Tijuana, Mexico
An expat in Tijuana, Mexico talks about what it's like living in a border city, locals focus on family, athletic activities and more.
Tijuana
2 years
Tijuana is an athletic city. They love their soccer and baseball. Joining the local leagues are a great way of meeting others. They also have outdoor clubs such as hiking clubs and rock climbing and rappelling clubs which are active and a great way to meet others. The friends I made in one of these clubs then brought me around to different festivals and events at which I met more people and expanded my new friend network.
As might be expected their is a large economic diversity in Tijuana. As long as you respect them this normally does not become an issue. They are accepting of religious differences. You can find multiple religions and places of worship. That being said it is of great help to be able to speak basic Spanish. They are accepting of other cultures but most do not speak any language other then Spanish.
Being a border town their are a lot of cross border related jobs. It is also an industrial town and so factory work and its associated management positions are common. The best situation would be to have a job on the American side but live in Tijuana as this would allow for higher wages and the lower cost of living.
The locals work long hours (normally 48 hours a week) but their priority still remains to their family first. Family is everything to them and they will miss work to take care of a sick child or bring an aunt to the clinic. Outside of work and family they love music, dancing, to eat, and play and watch soccer and baseball.
Learn Basic Spanish is number one. Two be prepared for the culture shock. It is a completely different way of living from most countries and you will need to adapt to their way and not the other way around. It's best if you know some people there before going. They can help you with the adaption and suggest the safer areas as well as the areas to stay away from.
An Expat Talks about Culture Shock & Living in Puerto Penasco, Mexico
An expat in Puerto Penasco, Mexico appreciates the lower priced food and rent. She loves seeing the fishermen repair their nets on her street preparing for the next day of fishing. She advises newcomers to use your Spanish, even if you make mistakes, and eat the delicious street food.
An Expat Talks about Culture Shock & Living in Merida, Mexico
An expat in Merida, Mexico offers some insight into the challenges of settling in and living there. Some of the topics include driving, what it's like there if you don't speak Spanish, and much more. This expat clearly is an optimist and is determined to make life in Merida with her husband a success!
An Expat Discusses Living in Ajijic, Mexico, Mexico
An expat in Ajijic, Mexico offers a lot of information about the many expat clubs and volunteer organizations that thrive in the Lake Chapala / Ajijic area.
An Expat Discusses Living in San Carlos, Mexico
According to an expat in San Carlos, Mexico, this expat-friendly area has lots of English speakers and plenty to do. From ample activities to opportunities to help charitable organizations, San Carlos has a lot to offer... unless you're looking for cultural immersion!
Expatriate Health Insurance
Get a quote for expat health insurance in Mexico from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote
15 Expats Talk About Life in Mexico
Healthcare in Mexico
If you're moving to Mexico or an expat living in Mexico, understanding the Mexican healthcare system is essential. We offer an overview of the public and private healthcare systems in Mexico, health insurance for expats in Mexico, hospitals and prescription drugs.
Expat Banking: Tips for Expats in Mexico
Expats in Mexico face the challenge of successfully managing their finances while living there, and that always starts with settling on the right expat financial services. Here are some tips from expats already living in Mexico based on their actual experiences with banks there.
An Expat Shares What it's Like Retiring in Ajijic and Chapala, Mexico
A retiree in Ajijic (Lake Chapala), Mexico chose to move to Lake Chapala because of its lower cost of living, better weather and friendly people. Life in Lake Chapala has exceeded his expectations -- he bought a house and got married.
An Expat Talks about Moving to Playa del Carmen, Mexico
A retiree who visited Playa del Carmen and then returned a month later to rent for a year is very happy with her decision. She's living 3 blocks from the beach and paying a third of what she'd be paying in her home country.
Copyright 1997-2019 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.
