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Hi. My name is Bill. I just moved to Playas de Tijuana. I have a nice place to live. I'm happy with the many conveniences in the immediate area - especially the beach. I came to this site via BajaGringo's posts on TijuanaBlog.com. I am looking for any information that will make this transition easier.

My number one priority is to learn to communicate effectively in Spanish. My previous experience with the language dates back to some classes when I was in the ninth grade. I also spent two weeks in the Honduras when I was in the twelfth grade and in the u.s. army reserves. So I came here basically clueless. I've found that my ability to learn new things by just reading books and the like has significantly diminished over time, so I'm hoping that an immersion strategy will work.

My other immediate/somewhat immediate goals include figuring out how I'm going to come by u.s. dollars each month to pay my rent (I think I'm close to figuring this one out), finding a bicycle (I gave mine away in Kansas City when I boarded a bus to finish the trip here), figuring out where to buy some clothes (I started my trip here on a bicycle, so not much came with me), finding these "swap meets" I've seen people refer to in their posts, figuring out what I'm going to do about this extremely unreliable wifi connection and figuring out the bus situation.

Down the road, I hope to figure out if I can afford to access some health care. In addition to dealing with pain, depression and anxiety, I'm hoping that maybe I can produce enough medical records to satisfy the social security people, so I don't have to go back to the u.s. in a couple of years.

I despise the racism and ethnocentricity that is rampant in the american culture. I don't want to read or hear any more bs about how unsafe it is here, how much thievery I have to watch out for or how the water is not safe to drink (BajaGringo has posted the best info on that topic over on TijuanaBlog (not trying to brown nose - just go read what he has said on the topic rather than posting any reply on the topic to this post)). I would rather engage in discussions that are more positive in tone about life here. I can already say this is a better city to live in than Milwaukee, Spokane, Chicago, Minneapolis, Louisville or Kansas City. I'm not here to talk crap about those places, but I will make comparisons if I see others posting bs about Tijuana. I believe that it is important to counteract misinformation that might find its way onto these TJ/BC-oriented sites because there may be others who want to escape that place up north, and they should have accurate information about the alternatives available to them.

I'm super happy to be here. I'm looking forward to lessening my dependency on the Calimax and Com Mex (yes, I'm an anti-capitalist too). I'm looking forward to being able to communicate with people on a level beyond simply completing transactions. I'm looking forward to jumping in the ocean (I went in up to my knees the first day, but I need some swimming trunks and water a few degrees warmer than it was that day). I've found the food at the little mom and pop stands to be delicious much more often than not (only one not so good meal thus far). I found a really nice trio of hombres selling produce off the back of a truck a few blocks away.

Some observations: When I carry my Spanish/English dictionary and make a noticeable effort, people are extremely helpful and patient with my efforts to communicate. This is kind of a culture shock because I've never observed such kindness being shown to non-English speaking people up north. I also haven't been able to find all of the fat people. Where are they all hiding? I also don't have to walk through clouds of cigarette smoke everywhere I go. It's a really nice change. And as a person who doesn't drive an automobile, it is simply unbelievable how courteous the drivers are here. These are indeed welcome culture shocks.

Thanks to everybody contributing to this forum. I hope to be able to contribute something that will be useful to others beginning in the not too distant future.

Hello sycho,

And to TalkBaja!

The Pacific water from the border to at least Guerrero Negro is usually really, really cold ALL all the time; even late summer. Usually quite a bit colder than San Diego just 20 miles north. Deep underwater canyons and upwelling.

You might make the best progress learning Spanish if you concentrate on being able to hear the sounds. When people speak naturally, words flow into one another and it's difficult at first for a non-native speaker to parse those sounds out into words.

How it usually goes is first you learn to read okay, then listen, and finally formulate your thoughts in your new language without having to translate them from English first.

As far as vocabulary goes, you already know half the words; they're just pronounced differently. It also helps to have a large vocabulary in English.

Whenever I'm stuck for a Spanish word, I try 5 synonyms in English(but pronounced like Spanish), and it's rare that at least one of those won't work.

Thank you, Marty. That is very helpful feedback. I was beginning to wonder if I am just becoming some kind of wimp when it comes to the water temperature. The part about learning the language makes more sense to me and is more in line with what I've experienced thus far than anything I've read or heard anywhere else.

