Mexico: Save Big Money on Dental, Eyeglasses & Rx | Los Algodones | Rv Life

[@LizAmazing]

Traveling to Mexico to save money on dental, Rx and eyeglasses can be an adventure! What tips did we miss? Let us know in the comments.

[@LizAmazing]

Be sure to read the description for our notes and tips for crossing the border.

[@followerofchrist4064]

Been there for dental work in 2019. Had 2 root canals and 7 crowns done ( and cleaning) for 1700.00! I actually fell asleep during my root canals, and I’d never had one. I do recommend the higher priced crowns as I went the cheaper route and one has broken thru shortly after I got back to the states, but the other ones are good. If one has to stay there longer many of the Hosienta will play part of your bill if you get dental work done at their specific dentists. I went to Sani dental and 1/2 of my Hosienta was paid for by them. Many people are afraid of crossing over to do this but Los Algodones is super safe and friendly. I recommend u don’t go out at night however. Well worth the trip and I flew to Yuma from MN and took a cab from there to LOs Algodones for around 25$ depending on the cab driver, of course. I’m a single woman and had no problems whatsoever.

[@LizAmazing]

Glad to know and thanks for the tips! We just went back in November. Easy Peezy!

[@julien2912]

Hi. What is a Hosienta?

[@scottwall4669]

I had wonderful service at Sani dental. Stayed at the hotel for 45 dollars and it is spotless with great meals. Which eyeglass place did Mr. Wonderful like? I like to hit the homeward bound line by 11AM so I did not have time to get those. Also!!!!! Warmer months are better!!!! Snowbirds are gone and there are zero lines. Sani dental is super cool inside with real AC and not a swamp cooler. Thank you and thumbs up!!!

[@LizAmazing]

Hi Scott! We had good success with both dental places we used, especially Hollywood Smiles. We can't remember the name of the eyeglass place. We used two but most of the ones we visited seemed good.

[@dpfreeman1]

Very helpful info. Glad you found each other

[@LizAmazing]

Awww, thanks so much. We are so grateful!

[@yaakovina]

So helpful... I’ve been considering a quick trot the Dominican Republic for dental work, but I’ll have to think about Los Algodones, too!

[@LizAmazing]

Great! We had a good experience with Los Algodones for sure. And we did all three-- dental work, eyeglasses and prescriptions. They actually also have at least one hearing aid center. I did not see any other businesses. Wishing you all the best with your dental work.

[@tastefullytammy]

My husband turned me onto your channel Liz, soI have been binge watching!😀 I have tons of notes for when we purchase ours 5th wheel within the next year. Your channel was already great but I think Paul will take it to the next level. I am glad that you found each other!👍🏾

[@LizAmazing]

Yay! Thank you so much for watching. We are glad to have you on our team, Tammy. Paul and I are excited for you to be getting a fifth wheel camper! Oh what fun places you'll go! Thanks for your kind words and keep in touch.

[@tastefullytammy]

Very informative! Thank you!

[@LizAmazing]

Thank you!

[@the_fry_way]

We were told from the pharmacy in MX only a 90 day supply was allowed back across the border to the states. Just our experience. We were there today 2-1-2020. We had no problem coming back to the states.

[@LizAmazing]

Hi! Thanks for the info. I googled and the 90 day supply is correct. I spoke to three different customs agents on the way back across from Los Algondones and all three said a year's supply. No one ever checked my bags closely enough to count. And obviously one could cross multiple times with one year or even a 90 day supply and get away with it. My impression is that customs were not at all concerned with prescription drugs back from Mexico.

[@the_fry_way]

@@LizAmazing Excellent point. We didn't get checked closely either, but you never know. We'll just make a couple trips across... problem solved :-) Great video!

[@ltwig476]

That's some good info guys. My parents lived near the Arizona border years ago and we traveled back and forth without even needing to stop. LOL They shopped over the border often.

[@LizAmazing]

That’s awesome! We had fun and learned a lot traveling to Mexico for sure!

[@TSchra37]

Great information, we never knew we could do this!

[@LizAmazing]

You can! We saved a lot of money crossing the border to Mexico. Looks like Los Algodones may even be open right now. Be sure and check first.

[@MountainBeaches]

Liz and Paul, great video and info for saving money!

[@LizAmazing]

Hi Norm & Kim! Thanks so much-- we learned a lot going to Los Algodones! I know you also have experience with Mexican dentists. Glad everything worked out ok.

