Would you cross the Mexican border right now?

seamco12

I live four hours from the Mexican border, Algodones/Yuma. Iv crossed the border there about ten times, but not at all in the past two years. Because of recent health insurance problems I really want to go to Algodones to get my Rxs this week. The three month supply I could pick up would save me a lot of money. If you're not familar with Algodones, it is refered to as 'medical land'. They advertise that the town has more pharmacies, dentist offices, and eye doctors per square foot then any other place in the world. The border closes at ten pm to avoid a party reputation and there is a RV park right on the Yuma side for all the snowbirds. So usually, a very safe place. However the US is warning against all non essential travel to Mexico. Would you go? It would be just DH and I. We would like to get the meds, have lunch, shop a little, and be back in az before dark.

bhead81

That's a tough one...can you order the meds from another pharmacy?  I have done euoropean pharmacies for my IF drugs.  We used to go to Rocky Point all the time and with how things are right now we will not go.  I also have family in Nogales (both sides) and we will not go see them like we used to do anually.

Dr.Loretta

IMO it would depend a lot on what thing are like in Algodones right now. Is there a lot of violence going on, or is it pretty much untouched?

jemmini6

We used to go to Algadones a lot when we'd go down to Yuma, but I haven't been in years.  However, I was literally just talking to my mom's friend this weekend and they went a few months ago and said it was fine.  If there's still a lot of cars parked on the US side, I'd think it's a safe bet, just be extra cautious and don't stay past dark.

seamco12

Dr.Loretta:

IMO it would depend a lot on what thing are like in Algodones right now. Is there a lot of violence going on, or is it pretty much untouched?

I cannot find any examples of violence in Algodones, and there are no specific warnings against it. Google brings up some articles about how Algodones is safe, but they all seem to be written specifically to drive tourism. Not by an independent source.

seamco12

jemmini6:

We used to go to Algadones a lot when we'd go down to Yuma, but I haven't been in years.  However, I was literally just talking to my mom's friend this weekend and they went a few months ago and said it was fine.  If there's still a lot of cars parked on the US side, I'd think it's a safe bet, just be extra cautious and don't stay past dark.

I think this is what it will come down to. When we get there if the RV park is still full of snowbirds, and the parking lot is full we will go. If not, we won't risk it. It just sucks to drive four hour to find out.

seamco12

bhead81:

That's a tough one...can you order the meds from another pharmacy?  I have done euoropean pharmacies for my IF drugs.  We used to go to Rocky Point all the time and with how things are right now we will not go.  I also have family in Nogales (both sides) and we will not go see them like we used to do anually.

I had not considered a online pharmacy. I will look into it. I know many people who like you are canceling trips to Nogales and other areas. That's why I'm really questioning this. Iv always been an adventurous traveler. I do not want to be ignorant though and put ourselves in danger.

bringjoy2theworld

How much are you saving? I would think an eight hour roundtrip car drive would eat up a lot of gas money.  I know prescriptions are expensive and if you have a few it can really add up, but I'm not sure it would be worth the risk. 

mxolisi

The US government IS NOT warning against all non-essential travel to Mexico. That's not what a travel warning means at all. If you read the text it has very very detailed guidance about which areas of the country are safe and which are not.

My husband's family is all over the border (from AZ to TX) and there are places they will cross and places they won't. As long as the town isn't one that is having a lot of problems they have no problem going for the day (they all go to the dentist in Mexico and get their prescriptions there).

Presumably you have good access to local news sources from both sides of the border so I'd use that to make a decision. I wouldn't go to Juarez, but Palomas, sure. 

MCsAngel2

I've lived in Arizona my whole life and I''m familiar with Yuma, although I've never crossed in that part before.

I'd do it- just the quick in and out you mentioned.

Littlejen22

Can I just say as an uneducated person from NJ this all sounds crazy to me, lol.  Just the idea of crossing a border and getting meds would scare me.  How do you know you are getting what you really need?

seamco12

Littlejen22:

Can I just say as an uneducated person from NJ this all sounds crazy to me, lol.  Just the idea of crossing a border and getting meds would scare me.  How do you know you are getting what you really need?