Muchas gracias!

BIENVENIDO SYCHO!

Originally Posted by sycho

(yes, I'm an anti-capitalist too).

A welcome addition to Mexico....well, at least to these people:

Mexican Communist Party - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

You won't be able to actively participate due to your foriegnicity, but you can cheer them on from the sidelines. Tell them how you shunned your wealth for the good of the masses.....then, filed for disability.
Welcome to Mexico.

So when you say you need to figure out how to come by US dollars does that mean by earning them or just having access to an income stream that is already in place....maybe I missed something.
If it's the latter it ain't gonna be too difficult from Playas.

It was the latter, soulpatch, and I did figure it out. You're right about it not being too difficult - the ATM half a block away from where I am staying. Finding a bicycle, some garage sales, resale shops and swap meets/farmers markets/flea markets (whatever they have and are called here) are next up on the list. I've got a couple of weeks before I set off on that trek, though, as I have enough money left to eat and do little other spending for the rest of the month. The bicycle is really important because my body is not holding up well under the strain of walking.

Just had a look at Tijuana craigslist bicis... kinda pricey. But you might spot one where it's worth a little more money for the convenience.

I'd recommend getting a good bike for a bit more(Raleigh, GT, Giant, Diamondback) than a Walmart/Target(Huffy, Magna, Roadmaster, Pacific); you'll be hating a funky bike.

Best tires either a hybrid/compromise or a slow-but-forgiving knobby. Road tires are kind of sketchy considering all the potholes in TJ.

Pick of the litter at the moment:

Here's one for 85 bucks; good quality Giant hybrid. Not sure where Buenavista is.

Here's a $200 Trek hybrid; nice with front shock/shock seatpost in Soler. You'd do better on price up here with a little patience but he says "make an offer; I deal."

Here's an aluminum Diamondback(women's frame) with front shock; it's either a screaming deal at just over $60 American, or if that $800 is in dollars the guy's nuts.


Usually better prices/selection up here for sure but right now...nothing good for < $99. It comes and goes.

I bet the chances of you spotting something decent at the tianguis(swap meet) are quite slim. You know the old saying

There's good, cheap, and quick... pick any two.

Refer to Marty's post (above):

........Here's a $200 Trek hybrid; nice with front shock/shock seatpost in Soler. You'd do better on price up here with a little patience but he says "make an offer; I deal."

I would contact the guy and deal.......I have a Trek 7100 hybred and it's a sweet riding bike with plenty of suspension to handle the Ensenada roads. Can't go wrong with the 7200!!!!!

I've an old USA 10 speed. Ten speed. Needs new tires, could use a new set of goose neck bearings....
I'm in the SDSU area.... I was gonna rebuild it just for a classic Mexico bike for after my move but if you can arrange it it's yours.
It's kind of cool retro and with some fatboy tires on it it'd be an awesome baja road bike.... not too nice to spend much effort on stealing but nice enough to get around.

Bill, you were lucky you didn't get the other kind of inspection we have available here...



The carrot, rabbit, and life preserver I got right away...

I think that 4th item is a cupcake.

Originally Posted by Marty Cortez

Whenever I'm stuck for a Spanish word, I try 5 synonyms in English(but pronounced like Spanish), and it's rare that at least one of those won't work.

Good point, como "simple". "501 spanish verbs" was a big help for me. Very true about getting an ear for it. Lots of verbs to glen as you drive on Highway one from the "señales"
Saludos

Originally Posted by sycho

.....My other immediate/somewhat immediate goals include figuring out how I'm going to come by u.s. dollars each month to pay my rent (I think I'm close to figuring this one out).....

Why on earth do you need USD? You're in Mexico....pesos are the coin of the realm. If you use USD, you're just getting ripped off on the exchange rate. You'd be better off insisting on a fixed price rental amount in pesos. Only your landlord will benefit by asking you to pay the rent in USD. And if you take USD out of an ATM machine you really get screwed on fees, because in essence, you're buying foreign currency.

You're a LOT closer to the border than I am, but no one prices anything in USD here with the sole exception of realtors whose key target market is gringos.

