Puerto Vallarta FAQ

What is Puerto Vallarta's Time Zone?

Puerto Vallarta is located in Central Standard Time year round.

 

What will the weather be like in January?

 The weather is comparable to Hawaii (which is located at the same latitude), and in January one can expect an average of 22-25 Celsius or 72-77 Fahrenheit (no harm bringing a light jacket or shawl in case it gets breezy in the evenings).

The climate is perfect, the city quiet and romantic, and the sky a perfect shade of blue.

 

 

 

 

Arriving at the Puerto Vallarta Airport

Here is a step-by-step breakdown

(if you've connected via Mexico City, you will go through immigration & customs there and won't need to in Puerto Vallarta)

• after you get off the plane, you will go through the immigration desk where you'll present your passport and Tourist Card
• from there, go to baggage claim and then to customs - here you will be asked to press the STOP/GO button - if you get a green light (we always have), you pass through without review. If you get a red light, your luggage will be checked.
• once you're on your way out of customs, you'll go through an area full of vendors (timeshare salesmen/women, rental cars, etc...) before you're able to get to the airport hall outside. Unless you want to waste your time, try to get out as soon as possible!! You'll be offered free taxis, tours and maybe even money, but it's all BS...so ignore them and move forward!
• walk out of the automatic doors into the main airport hall - go to the taxi stands/counters by the exit doors. They will most probably wave at you to come to them...you can trust them! Pay your taxi fee there (unless you're being picked up) and head to your hotel/resort.
• For those guests staying at the Fiesta Americana Hotel, they offer a complimentary airport shuttle service - please check with them directly before you travel.
• It takes less than 10 minutes to get from the airport to the Los Tules Resort and the Fiesta Americana Hotel (in the Hotel Zone).

 

ADDRESSES

For our guests staying at our 2 recommended locations, here are the addresses:

 

 

 

 

Currency and Money Matters

The Peso is Mexico's official currency, but almost all purchases in town can be paid in US or Canadian dollars, which are accepted almost everywhere in Puerto Vallarta. However, large bills (Franklins, etc.) can be difficult to break, so it's recommended that you bring plenty of $1's, $5's and $10's.

If you go on an adventure out of the main tourist areas, it would be best to bring enough pesos along with you.

 

Before traveling to Puerto Vallarta, it's a good idea to exchange 30-40 dollars so you have enough change for the taxi, tips, etc., upon arrival. All will accept dollars too, but the rate they give will not be the best. Once you've arrived, the best exchange rates are at the banks.

 

*There is a bank across the street from Los Tules (Banamex) where you can exchange funds. Bring your passport with you as you will need it to exchange funds. When you enter the bank, you must take a number and wait to be called. If you don't want to wait at the bank (which can take a while), then you can exchange funds in downtown Puerto Vallarta at any of their exchange kiosks peppered around the city (the rate won't be as good as the bank though).

 

All major credit cards are widely accepted. All the banks will give cash advances, and most have ATM machines. If you go to a restaurant, it's best to ask before eating whether they accept credit cards.

 

What about tipping and taxes?

Tips range from 10% to 20% of the total bill. A 16% IVA (VAT) tax is applied to all products and services.

 

What are the taxi and bus rates?

We've found that taxi's cost between $5-$10 to get around locally - always ask before you get in the taxi and not at then end of the trip when it's a little more difficult to negotiate.

 

Buses are the most inexpensive and the most fun.  It will cost you around $0.50 USD ($7.50 Pesos). Hotel staff can instruct you on where to catch the bus and how to get back. It's very easy, for example., if you are staying in the Hotel Zone and want to go downtown, just look for a bus that says "Centro" and pop off wherever you want! To get back to the Hotel Zone, just look for the bus that says "Hoteles."

 

Can I drink the water?

Stick to purified water - even though Puerto Vallarta's water has been certified for human consumption (one of the few places in Mexico), we recommended not drinking it. Buy or ask for bottled water.

 

Fresh Fruit & Vegetables

If you decide to buy fresh fruit and vegetables from a local supermarket, we recommend washing them with disinfectant drops which eliminates bacteria (bottles can be purchased at any supermarket).

Just ask for: desinfectante para agua, frutas y verduras (elimina bacterias).

 

Is Puerto Vallarta safe?

Yes, definitely! There is very little crime in Puerto Vallarta and we've never experienced any safety issues in over 30 years.

 

That being said, use your common sense and be mindful: lock your important belongings in your hotel's safe; after dark, stay on the main streets and don't wander around on dark deserted beaches.

There is no drug "war" in Puerto Vallarta - this issue is fundamentally linked to the USA-Mexico border towns. 

 

Internet access?

Most hotels, if not all, offer internet access, and there are many free hotspots in Puerto Vallarta - the Malecon (the boardwalk downtown) offers free WiFi. Click HERE for a list of public WiFi locations.

 

Where and how can I make International phone calls?

International phone calls from Mexico can be very expensive, it's better to use either a phone card or Skype.

 

Will my cell phone work in Mexico?

There is local cellular service, although roaming will be very costly. Most cell phones from the USA and Canada can be reprogrammed for local use in Mexico. Visit a TELCEL or IUSACELL office to find out and check the rates.

 

How will I know if I'm getting a good deal on merchandise?

Here comes the art of the barter! In most stores the prices are fixed, but it never hurts to ask for a discount (especially if you are purchasing a few things).

Here is a good rule of thumb when bartering with a street, beach or market vendor: after they quote you the price, cut it in half and then work your way to the middle. If you aren't comfortable with bartering, then you should get at least 30% off the price they are quoting.

 

What is the dress code for the wedding & reception?

* Relaxed and tropical - upscale casual - shoes optional!

* We recommend bringing a light shawl, cardigan or jacket just in case it gets breezy in the evening.

* Ladies: if you want to wear heels, this might be a slight challenge as the ceremony will be on the beach and the reception is in a tropical garden. 

* Gentlemen: Hawaiian shirts and shorts are welcomed.

 

Spa Services

Both the Los Tules Resort and the Fiesta Americana Hotel offer a variety of spa services. Please visit our Activities & Tourism page to view their menus.

 

Miscellaneous info for the ladies

Downtown Puerto Vallarta has beautiful cobblestone streets - if you like wearing heels, you will have a tough time getting around the city!