Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Crossing the Border for Medical Services

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The Calexico Border (East) is open from 6 am to 2 pm and the Calexico Border (Downtown) is open 24 hrs.

The border into Mexicali is open to All ESSENTIAL TRAVEL, which is described as Doctor Visits and for pharmaceutical products.

Mexicali is taking every precaution for the safety of their patients and their staff members by following USA CDC Guidelines. Mandatory masks, offering hand sanitizer and doing temperature checks. Limiting the amount of patients in waiting rooms and social distanced seating. You will also see sanitation mats for your shoes at entrances.

Help stop the spread of this deadly virus: Wear a mask to protect yourself and others, wash your hands often and remember to social distance!

MEXICALI, BAJA CALIFORNIA MEXICO

CALENDER OF EVENTS FOR

Mexicali

Let us know about

future events

History of

Mexicali

Quality of

Healthcare in

Mexicali

Safety

Mexicali

Customs &

Immigration

into Mexico

Customs &

Immigration

into USA

Know

Before You Go

How to

Get There

Map of

Mexicali

Surrounded by fertile valleys preserved in a desert environment, the capital of Baja California flourishes as a young and prominent city called “City that Captures the Sun” with its charms.

"Capital City of Baja California"

On March 14, 1903 Mexicali was founded, it is situated on the Mexico–United States border adjacent to its sister city Calexico, California, with which it forms a dual-state, international population center, Mexicali-Calexico.

Their name came from the fusion of the two words “Mexico” - “California” and “California” - “Mexico” respectively, Their names were chosen as a gesture of international friendship.

In 1900, after receiving permission to cut a canal through the delta’s Arroyo Alamo to link the dry basin with the Colorado River, the farmers arrived and the people settled on the land harvesting cotton, fruits, and vegetables. The concentration of small housing units that straddled the border was called Calexico on the U.S. side and Mexicali on the Mexican side. Building of the irrigation system started in 1905 and instead of using Mexican labor to dig the ditches, thousands of Chinese laborers were brought in and Mexicali became culturally Chinese influenced.

For the good part of the 20th Century, this fertile valley attracted a considerable amount of its population for the Cotton production. The Valley still is one of Mexico’s most productive agricultural regions, mostly producing wheat, cotton and vegetables. However, its economy has gradually gone from being agricultural to include industry. The city maintains a highly educated and skilled population, as it has modernized and become an important population center in the desert region. Mexicali’s economy has been historically based on agricultural products, and it remains a large sector of the economy. Currently a major automobile, aerospace, health and communications center.

Mexicali also offers cultural attractions such as the Regional Museum, the Sol del Niño Museum, University of Baja California Museum, and the State Theater. Other interests are the Former Government Palace, Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Downtown Mexicali, Colorado River Land Company Building, Cachanilla Plaza, Calafia Bullfighting Ring and the City Zoo & City Forest. Mexicali also has a professional 18-hole golf course “Club Campestre” where both national and international championships take place.

Surrounded by fertile valleys preserved in a desert environment, the capital of Baja California flourishes as a young and prominent city called “City that Captures the Sun” with its charms.

The City has pleasant weather from October to May, ideal for outdoor activities, golfing, hunting, fishing, extreme sports and camping, just to name a few. Nearby Guadalupe Canyon is famous for its waterfalls and hot springs. 120 miles south of Mexicali on the Sea of Cortez lies the Port of San Felipe, known as the “Aquarium of the World”, on the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez you can practice water sports and fishing, or bike racing, golf and off road for the land dwellers.

Mexico is one of the top five Medical Tourism destinations in the World

MEDICAL TOURISM DESTINATIONS:

MEXICO

BAJA CALIFORNIA

LOS ALGODONES

MEXICALI (capital of Baja Norte)

TAMAULIPAS

Nuevo Progreso

The Baja California State of Medical Tourism office was created in order to provide greater assurance to visitors in search of more affordable and quality healthcare options.

For more information call their Tijuana office at

011-52

(664) 682-3367

Faster

Medical Attention

than in

the U.S. or Canada.

Remember that Mexico was once considered a cheap alternative for elective cosmetic procedures. Now is a growing industry and an attractive alternative to rising health care costs. Medical in Mexico isn’t what it used to be.

