Banks: 08.00 to 19.00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09.00 to 18.00, Monday to Friday
Government Offices: 09.00 to 18.00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09.00 to 18.00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 10.00 to 22.00, Monday to Sunday

Big cities in Mexico are notorious for their high crime rates, but visitors to Puerto Vallarta have very little to worry about. The resorts work hard to keep unsavoury characters out of town, and law enforcement here is significantly better than in Mexico City. When venturing outside of the resort area, travel lightly and refrain from flashing large amounts of cash or otherwise drawing unneeded attention. Beware of overly friendly strangers, who often end up being touts or even scam artists.

110V, 60 hertz, two-pronged flat plug

If you fall ill while visiting Puerto Vallarta, you’ll have access to excellent medical facilities designed with international guests in mind. If the medical problem isn’t serious, you’re likely to have success visiting the local pharmacy before heading to the hospital. Stick to bottled water and avoid fresh, unpeeled produce. Be advised that the most common health problem to strike tourists is heat exhaustion, which can be easily prevented by staying out of the sun during the heat of the day and drinking plenty of fluids.

Emergency services: 061 (assistance in English available)

The national language of Mexico is Spanish.

Mexico uses the peso which breaks down into 100 centavos.

Adult visitors to Mexico can import the following items free of duty: 1 kilogram of tobacco in addition to 50 cigars or two cartons of cigarettes; 12 rolls of film; and two litres of spirits or wine (in separate one-litre bottles). Prohibited items include illegal drugs, firearms and fresh meats and produce.

Mexican society is built on a strong, family foundation so social hierarchies regarding seniority and status play a role in virtually every social exchange. Most Mexicans remain devoutly traditional in regards to family. Machismo, or the essence of masculinity, is important to Mexican men, and foreign women may find attempts at machismo to be belittling. This sort of behaviour is going out of fashion in Mexico, though vestiges still remain in traditional quarters. Above all, locals in the context of Puerto Vallarta’s resort community are accustomed to international sensibilities and visitors have little trouble fitting in.

Citizens of most Western nations do not need a visa to visit Mexico; passports must have a minimum validity of six months remaining at the time of entry. Tourists must also purchase a tourist card (FMT) from customs officials. The card allows a stay not exceeding 180 days. The FMT card can also be obtained in advance from Mexican embassies and consulates.

Visitors will find the Puerto Vallarta tourist information office in the Presidencia Municipal building at the city centre. 
Phone: +52 322 2 22 02 42