Area: 1,300 sq. kilometers

Population: 350,000 inhabitants

Economy: The local economy is based mainly on tourism, construction and, to a lesser degree, agriculture, mainly tropical fruits such as mango, papaya, watermelon, pineapple, guanabana, cantaloupe and bananas.

Currency: The Mexican Peso is the legal currency in Mexico, although Canadian and American dollars are widely accepted.

Time Zone: The entire State of Jalisco is on Central Time, as is the area of the State of Nayarit from Lo de Marcos in the north to the Ameca River, i.e. Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Sayulita, San Pancho, Punta Mita, etc. North of Lo De Marcos, Guayabitos, La Peñita, San Blas, etc. are on Mountain Time, i.e. one hour behind PV time.

Telephone Calls: Always check on the cost of long distance calls from your hotel room. Most cell phones from the U.S. and Canada can be programmed for local use, through Telcel or other carriers. To dial cell to cell or landline, use the prefix 322, then the seven-digit number of the person you’re calling. To access toll-free numbers in the U.S. and Canada: 800 numbers – dial 001-880 + the number, 866 numbers – dial 001 – 883 + the number, 877 numbers – dial 001 – 882 + the number, 888 numbers – dial 001 + the number.

Local Customs: Tipping is usually 15%-20% of the bill at restaurants and bars. Tip bellboys, taxis, waiters, maids, etc. depending on the service. Some businesses and offices close from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., reopening until 7 p.m. or later. In restaurants, it is considered poor manners to present the check before it is requested, so when you’re ready to leave, ask “La cuenta, por favor” and your bill will be delivered to you.

Money Exchange: Banks will give you a higher rate of exchange than the exchange booths (caja de cambio), though not all offer exchange services to foreigners. Better yet, if you have a “bank card”, withdraw funds from your account back home. Try to avoid exchanging money at your hotel. Traditionally, those offer the worst rates.

https://vallartamirror.com/welcome-to-puerto-vallarta/

Uber and InDriver apps are available and certainly more affordable than taxis; however, there are certain places where they won't be welcome such as the airport and some hotels. The other downside is that there are areas and times when it can be hard to find a ride, so make sure you don't opt for this option when you are in a rush.

In terms of cost and convenience, riding a bus is perhaps the best way to get around Puerto Vallarta. There are plenty of stops both in the city and in many neighboring hotspots, and the fares are a fraction of taxi fares. The bus is by far the most affordable means of getting from Puerto Vallarta Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) to the hotel zones. Renting a car is also an option but expect to pay hefty fees for the privilege.

https://www.vallarta-adventures.com/en/blog/puerto-vallarta-travel-tips/

Taxis: There are set rates within defined zones of the town. Do not enter a taxi without agreeing on the price with the driver FIRST. If you are staying in a hotel, you may want to check the rates usually posted in the lobby. There are two kinds of taxi cabs: those at the airport and the maritime port that can only be boarded there. They have pre-fixed rates per passenger. City cabs are yellow or white, and charge by the ride, not by passenger. When you ask to go downtown, remember that your fare covers the ENTIRE central area, so make sure you are brought to the main plaza! Pick up a free map, and insist on your full value from the driver! Note the number of your taxi in case of any problem, or if you forget something in the cab. Then your hotel or travel rep can help you check it out or lodge a complaint.

You never expect to go to the hospital while out of the country but unexpected events happen. If you find yourself needing care a few hospitals are listed. Make sure your medical insurance covers travel out of the country. If not, it is very cheap to get travel medical insurance for a few days.

We use Geo Blue travel insurance

https://about.geo-blue.com/

Food Lovers Beware!

There are sooo many great restaurants to eat at in Puerto Vallarta. I do not recommend choosing the "all inclusive" option at your hotel because there are so many great places to try. It is a very hard decision. You might just have to return for another trip since there are too many to choose from!

https://bayvallarta.com/

If you know which restaurant you want to go, do not let the driver change your mind. Many restaurateurs pay commissions to taxi drivers and you may end up paying more than you should, in a second-rate establishment!