Quick Reference Guide

Important Phone Numbers

The following is a list of important phone numbers in Puerto Vallarta. Unless otherwise indicated, the area code for all the numbers is 322.

Electricity

Mexico uses the same electrical system as the U.S. and Canada: 120 volts (60 cycles) and the outlets are standard two-prong. Bring adapters if you have 3-prong electronics (adapters also available at local supermarkets and electronics stores).

Many visitors from outside of North America will need an adapter with a currency converter. 

Long-term visitors to PV should also consider investing in a voltage regulator (regulador de voltaje) to protect electronics from voltage spikes, which occur during the rainy season when thunderstorms are frequent. Voltage regulators are available at office supply stores and the larger supermarkets.

Tipping
For the most part, tips (propinas) in Puerto Vallarta are similar to that in the U.S. and Canada: between 15-20%. Here are some rough guidelines.

• Waiter: 10% to 20%, but check bill to make sure that no service charge has already been added
• Bartender: 10% to 15%
• Grocery bagger: 1-2 pesos/bag
• Tour guide: 10%
• Bellhop: 10 - 20 pesos/bag
• Hotel maid: 10 - 30 pesos/day
• Taxi driver: Tips aren’t expected, but they’re appreciated if you were helped with bags

Water
Bottled water is recommended for drinking, and is available in sizes all the way up to twenty liters. If you have a water dispenser that takes the large jugs (garafones), you can buy them at most stores including OXXO, or call the company for delivery.

Tap water is fine for brushing your teeth and washing dishes.

Fruits and vegetables can be washed in tap water as well, but it’s recommended that you first soak them in water with a few drops of a disinfectant like Microdyn, which is available in the produce section of most supermarkets. Look for a small blue bottle.

Time Zone
Mexico is made up of three time zones: Central Standard Time (CST), Mountain Standard Time (MST), and Pacific Standard Time (PST). (Use Time Zone Converter).

Most of Mexico, including Jalisco state, uses Central Standard Time. Nayarit state begins when you cross the Ameca River going north, and runs on Mountain Standard Time. However, in 2010, Bahia de Banderas county -- which is in Nayarit but borders Jalisco -- began running on CST as well. Bahia de Banderas county goes as far east as Valle de Banderas and as far north as Lo de Marcos. 

Note: Mexico follows Daylight Savings Time, but on a different schedule than the U.S. and Canada. Clocks in the U.S. and Canada move ahead on the second Sunday in March, but in Mexico, it’s not until the first Sunday in April. In the fall, clocks are turned back on the last Sunday in October in Mexico, but not until the first Sunday in November in the U.S. and Canada. 

Currency
Mexico uses the Mexican peso, indicated by the universal currency sign ($).

Paper bills come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 pesos. Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, and the rarely seen 20 pesos. There are also coins for 10, 20, and 50 centavos (there are 100 centavos in a peso) but merchants often just round to the nearest peso.

It's a good idea to keep a stash of smaller bills and coins for the buses, for tipping, and to use in smaller establishments. 

Note: Many businesses accept cash only. If you inrend to pay with credit card, ask first. 

Exchanging Money
U.S. dollars are no longer widely accepted in Puerto Vallarta. Exchange your money and pay in pesos.

You’ll usually get the best exchange rate at an ATM (cajero automático), especially if you take out larger amounts to make up for the transaction fee. Banks are also a good option, but not as convenient since most banks are closed on the weekends. Check the boards outside of money exchange houses (casas de cambio) for their rates -- these are usually open longer than banks.

When exchanging money, make sure to count your pesos in front of the teller before getting out of line. Ask for any ripped or taped bills to be replaced, as they can be difficult to spend.

Alcohol
The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18.

Beer, wine, and liquor are widely available in supermarkets and convenience stores.

City Buses
Puerto Vallarta's city buses are cheap and convenient -- only 6.5 pesos per ride, and very frequent. Bus stops are sometimes marked with blue and white signs, but not always. If need be, look for groups of people at the roadside to see where the stops are.Major destinations (Wal-Mart, El Centro, Aeropuerto, etc.) will be written on the windshield of the bus, but ask the driver when you board. For more information, please see our Downtown Bus Route Map.

During your ride, don’t be surprised if musicians or clowns get on the bus and perform. You’re under no obligation to give any money, but if you enjoyed the show, a few pesos are always appreciated after the performance. People will also sometimes try to sell things like magazines, candy, or herbal remedies on the bus. You’re welcome to look at the products before you buy. If you’re not interested, a simple “No, gracias” is all you need.