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BluChunx

Aug 12, 2009, 12:57 PM

Post #1 of 11 (6353 views)

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Semi-Scheming Way to TJ

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This is my first post on this fantastic forum. I have read many hours in preparation for living in TJ. I make a meager living (which is improving, I'm recovering from an injury) online and via phone. Since I need to live very cheap while I rebuild (vs. becoming homeless) I am looking to TJ. I speak basic, basic Spanish and this has helped with travel in Mexico in the past.

I'm thinking of just going on a tourist visa for starters (no income requirement, six to twelve months to establish the required $1500 a month income, easy enough, I'm getting there), but need to bring in as much as I can in the way of tech. Would the authorities have a problem with a visitor bringing in their computer and printer and a box of papers? As other posters point out, you can start from scratch. I can store and eliminate much of what I have as needed, otherwise. I suppose I could trade out my box for a laptop so it looks more like a personal effect. (Would be time-consuming, though.)

Since TJ is so close to San Diego, I'm thinking I could bring some personal effects each time I cross, so long as I know what will and won't raise eyebrows. I know furniture and major household items are a no go.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

And here's some advice for those of you who need to eliminate boxes of papers: a full-duplex scanner. These are affordable and run a page a second, scanning both sides, auto detecting and rotating upside down pages, auto detecting color vs. black and white, eliminating blank pages, and OCR (creating text for searching or cut and paste) from the scans all in a short time. I'm eliminating decades worth of papers (well backed up, of course).

ZSThomp

Aug 12, 2009, 9:34 PM

Post #2 of 11 (6310 views)

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Re: [BluChunx] Semi-Scheming Way to TJ

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Hello!!

I am a gringo and moved to Tijuana two months ago and can tell you some info. When I came into Mexico for the first time, I had my Jeep Cherokee stuffed full of plastic boxes filled with clothes, books, personal effects, two dogs, and a laptop computer. I got the green light, but if you happen to get a red light and they ask you why you have a lot of stuff. You can just say you're going on vacation on the beach.
You CAN get a tourist visa or not. Tijuana is part of the "Free Zone" where you're not required to have any kind of visa if you plan to stay in Mexico less than 72 hours (they really don't verify if you stay longer). I myself don't have a tourist visa myself as there is no point. Although, if and when I plan to take a trip to the interior of Mexico, I will need to get one.
There are very reasonable options for living in Tijuana. I suggest going to Craigslist and looking under Tijuana "Viviendas" and you will find a lot of places available.
Your idea of bring small amounts of personal effects on various trips also seems appropriate.
This message board has been very helpful to me for the 13 or so years I've known about it. If you have other questions or just wanna talk about TJ, let me know!

Zach

BluChunx

Aug 12, 2009, 11:54 PM

Post #3 of 11 (6305 views)

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Re: [ZSThomp] Semi-Scheming Way to TJ

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Hi Zack,

Thanks for the reality check! And on another board, I found some folks discussing this very issue, and using the same approach. Looks like a lot of people are getting creative.

Viviendas. Great. That might help avoid Gringo prices. Interesting point about the optional tourist visa. Amazing what all you took in to Mexico!

We're going to be in TJ for a week beginning this Friday (8/14/09), and maybe nail something down or wait until next month. If you or any other folks want to grab a drink or enjoy the pool at the Grand Hotel Tijuana (it's a time share week that my gf scored), back channel me and we'll be in touch.

It would be great to get more inside info!

Best Regards

cookj5

Aug 13, 2009, 12:41 PM

Post #4 of 11 (6248 views)

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Re: [BluChunx] Semi-Scheming Way to TJ

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Something you might want to check out is renter's insurance, assuming you haven't already. I get mine through USAA (best insurance co. in the US). It cost $180 a year and covers all my possessions north or south of the border, including all my electronic gear except for my cameras which need a separate rider for $25 USD/year. Given your limited income status, if you were to experience a fire or major theft, you might have trouble replacing some of your stuff, particularly the electronics which are very popular with thieves. Of course you'd lose whatever you had as data, photos etc., but at least you could replace the hardware.

We live in Ajijic on Lake Chapala, and I don't know the rental market in TJ, but here, the vast majority of rentals are fully furnished. You might want to consider how much you really need to take over the border, particularly if the place you want is already furnished and has limited storage. We just brought down clothes, a couple of boxes of books, and my computer and camera gear.

Good luck in your new Mexican home!

BluChunx

Aug 13, 2009, 1:08 PM

Post #5 of 11 (6243 views)

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Re: [cookj5] Semi-Scheming Way to TJ

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You're psychic. I was just wondering what to do about renter's insurance. We have State Farm and will see what they offer (since we have a discount for multiple things), but I doubt if they have anything like that. Or maybe we just want them to have a local NoB mailing address and not stir up any issues with them, anyway! :>)

Anybody have any weird reactions from auto insurance or other companies when you use your Mexican address? I know some folks are disguising their IP addresses (computer).

