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FAQs
About travel to Puerto Vallarta:
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What documents are required to enter Mexico?
For U.S. and Canadian citizens: Proof of citizenship such as a valid passport or certified copy of birth certificate along with government issued photo ID (driver’s license).
Naturalized US Citizens: Valid passport or naturalization papers along with government issued picture ID.
Non-U.S. citizens residing in the U.S.: Valid passport plus Green Card.
Others: Check with the Mexican embassy or consulate regarding proper documentation.
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What are the standard customs procedures on arrival in Puerto Vallarta?
After passing through a document check and picking up your luggage, the last step will be to push a button that will give you a green or a red light based on a random system. If you get a red light your luggage will be opened and the contents reviewed.
You may bring up to US$300 of gifts/purchases into Mexico from the U.S. or Canada duty free.
- What is the time zone for Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta is in Central Standard Time year round.
About Money in Mexico:
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What about credit card use and getting cash from ATMs?
All major credit cards are widely accepted (although many restaurants insist on cash – ask before you order). There are many ATMs in Puerto Vallarta – most Vallarta banks have them in front of their offices. The American Express office is at the corner of Diaz Ordaz and Abasolo in Centro.
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Pesos and Dollars
Dollars are accepted almost everywhere in Puerto Vallarta. However, shops and restaurants will not give you the best exchange rate so it’s a good idea to “shop” for the best rate at banks and exchange houses.
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What about tipping and taxes?
Tips range from 10% to 20% of the total bill. A 15% IVA (Value Added Tax) tax is applied to all products and services.
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What is IVA?
I.V.A. (Impuesto al Valor Agregado) is the 15% Mexican sales tax. Your bills or receipts will usually show “+ I.V.A." and then the total. Or they may state that the tax is included.
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Do you bargain on prices in Puerto Vallarta?
In most stores the prices are fixed, just as they are in the U.S and Canada. If you are making large purchases you can always ask for a discount.
Bargaining is an accepted part of the process for street or beach vendors and in Vallarta crafts markets.
About Weather and Clothes:
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What about the weather in Puerto Vallarta?
In general, Puerto Vallarta has some of the best weather in the world. It is on the same latitude as Hawaii and has similar weather.
See the Month-to-Month Temperature Chart on our Vallarta Weather page. Also go to the Vallarta Weather page for current and near term weather conditions.
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What kind of clothes should I bring?
Puerto Vallarta is an informal city. Dress for comfort. Light clothes are essential year round, although you may want a wear light sweater during winter evenings.
Umbrellas are a good idea during the summer rainy season.
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What about the summer – is it just too hot and rainy?
The rainy season is from June to September but you still get lots of sunny days, often with hard rains in the late afternoons and at night. The summer rains are often spectacular downpours – if you have never seen a tropical rainstorm, this is the place.
In the summer, the daytime temperatures will be in the low 90’s and it’s humid, but many people really enjoy the summers in Vallarta which are less hot than in many U.S. locations. Summer prices are lower, and the town is quieter – no reservations needed at even the best restaurants. And if you stay near the water, there is usually a cooling breeze that makes the beach comfortable even in mid-summer.
About Communications:
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Where and how can I make international phone calls?
International telephone calls from Mexico are expensive. You can make direct dial calls from any of the Playa del Sol Resort hotels.
Also, many stores sell Ladatel phone cards which can be used for long distance calls from public phones. The cards come in different denominations – make sure you buy one worth at least 100 pesos. Calling collect is a good idea.
To dial direct to the United States or Canada you dial 001, the area code, then the local number.
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Can I use my laptop computer to get my e-mail and have Internet access?
Bringing a laptop computer into Mexico for personal or business use is legal and a common practice, as long as it is not in its original package (which will cause customs officials to think that you are bringing it to sell or as a gift).
To use your laptop for email, the easiest solution is to go to PV Net at Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 1692. They have a service for lap top users who want to connect to the internet for email, etc. Prices are reasonable: about US$1 for 30 minutes.