[@guspaca494]

Thank you for the great tips and all about visiting Mexico . I enjoy your channel and content and advise on living .You are very motivating !

[@LizAmazing]

Awww, thanks so much! Stay tuned for more good info!

[@RunawaywithUsRV]

Great tips!

[@LizAmazing]

I hope next time you are in Arizona you go across the border- it was very interesting. And Jimi would enjoy it, too!

[@davidhutchinson5233]

This is so helpful and absolutely essential. I lived in Puerto Vallarta for 3 years. I have to say....I'm not one who uses healthcare all that often....but I was stunned at the low cost. CRAZY low cost. Dr. visit? $200 pesos. About $14 at the time. 2009 or so. And on and on it goes.

[@LizAmazing]

Right? The price savings are pretty dramatic. Glad this video was helpful. We were a little intimidated first so we thought if we could put all what we learned into a video others may find it useful.

[@mgv00]

Great video. I’ve walked across the border 3 times in Columbus, NM to Palomas. We go to lunch in the Pink Store (think Mexican Cracker Barrel) There are pharmacy’s there also. There’s also a great statue of Pancho Villa as well. Camping at Pancho Villa State Park in Columbus.

[@LizAmazing]

Oh that's good to know. Paul and I may explore that town too, once things open back up. And he will want to see that statue, too, I bet! Thanks for your comment!

[@trishbenedict6588]

Medical care in Mexico can be excellent and a great alternative for people on a fixed income. However, as a retired RN and advice nurse, let me caution you on unprescribed drugs - particularly Motrin. Just because you can get 800 mg doesn’t mean you should take it. Short term usually OK, but you can wipe out your kidneys. Literally. That’s why they keep the OTC dose at 200 mg and leave the higher doses for doctors to prescribe so they can follow your use. One of the doctors in our practice had arthritis and took too much. He ended up on dialysis and suddenly dying. You may already know this and you may be taking it safely, but it’s always good to get a periodic blood test for creatinine. That measures how are your kidneys are doing. I used to take a lot of Motrin - it was the only thing that helped neuritis pains I had. But I checked my creatinine level obsessively. But several years ago chemo damaged my kidneys, so I can’t take it anymore. :( And I am on blood thinners now, so that rules out taking Motrin, also. (If you happen to get an ulcer from the Motrin, which can be hard on your stomach, you could bleed heavily because of the blood thinners. If you’re a ways from medical care, you could potentially bleed to death.) You don’t say anything about being on Coumadin, but this is a good thing to bring up as a “just in case”. Just FYI. I’m new to your channel, but I like you guys. So caveat emptor. And while you’re down there, make sure they do a creatinine level - especially If you take high doses of Motrin routinely!

[@LizAmazing]

Thanks so much! What excellent advice! I knew you had to be careful about taking too much for too long-- but I didn't know you could get your creatinine levels checked. So good to know! We enjoyed saving money on eyeglasses and getting our teeth cleaned for cheap while in Mexico. But we were careful with what we bought in the pharmacy. Maybe we should have stressed that in the video. I am trusting that people will not go beyond their comfort level when buying prescription drugs over there. Thanks again for this info-- and welcome to the A-Team!

[@trishbenedict6588]

Liz Amazing BTW, a creatinine level is just a basic blood chemistry test and they often order it with sodium, potassium, etc. It’s not an exotic test, and it should be relatively inexpensive.

[@LizAmazing]

Good to know-- thanks!

[@trishbenedict6588]

Geoff Campbell Wasn’t sure whether to use a thumbs up or thumbs down for that news! I’ll just say that I’m sorry to hear that. Kidneys are finicky. I was only on chemo for one week - one week! Went in for the first of what were supposed to be my weekly labs while on chemo and got a prompt phone call from the doctor telling me to stop the chemo. That was in early 2012, and they have at least not gotten worse. Luckily they’re only slightly under normal functioning level, but enough that I was warned to never take NSAIDS. I miss my Motrin - it was the only thing that helped my neuritic pains. Sigh...

[@trishbenedict6588]

Geoff Campbell Yuk! I fell and damaged both knees camping (stepped out of our tent trailer without the step there and just landed straight legged) and my husband had to drive three days to get us home ones from Wyoming to the SF area. It was hard enough to be a passenger with excruciating pain and knee braces, can’t imagine what it would be like to be miserable AND having to do the driving.