I'm very psyched about this move. Even though it's a desperation thing, a part of me has always wanted to return for a more serious/longer term stay.

richmx2

Aug 13, 2009, 1:38 PM

Post #6 of 11 (6234 views)

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Re: [BluChunx] Semi-Scheming Way to TJ

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Perhaps "fully furnished" is the standard in the "gringo ghettos" but if the guy is living on the cheap -- or even on Mexican standards -- not so. Unfurnished apts don't normally include kitchen appliances, and often the water heater are the tenant's responsibility most places I've lived. Furnished apts -- like those for snowbirds -- of course are going to command snowbird prices.

Another consideration is the deposit. Since the O.P. intends to live as an illegal alien (not used perjoratively -- I've been one myself) there may be some problems getting a lease. In Mexico City, I got around the problem by paying a double security deposit.

One thing to consider, though it may or may not be as much an issue in TJ as in some places, are electrical outlets. Having a lot of electronics myself, the dearth of outlets -- and especially of grounded outlets -- is something to consider when renting. Gven that houses are usually built of concrete, running electrical lines is a challenge, what outlets there are may not be convienient for you.

http://mexfiles.net
http://voiceofmexico.com
http://editorialmazatlan.com

johanson

Aug 13, 2009, 4:47 PM

Post #7 of 11 (6206 views)

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Re: [cookj5] Semi-Scheming Way to TJ

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cookj5, are you saying that USAA, my favorite insurance company is now providing insurance in Mexico? I sure hope so. I'm a snowbird and use them for my car and condo up North.

I also have a car and home along the shores of Lake Chapala. Does anyone know if USAA is now providing either homeowner's or auto insurance for Mexico, be it TJ or Lake Chapala. I know when I last checked 12 years ago I was told that they weren't. I sure hope they offer more than rental insurance down here.

Pete

La Isla

Aug 13, 2009, 7:12 PM

Post #8 of 11 (6182 views)

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Re: [richmx2] Semi-Scheming Way to TJ

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In Reply To

I want to second richmx2's comment about the furnishing of apartments. At least in Mexico City, finding an apartment furnished with anything more than a boiler and maybe a stove in the kitchen is very unlikely. I don't live in a gringo ghetto, but I do live in a nice middle-class neighborhood where the only furnished flats to be found are very pricey and are intended to attract ex-pats here for a limited time.

joshuajay619

Aug 24, 2009, 3:24 AM

Post #9 of 11 (6072 views)

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Re: [La Isla] Semi-Scheming Way to TJ

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This is my first post. I have been living in Tijuana currently for over a year, as well as a previous 6-month stay. So, I have moved my meager possessions across the border twice. I just hoped for the best and got green lights every time. I am living here "illegally" as well. Even though you can come to this part of Mexico for 72-hours at a time with no visa of any sort, signing my lease at the apartment made me illegal. I have never had any issue with that. I have been stopped by police many times, and I tell them I live in Tijuana. I obviously look and sound like a foreigner, but I have never had a problem in regards to not having a visa. I've never even been asked for one. Then again, there's a first time for everything. Contrary to a recent post, I find craigs list is not that great for finding apartments in TJ. Most of the adds are for Rosarito. I also used the newspaper to look for apartments, but it is limited as well. My method has been to first decide on the area I wanted to live, (First time Playas, this time Zona Rio) and then just go around calling on the for rent signs. The issue you might come across is the firmador. I have been lucky, thus far and both places I rented did not require the signor, but most do. Most places are not furnished, and the ones that are, are more expensive. In my experience, most places have a water heater, don't have a refrigerator, and it's hit and miss on the stove. THere is a reason that this is the most crossed border in the world. By that I mean there is a lot over over lap between Mexico and US here. Semi-scheming, and living in the gray is a way of life. IF I can give you insight on anything let me know.

(This post was edited by joshuajay619 on Aug 24, 2009, 3:28 AM)

richmx2

Aug 24, 2009, 7:16 AM

Post #10 of 11 (6035 views)

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Re: [joshuajay619] Semi-Scheming Way to TJ

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I think you mean "fiador" not "firmador", Joshua (though maybe TJ uses a different word). People can't assume that their credit rating in another country has any bearing on their credit-worthiness in another. Think about it... the landlord has no way of checking you out, and needs some kind of guarantee, and a fiador is a perfectly legitimate business solution... just a bonding agent, or insurance policy on the lease. During my stint as an illegal, I got around using a fiador by offering two months rent up front.

As to stove -- I get away with a two burner parral and a microwave, although you can find half-sized gas stoves (two burners and a small range) that are suitable for small apts. I use a "frigobar" for my fridge, though not having a freezer is something of a challenge in the tropics, and I may have to invest in a small fridge soon.

I have no objection to living illegally, but it is a hassle, and you, of course, forfeit the right to complain about -- or tolerate complaints -- about those who live "illegally" north of the border.

http://mexfiles.net
http://voiceofmexico.com
http://editorialmazatlan.com

joshuajay619

Aug 24, 2009, 7:21 PM

Post #11 of 11 (5990 views)

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Re: [richmx2] Semi-Scheming Way to TJ

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Yes it is fiador, thank you for the correction. I never paid much attention because I haven't needed a fiador yet. :)

(This post was edited by joshuajay619 on Aug 24, 2009, 7:21 PM)