Less Than 2 weeks - Basic Questions

Less than two weeks till we are on our way for our first trip to PV :D

A few questions:

1. can we bring food on the plan and into the country. Example - Coffee, dry goods (granola bars etc).

2. I plan on booking a taxi through this site - head to Villa Del Palmar and then to the grocery store. I think someone said there is one within walking distance across the street. Right??

3. Should we exchange money? I know a lot of places take credit cards and US Dollars...when would we need pesos?

4. Where would you recommend to exchange money, near Villa Del Palmar (I hear the exchange are different).

I am sure there is still more than I will come up with....but any other comments/suggestions would be appreciated too.

Thanks,

Stacey

Perfect...thanks..we will just plan on doing the groceries there.

Appreciate the info on the exchange too. Is there a big differenc ein the one at the grocery store and at the Plaza Genovesa.

And what is Plaza Genovesa, a store or bank??

In the same plaza as the Soriana grocery store there is an American Express office that offers a very good exchange rate and charges no commission.

It is not in Plaza Caracol, it is next to the new Soriana by the cruise ship terminal. At least it was there in April.

The 2 Soriana stores are very close to each other - I still think of the one closer to Villa Del Palmar as Gigante . :) Stacey - the Soriana close to you is in a nice mall - anything you need on vacation you will find there . The prices in the grocery store will be in pesos - that is one of the reasons to convert your $ US . There are exchange booths at the mall and right outside where you are staying , also in your hotel . Your hotel will offer the worst deal - the various street booths will vary by a very small % - I always wonder if a long walk is worth saving a few $ - but if you are exchanging large amounts go for the best rate . Just remember you will take a beating on exchanging pesos back to US $ So only exchange what you intend to spend or save those pesos for your next trip . :)

Plaza Genovese is also a great place to get souvenirs - another reason to use pesos - prices are better when you pay in pesos .

The best advice I can give you is ignore all the time share (ts) people . They are everywhere - that helpful person in Soriana ... the obvious booths on the street ... nothing is free and ts is a blight on PV that can spoil a vacation - be aware and be smart . :)

Thanks everyone!

Plaza Caracol is right across the street from VDP. Gigante was converted into a Soriano about 2 years ago. Plaza Genovesa is closer than the Marina for convenience in changing money. Stacey, if you guys like seafood try Ocho Tostadas behind the Goodyear Tire Store. It is my first stop when I get into town, they close early and are not open for dinner thus my first stop from the airport.

Hey guys...ok another quesion..I was thinking at first we would go straight to grocerty store etc..but now I am thinking we could hang at the VDP first and then go at night. Do you know how late the Soriano is open in the Plaza Caracol?

Also I think you guys decided there is an Amex office in the Plaza Caracol. Do you know how late that is open.

Will the Sorania exchange money right in that store.