[@dsbruening]

Good information!

[@LizAmazing]

Thanks, Debbie. Stay tuned for an update!

[@Poncho758]

You guys are great

[@railspike7057]

Town claims to have 300 dentists and 7 labs. Crowns are $200 and 3 hours, no such thing as a temporary because the lab makes the permanent while you wait. Zirconia implants $500 ( no ceramic as they claim those are inferior ) Our home dentist looked at the work and said it was just a good as he could do. Eye glasses you need 2 hours so lab can make lens.

[@LizAmazing]

Yes! My dentist was impressed with the root canal work that was done by a dentist in Los Algodones. They are quick AND cheap! We just went back in November and Paul got a new pair of eyeglasses for $200 and that includes transitions, scratch resistance, anti-glare, and progressive bifocals.

[@weskrakowski6574]

You can also bring one bottle p/p liquor. Kahlua in Yuma Walmart is $15.50 plus tax and it is $7.50 no tax in Mexico. :-)

[@LizAmazing]

Good to know!

[@sailorbrite]

Just a heads up that you don’t have to go to Mexico for cheap glasses. Eye doctors are legally required to give you your prescription. You can use websites like eyebuydirect or zennioptical and get simple prescription glasses for $20. Great to be able to also get a backup pair and Rx sunglasses too. My mom wanted no-line photochromic (Transitions) lenses and they normally cost her over $650 but got them online for about $150. They take about 2 weeks to arrive.

[@LizAmazing]

Hi Kat! Wow, that is so good to know. We will definitely consider that next time. We are not often near the Mexican border. Thank you!

[@ggrevo564]

Thank you, appreciate the info 😉

[@LizAmazing]

Thank YOU! We saved money in Los Algodones and hope you do as well!

[@billyjohnson9166]

By the way since you kept your truck let him kick in 50% of the truck payment then it will be a win win for you, also if you dump him or get tired of the relationship you can drive off in the sunset and leave him on the side of the road.

[@LizAmazing]

Ha! I'm thinking Paul is a keeper for sure!

[@billyjohnson9166]

Good luck wishing you a happy life

[@robertbelcher1493]

I HAVE URINARY ISSUES AND HAVE TO USE CATHETERS TO URINATE. DO YOU KNOW IF I CAN GET CATHETERS IN MEXICO? THANKS!

[@susan7627]

Got another pearl for you it’s about the law of attraction: everything is energy and that’s all there is to it -match the frequency of the reality you want and you can’t help but get that reality!

[@LizAmazing]

Oh my gosh, I needed to hear that right now, thank you!

[@MelanieSpratt]

Very informative. Im a new subscriber trying to learn all i can so i can start my nomad life 😊❤️

[@LizAmazing]

Hi Melanie! Welcome to the A-Team! I'm excited for you-- I've been living this life for 14 months, the first 12 were as a solo Rver. You'll find a lot of videos on my channel sharing tips for life on the road, buying a camper, and the pros and cons of this life. If you decide to go to Mexico for cheap prescription drugs, eyeglasses or dental work, be sure to read the detailed notes in the description. I felt absolutely safe over there, and I think you will, too. Congrats on your future life as a nomad- looking forward to meeting you on the road someday!

[@ajrollan5304]

Ty for the video. Can you make a video how you park your fifth wheel

[@LizAmazing]

I should! All about the Andersen hitch for sure. Backing is still a long slow process!!!

[@lindabutsko3446]

Very informative,! Thanks.Lin

[@LizAmazing]

Thank you. We enjoyed our time in Los Algodones-- hope you get to experience it.

[@arthursoderholm3047]

Thank you for the info.

[@LizAmazing]

Hi Art! Thanks so much. We learned a lot about how to travel to Mexico to save money on dental and prescriptions-- and eyeglasses, too!

[@HSkyler]

Thank you so much for the advice! Eye glasses and dental cleaning/work. How uncomplicated was that? :-)

[@LizAmazing]

Hi-- it sure was! So easy to get everything done from new eyeglasses to teeth cleaning to buying medications. Los Algodones is known for dental work especially. They make it so easy for Americans to cross the border and get it done!

[@yaakovina]

Liz Amazing I wonder how much dental implants cost there.

