Should you cross the border to Algodones, Mexico? Many do it every day. Included in these border crossings in search of good food, margaritas, and cheap medical and dental care were a local Arizona couple. Their report, submitted in February 2010, indicates that Algodones has not changed much from our original information.
They reported that people are still shopping at Algodones, although the numbers may be low. Prescription drugs, glasses, and dental work appear to be the products and services sought. The quality of the retail products at the various stalls is still not that good, but that doesn’t seem to deter shoppers. Parking on the US side of the border is the best idea and there seems to be ample parking in secure lots.
People who are going to do dental work should probably plan for at least one night’s stay. In recent years, many more full-service lodging establishments have been built off I-8 as it passes through Yuma. Also, there is a new resort hotel at Quechan Indian Casino right off Algodones, but still in California. This would be a very convenient place to stay if you want to stay overnight and be very close to your dentist or endodontist.
The three times we have been to Algodones we have eaten at the Pueblo Viejo restaurant near the border. We have never gotten sick but we have not drunk water either. We had Diet Pepsi and beer. I noticed that a lot of people enjoyed Margaritas. We have been impressed that the management and waiters are the same faces in 2010 as when we first went in 2006. They are all very warm, friendly and willing to speak English. The establishment enjoys a great deal of repeat business, as evidenced by the many hugs exchanged between the manager and customers.
In general, we have had combo dishes and enchiladas. Although it wasn’t the best of its kind I had ever tried, they were adequate, and some better than others. I noticed that a nearby restaurant had a lovely shrimp salad and seemed to enjoy it. One great thing about the place is that it has clean restrooms and the proximity to the border allows you to check the length of the line of people waiting to cross to see if you have time for one more Margarita or not.
I found a 1.5 hour wait in line to cross back to the US border. The good news is that a longer portion of where the line slides back over the channel is covered, so it doesn’t stand out in the sun. There are also restrooms located in the line area and there is plenty of seating space in the line area so one does not have to stand all the time. While you are on foot waiting in line these days, you can enjoy watching the cars creep down the street beside you waiting for the armed Mexican federal police to carefully inspect the vehicles with rather sophisticated looking equipment.
The fact that the police were heavily armed should not alarm the visitor from the United States. Algodones is still a very safe place for a visit.
Once through customs, if you have purchased prescription drugs, it is a very good idea to have the actual written prescriptions and show them when you declare what you are bringing. Everyone wonders about what they were doing in Mexico and everyone had to show their purchases. Don’t forget that you now need a passport or passport card to re-enter the US.
Information credit: CVW, Surprise, AZ