Starting in the 1980’s the Mexican National Healthcare System aggressively addressed their country’s healthcare concerns and created several programs to improve the quality of healthcare education and their healthcare system. Today healthcare education in Mexico is one of the best in Latin America surpassed only by Brazil.

Mexico’s higher education system was featured as one of the best world-wide in the first edition of the QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings.

Most doctors and dentists in Mexico received at least part of their training in the U.S. and many continue to go to the U.S. or Europe for ongoing training.

The World Health Organization developed a pilot plan in the establishment of Centers of Excellence that promote Good Regulatory Practices for international agencies. This evaluation process allowed COFEPRIS (Mexico’s FDA) to strengthen the country’s regulatory capacity, which brought with it important benefits by being aligned with the best international practices, being recognized by its global leadership.

With leading-edge technology and state-of-the art facilities, Baja’s medical and dental centers treat patients from all over the world. Baja welcomes more than one million visitors a year for an extensive range of specialties and services, a number that is growing rapidly.

Most medications in Mexico and in the United States are produced by the same pharmaceutical companies.

Nealy a half million Americans seek dental care outside of the U.S. each year, because of the high cost of medical and dental care in The United States.

The Medical Tourism Index 2016 says that “Mexico is among the top 5 medical tourism destinations in the world.” Patients Beyond Borders ranks Mexico as a “World-Class Healthcare Destination” and LiveandInvestOverseas.com ranks “Mexico is #1 of The Worlds Best 8 Countries for Dental Tourism.” Each year Mexico sees hundreds of thousands of medical and dental tourists.

The Baja California State of Medical Tourism office was created in order to provide greater assurance to visitors in search of more affordable and quality healthcare options.

IS IT REALLY SAFE TO TRAVEL INTO MEXICLI?

For More

Information Call

Mexicali Tourism Office

011 52 686 566 1116

Dial 078

For

Visitors Assistance, Complaints and

Emergencies

Personal &

Professional

24/7

Statewide Coverage

Destinations for tourism in Baja California are completely safe. You can rest assured knowing that the state of Baja California is an extremely safe place to travel for foreigners and locals. Baja California is very relaxed and friendly and is isolated from the Drug cartel activities.

Don’t judge the border towns by U.S. standards. You will see a different standard of living, expect that, and enjoy the fact that you are in a foreign country just steps away from your own. Enjoy and appreciate their unique folklore and culture and try to be a part of it, remember the saying, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”

For the sake of caution, exercise common sense and remember some basic safe travel guidelines; stay in the main tourist areas, be a considerate traveler and keep your wits about you, visit in the daytime and cross back into the United States before late evening, follow the local and federal laws and....Enjoy a taste of “Border town Mexico” that is colorful and fun and have a great time.

There are no known foreign terrorist organizations operating in Mexico, and there is no evidence that any terrorist group has targeted U.S. citizens in Mexico. Mexico does not provide a safe haven to terrorists or terrorist groups. Authorities cooperate well with relevant U.S. government agencies on persons of interest.

The Secretary of Interior (Secretaría de Gobernación, SEGOB) oversees federal police forces. They also oversee the Mexican Immigration Service (INAMI), whose officers have the right to detain suspected undocumented aliens. They have an office just across the border if you need a permit to travel further into Mexico or you just want your passport stamped as a souvenir. There is no need for this if you are only going to a border town.

Border officials and Police in Baja California, Mexico are very friendly to all visitors. But if for whatever reason you get in trouble, be aware that offering a bribe to a public official to avoid a ticket or other penalty is a crime, U.S. citizens are advised to cooperate with the police if stopped or questioned.

If involved in a traffic accident or victimized by crime, Americans may contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City for assistance in dealing with the police. (See Customs and Immigration Page)

ENTRY INTO MEXICO

VISA TO MEXICO

If you enter by land and plan to stay more than 7 days in any part of Mexico, you should stop at the immigration office next to the border entrance in Los Algodones to obtain an entry permit, or Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM), to present at immigration checkpoints, this is a simple declaration of your intention to vacation in Mexico for no more than 180 days. At Immigration, they’ll attach a departure card to your passport to hand back when you leave the country.

