Los Algodones

[Wryly Blithe]

I've had extensive dental work done in Los Algodones over the last six months and have been there at least a dozen times in that time span. Except for my first visit (when it was simply too hot to risk getting stuck in a long line without a/c), I have always walked in and explored the entire town on foot. I have never seen even a hint of anything resembling "cartel."

I was even comfortable enough with the town's safety for my wife to wander around town alone, which is really saying something. Her only complaint was having to say "no thank you" a couple hundred times to all the barkers in the street hawking their wares - some of them can be irritatingly persistent.

That said, I'm told by locals I trust that it can be a very different town at night. I have no first-hand knowledge of this, but they live there and have no reason to say something like that about their own home without having at least some inkling of truth to back it up.

The actual name is LIQUOS PHARMACY, but yeah... everyone calls it the Purple Pharmacy for reasons that will become obvious as soon as you see it. While most prices for prescriptions are well below U.S. market prices, you might have to shop around a little for the best prices on certain name-brand medications. Crestor, for instance, was WAY overpriced the first time I asked about it, but a little friendly bartering got it down to something more reasonable.

And yes, it's much easier to cross back into the U.S. with a passport. However, if you've driven all the way there and then realize you forgot it, talk to the U.S. border agents BEFORE you go into Mexico... showing ID as a U.S. citizen while you're still in the U.S. makes it a lot easier to get back across the border. I personally witnessed this on three separate occasions, but they were all U.S. citizens; I'm not sure the same holds true for Canadian citizens. Regardless, just don't forget your passport and it'll be fine.

[doorguy]

We usually stay in the Yuma area and drive the car over to walk across. The Quechan tribe runs the huge parking lot and there is plenty of room to park a motorhome and walk across. I would have no problem parking any vehicle in that lot, there are people coming and going all day. We've noticed the wait to return over the border is less on wkends as most of the dentists and eyeglass places are closed so all those appointments are handles during the week.

[DMTTRANSPORT]

Remember to sign your passport, ask me how I know ........

[scottandanna]

Originally Posted by doorguy

We usually stay in the Yuma area and drive the car over to walk across. The Quechan tribe runs the huge parking lot and there is plenty of room to park a motorhome and walk across. I would have no problem parking any vehicle in that lot, there are people coming and going all day. We've noticed the wait to return over the border is less on wkends as most of the dentists and eyeglass places are closed so all those appointments are handles during the week.

The Quechan parking area even has a helicopter landing site. Just in case any of you guys happen to have a helicopter...

[Moorio]

That is my nickname for that place. I made the mistake of going for lunch and having two Grande Cadillac margaritas. Well that was at noon it took till after 4 before i dared to drive. Now i am a guy who can handle his liquor but just 2 drinks down there and i was gooned

[xctraveler]

Originally Posted by Moorio

That is my nickname for that place. I made the mistake of going for lunch and having two Grande Cadillac margaritas. Well that was at noon it took till after 4 before i dared to drive. Now i am a guy who can handle his liquor but just 2 drinks down there and i was gooned

When we do go there I save money, only have ONE Margarita, it is more then plenty for me

[Ray,IN]

Upon returning to the U.S.A., I quickly found out wearing a backpack to carry purchased items back is not the best option. It really made the border guards stand up and notice me, then isolate me and search my backpack.
Lesson learned, never again.