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Puerto Vallarta Travel Basics
Calling Codes
The country code for Mexico is 52.
The city code for Puerto Vallarta is 322. To call the U.S. or Canada dial 001 plus the area code and number; to call elsewhere internationally, dial 00 plus the country code, the area code, and the number you wish to reach.
Electricity
Mexico runs on the 120V, 60Hz system, so U.S. travelers won't need electrical converters. However you may need an adapter, since many electrical outlets haven't been updated to accommodate three-prong plugs. Additionally, in hotels with 110-volt outlets for low-wattage appliances like shavers, be careful not to use them with higher-wattage appliances like blow-dryers, or you'll be shopping for a new one.
Emergency Contacts
Fire department: 4-77-01
Police: 2-01-23
Police emergency: 06
Red Cross: 2-15-33
Fax/Modem
Sending or receiving faxes is not a problem in Puerto Vallarta. More than likely, the hotel you're staying at can provide this service. If you'd like to have it done less expensively look for a copy shop or pharmacy--they often have copy machines--in the center of town.
Local Language
Puerto Vallarta is virtually a bilingual city, with Spanish and English spoken prominently. Much of the city's growth occurred in the years after English-speaking foreigners arrived--and with tourism flourishing, the language continues to be spoken. The local language is still standard Mexican Spanish however, and your vacation will be more enjoyable if you are able speak a bit.
Public Holidays
New Year's Day: January 1
Carnaval: February
Constitution Day: February 5
Anniversary of Benito Juarez's birth: March 21
Semana Santa, the Holy Week of Easter: Late March or early April
Labor Day: May 1
Cinco de Mayo (Anniversary of Mexico's 1862 victory over the French): May 5
Independence Day: September 16
Dia de la Raza: October 12
Day of the Dead: November 2
Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution of 1910: November 20
Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe: December 12
Christmas: December 25
Time Zone
The time zone for Puerto Vallarta is the equivalent of the United States' Central Standard Time, or Greenwich Mean Time minus 6 (GMT/UTC -6). As throughout Mexico, daylight-saving time is observed.
Travel Documents
Australia: Citizens of Australia must have a valid passport to enter the United States if they are staying less than 90 days and have an onward or return ticket.
Canada: Citizens of Canada need proof of citizenship for entry into the United States. This can be either a birth certificate with a raised seal or a voter registration card with a photo ID. A driver's license is not enough. Canadian citizens under 16 need notarized permission from both parents.
France:Citizens of France must have a valid passport to enter the United States if th ey are staying less than 90 days and have an onward or return ticket.
Germany: Citizens of Germany must have a valid passport to enter the United States if they are staying less than 90 days and have an onward or return ticket.
Ireland: Citizens of Ireland must have a valid passport to enter the United States if they are staying less than 90 days and have an onward or return ticket.
Japan: Citizens of Japan must have a valid passport to enter the United States if they are staying less than 90 days and have an onward or return ticket.
United Kingdom: U.K. citizens must have a valid passport to enter the United States if they are staying less than 90 days and have an onward or return ticket.
What to Take
Year-round, Puerto Vallarta has a warm-weather climate, so pack shorts, sandals, and light shirts. It does get breezy in the evenings, so it's a good idea to also bring a light jacket or sweatshirt. There is quite an active and classy arts and nightlife scene, so if you're inclined you might also want to bring something a bit dressy. Of course, if you plan on sunbathing you'll need sunscreen. Best to stock up before you go, as prices on the spot are inflated. In the summer, you'll definitely need an umbrella.
When to Go
High season in Puerto Vallarta is officially from January to the end of April, though business begins to slow by April 15th. The climate is mildest then, with the least of amount of rain and more moderate temperatures. From the middle of May to the middle of November, daytime temperatures soar into the 90s, and there is a fair amount of rainfall--especially in August and September. Still, as in most tropical climes, the rain usually lasts part of the day and the rest is quite enjoyable--that is, if you can stand the heat. Furthermore, deals can be had on accommodations, and so many find summer, with its smaller crowds, cheaper prices, and natural rhythms, the best time to visit.
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