Originally Posted by sycho

.....Down the road, I hope to figure out if I can afford to access some health care. In addition to dealing with pain, depression and anxiety, I'm hoping that maybe I can produce enough medical records to satisfy the social security people, so I don't have to go back to the u.s. in a couple of years.

Social Security?? Medicare/Medicaid?? I'm not sure what you're saying here. You can receive Social Security payments here, the only restriction is that it's mandatory that they be direct deposited into a peso account (coin of the realm thing again). Social Security will NOT deposit USD in Mexico, even if you have a USD account with a Mexican bank.

It's likely you'd have to jump through different hoops if you're on SS Disability & they require periodic medical screenings to verify whether or not a perceived temporary disability (vs permanent disability status) still exists in order to determine whether or not you'd still be eligible for receiving the disability portion of your payments.

At present, the US does not allow Medicare/Medicaid for care outside the US, and it probably will remain that way during our lifetime.

Originally Posted by sycho

....I'm looking forward to lessening my dependency on the Calimax and Com Mex (yes, I'm an anti-capitalist too). I found a really nice trio of hombres selling produce off the back of a truck a few blocks away.

Then frequent the local little Mom & Pop tiendas in your local neighborhood; they have lower price mark-ups & profit margins & no middle-man, their profits go toward feeding their family. Ditto for the produce truck.

Originally Posted by sycho

....And as a person who doesn't drive an automobile, it is simply unbelievable how courteous the drivers are here.

I totally agree on the friendliness & helpful of the majority of the Mexican people....up & until it comes to TJ drivers! You're obviously not in any area of TJ that I've ever driven through!!

Since it sounds like you crossed the border via bus, I'm assuming that you stopped & obtained an FMM for a full 180-days at the border? And that you're researched, or are willing to research how to stay in the country legally beyond 180-days?

Welcome to Baja! Immerse yourself & enjoy!

PS
www.beachcalifornia.com/beach/...ocean-temperature.html
If you're looking for warmer ocean temps, you'll need to go a lot further South than the SanDiego/TJ area!

By the way .... welcome aboard..

Originally Posted by longlegsinlapaz

It's likely you'd have to jump through different hoops if you're on SS Disability & they require periodic medical screenings to verify whether or not a perceived temporary disability (vs permanent disability status) still exists in order to determine whether or not you'd still be eligible for receiving the disability portion of your payments.

There's only one SS Disability and that's permanent. Temporary disability is Workman's Comp and you can be out of the country collecting that as well.
Where they draw the line is for those receiving SSI, Supplemental Security Income for disability or any other reason, such as poverty. That is welfare for those who haven't developed a disabled workers fund or Social Security.
They frown on recipients of welfare lounging around the beaches of Mexico on taxpayer money.

Many thanks to everybody for your feedback.

On the bicycle front, the two options I'm going with are cheap and good (see Marty Cortez's post). Quick is off the table. I can survive without one as the laundromat, places to buy food, ATM, etc. are close enough. I just have to keep my desire to explore in check for the time being. I don't really have any choice in the matter as I will not have money to buy a bicycle until next month (even a frugal move can drain financial resources). Thank you, soulpatch, for the offer of the 10 speed, but I have to pass as I don't have the means to transport a bicycle that far. I am looking to buy something locally. I am all over craigslist in terms of looking for one, and I do have a couple of fallback plans in case I don't find one say by the end of August. I can pay the guy who picked me up at the bus station and took me around to see apartments to help me out. I also have a friend who has a father that lives around here. She has offered to ask him to help if I need anything down here. I'm just more inclined to see if I can do it on my own first. (My time frame to get through my list of things to do is a couple of years.)

On the Social Security front, everything is a-ok. They're depositing the money into the same bank account they were when I was living up north. Nothing has changed there. Yes, they do review my disability status every three years or so. I won't have to worry about it until 2014. In the u.s., I couldn't afford to see a doctor (don't even get me started on what a joke medicare/health insurance is - I'm happy to pay reasonable prices for health care, not health insurance), so I had to go see their doctor. If I had been able to see doctors on my own, I could have just sent them the records. It's not a deal breaker if it doesn't happen, but it would be nice if I could see doctors here and get them to accept those records rather than having to go back up there to see their doctors. That's all I was saying. I'm not holding my breath in hopes of it happening, but I figure it's worth exploring.

