Digital Nomad Life in Tijuana, Mexico

"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," explained one expat living in Tijuana, Mexico.

"Expats living in Tijuana can join clubs and activities such as language exchanges, sports clubs, hiking clubs and meet-up groups. Expatriates can also meet people by attending international events, such as music festivals or art exhibitions. Furthermore, expats may join existing professional or work related networks, or frequent cultural and social venues such as cafes and restaurants in Tijuana. Additionally, expats can join social media and online communities specifically designed for people living in Tijuana," said one person in Tijuana.

"Because we live in a border region, people's priorities generally revolve around family and work, in that order, then friends, socializing and sports," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Tijuana.

"Tijuana is an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads due to its close proximity to the United States, its vibrant culture, and its relatively low cost of living. Expats and digital nomads in Tijuana can enjoy a wide variety of activities, from exploring the city's vibrant nightlife to taking in the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The city also offers a wide range of amenities, from modern shopping malls to traditional markets. Expats and digital nomads in Tijuana can also take advantage of the city's excellent healthcare system and its many educational opportunities. With its diverse culture, friendly locals, and vibrant atmosphere, Tijuana is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads looking for an exciting and rewarding experience," explained one person living in Tijuana, Mexico.

"One way to find a place to live in Tijuana is to visit the local real estate agencies. These agencies can provide you with listings of available properties and can help you find the right place for you in Tijuana. Additionally, you can also search online for apartment rentals or listings of available homes in the Tijuana area. You can also network with family, friends, or colleagues, as they may be familiar with the area and can provide on-the-ground advice to help you find the right home," explained one expat living in Tijuana, Mexico.

"When we still lived in PV, my Mexican husband contacted a real estate place that handled rentals. He flew there to see it and we moved there. Two years later we found a bigger/better place, closer to the border, on the recommendation from a buddy at his work," said one person in Tijuana.

"Before retiring in Tijuana, expats should become familiar with the laws and regulations of the country. They should also make sure they have a valid Visa in order to stay in the country. Expats should also research the cost of living in the region to make sure their budget is sufficient for the lifestyle they desire. Additionally, it is important to research medical services in the area to make sure there is access to quality care for any health needs. It is also essential to familiarize oneself with the local culture to make sure the transition to living in Mexico is smoother," said one person in Tijuana.

"Make language acquistion a high priority--but not over taking care of you family's needs! If you know nothing about Mexican culture, working with a Mexican professional language tutor can really help you learn the culture at the same time. Be prepared that adjusting to a foreign environment can be very difficult--usually more so for spouses (typically SAHM) and takes up to 3 years to begin to feel a part of the community," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Tijuana.

"Expats in Tijuana appreciate the friendly, outgoing locals who make them feel welcomed. They are also drawn to the vibrant nightlife and diverse range of restaurants serving up excellent Mexican cuisine. They enjoy the city’s musical history and its close proximity to the beach and the U.S.-Mexico border. Expats in Tijuana are also charmed by the affordable cost of living, allowing them to experience the city’s unique culture without breaking the bank," said one person in Tijuana.

"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," said one expat who made the move to Tijuana.

"If you plan to stay in Tijuana for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a Temporary Resident Card (a Tarjeta de Residencia Temporal, or IFE) from the National Institute of Migration. This application will require you to submit a valid passport, two passport-sized photos, a completed application form, and proof of financial resources. Depending on the length of your intended stay in Mexico, you may also need to apply for other immigration documents, such as an FM2 visa," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Tijuana.

"It is important to be aware of the customs and culture in Tijuana before visiting in order to avoid making a cultural faux pas. It is considered disrespectful to talk about politics or take photos of people without permission. Additionally, it is generally best to dress conservatively and avoid swearing in public. Furthermore, be sure to pay close attention to behavior that is acceptable in public settings; for example, refrain from showing affection in public and address authority figures with respect. Above all, be respectful and courteous to those around you," remarked one member in Tijuana.

"Although I have met people having care for serious conditions, my experience has only been dental. People I know who had the same procedure done just across the border in San Diego had side effects I did not experience with my Mexican dentist," explained one digital nomad living in Tijuana, Mexico.

"Tijuana offers a variety of healthcare services to its citizens and visitors. The city has a number of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide a range of services, including general medical care, emergency services, and specialized care. Many of these facilities are equipped with modern medical technology and staffed by experienced professionals. Additionally, Tijuana is home to a number of pharmacies, where visitors can purchase over-the-counter medications and other health-related products. The city also has a number of alternative medicine practitioners, such as acupuncturists, herbalists, and homeopaths, who offer their services to those seeking alternative treatments," said one member in Tijuana.

"Expats and digital nomads living in Tijuana often appreciate the city's vibrant culture, diverse cuisine, and affordable cost of living. They also enjoy the close proximity to the beach and the US border, making it easy to explore both countries. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the city's high crime rate and lack of public transportation to be drawbacks. Additionally, the air quality in Tijuana can be poor due to the city's industrialization," explained one person living in Tijuana, Mexico.