Puerto Vallarta useful information

Puerto Vallarta useful information

TIME ZONE: The state of Jalisco and the Riviera Nayarit area (Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Punta de Mita, Litibú, Sayulita, San Pancho, and Lo de Marcos) are in the Central Time Zone. Beyond that point, time changes to Mexican Pacific Standard Time, or Mountain Time, one hour behind Puerto Vallarta time. Please keep this in mind for your flight schedule.

CURRENCY: Mexican peso is the legal currency. However, American and Canadian dollars are widely used and accepted in most establishments. We recommend you be aware of the exchange rate.

MONEY EXCHANGE: The easiest and cheapest way to exchange money is to use your debit card in an ATM to withdraw pesos. Be aware of the exchange rate option some ATMs offer upon withdrawal. Exchange houses and hotels usually offer higher rates.

TAXIS: The town and surrounding areas are divided into defined zones. if you are staying in a hotel, fares will be posted by the lobby. If you flag a cab on the street, ALWAYS agree on the cost beforehand.  In town, prices are by trip, not by person. Only airport- and maritime port-based taxis charge by person, but you can´t catch those in town. UBER and InDriver are available in town but will not pick you up in federal-sanctioned areas such as the airport.

BUSES: A system of urban buses carry you through the central part of town. There is a different system to travel south up to El Tuito, and yet another one to travel north up to Sayulita. If you want to travel further in either direction, you will need to catch a bus at the central station. Fare within town is 10 pesos. Drivers won’t give you change.

DRINKING WATER: Puerto Vallarta’s water has been awarded a certification of purity for the past two and a half decades. However, the quality of the water tested at the source varies greatly from what comes out of the tap at the other end. We strongly suggest you buy bottled water, available all over town.

TIPPING: In general, you may tip 10 – 20% in restaurants and bars. Please also try to tip those who bag your groceries or help load your car. Don’t forget to tip your maid, bell boy, masseuse, the band, the entertainment. And by all means, tip more if you want, it will be very much appreciated.

GETTING AROUND: In many places around Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta there are paths for bikes and pedestrians. Please be respectful of these designations.

EXPORTING PETS: If you are an animal lover and fall for a dog or cat while in town, know that bringing them home with you is an easy and inexpensive process. You only need a certificate of health from a local vet and check with your airline for additional requirements. If you need further information, call the local animal shelter: 322 293 3690.

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PHONE CALLS

Mexico has adopted the 10-digit system for all local, long distance, and toll-free numbers, either land or mobile lines. If you bring your mobile phone from home, check with your provider about services available in Mexico, or consider getting a Mexican SIM card. Most domestic carriers will give you unlimited calls to Mexico, US and Canada for as little as $200 pesos per month, plus some data included.

INTERNATIONAL LONG-DISTANCE CALLS FROM MEXICO

US & Canada: Dial 001 + Area Code + Number

Other countries: Dial 00 + Country Code + Area Code + Number

CALLS TO MEXICO FROM ABROAD

To make a call to Mexico from abroad, just dial the country code + the 10-digit number.

EMERGENCY CALLS: 911

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Immigration department

322 224 7719

American consulate – 24/7

322 268 2100

Canadian consulate – 24/7

800 706 2900

Jalisco Tourism Office

322 221 2676

Nayarit Tourism Office

322 297 1006

Consumer protection

800 468 8722