Puerto Vallarta Vacation Tips

Puerto Vallarta is increasingly becoming a vacation hotspot. We've got tips and the best products for a Mexico getaway.

It's important when traveling to have a plan and know how to navigate your Puerto Vallarta vacation transportation and communication. Plan out what to do and see in Puerto Vallarta and of course, how to stay safe!

Getting through the airport

Once you get through customs DO NOT stop until you are outside of the airport. This is where you will be talking/tricked into signing up for timeshare seminars, promised endless excursions, free meals, drinks and everything in between. 

It all comes with a price, whether it be to buy something from them or constant harassment of your time, during your entire vacation.  Just avoid it all together - trust us - we've made the mistakes!

Check the exchange rate regularly

If you are carrying $USD, you will need to know what that means for Mexican peso’s otherwise you could be giving away money. There are plenty of hustlers that can spot someone who doesn't travel there often and will take advantage of the opportunity to make extra money on them.

The exchange rates change constantly. We recommend downloading an app such as XE Currency Converter. 

Communication & Safety

Puerto Vallarta is fairly safe as it’s a popular place for tourists.  Mexico, as a whole, can be very dangerous.  If you are concerned about crime, we would recommend staying close to the more touristy places at all times.

While in and around the areas of your resort, you're not really required to know Spanish and you should always be fine communicating in English. If you come across an employee that doesn't speak English, they typically are very helpful in finding someone who does. But as you leave and venture off to more localized areas, you'll want to be able to communicate in Spanish. 

This app, iTranslate, works offline so you don't need to worry about having service. And it would also be wise to always have your maps downloaded should you lose service or don't have an international data roaming plan.

Save money by negotiating

Negotiate as much as you can. This will not work for restaurants, bar, and grocery/convenient stores, but for street vendors, smaller shops, transportation services, rentals, etc., they are used to negotiations.

It would be kind to keep in mind that this is how they make a living, so be reasonable, but do negotiate. If you genuinely think they are over-charging, walk away and see how quickly thy will chase you down to offer you lower prices.  

Example: We went to rent jet skis on the beach. The first group offers $50 for 1 hour. We started walking away and he came after us and said he could do $45. We said no and moved on. The group, about 100 yards away said the best they can do was $40. We were about to say yes but decided to keep going. We ran into another group, who was the same company we just passed, and then guy offered us $35 for the hour.

Do NOT use or drink the water

I’m sure you have heard this from someone at some point, and I promise, they are not kidding. We have been to Mexico many times, survived a few just fine, but a couple times have gotten VERY sick. On our most recent Puerto Vallarta vacation, all 6 of us that went were painfully sick to our stomachs for almost a week once we got back. 

Do not drink non-bottled water or swallow water in the shower or sink (even when brushing your teeth). And make sure ice in your drinks was frozen through filtered water.