On the topic of paying rent in u.s. dollars as opposed to pesos, I'm happy that my landlords will benefit in the exchange. They are a very nice couple who have put more effort into making sure I'm doing okay than any other landlord I've ever had. When it comes to managing my finances, I make sure I can pay my rent and any essential bills as well as buy enough food to keep me going. Beyond that, it comes and goes. Paying my rent in u.s. dollars does not interfere with my ability to budget my finances. And don't forget that Obama could win the election, the Republicans could take over the Senate, gridlock could lead to the u.s. defaulting on its debt and the u.s. banking system could collapse. In such a scenario, I would probably end of with the better end of the deal. I prefer not to concern myself with such thoughts beyond just paying attention to what the exchange rate is today - only so I can budget my finances (as opposed to getting the better end of any deal).

As to the part about where I buy my food, longlegsinlapaz, has nailed it on the head in terms of my motivation not to buy at corporate institutions in terms of where the profits are going (regardless of prices or mark-ups). I bought about 80% of my food directly from farmers who farmed in ways agreeable to me when I was living in Louisville (the farming practices not only being kinder to the animals and the land, but also producing significantly tastier food). My goal is to do as much of the same here as I can. At this point, I'm only picking up rice, beans, tortillas (the ones made onsite), tortilla chips (also made onsite I think) and various household items (toilet plunger, frying pan, etc.) at the Calimax, Com Mex and Waldo. I'm already cutting back on some of that because I've found a mom-and-pop place with cleaning supplies.

Regarding making assumptions about what paperwork I may have filled out when I crossed some imaginary line in the sand, well, you know what they say about people who assume. I crossed the border at about 11:20 in the p.m. with a few other people who appeared to be native to Mexico and a bus driver (a u.s. citizen of Mexican descent living in Tijuana). All appeared exhausted and just wanting to get home. I was the hang up at the border as I got the red light and had to have my suitcase searched. It took only a couple of minutes, but I was not about hold people up asking a bunch of questions about where I could fill out some paperwork and give a government $20 or $30 or whatever when I know damn well the money is never going to do a damn bit of good for my new neighbors. That being said, I have not and will never remain in this country for more than 72 hours without the appropriate documentation (wink, wink). I have read many posts on the subject of visas (a great many of them posted by longlegsinlapaz) as well as info from other sites. I come close to sharing her (I don't remember why, but I came under the impression somewhere along the line longlegsinlapaz is a she - I apologize if that is not correct) moral compass, but I believe I got there in a different way. If I were a person with extra money, a more convenient mode of transportation and a better grasp of the language, indeed I would have all of the documentation required by the grand and almighty rules. Even without those things, I will have said documentation probably within a couple of months or so. I despise borders and governments in general, but I do carry some guilt about the way people coming from this side of the border are treated up north. Therefore, I'm not keen on coming down here with a complete disregard for the almighty (and still stupid) rules. Obeying just has never been at the top of my list of priorities at any time in my life. I really don't think my new neighbors are overly concerned with me coming into compliance right away. I believe they are more concerned with me paying my rent and purchasing the necessities from the mom-and-shops in the area (things that directly benefit the community). That being said, as I said above, I have every intention of becoming "legal" within the next couple of months (not that I've ever not been legal because I have been here less than 72 hours - again wink). Neither the u.s. nor the Mexican government has any record of me crossing the border, so technically I'm not even here! When I do get here, longlegsinlapaz is on a short list of people who I might reach out to should I feel in need of some advice.

Sorry for the long post, but there was so much feedback. I'm grateful for all of it. Thank you.

Originally Posted by sycho

I have been here less than 72 hours - again wink). Neither the u.s. nor the Mexican government has any record of me crossing the border, so technically I'm not even here!

The alloted time is now one week....not that it matters unless you plan to go south of Maneadero. Unless you get jambed up with the law for one reason or another, no one will ever ask or care about your status.

Just one more thing....there are a lot of proud veterans who read this board and I'm one of them, so your U.S. bashing won't go over well here. Save it for your new neighbors. They won't like you either, in spite of what you think, but they may agree with you.

I'm with Dennis on this one. Is there a story to your moniker? Welcome aboard.