[@JohnnySplattWadd]

A word of caution when purchasing cheap meds in Los Algadones. Bring your reading glasses. Of the 5x I have been there, twice the pharmacies tried to sell me outdated-expired meds. I think they get a cut rate from the distributors and pass the savings along to the gringo's.

[@LizAmazing]

That's a great tip, thanks John. We will definitely look at that.

[@colleendeaton6431]

Can you get them shipped, meds?

[@LizAmazing]

Great question. I called the pharmacies in Los Algodones just a couple weeks ago because I had the same idea. Unfortunately, they do NOT ship.

[@colleendeaton6431]

@@LizAmazing thanks

[@MyGoatShedLife]

Great hints and tips. Also a really good video guys! LOL tell them medications...NOT DRUGS. TFS

[@LizAmazing]

Hey! Right?!? I actually laughingly told the customs agent I was bringing back drugs (they ask what you are bringing back) and was sternly told they are medications! Whatever-- it was a fun time in Los Algodones and we saved a bunch of money!

[@davewallner9731]

Hi Liz! I enjoy your channel. I have to agree with Trish Benedict and think if you are going to do this kind of thing you need to proceed with caution. Due diligence is needed. Not so much for the eyeglasses, but maybe the dental care and the meds. I would be asking myself these questions... Are the dental instruments properly sterilized? Are the Dentists properly licensed? Are there any accreditation or inspection bodies monitoring the practice? What about medication recalls? In the States recently, it was discovered that certain high blood pressure meds were improperly manufactured and recalled due to carcinogens being present in the end product. Have these meds been pulled from the shelves? I think it is important to think and ask the right questions. :)

[@LizAmazing]

Hi Dave! Absolutely. I actually started the process of getting a root canal in Los Algodones but then decided it was outside of my comfort range and got it done in the US. Did you know that Los Algodones is nicknamed the Molar City-- so they are definitely making dental their specialty! However, you can't be too careful and everyone should proceed with caution to their own comfort level.

[@davewallner9731]

For sure! Thanks Liz. Happy and safe travels. 😎

[@susanstevens4234]

I heard you mention that you brought back a years worth of prescriptions. I thought that three months was the max to return with?

[@LizAmazing]

Customs told me a year. And they really don’t look that closely.

[@collettsonthemove7497]

Great info! Thank you! ~carol

[@LizAmazing]

Thank you!

[@roost3r]

Love me some Liz Amazing and Paul Proficient!

[@LizAmazing]

Awww, thanks so much, Jay!

[@billyjohnson9166]

Did you go to Puerto penasco?

[@LizAmazing]

No we did not. It was actually on our list but then it started getting expensive what with needing special insurance for the truck and camper. We were glad to just walk cross the border and save money on dental, eyeglasses and prescriptions.

[@john543]

What about hearing aids?

[@LizAmazing]

We did see at least one store that specializes in hearing aids.

[@MolarCity]

So cool that you made a captivating report of us, Molar City! Los Algodones is also known as Molar City, the Dental Capital of the World. We have been guiding, for free, patients from the US and Canada for over 13 years. We provide with free scheduling on the top dental clinics, lodging assistance and transportation too! Feel free to contact us to collaborate! 😎🥳

[@LizAmazing]

Thank you!!! We plan to be back in March! We love Los Algodones!!

[@switchpathbyamypreston5428]

Medication...not drugs. Waaaaahahahahacoughcoughcough! (That's my old person laugh because when we laugh hard, sometimes we cough!)

[@LizAmazing]

Lol! When I was crossing into the US from Mexico, the customs agent (as typical) asked what I bought in Los Algodones. When I responded "drugs!" he quickly corrected me with a stern "medications."

[@millenniummaiden]

SwitchPath by Amy Preston lol🎶🎶🎶

[@bmwpcr]

Really says something about our country when people have to often leave to another one to get more affordable medications ughhhh stupid drug companies ALL ABOUT THE BOTTOM DOLLAR

[@LizAmazing]

Yep, it sure does. Why does it have to be so expensive in the US when Mexico can offer dental, eyeglasses, and hearing aids-- not to mention prescription drugs-- WAY cheaper!

[@dunrider01]

Not always the case. Cheap dental work in Mexico can translate into 1000's of dollars spent here in the states getting substandard work repaired. Not to mention months of pain and suffering

[@LizAmazing]

Well I had the opposite experience. I started a root canal in Mexico and then chickened out. The whole thing would have cost $400 there. Instead, I spent over $3000 in the US. They told me the work done in Mexico was very good. So I wish I had continued with them. We were impressed with how clean and up-to-date their facilities are.

