An Expat Talks about Living in Tijuana, Mexico

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

Tijuana

How long have you lived there?

2 years

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

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.

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In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

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.

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

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.

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

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.

If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

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.