 Blessed with 25 miles of golden beaches within spectacular Banderas Bay, Vallarta presents limitless possibilities for enjoying the Pacific. In this section you'll answer most your doubts about Vallarta and some you hadn't even considered.
General Information
Specific Information
Some Vallarta fast facts:
 Currency, Banks & Money Exchange
The Mexican Peso is the national currency, although USA dollars
are widely accepted in businesses throughout town.
Major
credit cards are also accepted in most establishments (Visa, Mastercard, American Express are standard, some also receive Diners).
Banks offer currency exchange during business hours, which are generally
Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm, with a few offering
at least morning service on Saturdays. You can also use "Casas de Cambio". Universal ATMs are broadly available for cash withdrawals from global
cash cards; hotels also offer currency
exchange services, but normally at a lower rate.
Business Hours
 Most shopping malls
are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., continuously.
Many downtown businesses and shops tend to close between
2 p.m. and 4 p.m. for lunch, but malls and supermarkets are open even longer hours, without the midday rest.
Climate
Puerto Vallarta enjoys a warm, tropical
climate all year-round, with average daytime temperatures
of 80ºF (27ºC), and cooler evening temperatures
in the winter.
Summer is sunny, warm and humid, with afternoon rains - just enough
to cool off the air for evening activities. Read more on our Weather section.
Electricity
Mexico operates on the
same 110-volt current as the United States, so electrical
current adapters are not needed, not all plugs have 3 prongs, so you may need a plug adapter reducing from 3 to 2 prongs. Read more.
 Flights/Gateways
Hundreds of flights per week service Puerto Vallarta's International
airport (PVR), from gateways throughout USA, Canada and
Mexico. International carriers include Aeromexico, Alaska Airlines,
American Airlines, America West, Continental and others, more on Airport information.
Geography / Location
Located in the
heart of Mexico's Pacific coast, Vallarta is within
easy reach of the USA and Canada by air. The city is encircled by
the rugged, tropical Sierra Madre mountains to the east
and the Bay of Banderas to the west, Mexico's largest
natural bay. To the North is the State of Nayarit and Riviera Nayarit, that includes Nuevo Vallarta. Use our map.
Hotel Rooms
Over 22,000, in a wide
variety of price ranges and styles. All inclusive (AI) hotels and resorts offer both food, drinks, activities and tips for one price. EP or European Plan rates only include the room. See more at hotels & resorts
Medical
Modern First-World medical facilities of the highest level
are available through several private hospitals in Puerto Vallarta, with
insured, emergency
health care and emergency air-evacuation services
also available.
Population
PV is home to 255,725
residents (2010 Census) and attracts more than 3.5 million visitors annually (2011 CVB data).
Safety
This town enjoys a healthy
economy and stable political environment. A special
tourist police corps is on hand to provide assistance
and directions. Vallarta has been mostly been spared from the violence the media informs about in the border towns and cities between USA and Mexico, so the city and surroundings are just as safe (or even safer) that most comparable cities and towns in the US and Canada. More on crime and safety.
Water Quality
Tap water is of a very
high standard, even so, purified water is available in
all hotels and restaurants.
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