| Note: All United States citizens are required to have a valid passport to re-enter the United States.
Size / Population: The population of Puerto Vallarta (P.V.) is 350,000.
Political Status: Puerto Vallarta is located in the state of Jalisco in the Republic of Mexico. Riviera Nayarit is located just 10 mins. north of the Puerto Vallarta Int'l Airport in the state of Nayarit.
Language: Spanish is the primary language but English is widely spoken in the tourist areas. It will be handy to learn a few key Spanish phrases.
Currency: The Mexican Peso is the primary currency. U.S. dollars are accepted in some locations. ATMs are available and credit cards are widely accepted.
Electricity: 110 volts, same as U.S.
Time Zone: Banderas Bay is divided in the middle by two states: Jalisco (where Puerto Vallarta is located) and Nayarit (from Nuevo Vallarta north). There is a one-hour time difference between the two states, Nayarit being one hour behind. Puerto Vallarta is in the Central Standard Time; Daylight Saving Time is observed.
Communication: To dial Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit from the U.S dial 011 + 52 + 322(area code) and the 7-digit local number (329 in the Punta Mita area). International telephone calls from Mexican hotels can be very expensive, so it best to use your own phone credit card service or use the Telmex phone booths that take Ladatel phone cards (available in denominations of 30, 50 and 100 pesos) or call collect. Internet service is widely available in resorts and cafes. Check with your cell phone provider for information regarding international coverage.
Drinking Water: Water in Puerto Vallarta is among the best in Mexico and is tested regularly. Most restaurants, bars and hotels use purified water. If in doubt ask ("agua purificada"). In the countryside, or when in doubt, stick to bottled water, readily available.
Transportation: Taxis are abundant and the fares are set. The local bus service is efficient and affordable – around 40 cents. There are several rental car companies as well. Drivers must be 25 years old and must be in possession of a valid U.S. driver’s license and major credit card.
Local Customs: The legal drinking age is 18. Tipping: generally 15% in restaurants; bellmen: $1 per bag; housecleaning staff: $1-$2 per day. Gas station attendants fill your tank and appreciate a tip, but it’s not mandatory.
Getting Married: U.S. citizens can legally get married in Mexico. Please contact a Vacation Express representative for details on resorts offering special wedding packages and to discuss your particular wedding requirements. Our experienced group department will be happy to assist with travel arrangements for all attendees.
Ten Spanish Phrases Everyone Should Know
• ¿Cuánto cuesta? How much is it? (As you're pointing at an item)
• ¡Qué hermosa eres! You are so beautiful! (To a girl ... For guys, substitute “hermosa” with “guapo,” which means “handsome”)
• ¿Donde estoy? Where am I?
• ¿Cómo se dice ... ? How do you say ... ? (Followed by the word you wish to learn)
• ¡Muchas gracias! Thank you!
• Con permiso. Excuse me. (As you are trying to get by someone)
• Por favor ... Please ...
• No hablo español. ¿Hablas inglés? I don't speak Spanish. Do you speak English?
• ¿Dónde está ... ? Where is ...
• No, gracias. No, thanks.
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