I will reconsider ? Is it very safe ??

[@sarahlabeb4328]

How long do it take you to move travel there ?

[@johnnysins6194]

What part of TJ are the safest to move to?

[@Millionin2025]

As a single woman is it safe? Do I have to speak Spanish?

[@QBPassportFlexin]

Are you still making videos?

[@raulpizano9064]

I m livingin casa grande az and the wather is crazy I'm thinking to move to tijuana to , thank for the information. Good video

[@andrea4liberation]

It's only going to get progressively worse! I am so glad you found the info useful. There are many other things to consider but I wanted to cover some random ones too!

[@MichaelBanfield-xz5sp]

The weather is nice in TJ, but the air quality will make you have astma. The traffic and over population will give you high blood pressure. Buen suerte.

[@wesgraham2262]

All I hear is dogs barking. Is that all the time?

[@paulc1014]

Any cartel incidents going on in TIjuana? cause i know texas has major problems with cartel at the border

[@andrea4liberation]

There was one weekend with heavy cartel activity. The city shut down but no civilians were hurt, fortunately.

[@Luaone]

Do you have sentri or global? If so whats the wait time while waiting at the border?

[@andrea4liberation]

Yes, I finally got it again. I made the big mistake of letting it expire before I moved out here. The times vary. My husband crosses at 5:30 am to work at 7AM and he usually has a lot of time leftover. I cross at non busy times so it takes 0 to 15 minutes.

[@futbol1972]

​@@andrea4liberationwhat are the non busy times to cross🙄🙄

[@bookerdewitt1039]

Great tips! Thanks for making this😊

[@yaskingslay]

I'm in San Diego Now and am trying to move to Tijuana.

[@ThatBlackGuyinMexico]

The process is super simple!

[@KaiIsrael-vs8ry]

Me to

[@glusur76]

is it true you can live in Tijuana for 180 days before you have to get a visa?@@ThatBlackGuyinMexico

[@chingon3461]

Can you give an update on you living in tijuana.

[@andrea4liberation]

Hi there! Yes I will be doing a video soon as we will be leaving Mexico in October.

[@BeautifulBrandyJ]

i work in san diego do u have more info on applying for the global entry ??

[@hippiepastor1953]

Your attitude, your spirit, your honesty. You got the goods Girl. I live in Peru which is a whole different situation. Many people from the USA believe that everything south of the border is the same Skaw with a different pair of panties 😅. But that couldn't be any further from the truth. My father was Peruvian and my Mom a New York Rican from the Bronx, I was born also in New York. English is my 1st language, I learned Spanish at the age of 10 cause we went to live in Peru for a couple of years. When you learn a language at that age you learn it well with 0 accent. So in the USA I'm an American and in Latin America I am a Latino, that's how come here in Lima I rent a 2 bedroom apartment 1 block from the beach for 250 USA dólares. Aca no soy Gringo. Pero estoy pensando mudarme pa Tijuana.

[@swiftswo3600]

How is TJ so far?

[@justindong5863]

where do you buy the cheapest groceries in tijuana?

[@andrea4liberation]

I usually shop at Soriana or Calimax. They aren't the cheapest places but they tend to have everything I need. I would encourage buying from the little popup markets. You can find them in almost every neighborhood.

[@abrahamgonzales6240]

Ley grocery store

[@reggiesmith131]

What is sentri and global

[@kem8534]

Hello Andrea! I am planning on doing a surgery in Tijuana and wanted to connect with someone over there that could take me to the surgery location and back to the airport. If you if you could connect with me or know anyone that would be great for this let me know. I would appreciate it

[@futbol1972]

So do u work in tj now?

[@KaiIsrael-vs8ry]

Thank you so much i wanna live in tj but i gotta do more research

[@j209westmoh9]

One of the safest places i aspire to one day move there & living out the rest of my days there

[@AalegendsAdventure]

What area is this in I’ve been looking just a bit stuck

[@andrea4liberation]

I recommend searching the Expats of Tijuana group for areas. There are plenty of options to choose from depending on what you are looking for specifically.

[@blackbutterflyexpat]

Welcome to Tijuana 🦋

[@diegodelavega6237]

The dog thing is not an issue at La cacho neighborhood, most my neighbors walk their dogs around here just fine! But take a treat and give it to any dog they’ll calm down

[@andrea4liberation]

Ahhh we definitely looked in that neighborhood but it's in such high demand that we didn't find something. Our dog sadly passed away in January so we moved to a development near the Otay

[@jerrysrecoveringaddict-alc6213]

I just moved here as well and I am from Arizona From Prescott LOL

[@SoCalTransformations]

What about cartel murders?

