Healthcare and auto emergencies can happen without warning (and seemingly more than randomly on a weekend or national holiday), so it’s a very good idea to establish your local providers as soon as possible.  That way, when you do have that acute pain where you believe your appendix is located or that throbbing pain in your back molar on the left side, you will know who to call and they will know you.

After you arrive in Mexico, come in as soon as you can to your new doctor and dentist and provide the healthcare and dental records to your new provider you obtained just before you left (assuming you followed this guide) and exchange phone numbers.

It is not at all unusual for Mexican doctors and dentists to give their patients their cell phone numbers, so you can ask. That way, when it’s Mexican Independence Day and you just don’t feel right, you will have a number to call and everything will turn out nice and easy.

While you’re at it, it may be a good idea to visit your new auto mechanic and perhaps have them do a minor service, just so you can know if you want to use them again, and if so, to get their cell number so that if you blow our your tire during the Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe, you’ll know who to call.

• Personally visit your new doctor, give him or her a copy of your medical records and list of medications, discuss ongoing care, and exchange cell phone numbers.

• Personally visit your new dentist, give him or her a copy of your dental records, discuss ongoing care, and exchange cell phone numbers.

• Personally visit your new auto mechanic and get their personal cell phone number, just in case.