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. More info.
When is the hurricane season in Puerto Vallarta?
There is no hurricane season in the Puerto Vallarta area. The best time to come is winter, from October to May. During the 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 the low season. Tropical rains are also fun, 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. By the way, the last time Puerto Vallarta was "hit" by a hurricane (it actually missed PV) was on October 25, 2002 and it was Hurricane Kenna. Visit our real-time Puerto Vallarta webcam and get a view of the weather conditions this very moment.
What is the weather like in Puerto Vallarta?
Nobody can predict the weather. We have an Average Temperature Chart on our Puerto Vallarta Weather section page. You can use online services to get an idea and if you want confirmation, you can call your hotel a few days before your arrival to make sure. Finally but most importantly, visit our real-time webcam and get a view of the weather conditions this very moment, sure beats guessing and calling around!
Tips and taxes in Puerto Vallarta
Your waiter will only bring you your check when you request it. Tips range from 10% to 20% of the total bill. A 16% IVA (VAT) tax is applied to all products and services. Take care, some restaurants include a service fee in the bill, this is not legal and you can dispute it. Read many comments and ideas regarding tipping on the Vallarta Forum.
The Mexicano Peso, currency, exchange rate, etc.
The peso is Mexico’s official currency, but almost all purchases in town can be paid in US dollars. Dollars are accepted almost everywhere in Puerto Vallarta, however large bills (Franklins, etc.) can be difficult to break and can cause you hassles. We recommend you bring plenty of $1’s, $5’s, and $10’s. If you go on an adventure way out of the main tourist areas, it will be best that you bring enough pesos along. Before traveling to Puerto Vallarta it’s a good idea that you exchange 30 -40 dollars so you have change for the taxi, tips, etc., upon arrival, though all will accept dollars too, the rate they’ll give will not be the best. Read more and get the exchange rates on our Puerto Vallarta Mexico Currency section.
What is Puerto Vallarta’s time zone?
Puerto Vallarta is located in Central Standard Time year-round. Use this map to figure the time difference Timezone Map… or use our what is the current time in Puerto Vallarta section.
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. If you are to eat in a restaurant, it is best to ask before ordering, not every business in town 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 section.
What is the airport departure tax?
The international airport departure tax is more or less $80 US Dollars and is generally included in your airline ticket price, this is always the case for tickets from USA and Canada. Check with your local airline or travel agent for updated information. Currently, tax is paid separately for charter flights from the UK, so do take this into account when calculating the total fare price.
What’s it like, will I be searched, Customs at the Puerto Vallarta Airport?
Upon arrival at the International Puerto Vallarta airport you are asked to push a button that will determine if you’re luggage will be 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. This process will soon be eliminated, there’s mention of the end of 2018 or 2019 for that to be implemented. 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.
What is that green/white receipt I kept when entering Mexico?
The green and white (FMM – Forma Migratoria Múltiple) 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. If you can’t find it on the way out you might be fined (more details in the passport & visas section).
