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Puerto Vallarta Maps
Business
Siesta is becoming far less common here since Puerto Vallarta is such a popular tourist destination. Siesta is from 2pm to 4pm. You will find many businesses (not bars and restaurants) closed during these hours, but they'll stay open after siesta until 8 or 9pm.
What to Wear
Puerto Vallarta is a very casual place. T-shirts and shorts are the normal attire. At night at the more sophisticated restaurants and clubs, men generally wear long trousers and a casual shirt, while women wear informal dresses and skirts.
Generally speaking, Puerto Vallarta is very casual.
Language
Spanish is the official language of Mexico. In most places you go you will find people who will speak English.
Tipping and bargaining.
A tip is not automatically added. You should add about 10% to 15% of the bill in a restaurant. Airport porters usually get $1 US per bag. Tips for housekeeping is usually $2 US. Taxi drivers don't usually get tips, but tour guides do! As for people who watch your car and washroom attendants, tipping pocket change is fine.
You can bargain in the markets, but not in stores as they usually have fixed prices. If you pay in cash, you could get the sales tax taken off at shops that don't want to pay the high credit-card commissions.
Passports and Visas
Proof of citizenship is necessary to cross the border into Mexico. Either a current passport or birth certificate will suffice (for citizens not arriving from USA please check with your local consulate or embassy).
Minor's traveling alone or with one parent need notarized consent from parent(s), indicating that the parent(s) who have legal custody knowingly approve of the child's visit to Mexico.
Upon arrival to Puerto Vallarta, visitors are given a Tourist Card that must be turned in upon departure at the airport.
| National Holidays |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
| Feb 5 |
Constitution Day |
| Mar 21 |
Birthday of Benito Juarez |
| May 1 |
Labor Day |
| Sept 16 |
Independence Day |
| Nov 20 |
Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution |
| Dec 25 |
Christmas Day |
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