Minors will need to be accompanied by their parents or have a notarized letter authorizing the minor to enter Mexico and present it with their valid passport.

With the exception of travel to the Baja Peninsula, tourists wishing to travel beyond the border zone with their car must obtain a temporary import permit.

Requirements: Vehicle registration or title, Valid driver license (U.S. or Canada), Proof of citizenship and Mexican auto insurance.

TRAFFIC TICKETS

Cost varies by city and are in Mexican Pesos.

Running a red light, not having or using a seat belt, using a mobile phone while driving, driving without a valid license (Current USA & Canadian Drivers Accepted in Mexico), or valid registration, drinking alcoholic beverages in the streets, sidewalks or on public property, exceeding the speed limit, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) you may also be detained.

Speed limits are 55 mph on highways

and 25 mph in city limits.

CUSTOMS

Tourists are allowed to enter Mexico with their personal items and other items necessary for their trip. Anything extra and high value items, should be declared upon entry at the border.

RESTRICTED ITEMS

MEXICO BORDERS

Firearms & ammo, narcotics and illegal drugs, cans of gas, protected and endangered species of flora & wildlife, certain fruits and vegetables, images of children represent-ed in degrading and violent ways and used clothing or shoes not part of your personal luggage.

PETS

Must have an International Certificate of Good Health (Form 77-043) & Proof of vaccination against rabies and distemper.

DUTY FREE

Per person

40 packs of cigarettes or 200 grams of tobacco. Taxable for extra is 573.48%

6 liters of alcoholic beverages or wine. Extra taxed at 90%

Household items with permit is charged 16% tax

Declare all money, checks or other negotiable instruments totaling more than $10,000.00.

If you don’t declare: Expect items to be confiscated with fines!!!

TRAVELING WITH

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION

Prescription medications should be in their original containers with the doctor’s prescription printed on the container or a copy of your prescription.

Returning to the United States from Mexico through a land port of entry in California.

ACCEPTED FORMS of ID’S

Passport or Passport Card(expired passports are accepted also), Enhanced Driver's License, Enhanced Tribal Card or Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry GE, Sentri, Nexus or FAST), . If you don’t have one of these: for a U.S. Citizen a U.S. birth certificate plus a driver’s license might work, but expect long delays while they verify your citizenship.

WHAT TO EXPECT When you approach the officials at the border, they will interview you one by one, examine your ID and ask what you purchased (keep receipts handy). You may be chosen for an inspection for any reason including being selected for a random search.

CBP has the Authority to Search all persons, baggage and merchandise arriving in or departing from The United States and are subject to inspection, search and detention.

You should expect to be treated in a courteous, dignified and professional manner, if you have any concerns you can always ask to speak to a CBP supervisor.

ACCEPTED FORMS of ID’S

Passport or Passport Cards. Non-US Citizens will also need: Visa or Resident Card. (Expect delays, for entry into the USA without the re-quired documentation while Custom Officials verify your citizenship using another official form of ID, such as a Driver License)

RESTRICTED ITEMS Firearms & ammo, narcotics and illegal drugs, protected and endangered species of flora & wildlife, certain fruits and vegetables,, animal products and some animals.

PETS

Proof of vaccination against rabies and distemper.

U.S. CUSTOMS

Failure to declare any item, regard-less of origin, may cause travel delays and result in fines up to $1,000.

Residents of the U.S. are required to declare ALL purchases made in Mexico. Total Tax free limit $800 value within 30 days. This includes:

Alcohol (21 or older): Walking Across or California Residents up to 1 Liter. Driving Across up to 60 Liters

Tobacco: 1 carton per per-son. Note: Cuban Cigars are now legal to purchase in Mexico and import through U.S. Customs only for personal use.

Prescriptions: Not more than a 90 day supply. FDA regulated medications are not allowed without a written prescription.

TRAVELING WITH

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION

Prescription medications should be in their original containers with the doctor’s prescription printed on the container or a copy of your prescription.

When buying medication make sure there is no restriction for purchases over the counter. To buy controlled medication you need the original signature issued by a doc-tor which must include the seal from State Health Authorities and a serial number.

BEFORE TRAVELING

Make copies of all your travel documents, credit cards, airline tickets and a list of all your traveler’s checks and keep them in a safe place.