[@compassionatepeercounseling]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It is so helpful.

[@andrea4liberation]

Absolutely! Glad I can help. :) We are moving out of Mexico in October and will do a update video soon!

[@compassionatepeercounseling]

@@andrea4liberation thanks for sharing.

[@v-mike-v]

Glad you are having a good time here in Mx. Mostly ^^ Welcome!

[@andrea4liberation]

Gracias, amigo! I really do love it. Small things are different but much better than living in Arizona. Haha

[@Maribelle_ugc]

Also great tips thank you !

[@norwegianblue2017]

Sorry, but you're crazy if you are more worried about the police on the US side. My Latina wife certainly isn't afraid of US cops. I know multiple people who were shaken down by the police on the Mexican side, never heard one story of that in the US. The police in Mexico are also frequently on the take from the cartels. In 2007, it had gotten so bad with Tijuana police that they had to be disarmed and replaced with federales. Some of the TJ police were issued sling shots!

[@natanhaelalvarado6137]

As a Mexican I really don’t understand why the city of Tijuana doesn’t improve their roads and overall image being the entry point for foreigners, with the exception of the middle and upper class areas, the city is ugly even for Mexicans like myself, I don’t know why border cities are like this, compare Tijuana to Monterrey, Querétaro, Puebla, Guadalajara, Morelia, Merida, etc, etc, etc. and it’s just ugly.

[@livemusic_321]

Very informative

[@crisc.castillo979]

I was part of that statistic and then moved to LA after living there for 6 months. I miss our nice streets and freeways. Also to note the corruption is unbearable. We knew someone who got put in jail and beat up for not giving into a bribe, so don’t get caught in a remote location or where people aren’t present if possible. Don’t pay the bribe pay the fine! You got cali plates be prepared to be stopped and extorted for money (TJ police do this on purpose because of the gentrification from the US - upset due to rising rent). You have no rights btw so don’t go talking back to cops. You get haggled for money on every corner, basically everywhere at all times (gets old)!!! Best places to live is Zona Rio imo. TJ is pretty dusty and you will constantly be at the car wash. At one point the dust was so bad I developed flem- mucus for awhile. Only thing good about TJ is cheap rent and the food. There are barely if not any attractions so once you have done everything in the city, Rosarito, and Ensenada there is nothing else to do. Only bars and food. Waiters are rude and will demand propina, once I gave them propina (tip of $100 bucks) and they demanded more - highend restaurant in Nuevo city, they tried to take advantage of me while I was buzzed off of 🍷 . Not all waiters are rude btw but many are. Workers on avg make 8-10 bucks a day. It’s just not there yet… lastly you do not have freedom of speech and the corruption runs thorough all chain of command - source I lived it. You tell their chief that the cops ask you for a bribe they deny it and say you are lying. I was told that if I continued to lie I would be put in jail - again no rights and just only speak English to them trust me don’t do Spanish with law enforcement. You can record the police and many will ask you to turn off the camera 🎥 upon a stop, this is scary. The line is usually 2-4 hours on wait time by car, thank god I work remote but I once waited 4 hours in my car to get In n Out in SD. There is even a wait time to get into Mexico lately of 30 minutes to an hour sometimes. Declare your imports as well of goods. Best vet is in playas de Tijuana for animals hands down! You got this video on point!!!! TJ is basically the new little San Diego so don’t be surprised to find many Americans all around.

[@armandoruiz2089]

Your. So. Perfectly. Correct. Are. U. A. Truck. Driver. Class. A. LMK. And. We're. Do. U. Live. In. LA. Thanks. For. Spreading. The. Truth.

[@crisc.castillo979]

@@armandoruiz2089 I’m not a truck driver, I’m a integrations engineer in tech aka a developer/programmer, a person who codes for a living and works from home. I live at this building in downtown LA - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGqWgmSDmpuknac

[@armandoruiz2089]

@@crisc.castillo979 copy. I'm. I n. Huntington. Pk

[@bossmedia4028]

You sound like you got a stick up your ass and some woke dope just making trouble. Stay in the US.

[@crisc.castillo979]

@@bossmedia4028 that I will buddy! Thanks for the good karma 😊.

[@adrianmuro5075]

I love Tijuana. There is life there. The food and the people are great. And its more affordable

[@Petapan33]

I'll be there in a month and I'd love to connect with locals. 😊

[@andrea4liberation]

Ahhh how exciting!!! How has it been so far?

[@dianamacedo8669]

Nobody wants to connect with you as far as we know your an outsider. When they said they liked guerras they meant españolas from Europe. Not American gringas that don’t speak Spanish and are trash.

