There are two options if you are traveling from outside the area: flying into San Diego's Lindbergh International Airport, or directly into Mexico landing at the Tijuana International Airport. The Tijuana airport is a short 4 miles from Dr. Sigler's clinic and may provide additional convenience in travel depending upon your departure city.
Just 20 minutes from San Diego downtown, Lindbergh International Airport, Balboa Park, and local beaches, the town of San Ysidro is the last US stop before crossing the international border into the bustling city of Tijuana, Mexico. San Ysidro boasts the Las Americas outlet shopping mall, with extensive shops, restaurants and parking for those who choose to drive down and then walk across the border for their appointment. Additionally, there is trolley service from San Diego that extends to San Ysidro
Take the 1-5 south or I-805 south. As you approach the international border, take the 'LAST U.S. EXIT' and turn right onto Camino de la Plaza, then turn left into the Las Americas Outlet mall. Turning left again, park near the McDonald's or Nike factory store to be closer to the border crossing. Park here only for a daytime appointment, not overnight.
For overnight parking, there is paid parking across the street at Border Station Parking. The lot is gated, has a guard and charges $8 per 12 hours Monday-Thursday or $15 per 12 hours, Friday-Sunday.
There are three trolley lines in San Diego: Green, Orange and Blue. The blue line is the only line that travels to and from San Ysidro. Connections can be made downtown at the Santa Fe Depot or at the 12th & Imperial station.
See SDMTS for all stops, schedules and information.
It can be a little confusing to walk across the border as there are a lot of twists and turns, ramps, stairs and just plain distance. However, with the opening of PedWest, the new and improved pedestrian crossing, the waits are at least getting shorter upon your return to the U.S. Wear good walking shoes as you will be walking nearly a mile from your car to the taxi or Uber on the other side. For a map click here.
Once you make it though Mexican customs (see below) you will want to take a taxi or Uber to Dr. Sigler's clinic for your appointment. $10 is a sufficient one way fare, including tip. Show them the address—Blvd General Rodolfo Sanchez Taboada 9574, Suite 103, Zona Urbana Rio C,P. 22010 Tijuana, BC. Dr. Sigler's clinic is located on the 1st floor of the building where Banbajio Bank is.
A private car service is available to pick you up directly from your hotel or home in San Diego and take you down through the international border to the clinic or surgery facility for Alicia Sigler, MD. Using an express lane through customs that is dedicated to medical services vehicles, the private car service is the most efficient way to cross the border.
For consultations, botox or cosmetic filler appointments, car service is available for $80 and up (Costs may vary depending on the area in San Diego). With vans holding up to 8 people, this is an excellent option for friends and families traveling down together. To schedule your own service, call Alex to coordinate.
Have your passport or a valid photo ID ready when entering the border crossing into Mexico. Returning, U.S. citizens must have a valid, unexpired passport or an Enhanced Driver's License to come back across the border. Resident aliens must have a valid green card. Children under the age of 16 can show an original or certified copy of a birth certificate when arriving into the U.S. via land. However, a passport is always the best option when traveling in and out of the U.S. Be sure your passport is valid for at least one month past your travel date and have a blank page for any stamps.
Everything acquired while in Mexico must be declared to customs when returning to the U.S. You may likely have purchased medications at a pharmacy, so declare those and show your prescription(s). Don't bring anything that's restricted back into the U.S. from Tijuana. Check with a border patrol officer if you have any concerns or questions about what's allowed. For more information on the San Diego ‒ Tijuana border crossing, visit Smart Border Coalition.
Credit cards and U.S. cash are used in Tijuana. Remember to bring some smaller denominations to pay for taxis/Uber, prescriptions, lunch/dinner and tips.
What you need for customsHave your passport or a valid photo ID ready when entering the border crossing into Mexico. Returning, U.S. citizens must have a valid, unexpired passport or an Enhanced Driver's License to come back across the border. Resident aliens must have a valid green card. Children under the age of 16 can show an original or certified copy of a birth certificate when arriving into the U.S. via land. However, a passport is always the best option when traveling in and out of the U.S. Be sure your passport is valid for at least one month past your travel date and have a blank page for any stamps.
It depends. At the busiest intenational land crossing in the world, you can expect anything from 10 minutes to 2 hours.
Driving back using Dr. Sigler's car service puts you in a special line dedicated to medical transport vehicles. This line moves faster than the other lines but wait times can vary between 10 minutes on up to 60+ minutes, depending upon the day, time and traffic. This medical pass has a separate cost and varies in availability, giving priority to those who undergo surgery
Walking back through the PedWest has speeded up the lines too. Previously, 2-3 hours was usual but now the times can vary from 10 minutes up to 60 minutes. On heavier holidays and weekends, waits can extend up to 2 hours.
Yes, you can drive across to Dr. Sigler's clinic, but the long lineups at the border returning to the U.S. don't really justify it. It is far more convenient to walk across and take a taxi or Uber, or to hire the private car service provided through Dr. Sigler's clinic if you are coming in for surgery and/or carrying luggage for an overnight stay.
The majority of people you will interact with are bilingual and speak English and Spanish. All taxi and Uber drivers speak English, as well as staff at Dr. Sigler's clinic.
Dr. Sigler's clinic is a little less than 3 miles from the international border and is a quick 5+ minute taxi or Uber ride, costing approximately $10.
Most cell phone carriers have some type of international plan that you can use while in Mexico as phones now are considered 'world devices.' Often these plans kick in automatically once you cross the border. Check with your carrier for more information.
There are many excellent and affordable hotels nearby Dr. Sigler's clinic and surgery facilities. Inquire with Dr. Sigler for more information. Please note that hotel pricing is listed in pesos on the websites listed below.
Use this handy link to make the conversion to US dollars.
To convert Mexican pesos to US dollars click here.
The following is a list of recommended hotels to choose from. (click to go to their website)
+1 (619) 735-6832 - English
+52 (664) 634-3790 - Office Spanish
+1 (619) 904-5665 - Spanish
drsigler.consult@gmail.com