Originally Posted by sycho

On the topic of paying rent in u.s. dollars as opposed to pesos, I'm happy that my landlords will benefit in the exchange. They are a very nice couple who have put more effort into making sure I'm doing okay than any other landlord I've ever had. When it comes to managing my finances, I make sure I can pay my rent and any essential bills as well as buy enough food to keep me going. Beyond that, it comes and goes. Paying my rent in u.s. dollars does not interfere with my ability to budget my finances. And don't forget that Obama could win the election, the Republicans could take over the Senate, gridlock could lead to the u.s. defaulting on its debt and the u.s. banking system could collapse. In such a scenario, I would probably end of with the better end of the deal. I prefer not to concern myself with such thoughts beyond just paying attention to what the exchange rate is today - only so I can budget my finances (as opposed to getting the better end of any deal).

Where did I say anything about you "getting the better end of any deal"? I didn't even imply that! I was talking about fairness in the going price of anything, making a win/win for both the seller & the buyer.

Typically when any cost is converted from pesos to USD, it's common practice to just lop off the last zero thereby making it a 10/1 ratio. When the exchange rate is 10/1 that makes sense, but today when it's closer to 14% it doesn't....at least to me.

All numbers expressed in whole numbers so I can be lazy in making calculations for my examples.

$300 USD @ 10% exchange rate = $3,000 pesos
$300 USD @ 11% exchange rate = $3,300 pesos
$300 USD @ 12% exchange rate = $3,600 pesos
$300 USD @ 13% exchange rate = $3,900 pesos
$300 USD @ 14% exchange rate = $4,200 pesos

You're concerned with the daily exchange rate today for tacos & beans, but not when it comes to your rent?

Of course your landlord is putting "more effort into making sure I'm doing okay than any other landlord"! You're their goose that's going to be laying their golden egg! Month after month after month!

Originally Posted by sycho

Regarding making assumptions about what paperwork I may have filled out when I crossed some imaginary line in the sand, well, you know what they say about people who assume. I crossed the border at about 11:20 in the p.m. with a few other people who appeared to be native to Mexico and a bus driver (a u.s. citizen of Mexican descent living in Tijuana). All appeared exhausted and just wanting to get home. I was the hang up at the border as I got the red light and had to have my suitcase searched. It took only a couple of minutes, but I was not about hold people up asking a bunch of questions about where I could fill out some paperwork and give a government $20 or $30 or whatever when I know damn well the money is never going to do a damn bit of good for my new neighbors. That being said, I have not and will never remain in this country for more than 72 hours without the appropriate documentation (wink, wink). I have read many posts on the subject of visas (a great many of them posted by longlegsinlapaz) as well as info from other sites. I come close to sharing her (I don't remember why, but I came under the impression somewhere along the line longlegsinlapaz is a she - I apologize if that is not correct) moral compass, but I believe I got there in a different way. If I were a person with extra money, a more convenient mode of transportation and a better grasp of the language, indeed I would have all of the documentation required by the grand and almighty rules. Even without those things, I will have said documentation probably within a couple of months or so. I despise borders and governments in general, but I do carry some guilt about the way people coming from this side of the border are treated up north. Therefore, I'm not keen on coming down here with a complete disregard for the almighty (and still stupid) rules. Obeying just has never been at the top of my list of priorities at any time in my life. I really don't think my new neighbors are overly concerned with me coming into compliance right away. I believe they are more concerned with me paying my rent and purchasing the necessities from the mom-and-shops in the area (things that directly benefit the community). That being said, as I said above, I have every intention of becoming "legal" within the next couple of months (not that I've ever not been legal because I have been here less than 72 hours - again wink). Neither the u.s. nor the Mexican government has any record of me crossing the border, so technically I'm not even here! When I do get here, longlegsinlapaz is on a short list of people who I might reach out to should I feel in need of some advice.

Yes, longlegsinlapaz is female & I'm the ass who assumed you'd have entered the country legally. Forgive me for nitpicking, but what you view as "some imaginary line in the sand", I view as an "International border", and I'm pretty sure that the Federal governments of both Mexico & the USA view it that way as well.

According to MY moral compass, international laws cannot be compared to a "NO Parking 8AM- 5PM" sign! They are in effect 24 x 7 x 365.