I understand why it seems crazy. All I can say is my Mexican Rxs are always perfect. It's pretty common here in the southwest. I always let my doctors know when Im filling my Rxs in Mexico and they never have had a problem with it. Financially it is worth the drive and hassle for many people. Here's an example. My Nuva ring, in the US after my insurance is $75. In Mexico it is $15. Even including expenses DH and will save about $1000 every three months if we go to Mexico for Rxs.

ExpatPumpkin

seamco12:

Littlejen22:

Can I just say as an uneducated person from NJ this all sounds crazy to me, lol.  Just the idea of crossing a border and getting meds would scare me.  How do you know you are getting what you really need?

I understand why it seems crazy. All I can say is my Mexican Rxs are always perfect. It's pretty common here in the southwest. I always let my doctors know when Im filling my Rxs in Mexico and they never have had a problem with it. Financially it is worth the drive and hassle for many people. Here's an example. My Nuva ring, in the US after my insurance is $75. In Mexico it is $15. Even including expenses DH and will save about $1000 every three months if we go to Mexico for Rxs.

Yes, this is normal.  Tons of retirees do this - the "snowbirds" OP mentioned in her first post, for example - and lots of others too.  Even if you have insurance, the OOP prices for Mexican drugs are often MUCH cheaper.  And if you're uninsured, this can be a Godsend.  

FYI, the drugs are the EXACT same pills you would buy the the State.  The exact same ingredients, and often manufactured at the same labs.  Mexico has a public health system, so they negotiate with the drug companies for much better prices.  Drug companies give the medicines a different name for sale south of the border...  But it's the same pills  

I've spent a ton of time in Mexico - lived there for nearly two years and travel there several times a year - and have found the healthcare to be world-class.  Granted, I use the private system as do all wealthy Mexicans, but it's truly amazing.  I'd actually prefer to have dental work done there rather than in the States.  And I'd even prefer to give birth as the care is much more personalized and "cushy."  Again, in the private system... 

OP, I'd ditto Mxolisi's advice.  I wouldn't want to walk around Juarez, but where you're planning to cross sounds fine.  Go for it!  Enjoy some yummy tacos and save money!

 

Littlejen22

ExpatPumpkin:

seamco12:

Littlejen22:

Can I just say as an uneducated person from NJ this all sounds crazy to me, lol.  Just the idea of crossing a border and getting meds would scare me.  How do you know you are getting what you really need?

I understand why it seems crazy. All I can say is my Mexican Rxs are always perfect. It's pretty common here in the southwest. I always let my doctors know when Im filling my Rxs in Mexico and they never have had a problem with it. Financially it is worth the drive and hassle for many people. Here's an example. My Nuva ring, in the US after my insurance is $75. In Mexico it is $15. Even including expenses DH and will save about $1000 every three months if we go to Mexico for Rxs.

Yes, this is normal.  Tons of retirees do this - the "snowbirds" OP mentioned in her first post, for example - and lots of others too.  Even if you have insurance, the OOP prices for Mexican drugs are often MUCH cheaper.  And if you're uninsured, this can be a Godsend.  

FYI, the drugs are the EXACT same pills you would buy the the State.  The exact same ingredients, and often manufactured at the same labs.  Mexico has a public health system, so they negotiate with the drug companies for much better prices.  Drug companies give the medicines a different name for sale south of the border...  But it's the same pills  

I've spent a ton of time in Mexico - lived there for nearly two years and travel there several times a year - and have found the healthcare to be world-class.  Granted, I use the private system as do all wealthy Mexicans, but it's truly amazing.  I'd actually prefer to have dental work done there rather than in the States.  And I'd even prefer to give birth as the care is much more personalized and "cushy."  Again, in the private system... 

OP, I'd ditto Mxolisi's advice.  I wouldn't want to walk around Juarez, but where you're planning to cross sounds fine.  Go for it!  Enjoy some yummy tacos and save money!

 

Ok, I think I am jealous now.  I have lived in other states and moved back to NJ b/c I could not imagine ever living anywhere else but I am starting to get so sick of this place.

MommaK.not

Littlejen22:

 NJ b/c I could not imagine ever living anywhere else but I am starting to get so sick of this place.

rubyiu

My husband's aunt and uncle crossed that crossing recently to get dental work done. They also visited the pharmacy. They didn't feel in danger.