Money matters

The idea is to pay in pesos so you don't lose money with the fluid and the normally negative exchange rate you are offered around town (there are a few occasions it's been better to pay in dollars, but they are few and far in between). Don't forget to tell your bank you'll be using your bank card at ATMs in Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas so they don't block it. Once you are off the plane and have gone through immigration, baggage claim, the shark-tank and you're out in the airport lobby, that's the place to look for a bank-affiliated ATM (not before the lobby!). There should be some from the official ones, like Scotiabank, Banorte, Banamex, Santander, HSBC or BBVA Bancomer, these are the ones to use (avoid anyone saying Cashola!). You can withdraw up to 7000 pesos, some 350 dollars each time, the service fee depends on the bank ATM, but is around 25 to 40 pesos (1.5 to 2 dollars) and what your bank charges you on the other side. All things considered, that's a very low charge for the service and the best exchange rate you'll find in town. Once you are in town find ...

USA dollar bills (though not the coins) are widely accepted in most tourist-oriented restaurants and shops around Puerto Vallarta. Do pay in Mexican pesos whenever it is possible, however, if you want to get a better price and not lose money. So in the end, you don't need to bring large amounts of dollars, in the past, when banks were primitive and ATMs didn't exist, maybe, but not now. Pesos are king and you'll normally just get a bad exchange rate and lose money. Even so, I would recommend bringing a few hundred in cash as plan C :-)

I.V.A. (Impuesto al valor agregado), is Mexico’s value-added tax (VAT), it is 16% in the state of Jalisco and you will notice it added on all your bills, many items that you wish you purchase will have a notice “IVA incluido” (tax included) or “+ I.V.A.”(tax not included in the total price).

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 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.

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.