Are you cautious about traveling?
By Amber
@AmbiePam (120738)
United States
September 27, 2010 6:30pm CST
I need some dental work done, and although it's only a couple of things, because I don't have dental insurance, it will cost thousands of dollars. I mean a couple of crowns will break the bank. My dad has a friend who went to Mexico to get a lot of dental work done, and the dentist did it for 1/4 of the price it would have cost here in America, at least Oklahoma where I live.
But my dad is scared to take me to Mesico (and HE would be going with me). We have both been there. I've been to Mexico four times in my life. Three of the places were beautiful, one was not a good city to go to. But no matter where, it's a volatile time to go to Mexico. There are a bunch of kidnapings going on with Americans being taken and some held for ransom, and some women sold into white slavery (as crazy as that sounds). Now we wouldn't spend the night (we'd cross back over to the U.S. and spend the night there), but we would be there for a significant matter of time. The city I would go to is not a rich one, nor a very poor one. But my dad worries about taking me there (which is odd because my dad is not a worry kind of person - and people who don't live here, it really is dangerous, I'm not making it up).
What do you think? Do you factor in your physical safety when traveling? I remember the times I went to Mexico before, there were so many less problems then. There was still crime of course, but now... 
Some of you may not just factor in the place you are going to, but how you get there. Do you choose a plane over a car because research shows that no matter what one believes, planes are safer than cars? Or are you afraid to travel by plane?
*For all the people who want me to do research into the dentist I will be going to, or to tell me about places that help poor people with dental work, I've checked into it. It's still cheaper to go to Mexico. And there are several people it turns out that we know who have gone to Mexico for dental work. One is rich, but they are really frugal, so they went to Mexico anyway. Trust me, it's safe to get the work done.)
Some of you may not just factor in the place you are going to, but how you get there. Do you choose a plane over a car because research shows that no matter what one believes, planes are safer than cars? Or are you afraid to travel by plane?
*For all the people who want me to do research into the dentist I will be going to, or to tell me about places that help poor people with dental work, I've checked into it. It's still cheaper to go to Mexico. And there are several people it turns out that we know who have gone to Mexico for dental work. One is rich, but they are really frugal, so they went to Mexico anyway. Trust me, it's safe to get the work done.)5 people like this
11 responses
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
28 Sep 10
I would consider it, but would look into all other options first. Once you factor in travel, meals and accomodations (some proceedures may take more than one day?) taking advantage of other options may end up cheaper...even if the dental cost itself is higher. Good luck!
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (120738)
• United States
28 Sep 10
There is one other factor. My dad needs some work done. And he can't afford it either. One of his crowns fell off, and he needs another one even then. His income, low as it is, does not qualify him for Friends of Health. They would take me, but it's still too much money for me. But they can't help him apparently at all. So you'd be taking the cost of my dental work and his, when weighing it against the cost of meals and gas on the trip. Because the cost of gas and a motel were something I was concerned about too. I'm actually saving on mypoints for a gas card to Shell. Just in case we do go. And if we don't go, I'll have it to give to my dad for Christmas. Funny thing is, he'd rather have a gas card than anything else! lol
1 person likes this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
29 Sep 10
I’ve never travelled to Mexico but I would definitely take physical safety into consideration especially if your dad is concerned and he is not a habitual worrier! I’m sure getting the dental work done is absolutely fine, it’s all the other risks you mentioned that concern me! Not having proper knowledge of the place it is difficult for me to comment but if you know the area it may help you decide. I would say that if you have any insecurity about safety you should give it a miss for the time being anyway.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (120738)
• United States
29 Sep 10
It's s ahme that is such a worry to go there. Parts of Mexico are absolutely beautiful, and the people are so friendly. It's just so bad that crime is so rampant right now. The popular resort towns although mostly safe, still have pockets of crime, and they are ruthless.
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
28 Sep 10
If you know the place well and have a plan, I'd say go for it. We have insurance, but only get so much per year, but if I didn't, I would try to make it to Mexico if I knew a good dentist to go to. But the cost of fuel from Ohio would probably be more and like I said, we do have insurance.
But, if you feel uncomfortable there, then no, I wouldn't go. And you are talking to someone who really wants to visit Israel, yet won't go unless I know the people I am going with or visit a mutual friends daughter who lives there. I mean, if it is time for me to go, then it's my time, but only if I am led..I guess that doesn't make sense, so I'll give it to you another way..Pray, if you feel peace, then go, if you feel something isn't right, don't go..
@Hatley (163772)
• Garden Grove, California
28 Sep 10
hi ambiepam oh no no no this is a dreadful time for Americans to travel in Mexico and also I would be leery of those d entists, are they using sterile techniques in their dental work, are they qualified, I would t ry to find a more inexpensive American dental clinic here in America where you will be much safer. I know there are some in California who do not charge those hideous fees and let you make payments on your dental work. I would not feel safe going to Mexico right now.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169474)
• United States
28 Sep 10
I think about where and how I am going places, and not because of safety, but because of convenience, I prefer to drive. Are you saying that you are for sure going to Mexico. Kansas is closer, and I know of a place in Wichita that is very economical, and I can send you the phone number. The other thing is, I know some of my family used to go to Tishomingo, Ok for a lot of dental stuff. Whatever you and your dad try to do it will be well thought out.
1 person likes this
@Yestheypayme2dothis (7874)
• United States
30 Sep 10
I did not know you lived in Oklahoma. I thought it was Ohio. I don't have dental insurance, either. I factor in a lot of things: safety getting there, who will care for your teeth if you have a problem once you get back to Oklahoma, and the materials they use. From what I have read about the agriculture of Mexico--we accept their vegetables, it's not a good thing. I have read over the last few years about their medical procedures not being up to standard. Considering that Mexico is a poor area, I would wonder, since it is so cheap, where are those materials coming from. China? So yes, I would be worried. Are you getting any dental implants?
@jerzgirl (9384)
• United States
28 Sep 10
I think it depends on where this dentist is. It definitely would be dangerous to go right across the border, for sure, but in Mexico City or near one of the resorts, it might not be so bad, as long as he got his dentistry degree in a good school.
1 person likes this
@marguicha (230350)
• Chile
13 Feb 12
I have gone several times to Mexico alone and have not had any problem at all. True is, I´m not american. But there are places that are more dangerous than others in all the world. I don´t think you´d have much trouble in Mexico City. Mexico is one of the biggest countries in the world. Where of it exactly are you planning to go? It seems that it is just across the border. Maybe that´s dangerous.
