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1- What can
I use as proof of citizenship to enter Mexico?
In general to enter Mexico you need to obtain a Tourist Card
(FMT). To get your Tourist Card you will need to prove citizenship,
a passport is best for this purpose. Other forms of accepted
proof of citizenship include, certified birth certificate,
voter's registration card, naturalization papers or a notarized
affidavit of citizenship. A photo ID is very helpful, a passport
can serve as proof of citizenship and photo ID. Airlines will
furnish the Tourist Card. Be sure to save the blue copy, as
you must present this copy when leaving Mexico. |
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2- What
is that blue piece of paper I received when entering Mexico?
The blue piece of paper you are given when you enter
the country is your Tourist Card, and it's very important
that you don't lose it. You can get another, but the process
is a pain, and you'll spend too much of your vacation in government
offices and line-ups. Keep it in a safe place until you leave.
Along with your passport and other documentation, preferably
a hotel security box. |
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3- I
was wondering what the customs at the airport in PV are like
when arriving (will I be searched??).
Upon arrival at the International Puerto Vallarta airport
you are asked to push a button that will determined if you
are searched or not, if you get a green light you go and if
you get a red light you are searched, this system is totally
random, please check at the Mexican consulate in your city
for necessary documents to come to Mexico. Read about duty
free quotas in our customs section>>.
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4- What
is the airport departure tax?
The international airport departure tax is $23 dollars US
and is generally included in your airline ticket price. Check
with your local airline or travel agent for updated information. |
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5- Will
I be able to use my credit cards? Can I get cash from the
banks with my credit cards?
Yes, to both questions. All major credit cards (except Discover)
are widely accepted. In restaurants, it is best to ask before
ordering, not every business accepts credit cards, just as
back home. All of the banks will give cash advances, most
have ATM machines at their locations, for after hours cash.
If you lose a credit card call one of the numbers listed in
Banks and currency.
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6- What
is Puerto Vallarta's time zone?
Puerto Vallarta is Central Standard Time year round. Use this
map to figure the time difference Timezone
Map>>
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7- Currency
and money matters...
The peso is Mexico's official currency, but almost all purchases
can be paid in US dollars. Dollars are accepted almost everywhere
in Puerto Vallarta, however large bills (Franklins, etc.)
can be difficult to break. It's a good idea to bring along
plenty of $1's, $5's, and $10's. If you go on an adventure
way out of the main tourist areas, it can be helpful to have
some pesos available. Before traveling to Puerto Vallarta
we'd recommend you exchange 30 -40 dollars so you have change
for the taxi, tips, etc., upon arrival. Read more and get
the exchange rates on our Currency
section>>
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8- What
about tipping and taxes?
Your waiter will only bring you your check when you request
it. Tips range from 10% to 20% of the total bill. A 15% IVA
(VAT) tax is applied to all products and services.
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9- What
will the weather be like in Puerto Vallarta?
Nobody can predict the weather. We have an Average Temperature
Chart on our Weather section
page. Check this and call your hotel a few days before
your arrival to make sure. Mexico does not enjoy the sophisticated
weather prediction services that so many people take for granted
in the U.S and Canada. Finally but most importantly, visit
our real-time webcam
and get a view of the weather conditions this very moment,
sure beats guessing! :-)
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10
- I'm trying to get a good idea of the weather conditions.
We'd like to avoid the hurricane season.
There is no hurricane season in the Puerto Vallarta area.
The best time to come is winter, from October to May. During
summer, from June to September we have our rainy season, but
you still get lots of sunny days, lots of people still come
down and have a great time, plus you get much better prices
in all you do. Tropical rains are fun too, sometimes we have
a beautiful day and then it starts raining hard for a couple
of hours, mostly it rains at night for a few hours. Visit
our real-time webcam
and get a view of the weather conditions this very moment
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Can I buy Cuban cigars? Can I take them back with me?
Yes you can buy them, and yes, they are expensive. No, you
cannot take them back to the U.S., but if you are returning
to Canada it is OK. Be careful of counterfeits.
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Postal services, stamps and snail mail?
Stamps can usually be purchased at the same time as postcards.
They are also available from the post-office (Oficina de Correos).
Open Monday to Friday: 8am - 3pm, Sat: 9am - 1pm. A stamp
for a postcard is currently aprox. $4.00 pesos, an takes approximately
2 weeks to arrive to its destination (sometimes more...).
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Where and how can I make International phone calls?
International telephone calls from Mexico can be very expensive,
it is better to use your own national phone credit card service
(ask for Ladatel phone cards, they come in different denominations,
30 - 50 and 100 pesos) or simply call collect. We advise not
to use the telephones on the street offering international
dial ups. You may be charged a connection fee if you use your
phone card from your hotel room. To dial direct to the United
States or Canada you dial 001, the area code, then the local
number. Long distance calls to other parts of the world are
preceded by 00 and then the country code, city code and the
corresponding telephone number.
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What is IVA?
I.V.A. (Impuesto al valor agregado), this is Mexican sales
tax, it is 15% in the state of Jalisco and you will notice
it in all your bills, many items that you wish you purchase
will have a notice "tax included" or "+ I.V.A."(not
included).
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15-
Can I drink the water?
Puerto Vallarta recently received certification for
quality drinkable water - one of the few places in Mexico
to receive this honor. But that doesn't mean you should drink
it! It means it's safe when it leaves the water plant, but
after going through the water pipes and system.- it may not
be! Stick to purified water, which is now served in nearly
all restaurants, hotels, and bars throughout Vallarta. But
it doesn't hurt to ask. In most hotels and restaurants, you
will get purified water, if in doubt - ask: (Agua purificada?)
Buy bottled water; why not be completely safe?
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Will my cellphone work in Mexico?
There is local cellular service. Very few cellular services
will allow you to roam in Mexico. Most cell phones will work,
but they must be reprogrammed by the local service provider.
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17-
Can I use my laptop computer to get my e-mail and have Internet
access?
You can bring your laptop computer, you will have to contact
one of local ISP's who will provide you with temporary Internet
access for your limited stay. If you are staying in a hotel,
make sure your modem will bypass their PBX phone system. If
they have a data port on their phones you should have no problem,
set your modem to dial whatever number you normally dial for
an outside line, then your ISP's access number. There are
quite a few Cyber Cafes in PV. Bringing a laptop computer
into Mexico is a legal and accepted practice, no hassles with
Aduana (Customs).
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18-
Can we get married in Puerto Vallarta?
Most definitely, this is on of the most romantic spots on
earth and many people get married here. It will be almost
impossible unless you hire someone who, speaks the language,
understands the legal requirements and procedures. You do
not want to spend all of your time in PV running around after
all of the necessary papers and permits. If you want to get
married, check out our wedding
information section.
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Is it safe to walk around the town at night?
Yes, definitely. You should feel much safer in most parts
of Puerto Vallarta than in the United States. There is very
little crime here, and what does exist is usually petty compared
to the U.S. The tourist police here are friendly and very
helpful. Use your common sense, and be careful. Leave your
fancy jewelry at home, etc. After dark, stay on the main streets,
do not wander on the beaches unless you are in well lit areas
or close or together with other tourist. Never flash large
amounts of money, etc, the common sense stuff :-)
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Can you tell me what the taxi rates are, what are the rates?
Just what should your fare cost you? Good question, and one
even locals are not sure of, until we ask. In most cases the
driver will give you the correct fare. However ask before
getting in the cab and not at the end of the trip when it's
a little more difficult to negotiate. You may also want to
ask the people at your hotel what it should cost to go to
your destination; they should be well aware of the rates.
Normally your hotel concierge or the front desk will know
the rates, sometimes you'll find them written somewhere near
the door too. Read more in our How
to get around Vallarta section.
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21-
What about Puerto Vallarta local - national buses?
Traveling by bus in Mexico is inexpensive, educational and
fun. To go anywhere in town costs 3 pesos ($0.30 dollars US).
The bus terminal is on Olas Altas at Plaza Lázaro Cárdenas,
near Los Muertos Beach. Buses leave from around the square
to go north to downtown the Hotel Zone, Marina Vallarta and
the airport, and south to Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlán.
Stops are marked by a dark blue sign with a bus outlined in
white. Parada means Stop.
Buses here are privately owned, and some look a bit funky.
But they do get you where you want to go and you are woven
into the Mexican fabric as you journey. Don't be surprised
if an entertainer leaps on board to belt out a song about
lost love and overdue rent. Mexicans tend to tip a few pesos
whether the entertainment is Vegas calibre or not. And, if
you're really lucky, you can do some gum, chocolate or garlic
shopping on route. Read more in our Taxi-Public Transport
section.
Interstate or longer distances check our Bus
Section for more info.
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What is the distance by car to...?
Check our table to find distances
to some important destinations in Mexico and USA.
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How will I know if I am getting a good deal on merchandise?
This is one question that nobody but you can answer. A good
rule of thumb is, with street or beach vendors, always get
at least a 30% discount, sometimes more. In most stores the
prices are fixed, just as they are at home. If you are making
large purchases or if there are several people in your party
that are buying something, you can always ask for a discount.
If you’re happy with the quality and price of of an
item, then you are getting a good deal. Pretty simple really.
Check out the shopping
section.
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Mexican pottery, is it any good, where can I get some good
quality handcrafts?
Because Mexico has so much to offer in the way of variety,
quality and good prices, shopping has become one of the highlights
of a visit to Puerto Vallarta. Read more in our Handicrafts
in Puerto Vallarta section.
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What about hospitals and doctors?
There are some very competent doctors in Puerto Vallarta.
Many speak English. Check with your hotel for the name of
an English-speaking doctor, write the phone number down and
carry it with you. If there is any doubt in your mind about
a doctor, procedure or medication, check with your doctor
at home, if possible. Medical service here is not as sophisticated
as in the U.S. or Canada. There are a few English speaking
doctors listed (not necessarily recommended) on the Emergency
Information page.
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Are beaches private or public? Are the beaches safe?
First question: All beaches in Mexico (yes, this includes
Puerto Vallarta) are public property, and are open for everyone.
Even the beaches in front of the hotels. While most hotels
usually don't have a problem with visitors walking through
their grounds to get to the beach, it's a good idea to be
more careful about crossing over private property to get to
some of the other beaches.
Second question: Generally, yes. As anywhere there are a few
places to beware of. Remember, there are few lifeguards here.
During the summer there can be large swells, even in this
protected bay. Be careful and buddy up, swim with a friend,
always! Tell other people where you are going to swim and
your expected return time.
More
info here>>
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Is Playa Los Muertos (other PV beaches) fit to swim in?
The beaches are clean in P.V. the local authorities and some
local associations make sure to keep them clean, water is
just perfect for swimming and you will enjoy sun tanning.
If you by chance see foam on the water, this is a natural
process and not a pollution problem.
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I was wondering if there are any nude beaches in PV?
No, there are no nude beaches in Puerto Vallarta. Don't think
about starting one either... Please remember you are in a
catholic country and nudity and semi-nudity in public are
not only frowned upon but illegal. Please respect the local
customs.
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We are very interested in extreme sports, in particular bungee
jumping is there anything like that?
There is bungee jumping in P.V. is it located right in front
of the "Los Arcos" waterpark, take a bus or taxi
going south towards Mismaloya or Tomatlán, it has a
beautiful view and its a thrill jumping into the clear waters
of the Pacific from 40 meters height, not for the faint of
heart or those with weak bones or nervous :-).
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When does the ferry leave for Cabo San Lucas?
There used to be a ferry service from Vallarta to the Baja
but it has been discontinued. There is a ferry that goes from
Mazatlán to La Paz.
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Any Golf course information?
Contact out tour representatives, tours@puertovallarta.net
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I'll be staying in Nuevo Vallarta how much does it cost to
get into Puerto Vallarta from there? Does it take long?
Nuevo Vallarta area is far from downtown P.V., you have taxis
and public transportation available right in front of the
hotels. The ride by bus is about 45 minutes and buses run
every 30 minutes or so, a oneway ticket is around $10.00 pesos
(0.95 dollars US). Taxis take a little less time, around 20
minutes, and are about $150 pesos (13 dollars US) one way.
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I want to bring my children with me, but safety is always
my top concern. Is there anything for kids to do in Puerto
Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta is a very safe area, you won't have problems
bringing your children. Mexican people adore children and
they will go out of their way to make you feel welcome (for
example, in restaurants). Beaches are safe and endlessly entertainment
for kids. There is no zoo but lots of boat excursions that
are safe for kids, also we have a dolphin aquarium in the
Nuevo Vallarta area, you can find out about the prices and
booking information in your hotels travel agency. We are sure
you will love it and enjoy it. Check out the "What
to do section" on this site.
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Any information about the Bay area?
Puerto Vallarta is at the center of one of the world's largest
bays - the "Bahía de Banderas", or "Bay
of Flags". The giant horseshoe shaped 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 depth and
calmness of the Bay afford the perfect location for some of
the best snorkeling and fishing in the world. In addition,
from December to April of each year, the bay is full of dolphins,
sea turtles, giant manta rays with "wingspans" ranging
from 16 to 30 feet, and gray and humpback whales who come
to visit the Bay during the winter months. Member of The most
beautiful bays in the World Club.
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Are there any campgrounds in the Puerto Vallarta area?
Contact out tour representatives, tours@puertovallarta.net
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How can I get to Puerto Vallarta by sea?
Arriving by sea, Princess Cruises, Cunard Cruise Line Ltd,
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Holland American line among others,
all serve Puerto Vallarta from various destinations.
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Are there dress codes, and how late will I be staying out?
The dress code is casual, some clubs do not accept sandals,
tang tops or shorts, but in general is casual. You can stay
up as late as 6:00 AM in some bars at the malecon and most
of the discos. More info on What to wear section.
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Common mispellings of Puerto Vallarta
Though many people are finally learning how to write Puerto Vallarta correctly
some of the most common errors writing our destination name are: puerta vallarta,
puerto vallarta, puerto viarta, puerto vallerta,
puerto villarta, porta vallarta, purto vallarta,
porto vallarta, port
a viarta and many other ingenious variations and permutations. We recommend you
use "puerto vallarta" when searching online, this will give you much better search
results. If you use another variation, send it to us and we'll include it on
the list :-) |
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TOURIST INFORMATION
Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board & CVB
Local 18 Planta Baja
Zona Comercial Continental Plaza
Puerto Vallarta, Jal.;
C.P. 48310
Telephone: +52 (322) 2241175 Fax: +52 (322) 2240915
http://www.visitpuertovallarta.com
To order brochures or receive additional information please
call: 1-800-44-MEXICO
Delegacion De Turismo
Presidencia Municipal
Juárez e Independencia
Downtown
Puerto Vallarta
CP 48300
Phone: 2220242 - 2220243
Fax : 2220243
Area Codes.- Country: 52, City : 3
Before leaving on your trip, you may want to contact one
of the Mexican Government Tourism Offices in the United States,
for more information:
New York Office
450 Park Ave., Suite 1401
New York, NY 10022
Tel: (212) 755-7261
Fax: (212) 755-2874
Washington D.C. Office
1911 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: (202) 728-1750
Fax: (202) 728-1758
Florida Office
2333 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 710
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Tel: (305) 443-9160
Fax: (305) 443-1186
Texas Office
2707 North Loop West Suite 450
Houston, TX 77008
Tel: (713) 772-25-81
Fax: (713) 772-60-58
Illinois Office
300 N. Michigan Ave., 4th fl, Chicago, IL 60601
Tel: (312) 606-9252
Fax: (312) 606-9012
email: GTOCHI@CIS.compurserve.com
California Office
10100 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 224
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Tel: (310) 203-8191
Fax: (310) 203-8316
Any question not answered here, do not doubt in asking us
directly at:
webmaster@puertovallarta.net
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