Also, can any of you tell me if I have to bring a letter from my GP for the prescription drugs that I'll be carrying? Are food products allowed through US customs?
Hi Zuriel,
I agree you shouldn't have to pay a fee, keep looking! Another possibility: I don't know if this clinic has any affiliation with the University of Miami Hospital, but it wouldn't hurt to try this. Contact their International Center at the hospital and they may be able to help you or direct you to someone who can. I don't know if Nancy still "officially" is on the staff at this hospital but she may be:
INTERNATIONAL CENTER
The International Patient Service Center caters to all international patients who are
self-pay or have special needs. The Center arranges and coordinates an array of
services from medical appointments to transportation to
hotel reservations.
The Centers staff act as liaisons, offering specialized attention to all patients and family members while in the hospital.
The Center offers on-call service, physician referrals, programs such as second
opinions, and executive physicals, global self-pay packages, pharmacy services,
and can also assist with embassy documentation, clerical assistance, and Internet
access. For more information, please call 305-689-4500.
I don't see an email address at their website but there must be one somewhere. Also, while many hotels don't have a separate kitchen area, the majority of the better ones will have a microwave and small fridge.
Yes, if you are questioned and your bags inspected, you will need a letter from your doctor about the drugs you are carrying. In the US, every bottle of meds has your name, the doctor's name, the pharmacy's name and number, the dosage, and the number of refills allowed. Since you probably don't have this on your drug packages, you would need a letter detailing all that.
Also, as far as bringing food into the States, customs goes absolutely "ape" over fresh fruit and vegetables, and probably meat that isn't in a manufacturer sealed package. Generally you are OK with manufacturer sealed packages but you might want to read on the government website to see if there is any restriction as to the type of packaged food. They also have a "thing" about wooden objects and having been on a farm. They will give you a form to fill out on the plane (there are samples on the web), but basically say no to everything--you haven't been near a farm, you aren't carrying wooden objects, you don't have fresh fruit or veg. etc.
Whole Foods has lots of precooked foods and salads too, which can minimize cooking. I get an organic roasted chicken from them each week and make the most of it! They also have several areas of the store that are gluten free.
At least with US citizens entering the States, I've always been able to just walk thru the green lane and have never been stopped. If you want to take the trouble, you can buy TSA locks for your bags. This allows security to open your bags without breaking the lock and they also "turn red" if they have been opened so you know they have been searched. I think they also put a paper in to say that your bag has been inspected.
Hope this helps. Maybe some more Miami residents will see this and know of just the right place to stay.
Best wishes,
Sushi