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Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas,
Mexico
The town of Rio Bravo is
located about 20 miles across the border from the Pharr International
Bridge (border crossing) or from McAllen, TX, in the Rio Grande Valley.
It is an agricultural community, with a population of about 85,000.
While the city is near the
border, it is not considered a border town or a major tourist center. It
is a thriving community where the people are warm, friendly and
hard-working.
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Flying:
More patients prefer fly - the shuttle will transport you to and from the hospital.
See the
shuttle page for pricing.
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McAllen, TX - (airport code MFE)
20-30 min from hospital
(not including time spent at border crossing/
traffice delays).
More airlines fly into
McAllen, and more patients use this airport.
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Harlingen,
TX (airport code HRL
50-60 min from hospital
(not including time spent at border crossing/
traffice delays). Fewer airlines
fly into Harlingen but often less expensive airfare. |
Try to schedule your flight to arrive: The afternoon
/ evening prior to a morning surgery date (or) no later than 3 pm on
the day of an evening surgery.
Your return flight must be scheduled for: 24-36 hours
post-op -- No earlier than mid afternoon on your release date.
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If flights are scheduled as listed above and space permits, you will
stay 1-2 nights in hospital and should not need to make hotel
arrangements.
Bring extra funds for
hotel a hotel stay just in case this is not possible.
Be sure to plan your flight in advance for the lowest fares. We do
recommend if you are traveling a long distance that you fly/it easier on you during your return trip home.
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Driving Tips:
Please note that it is not recommended that you drive
for your surgery. Other patients have done so and without incident,
but most of them even recommend use of the shuttle or extreme caution.
For those who choose to drive, we offer the following driving tips for your convenience.
Please do your research to make sure all requirements listed (and those
not listed) are met.
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Directions:
To Pharr International Bridge (your
crossing point)
From (North): Follow Hwy 281 South. It will become Cage Blvd and will
lead directly to Pharr International Bridge
From McAllen (West): Follow Hwy 83 East to 281 South. Take Pharr
Int. Bridge Exit (this is the SECOND Pharr Int. Bridge exit if coming from
McAllen).
From Harlingen (East): Follow Hwy 83 West to 281 South. Take the
Pharr Int. Bridge Exit (use first Pharr Int. Exit if coming from
Harlingen)
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Maps - Visual:
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Crossing the Border into Mexico:
(drive through like a toll booth). .If you follow the directions
you will run right into the hospital with no problem.
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The fee for crossing is appx
$1.75 going into Mexico
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You will not usually be asked any
questions going across the border into Mexico, but they may ask for ID and
reason for visit.
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After crossing the bridge,
continue south until you see the sign for Matamoras.
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Take the clover leaf exit
East toward Matamoras / Rio Bravo on Hwy 2. It takes
approximately 15-20
minutes from border to city.
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When you reach Rio Bravo, STAY ON
THE HIGHWAY as it veers to the right. Continue on Hwy 2 to the 4th red-light.
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Turn left at the 4th light.
The track/sports field will be on your immediate right after you turn off
the hwy and go down a little slope into the town.
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Turn left on Morelos (2nd block
down). The hospital is 2 blocks down on the corner of Guerrero
and Morelos Av.
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Returning to the US:
(drive through like a toll booth - waits are often much longer, random
inspections may occur.)
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The fee is approximately $2.50.
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US border patrol will:
ask for ID, want to know what the nature of your visit to Mexico, and may
want to do a simple inspection. This is done randomly, so there is no
reason to be alarmed if asked to pull over. They need to make sure you do
not have anything in your vehicle that cannot be brought into the US
(food/fruit, non-prescribed drugs, contraband, etc). If you DO have
something inappropriate, they will throw away or confiscate it..
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Have surgery papers and ID ready
to show - your hospital paperwork will be needed to verify your medications
(antibiotics/pain meds) are prescribed.
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Keep luggage simple.
No large duffel bags, boxes, grocery bags, etc. This would likely cause a search your vehicle (even if you are using the
shuttle) and the delay could cause you to miss your return flight.
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Make sure you have proper
identification. A driver's license and one other form of ID will be
sufficient. Have at least one form of photo with ID. If
recently married, a copy of your marriage certificate will be necessary if
your license is still in your maiden name.
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