About Health and Safety:
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Can I drink the water?
Puerto Vallarta has received certification for its drinking water. However, not all city water piping is properly sealed, so it’s best to stick to purified water which is available almost everywhere (“agua purificada”).
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Is it safe to walk around the town at night?
Yes. There is very little violent crime here. However, common sense is required. After dark, stay on the main streets and do not wander alone on the beaches unless you are in well lit areas. The tourist police are friendly and very helpful.
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How about kids? Should I be worried about their safety? Is there anything for kids to do in Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta is safe and Mexican people in general welcome children and treat them with great affection. The beaches are endless entertainment for kids. There are many boat excursions and other land based tours that are safe for kids. “Splash” is a dolphin aquarium and water park in the Nuevo Vallarta area near Playa del Sol Grand. Ask at your hotel about booking information for tours appropriate.
About Local Transportation:
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What are the taxi rates?
The Taxi Union has established rates for all areas of Puerto Vallarta. In most cases the driver will give you the correct fare. However, you should ask before getting in the cab and not after you arrive. You may also want to ask the people at your hotel about the approximate cost for any destination.
- What about Puerto Vallarta buses?
Traveling by bus in Mexico is inexpensive and can be “an interesting experience.” First of all, be very careful about walking in front of Vallarta buses – they are not patient with pedestrians.
To go anywhere in town costs about 4 pesos (40 cents US). The bus terminal is on Olas Altas at Plaza Lázaro Cárdenas, near Los Muertos Beach. Just say where you want to go and the drivers will point you to the right bus. Buses go north to downtown the Hotel Zone, Marina Vallarta and the airport, and south to Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlán. Stops (“Paradas”) are marked by a dark blue sign with a bus outlined in white.
For Playa del Sol Grand from Centro, catch a gray bus to Nuevo Vallarta at Brasil Street near the sports grounds in the Hotel Zone. Then take a cab from N.V. to the hotel.
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If I am staying at Playa del Sol Grand near Nuevo Vallarta, is there public transportation from Nuevo Vallarta to Puerto Vallarta?
Both taxis and buses go from central Vallarta to Nuevo Vallarta. The buses run every 30 minutes or so, a one way ticket is around $10 pesos ($1dollar) and you can take a short cab ride from Nuevo Vallarta to Playa del Sol Grand.
Taxis take a little less time, around 20 minutes, and are about $150 pesos ($15 dollars) one way. If you are going direct to Playa del Sol Grand from Centro instead of to Nuevo Vallarta, the charge will be a little more.
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Will there be shopping and restaurants near Playa del Sol Grand?
Yes, Nuevo Vallarta is only a few minutes away. There is a large shopping mall with a variety of restaurants, shops, coffee bars and a supermarket.
About tours, golf and recreation in Vallarta:
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Are beaches private or public?
All beaches in Mexico are public. However, most hotels restrict access through their properties to the beach.
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Any Golf course information?
See our “Vallarta Golf” page.
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Any information about the Bay? Are there tours we can take to get to know the area better?
Puerto Vallarta is at the center of one of the world's largest bays - the "Bahía de Banderas", or "Bay of Flags". The enormous Bay has over 40 miles of coast along its circumference and measures about 20 miles from land's center to the open ocean and about 25 miles across, with depths of up to 2 miles. The southwestern third of the bay (past Boca de Tomatlan) is roadless but has wonderful beaches that can be accessed by tour boats. The depth and relative calmness of the Bay afford the perfect location for some of the best snorkeling and fishing in the world. Deep sea fishing boats leave daily from several points of departure on the bay.
From December to April of each year, you will often see dolphins, sea turtles, giant manta rays and gray and humpback whales.
Check with your activities desk in the hotel about whale watching, beach trips, jungle trips, horseback riding and many other tours available throughout the Bay area.
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