Rrekk

The time line for my relocation was moved up due to work related issues.  As such I'll be driving to San Diego/TJ on the 28th of September.  For months I've poured over tons of web sites and forums trying to get a feel for what I need to do to make this as painless as possible.  Here is what I've come up with, please feel free to comment if I'm missing any major details:  

as a FYI my Spanish speaking skills right now are very bad.  I can manage to convey very basic things, that is about it.  I understand more then I speak, but usually need to ask the speaker to repeat themselves and speak slower.  Grammatically I understand the language, it is just my knowledge of what words are that is lacking.

1) I'll be driving down with just some basic essentials packed into my car: clothes, dishes, linens, a desktop computer, dvd player, 2 or 3 boxes of misc wires/legal papers, bed sheets, an air mattress and a pillow, oh yes and a cat.

2) Since I've no apartment in TJ yet, I'll be setting up a base of operations on the US side of the border, San Ysidro most likely.  I'm hoping it doesn't take me to long to get a place lined up, as I don't want to throw to much money away on hotel room expenses.  I opted out of leaving my car parked in TJ at night with all my possessions inside, and I don't think it is practical to take them all into the hotel room with me.  

3) Regarding apartment hunting, I do know someone in TJ who is a local and will help me search for a place.  The areas I'm leaning towards are Playas (although I've heard morning traffic can be terrible, can anyone confirm this?), Plaza Rio (more centrally located), Chapultapec, possibly even some where near the Otay crossing, possibly by the university.  Any suggestions on these or other areas is greatly appreciated.  Apparently anything I rent should be paid for in Pesos ONLY.  Can anyone confirm this?

4) I'll have already applied for a Sentri pass before going down.  Once there I'll simply wait for an acceptance confirmation and schedule an appointment.  The only catch there is I'll have to retain my Idaho license and registration until the Sentri process is complete.  Once that is done I'll pick up a California license and plates.  I'll probably "technically" be over Californias prescribed time lines for licensing and registration in the state after starting employment, but I don't anticipate any problems with that.

5) I'll be getting a US mailing address at a local business, such as Mailboxes etc in Chula Vista.  Listing the box number as an apartment number I'll be using that to help with establishing a California residency for things such as licensing, registration, and US car and medical insurance.

6) Once I actually have an apartment in TJ, it will be time to take my car across and unload my stuff.  Prior to heading over I'll be getting Mexican Tourist Auto Insurance, probably full coverage, from on of the many places in San Ysidro.  I get a few recommendations off this site.  Most likely, I'll do a 6 month to start.  

7)  ** Actually driving across the boarder, I'm not 100% clear on.  From what I gather, given my particular situation and what will be in my vehicle, it would be best to go through the declare lane.  Once I stop, do I need to give them an inventory of what I'm bringing into Mexico?  Should I expect to pay duties on what I have?  I also believe my cat should have current rabies shots?  Is there a chance I will just be waived through this lane?  Should I not go through this lane but go through one of the nothing to declare lanes?    

7) Depending on my apartment, I may need to get internet/tv set up.  I'm hoping the landlord is helpful in this regard, but I honestly have no idea if they usually assist with this or expect you to take care of it on your own.  Either way it is a priority for me.

8) Shopping for furniture and a bed are all high on my list of priorities.  It sounds like good deals on used and new furniture can be had at the many swap meets that are all over TJ.

9) For a phone while in TJ, most likely I'll go through an internet phone provider, such as Vonage.  I'll retain my US cell phone as I'll be traveling across the border daily for work.

10) Should I register with the US Consulate in TJ, or could this adversely impact my "illusion" of establishing a California residence?

There is a ton more that obviously can't be planned for.  To say moving to TJ is a daunting task with a ton of things to consider would be an understatement, and yet I'm very excited to get down there and experience what the city has to offer.  Any suggestions, comments, recommendations are always greatly appreciated.  Hopefully once I'm situated I may one day have a chance to meet some of the members here.



  

Hey guys. Name is Justin. I'm 29 and will be relocating from Idaho to the San Diego/TJ area in aprox 6 weeks for my job. I plan on living in Tijuana so as to deflect some of the cost of living prices in San Diego. I've been lurking on the boards for the last couple months and have read a lot of useful information. I've made a couple week long trips down to TJ as well and have gotten some ideas based on recommendations from this board on where I'll be attempting to secure an apartment. As the deadline for my relocation gets closer I'm sure questions will crop up, hopefully you all will be able to assist with anything, and as I live in TJ and get accustomed to that area I can pass the knowledge I obtain onto others.