[@FreeToBe_Me]

This was so helpful, thank you! I’d love to see a video of how to find an apt while still in the US (without an agent) in a way that doesn’t inflate the prices

[@27mattlynch]

Any luck?

[@andrea4liberation]

Facebook Marketplace is great but the best way is to come down for a weekend and drive around the potential neighborhoods. Most people have signs up. This is the best way!

[@FreeToBe_Me]

@@andrea4liberation Thanks for the info! I’ve read mentions of water shutoffs from the TJ expat group. Has that been an issue for you?

[@andrea4liberation]

@@FreeToBe_Me It has happened a few times so be sure to rent a place that has a water tank. If so, the shut offs won't disrupt your life at all. :)

[@deehanspal6574]

Hi Andrea! Thank you for sharing all of the info! Do you reccomend an agent or website to find an apartment?

[@MsChmpnprzr]

Commenting to see the response

[@Maribelle_ugc]

What about if I had an emergency with my 5 month old baby? That’s something that I’m wondering and worried about. Would I be able to take my baby to the ER or would I have to cross the border?

[@andrea4liberation]

You would be able to come to the emergency room here as a temporary resident and there are many great hospitals. Also, the cost will be significantly lower than in the US.

[@MichaelBanfield-xz5sp]

If you have to get medical treatment for your baby in Mexico without insurance, you are taking a big risk and you may have to pay up front or go to jail for not paying.

[@stevec9205]

I'm telling everybody to move down to Tijuana so what there's a line at least you can live off of 50k a year comfortably

[@andrea4liberation]

If they move here and work in the US, they're going to suffer and cause a lot pf problems for the people who are already here. The border is severely overcrowded.

[@dzim8822]

3:30 The ocean water of the beach in Playas de Tijuana is usually dirtier than the beaches in San Diego because raw sewage is dumped into the ocean on the Mexico side of the border 💩

[@SgtHeimlich]

Im domincan in Tempe Arizona and have never felt threatened by police, total bs

[@worldobserver3515]

"It's not Phoenix hot..." No place is like Phoenix. I would take Vegas in the summer over Phoenix.

[@diegodelavega6237]

I been pull over is you have everything in order they won’t ask for anything, but if you committed an infraction, then Yes, I paid $25 for speeding, Didn’t do it on purpose! Otherwise they take your plate to Guaranty payment it’s the law I did the research.

[@chingon3461]

What's the name of that law?

[@californickation]

It’s the laws of the market you cannot keep the prices down. The more Americans will move down here to Tijuana, and the more the prices will go up. Then Tijuana will be divided in really nice, and safe, areas and really nasty, and unsafe area.

[@andrea4liberation]

This sounds like the perspective of a non-Native person who is taking advantage of the city on the people in Mexico...

[@ALUM1CE_]

I wouldn't say I like how Americans still seem to think everything should be cheaper for them when we price out many in their native country.

[@andrea4liberation]

This is an issue being seen all over tuenworld as people are migrating everywhere. I really wish people would turn their energy into campaigns against their local governments to create change rather than to humans trying to survive. Immigration is a human right to everyone. Sadly, survival is a priority and I would never discredit anyone for trying to survive.

[@MichaelBanfield-xz5sp]

I agree. They should raise the rent for non-citizens of Mexico. There should be a law and a tax.

[@MichaelBanfield-xz5sp]

@@andrea4liberation He specifically mentioned Americans who don't even respect the Native culture, wanting things to be like America while taking advantage of a country's economic situation. Americans not loyal to their country while ignorantly gentrifying another.

[@dianamacedo8669]

Yes because they think they have all these privileges and rights it’s not the US. They want to get paid the American dollar and pay Mexican rent in pesos. Fuck these people then they want us to serve them with a smile. FUCK THESE RACIST AMERICAN PEOPLE.

[@ositofreitas]

The new generation of Americans coming here to live, mostly African Americas, do not speak Spanish and get worked over for prices for rent and use agents that drive up the costs up to 70% more than going directly with the owner.

[@andrea4liberation]

I've noticed the opposite, actually. My fiance and I are actually learning Spanish speaking techniques from an African American man here on YT. I think it's just a generational thing, not a race thing. But I do agree that the agent thing is super awful. They have these in Spain and people end up paying the cost of a full months rent just to pay the agent fee. It's really out of hand there and it looks like TJ will go that directly too if we don't actively fight against it.

[@MichaelBanfield-xz5sp]

Those are pochos and they should pay higher rent in Mexico. Sin verguenza. Aprendes español.

[@hyaaclea6008]

Hi is the water safe to drink

[@andrea4liberation]

The consensus is yes but we use a Brita type filter to be extra safe.