INFORMATION CENTER

Calle Mariano Ma Lee

Los Algodones, BC.

M-F 8am - 4pm

011 52 (658) 517-7755

FOR VISITOR ASSISTANCE

DIAL 078

Border

Hours

Lodging

Food

Shopping

BORDER HOURS

Calexico West-Port of Entry is open

24 hours a day

Calexico East-Port of Entry is open

from 6am to 12am Daily

All Trucks and RV's MUST use Calexico East Port of Entry!!

ACCOMMODATIONS

Hotel rooms in Mexicali are very reasonable, comfortable, clean and some with authentic Mexican decor. 5 star hotels at 2 star prices.

FOOD Sp. Comida

Taste the culture!

Enjoy the Mexican cuisine in one of the Restaurants or outside vendors. Keep in mind that the Margaritas may be pretty potent, so adjust your consumption accordingly. Many tourists come to Mexico just for the “Street Tacos” Don’t like spicy? Just say…“No Me Gusta Picante”

SHOPPING Sp. Compras

Although the U.S dollar is widely accepted in Baja California, it is a good idea to ask in advance of any purchase. Sales & Service Tax known as IVA is 16% of the bill, hotels will also add a 3% room tax to your room rate. Always obtain a receipt or invoice as proof of purchases.

Cell

phones

Doctor

Appointment

Money

Drink

Water

CELL PHONES

Service is available but spotty, Recommended “Airplane Mode”

(there may be International Roaming Charges)

Wi-Fi is available in most doctor offices, just ask for the login and password.

DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS

Remember to ask when you call for your appointment if they have any Transportation options. Many doctor offices will have an escort that will meet you at the border and walk you or drive you to your appointment. Some may have a shuttle that will pick you up and return you to the U.S. side. Also ask if any insurance is accepted. Don’t forget to bring your card, a list of prescriptions you are taking and previous X-rays can be very helpful for your doctor.

MONEY Sp. Dinero

Credit & Debit cards are accepted in many places with 3-6% charge. ATM’s are available with a fee. If pesos are needed there is money exchanges every few blocks.

DRINK WATER! Sp. Agua

"It’s A Desert Out There”

Staying hydrated is very important no matter where you are. So, don’t forget to drink water while you are traveling, you can bring your own, but know that bottled water in Mexico is safe to drink.

Beer & Margaritas Don’t Count

Right along the northern border with California and Arizona there are several airports that medical tourism patients use to fly in directly for medical procedures in Baja California, San Diego Airport, Tijuana Airport, Yuma Airport and Mexicali Airport.

Distances to Mexicali from:

SAN DIEGO airport 133 mi

Tijuana airport 108 mi

YUMA INTERNATIONAL Airport 57 mi

Mexicali airport 10 mi

PALM SPRINGS 126 mi

DESERT HOT SPRINGS 129 mi

PALM DESERT 115 miles

INDIO 104 miles

BORREGO SPRINGS 89 miles

LAS VEGAS 311 miles

PHOENIX 233 miles

TUCSON 286 miles

Click Here for

Google Map Directions to the Border

Coming from Palm Springs take Interstate 10 East and then South on CA-86/CA-78 and then CA-111 South will take you right to the International Border in Calexico, California.

If Coming from San Diego area, take Interstate 8 East to El Centro and CA-111 South. From Yuma area, take Interstate 8 West to El Centro and CA-111 South.

DRIVINGWALKINGDriving into MexicaliMexican Car Insurance is recommended, you will need to purchase it in Calexico or prior to your trip where available. Driving through the Mexican border is usually easy and fast, occasionally you might be stopped for a routine check.Parking on the streets is acceptable where parking is available or otherwise marked. Most facilities have parking available for their patients. Driving back across the borderDriving you will start the line on Cristobal Colon. (See the detailed map)With a Fast Pass stay left till you see the Medical lane sign then just stop there at the gate and wait for an attendant to give you access.Walking into MexicaliAll international border crossings in Baja California have a pedestrian route. Inquire with your practitioner or facility the easiest method of transportation from the border. Walking back across the borderThe entrance to the U.S. Port of Entry is easily accessed from across the street from the Hotel Norte on Madero Ave.