[@jerrytaylor7819]

I spent $8,000 on 24 crowns and teeth removed and 2 root canals. After 2 years all my teeth rotted off and I have had to spend $14,000+ just to get denture for upper teeth. I only have 7 teeth left on bottom that haven't rotted off. So I wouldn't say you will save any money going to Los Algadones !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@LizAmazing]

Whew, that sounds like a lot of dental work!

[@rockrecordreport7136]

What place did that to you? Name please.

[@weskrakowski6574]

Hi Liz and Paul, We cross the border to Algodones already two times. Monday and Wednesday this week. Next week we plan to go there again. We also did our glasses for $400 both- in New England cost us more then &1400. . Hope you have a good time. Like your review - we had the same experience. Don't like Mothers with babies sitting on the sidewalk and begging for money - Those babies never cry and always sleep. It was braking my hart - I was out of change before we get to border custom. The line (1pm and 3pm) was over 100 yards each time. .

[@LizAmazing]

Hi Wes! So glad you and your wife also saved money in Los Algodones. Can't believe how much cheaper prescriptions, eyeglasses and dental work are! Yep, if you return in the afternoon there will be a wait for sure. Have fun over there next week!

[@JT-py9lv]

Did you go on Taco Tuesday ? Great tacos to be had there....

[@LizAmazing]

I didn’t know about that- will have to do that next time!

[@hot88s23]

Every day is Taco Tuesday

[@RicG.]

Who in the heck would pay $1000 for an exam and glasses? They're crazy. And oh, by the way - I paid $69 for an eye exam and two pairs of glasses here in the good old USA!

[@LizAmazing]

Wow! What a good shopper you are! I paid $700 for an exam and glasses. My glasses aren't fancy but plenty of people do pay over $1000. Mexico definitely offers deals on eyeglasses and dental much cheaper than the US. And getting prescriptions filled -- without the prescription-- is pretty handy, too.

[@RicG.]

I'll post a link to the place where I went, if you allow it. I'm not in anyway affiliated with the company. They have 700 locations throughout the U.S. I was skeptical when I first heard about such a deal, but took a chance and it was true. I use single lens glasses, but bi-focals and progessive lenses are only about $100 I think.

[@LizAmazing]

Sounds like a great deal. Sure just post it here-- thanks!

[@trishbenedict6588]

Ric G A lot depends on the difficulty of your prescription. I get my glasses at Kaiser, which is not for profit. I pay around $300 for the lenses alone. But I have tricky eyes, loads of astigmatism requiring a thicker blank, prism in both eyes, plus I get high-index lenses which are the lightest but priciest. Oh, and anti-glare and darkening. And a second pair for reading, since I can’t stand the weight of bifocals. It all adds up. If you’re lucky enough to have a simple prescription, glasses can be relatively inexpensive.

[@RicG.]

www.americasbest.com/

[@fightswithspirits915]

Dentists in USA and Mexico re very suspect. More concerned about playing the next round of golf than providing quality service. Not all of them, but enough of them so that you really need to know the doctor you select is good.

[@LizAmazing]

Yep. That's why it's hard to find a doctor on the road. When I lived in a house, I chose a doctor based on a friend's recommendation. That said, my dentist was very impressed with the work the Mexican dentist did- and it was WAY cheaper.

[@AlaskaErik]

No way in this day and age am I ever going into Mexico again. I have health and dental/eye care insurance, so there is no savings for me anyway. I just consider it much too dangerous to go south of the border anymore. My winter home is about 40 miles from Nogales, but it's a whole 'nother world down there. It's just a matter of time before the cartel troubles come to these medical/dental tourist destinations.

[@LizAmazing]

Yep, ya gotta be careful!

[@kittykat999a]

AlaskaErik Green Valley? I’m looking at real estate there.

[@AlaskaErik]

@@kittykat999a Yes, Green Valley. Although you're a few years too late for buying real estate. In less than six years the value of my home has just about doubled.

[@RicG.]

Heres the link to the place I was talking about for inexpensive eyeglasses: www.americasbest.com/

[@LizAmazing]

Awesome-- sounds like a good deal!

[@TomE-11]

@@LizAmazing If u look at the reviews of Americasbest. Not so great!