[@adamtajyar]

@@andrea4liberationI would use reverse osmosis and boil it too if you plan on drinking tap water. Or just play it safe and buy bottled water

[@anaml3879]

No creo que dure mucho viviendo ahi, esta acostumbrada demasiado a estados unidos.

[@user-hk6xr5bo6r]

😂

[@andrea4liberation]

My intention was to never live in Mexico forever. I wanted to reconnect with my ancestors as much as possible while my husband can still work and go to school in the US. I am so grateful for my time in Mexico but it was never going to be a forever thing. My life goal is to move back to Spain. That is where my heart is.

[@hyaaclea6008]

Hi I saw a video saying that the beach water there has problems with sewage runoff into the water and the water is not clean or tested is this true and it was Tijuana thanks

[@andrea4liberation]

Yes this is true. There are local activists who have fortunately been petitioning for cleaner water. We don't go in the water in Playas but the water is much cleaner in Rosarito and Ensenada which are a short drive.

[@bossmedia4028]

The Tijuana beach is a city type beach. People go there to hang out party and drink not go in the water. The beaches further south are for that.

[@mymusicpage3172]

Your such a victim. I am a Chicano and I never fear the police. I am respectful and accept consequences if I break the law. Me and my wife love the police. Of course I have had a few bad experiences but never serious and they are much better trained now.

[@hiddengem2930]

What address do you use in California for work

[@andrea4liberation]

I have friends here so we were fortunate enough to use theirs.

[@Tekatogokuta]

wth are you talking about animal entitlement

[@kitdacrazephillythekraze7561]

Men loves go too Walt Disney's in Tijuana zona Norte

[@andrea4liberation]

This is why it's so hard to get home Friday haha the line is ridiculous

[@kitdacrazephillythekraze7561]

​@@andrea4liberation Ha ha ha definitely Hong Kong that's my playground lol

[@TheHiphopgems]

Good video but the sound is not good

[@andrea4liberation]

Yeah sorry. I am not making videos to make a profit, just to provide info. I won't invest in technology for this reason.

[@TheHiphopgems]

@@andrea4liberation ok

[@Lee-qf9uf]

I'm leaving because of the invasive phone spying.

[@sesspess]

I would have though no more pop&mon´s stores because the OXXOS all over!

[@gasaul5759]

I disagree a bit with the green areas. Tijuana is not a naturally green city, its vegetation is made up of bushes and cacti. Also, there is a water crisis, it would be illogical to maintain green areas of non-native plants.

[@1rider3bluee31]

Lmao 😂 Tijuana cops can be trusted. You live another world you described everything about wrong liek everything

[@zonanorte6563]

100%

[@barboshaa]

"expats moving here"? You mean immigrants?

[@OGNAHEIR]

Ok.. so.. the gringo MUST KEEP "CIEN DOLLARS" U.S. you don't have it for them- jail

[@andrea4liberation]

My husband is White. He gets stopped at the border almost every day but hasn't had a bad experience with the police.

[@allfiredup200099]

awesome/lol not dog friendly? thats great ,

[@sesspess]

Th best is you can have a maid and a cook!

[@ramoncastillo3462]

Yu can If yu have a motorcycle lol 😂🎉

[@albertrivera5443]

The only pro is tijuana tacos 🌮

[@bossmedia4028]

Women are way better than am women

[@rickyfountain5884]

U fine

[@EduardoSilva-ti5sq]

Hell no nyc is the most concrete city

[@andrea4liberation]

That's actually not true. New Yorkers have 13.75 Square Meters per person of green space while Tijuana has .08 meters. per person.

[@jenkeller5758]

Police is Tj are ruthless lol...

[@adamtajyar]

The police they’re are completely useless. Majority of them are corrupt. 70%-80% of them are working for the cartel although there are some honest cops in Tijuana but not many.

[@OGNAHEIR]

You lucked out with the cops

[@jademartinez8143]

I don't know how Americans can move to Tijuana

[@andrea4liberation]

Mexicans are Americans...

[@bossmedia4028]

Tijuana is awesome you’re just clueless

[@unknowndriver6652]

Cause you get a property on the beach for half the money

[@juaquinrodriguez9086]

Seeking attention 😂😂

[@armandoruiz2089]

Love. This. Girl. So. Honest.

[@armandoruiz2089]

Nice. Video. I'm. Glad. My. Mini. Mansion. Is. Almost. Done. 8. Min. Walk. To. Beach. Yet. No. Traffic. Noise and. No. Noise. Need. To. Get. Away. From. Slavery. Sooooooo. See. You. When. You. Show. Upp