My Medicine Shipped from the US Got Held Up in Mexico Customs
 

I portioned out my medication so that I wouldn't have to carry it all with me. I tried to have my parents back in the US ship me my medicine (pills) to me here in Mexico City via Fedex, but it got held up in customs and they are saying I need a "Technical Chemical Letter" and a "Health Authorization Letter" in order for me to receive them.

Has anyone had experience with this? I am guessing the "Health Authorization Letter" would be from my doctor, but I have no idea where I would get a "Technical Chemical Letter".

:confused1:

Funny, I just saw a post suggesting using DHL for Mexican shipments, never Fedex or UPS. Maybe this will be helpful somewhere down the road.

In the meantime, most drugs are available in Mexico over the counter, sometimes with a scrip written on the spot for a couple of dollars by an in-house medical professional. If you need your medication, this might be way easier than getting your shipment through customs.

Lastly, it'll be worth keeping in mind that you're going to have this problem--except sometimes worse--elsewhere in Latin America too, if you're headed onwards. Think of a better way.

Sorry I can't answer your actual questions, but hope this is helpful.

Mark

I agree with Mark, get your medicine here in Mex City. I would also try to get enough to last for several months or better still all your trip. Semding medicines across borders sounds like a very complicated thing to do. I can't see any simple way to get it out of customs.

Garry

An easy way is to get the prescription written by your home doctor and just carry it with you - no pharmacist in the rest of Latin America - or Africa or Asia etc - will care about the "legality" - they just want to know exactly what you want and they'll sell it to you happily and probably for a tenth of the price at home.

Or if it's an easy one and you know exactly what it is you need, just tell the pharmacist and that's it. Easy. :mchappy: