|
Language
Spanish is the official language in Puerto Vallarta and across Mexico.
Currency
Puerto Vallarta uses Pesos. The average exchange rate for the US Dollar is between 8 and 11 pesos per 1 dollar. However, rates will change with the market.
The US Dollar is widely accepted but converting your money to pesos allows for greater consistency.
Airport
Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) is located 4 miles north of downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Airlines
Puerto Vallarta has over 450 flights arriving weekly in high season. There are numerous flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Denver and Chicago. Major airlines that fly into Puerto Vallarta are: Continental Airlines, Mexicana Airlines, Aeromexico, Alaska Air, American Airlines, American West, Delta Airlines (through Mexicana), and United Airlines (through Mexicana).
By Boat
A magnificent way to arrive in Puerto Vallarta is by sea. Several cruise lines make visit Puerto Vallarta and dock at the Terminal Maritimo. These cruise ships include: Carnival, Holland-America, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean.
Entry Requirements
Currently US travelers must present a photo ID and proof of citizenship, to be allowed into Mexico. However, regulations will be changed in the next 2 years and it is a good idea to bring a passport to avoid delays. Travelers arriving from outside the US should have a passport. Children traveling under the age of 18 will need a notarized permission form from their parent/guardian.
Safety
Puerto Vallarta has a relatively little crime due to the major efforts made by local police. Since Puerto Vallarta is a resort destination there have been great efforts to keep everyone safe. There are also bi-lingual police offers that wear white uniforms with black shoulder tabs available on the streets to help visitors.
Getting Around
There are thousands of taxis in Puerto Vallarta available both night and day. Taxi prices are generally cheap in Puerto Vallarta and you should not have any problems if you settle on the rate before you step in.
Buses are also a convenient way to get around town. Most of them are privately owned and decorated in interesting ways. Sometimes entertainers will jump on board to belt out a song or dance for you (you can tip them a few pesos if you are entertained). The bus far is usually less than $.50 and they stop anywhere you see a blue sign and the word “parada”. Buses marked “Centro” head downtown while buses heading to the airport are marked “Ixtapa”, “Junta” or “Las Palmas”.
Car rental agencies are common here and allow visitors the opportunity to explore the area at their own discretion.
Water
You can drink the water in Puerto Vallarta, as purified water is standard in all hotels and restaurants. Puerto Vallarta’s water authority (SEAPAL) has received special recognition certifying the cleanliness of the local water supply over the past 5 years. If you are unsure of the local water quality, bottled water is still readily available.
|
