Puerto Vallarta

The questions people ask first about Puerto Vallarta, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $).Mexico-wide
• SIM or eSIMTelcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities.Mexico-wide
• Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.Mexico-wide
• TippingcheckRestaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.Mexico-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Mexico-wide
• SafetyThe tourist core is busy and generally safe by day and night.

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• CoffeeM$40–80
• Sit-down mealCasual sit-down mealM$150–350
• Street or quick mealTaco or street snackM$25–60
• Beerdraught / bottle at a shopM$60–90M$25–40
• Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxiAgree the fare before you get in.M$120–200
• Metro or bus rideCity bus rideM$10
• SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekM$200–500
• Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personMX$350 (≈ US$19)
• Mid-range bedBoutique or mid-range double room, a night, per roomMX$2,500 (≈ US$140)
• High-end bedBoutique or mid-range double room, a night, per roomMX$5,500 (≈ US$300)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$900 (≈ US$50) · Mid MX$1,800 (≈ US$100) · High MX$4,000 (≈ US$250)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

PVR Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (About 8 km (5 mi) north of Zona Romántica; city bus, taxi kiosk or Uber from the pedestrian bridge)PVR Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (About 5 mi (8 km) north of Zona Romántica; city bus, taxi kiosk or Uber from the pedestrian bridge)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

M$900–1,500 excl. bed

Mid

M$1,500–3,000 excl. bed

High

M$3,000+ excl. bed

• Timeshare touts work the two rooms just outside customs at PVR: walk past without stopping and buy transport at the official kiosk.
• Taxi drivers can drive fast; not all cabs have working seatbelts.
• Police checkpoints and stops rise around spring break — carry ID and keep rental paperwork in the car.
• Rip currents on open Pacific beaches: swim where locals swim, and not alone.
• September and early October are the wettest weeks; some beach businesses close.
• Hurricanes rarely hit, but the season runs Jun–Nov: check forecasts before a late-summer trip.