Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Tijuana, Mexico

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Tijuana

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

One of the most challenging aspects of the local culture for expats living in Tijuana is the relative safety of the city. While violent crime is relatively low in comparison to other Mexican cities, it is still present, so expats must exercise caution when in certain areas and at certain times of the night. Additionally, given the city's proximity to the United States, crime related to drug trafficking is also an issue. Expats must also be aware of the local customs and language in order to fit in and not become an easy target for potential criminals. Finally, another challenge is the fact that most services are available in Spanish, and that very few locals are able to communicate in English, making it essential for expats to learn the language if they want to communicate easily.