"If I were a person with extra money, a more convenient mode of transportation and a better grasp of the language, indeed I would have all of the documentation required by the grand and almighty rules. Even without those things, I will have said documentation probably within a couple of months or so." Last time I crossed the border, the Mexican border guards spoke more than sufficient English for me to accomplish the required legalities for entering their country. No documentation, beyond a passport, is required to obtain an FMM & they're LAWS of the country which you currently happen to be a guest in, not "rules". Last I checked, there was no sub-clause addressing any "within a couple of months or so" compliance leeway.

"I despise borders and governments in general, but I do carry some guilt about the way people coming from this side of the border are treated up north. Therefore, I'm not keen on coming down here with a complete disregard for the almighty (and still stupid) rules. Obeying just has never been at the top of my list of priorities at any time in my life." WHOA!! The nerve of the Mexican government for not requesting your input before they passed their LAWS for foreigners entering & establishing residence in their country!

You've either got something in your eye, or you're winking to the wrong audience. I respect the laws, rules & regulations of my adoptive & adopted country, whether they make sense to me personally or not; but then, I did in the USA, too. And please don't misconstrue the term ex-pat to mean that any US citizens who lives in Mexico must have fled here out of hatred for the US or it's laws. That's simply not true. I'm a US citizen & proud of it, so US bashing goes over like a lead balloon.

Last, but not least, politics have a special forum off the main board for a reason....a lot of us don't want to participate in political discussions. BajaGringo set the site up so we can opt in or out of participating/viewing the political or non-Baja related topics. You're new to the site, but you'll quickly find it's pretty easy to navigate....if you can avoid the minefields.

Thanks for the info about a week instead of three days. I'll probably just say one day if questioned about it. We'll just play it safe. I have no problem problem lying to a bunch of thugs.

As for proud veterans and american bashing, I just don't think any further explanation on my part would be appropriate in this thread. I've re-read what I posted previously, and I don't think any of it lacked clarity or violated the letter or intent of the this site's guidelines. If somebody wants to explore further why I detest the u.s. and american culture, please start a thread in the appropriate forum (e.g. the off-topic forum), and I will gladly expound (and let me know you've started it and where I can find it). I'm just not going to do it here where it may drown out the useful information that has already been posted. I believe this request falls well within the spirit of this site's guidelines.

And now that I'm posting this reply (and I'm trying real hard to be nice ), I see another person flaming away...

Why does anyone care which currency I pay my rent in? I don't care. If they asked for it in pesos, I'd give it to them in pesos. They asked for it in dollars. That is how I will pay it. This really is a point of contention? I'm confused.

As for the issue of filling out some paperwork and handing somebody 20 or 30 dollars, I was trying to be nice. I didn't want to say what first came to mind (after reading other examples of you chastising others as though you were some kind of moral authority). I have every intention of paying their little dues and filling out their little paperwork. I'm not going to apologize for showing concern for my fellow travelers. If you look on TijuanaBlog.com, you'll see I stated that intent before I even set out on this trip. And the reason for this resolve remains the same. american idiots have not figured out how to stop the u.s. government from harassing people from this side of the imaginary line, so, if for no other reason, I'll subject myself to the same ridiculous crap on this side of the line. I'm not going to do anything out of respect for a Mexican government or an american government or Belgium government or Ugandan government or an Iraqi government or Chinese government or an Australian government or your sense of moral indignation. If that bothers you, I suggest going off to start a thread with the proud veterans. I promise to pop in from time to time to give you fodder for getting your undies in a bunch. Until then, I suggest we reserve the threads in this forum for information that might be useful to people who wish to live in or visit Baja California. I don't know. I read the guidelines. I like them. I understand them. What's the problem?

P.S. My research indicates that 9 of 10 people living where I'm living have gone through exactly the same immigration procedures I've gone through thus far. Shortly, I'm going to be one of the exceptions. There are no indications that I'm aware of that your almighty Mexican government gives a crap about any of us. Why are you so hung up on the topic?

P.S.S. And I hope you show the same level of indignation when YOUR government is torturing and, yes, even murdering people in YOUR detention facilities because they sought to feed themselves and their families (of course, minus your sacred paperwork and fees). You can respect all your international boundaries and rules and fees. I'll worry about people. Deal?