Still have questions about holidaying in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta? Skim our list of frequently asked questions and see if we’ve covered all the bases.
- When I book a tour/attraction, how do I receive my tickets?
Upon booking a tour/attraction, an email with your tour/attraction details will be sent to you right away. Please print this out and have it with at time of arrival for your tour/attraction.
- 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.
- 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 its safe when it leaves the water plant, but after going through the water pipes and system it may not be. Stick to purified bottled 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?
- 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.
- 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, a takes approximately 2 weeks to arrive to its destination (sometimes more...).
- 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 an item, then you are getting a good deal.
- 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.
- Are beaches private or public?
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.
- Are the beaches safe?
Beaches are generally safe, but as with most tourist destinations, 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.
- 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 one way 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.
- 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.