Puerto Vallarta Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta often comes with a sense of excitement—and naturally, a few curiosities. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, it’s common to wonder about how things work in a new destination. To help make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered some of the most commonly asked questions from travelers just like you.
This section is designed to provide quick, practical information about everyday topics that visitors tend to ask about. From arrival logistics and getting around town to staying connected and feeling prepared, this resource is meant to serve as a helpful starting point. While everyone’s travel style is different, there are certain basics that almost every visitor wants to know—and that’s where our FAQ section comes in.
We’ve grouped questions into categories so you can easily find what you’re looking for, whether it’s about transportation, money, health services, or staying plugged in during your stay. Each answer offers concise, up-to-date guidance so you can spend less time wondering and more time enjoying everything Puerto Vallarta has to offer.
Use the following search box to locate specific questions. You will also find a full list of questions here. Keep in mind that this resource is continually being updated with new information.
Airport
Procedures at PVR can change anytime, so be prepared. Upon arrival, follow signs to Immigration and Customs. Tourists scan their passports and should keep a digital copy of their FMM receipt. Residents use the left lane with passports and residency cards. After Immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs for scanning. Exiting the terminal, you’ll pass through a room where timeshare agents offer promotions. Transportation options include rental cars, ATMs, official taxis, and prearranged pickups.
When departing from Puerto Vallarta Airport, arrive at least two hours before your flight, or three during peak travel seasons. Residents must have their passport stamped at the INM kiosk before checking in. Tourists need to present their FMM receipt or a stamped passport. If you’ve overstayed your permitted days, you may need to pay a fine at a local bank. After check-in, proceed upstairs to security. Once cleared, you’ll enter the duty-free area with shops and restaurants before reaching your gate. The process is usually smooth, but allow extra time during busy travel periods. Safe travels!
Money
It’s best to withdraw pesos from an ATM in Puerto Vallarta rather than exchanging money beforehand. ATMs typically offer better exchange rates than currency exchange booths or banks in your home country. Several ATMs are available at the airport and major banks like Banorte, Santander, and BBVA have ATMs throughout the city with reasonable withdrawal fees. Always notify your bank before traveling and decline “Dynamic Currency Conversion” for a better rate. While small USD bills can be useful in emergencies, most places prefer pesos. Using ATMs in Puerto Vallarta ensures you get the best value.
Some businesses in Puerto Vallarta accept US and Canadian dollars, but it’s best to pay in pesos. Hotels, restaurants, and tourist shops may take foreign currency, but they often offer poor exchange rates, meaning you’ll likely overpay. Most businesses, street vendors, and taxis usually only accept pesos, and if you pay in dollars, you’ll receive change in pesos at an unfavorable rate. Using an ATM or exchanging money at a bank ensures better value. Paying and tipping in foreign currency doesn’t help locals, as they must exchange it at a loss. Using pesos supports the local economy directly.
Transportation
Yes, Uber operates in Puerto Vallarta, along with other rideshare services like inDriver and Didi.
If you’re arriving at the Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), Uber drivers can pick up passengers, but you will need to walk outside the airport property. As you exit the airport, go left, and walk along the building to the base of the pedestrian bridge, then cross over to the other side. Here is a link to the rideshare pickup area.
Yes, taxis are readily available in Puerto Vallarta. You can find them at designated taxi stands, major hotels, the airport, and throughout the city. Unlike rideshare services, taxis in Puerto Vallarta do not use meters; fares are set based on zones, so it’s a good idea to confirm the price with the driver before starting your trip.
Three authorized companies (TPV, Aero Movil, TRiP Vallarta) operate at the airport with fixed rates by zone, payable in pesos or by card.
Base fare is 50 pesos within the same zone; fares vary between zones. It is suggested to get the fare prior to starting the trip. Tipping for luggage help is customary. Note that city taxis accept cash only.
Medical
For minor medical needs like a cold, flu, or a virus in Puerto Vallarta, you have several convenient options. Many farmacias (pharmacies) have on-site doctors who offer quick consultations for a small fee, often under $200 MXN. Popular choices include Farmacia Guadalajara, Farmacias Similares, Médisim, and Ahorro Farmacia.
If you prefer a walk-in clinic, places like CMQ Hospitals (in Centro and Marina) or Hospital Joya have urgent care services.
In Mexico, many medicines that require a prescription in other countries (like the U.S. or Canada) can be purchased over the counter. However, some medications still require a prescription. Here’s a general breakdown:
No Prescription Required (Over-the-Counter)
- Common antibiotics (amoxicillin, azithromycin, etc.)
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen, naproxen, paracetamol)
- Cold & flu medications
- Antacids & digestive aids
- Antifungal & antibacterial creams
- Allergy medications (antihistamines like loratadine)
- Birth control pills (some brands)
Prescription Required
- Controlled substances (opioids like oxycodone, morphine)
- Strong sedatives & sleeping pills (benzodiazepines like Xanax, Valium)
- ADHD medications (Ritalin, Adderall)
- Certain psychiatric medicine (antidepressants, antipsychotics)
- Injectable antibiotics or strong antivirals
- Some hormones (like testosterone or human growth hormone)
Pharmacies in Mexico vary in how strictly they enforce prescription requirements. Some chain pharmacies (e.g., Farmacias del Ahorro, Farmacias Similares) are more regulated, while independent pharmacies may be more lenient.
If you need a prescription, many pharmacies have an in-house doctor who can provide one for a small fee.
Technology
It depends on your carrier and plan. Many major U.S. providers, like T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon, offer international roaming in Mexico. Some plans include unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico, while others may require you to activate an international add-on. It is important to check with your carrier before traveling to avoid unexpected charges. If your plan doesn’t cover Mexico or roaming fees are high, getting a local SIM card could be a more cost-effective option. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, restaurants, and cafes, so you may also rely on that for internet access.
You can buy a SIM card in Puerto Vallarta at various locations, including official carrier stores like Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar, which have shops in malls such as Plaza Caracol, Galerías Vallarta, and La Isla. Convenience stores like OXXO also sell prepaid SIM cards, making it easy to pick one up on the go. Large supermarkets like Walmart, Soriana, and Chedraui often carry them as well. If you’re arriving by plane, the Puerto Vallarta International Airport has some options, though prices might be higher. Additionally, small mobile phone shops and repair stores around town may sell and activate SIM cards. Make sure your phone is unlocked before add a new SIM card.