By RAY QUIROGA
rayq@portisabelsouthpadre.com
A popular outing for Rio Grande Valley visitors involves taking day trips to Mexican border cities. For the uninitiated, however, a trip, even a short one, across the border poses several questions and concerns.
While Matamoros and Reynosa, two popular city ports of entry into the US, offer unique experiences, it is strongly suggested that tourists limit day trips to Nuevo Progreso, Tamaulipas, also known as Las Flores.
Nuevo Progreso is practically built for day trippers as several blocks of medical clinics, sidewalk vendors, storefront gift shops, pharmacies, and restaurants await tourists immediately upon crossing into Mexico.
Nuevo Progreso is a Mexican community located in the Río Bravo Municipality, Tamaulipas, Mexico, which borders the Rio Grande Valley and is part of the binational Reynosa–McAllen metropolitan area. The Progreso, TX-Nuevo Progreso International Bridge connects the town of Progreso, TX, with Nuevo Progreso/Las Flores.
Mexican Census numbers indicate a population of approximately 10,178 inhabitants.
According to Wikipedia, Nuevo Progreso is one of the safest border towns in Tamaulipas and is a popular destination for medical tourism. There are over 100 dentists and 100 pharmacies in the five-block center of Nuevo Progreso. Nuevo Progreso is not a significant trade route for commerce, and most tourists cross the border on foot.
As a Valley-born native, my family has been visiting Mexican border cities for as long as I can recall with the best general advice shared to me by my grandmother who wisely said, “If it’s not legal or if you wouldn’t do it in the US, odds are it’s not legal in Mexico.” The use of common sense, good judgment, and the buddy system also goes a long way.
Don’t go into Mexico alone, accept rides (even from individuals posing as law enforcement or taxi drivers), don’t accept food or drinks from strangers, keep an eye on your bags, purses, wallets, cell phones, and other valuables at all times. Wearing purses and satchels across your body is helpful, and it’s best to avoid entering alleys or corners that are not well-populated. Don’t overindulge, and again, follow local laws. Finally, keep your good jewelry at the hotel.
Parking—Las Flores is about 65 miles from South Padre Island, so plan accordingly. GPS will eventually lead you to the Progreso International Bridge. If possible, consider parking on the US side of the border. There are two large parking areas on both sides of the thoroughfare adjacent to the checkpoint. Day parking is $4 per passenger vehicle. It’s then a short jaunt across the dedicated walkway into Mexico. Pedestrians must pay $1 each to cross into Mexico and 35 cents to cross back (that can range to 50 cents). There is a quick inspection station in Mexico, where purses, bags, and backpacks are subject to an X-ray inspection. Do not carry any weapons, knives, or firearms into mexico. Do not cross elicit items into Mexico. You can be detained or incarcerated.
If you prefer to drive into Mexico, you may do so; however, you may be subject to inspections at both entry points, and there may be a substantial waiting period to cross, depending on the day. Once you cross, you can search for curbside parking and ask an attendant for assistance. Tip the attendant. You may want to check with your vehicle’s insurer to ensure that your automobile is covered when traveling across international borders. You may be required to pay for additional insurance.
DO I NEED A PASSPORT? As of time of this publication, for day tripping into these Mexican border towns, all you need is a valid, government-issued identification, a birth certificate, or both; however, a passport may allow for certain advantages such as a for a quicker passage back into the States as customs provides an often shorter, more expedite, line upon return.
CROSSING BACK—Upon returning to the States, day trippers will typically be asked about their citizenship status, about their business in Mexico, and what they’re bringing back. Don’t lie to customs. If you’re bringing liquor, pharmaceuticals, candy, or gifts, let them know if asked.
CAN CHILDREN CROSS? Yes, as long as a parent or guardian accompanies them and the child has proper identification. Do not leave children unattended for any reason.
CAN PETS CROSS? Yes, with proper veterinary paperwork indicating they have received the necessary vaccinations. And yes, there are veterinary services in Nuevo Progreso; however, Customs will not allow sick animals to cross back into the US. Check with the USDA for more information.
CAN I PURCHASE/CROSS PHARMACEUTICALS BACK INTO THE US? Despite many wives’ tales, Mexican pharmacists are extraordinary, helpful, courteous, professional, well-educated, capable, and bilingual. They will inform patients if they can import a specific medication into the US, if requested. Again, the best advice is to do some digging ahead of time and let Customs know what you have upon entering.
HOW SAFE ARE THEY? There have been mixed reports about the safety of Mexican drugs, given the production of illicit drugs such as Fentanyl in Mexico, with concern that Fentanyl production may have tainted the legitimate drug supply.
Again, it’s best to research specific, sought-after drugs to determine if any issues have been reported. Personally, as a consumer of Mexican medicines, over-the-counter and prescribed, including daily asthma medication, I have yet to experience a negative issue with Mexican medication.
IS THE FOOD SAFE TO EAT? From street tacos to phenomenal dine-in experiences to $14 flavored or traditional margaritas served in a glass large enough for a small bird to bathe in comfortably, Nuevo Progreso offers some of the best cuisine the border region has to offer at more than fair prices. It’s not only safe to eat, but you’ll go back just for the dining experience. Just make sure the water is bottled and poured in front of you.
WHAT ABOUT MEDICAL SERVICES? As with the States, there are good and bad dentists and doctors in Mexico. The best advice is to gather some names and do some research. There are several social media groups and blogs that can provide answers to questions about bedside manner and quality of care. Personally, my entire family, including members with dental insurance in the US, prefers to visit our longtime dental clinic in Mexico, where we’ve experienced better care at a fraction of the cost compared to the States. Our family dentist’s facilities easily rival, if not surpass, those on this side of the border. However, not all dentists are the same, so be sure to ask around to find the one that suits you best.
Did I miss something? Is there a question about Progreso you’d like answered? If so, send an email to me, and I’ll do my best to answer your query.
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