Travel Tips
Puerto Vallarta is defined by the natural charm of its beaches embraced by the Sierra Madre mountains; the essence of its culture, gastronomy and traditions; and the warmth and hospitality of being welcomed like a friend. This magical destination has an authentic Mexican taste and spirit. Bienvenidas!
Is your Passport About to Expire?
Please check the expiration date of your passport! According to USA.gov,
- Renew your passport approximately nine months before it expires.
- Certain countries require passports to remain valid for up to six months after travel. Also, some airlines do not allow you to board if you do not meet this requirement.
PVR, Here We Come!!
Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport is the international airport in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. The airport is named after President Gustavo Díaz Ordaz. The airport code is PVR.
When you get ready to depart PV, there are a variety of restaurants and shops at the PVR airport to help occupy your time. There is also a VIP Lounge in Terminal 2, after security, between gates 8 and 10. The cost is approx $620 pesos (approx $31 USD).
Your must take Personal Liability Coverage!
IF you are thinking of renting a car in Mexico, here are the 4 things that are required:
- A Valid Driver's License. ...
- A Credit Card or Debit Card. ...
- You must be 18 to Rent a Car in Mexico (but really, 25) ...
- Mexican Insurance is mandatory.
Personal Liability Insurance, also referred to as Third-Party Insurance, is mandatory when renting a car in Mexico. You cannot rent a car without this coverage. Although this is the only obligatory type of insurance, it's not always enough. In fact, it's highly recommended to opt for additional coverage.
Watch this Video Before you Leave Home!
See the below great YouTube video regarding what to expect when you arrive in PV. The 11 minute video includes tips on:
- How to take an Uber from Puerto Vallarta's airport
- How to save money on your exchange rate at the ATM
- How to take the bus in Puerto Vallarta
- How to get around town in Puerto Vallarta
- Can you drink the water in Puerto Vallarta?
- How is the weather in Puerto Vallarta in the summer?
The Choice is Yours!
PV has many lodging options - villas, hotels, Airbnb, all-inclusive, adult only, family oriented, etc. Most are very affordably priced. You are welcome to make your own lodging arrangements. Please check your favorite travel websites to search and compare.
For your convenience, we have arranged for a block of rooms, at discounted rates, at the Grand Miramar All Luxury Suites & Residences. In order to take advantage of these special rates, you must book your reservation by March 15, 2023.
See the Hotels tab for more details about the room block and how to reserve. Please book early, the room block will sell out!
Pesos vs USD
U.S. dollar bills (but not coins) are widely accepted in tourist-oriented shops and restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. Pay in pesos where possible, however, for better prices.
See the above video for more great information.
The best currency to bring to Mexico is a mix of pesos and US dollars. Use the dollars to pay for the big things like tours, entrance fees, accommodation, and travel. For everything else use pesos.
Coverage for More Than your Bags
Yes, the Insurance Lady is here to urge you to consider taking out travel medical insurance. Everyone considers insurance for their bags. But the real risk is if you get sick or injured while traveling internationally. Typically your employer sponsored medical plan does not cover medical incidents that occur outside of the USA. As such, usually, any medical needs outside the USA are entirely for you to pay in full. Travel medical insurance is very affordable . For a small cost, you can save your yourself a big headache later. There are many insurance providers of travel medical insurance. Google for more information.
One recommendation is UHC SafeTrip, Yes, Morrow works for United Healthcare, but not in SafeTrip. This is Just a recommendation because we have purchased this coverage in the past. See the link and read about why you need travel health insurance!