Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Location: Mexican Riviera
Each city visited during a Disney Mexican Riviera Cruise is distinctive, with particular local customs, currency, language and systems of transportation. We offer these helpful tips for traveling in Puerto Vallarta with your family.
Language in Puerto Vallarta
The official language in Puerto Vallarta is Spanish, but many people speak English.
Some useful words and phrases are listed below.
| Spanish | Pronounced | |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hola | "O-la" |
| Goodbye! | Adiós | "A-de-os" |
| Please | Por favor | "Pour-fa-vor" |
| Thank you | Gracias | "Gra-see-as" |
| You're welcome | De nada | "De na-da" |
| Good morning | Buenos días | "Bwen-os de-as" |
| Good afternoon | Buenas tardes | "Bwen-as tar-des" |
| Good evening | Buenas noches | "Bwen-as no-ches" |
| How much? | ¿Cuánto? | "Quan-to" |
| Pleased to meet you | Encantado/da | "En-cahn-ta-do/da" |
| Pier | Embarcadero | "Em-bar-ca-der-o" |
| Ship | Barco | "Bar-co" |
Weather
Puerto Vallarta enjoys a warm, dry climate all year round, boasting average daily temperatures of 75° F during the winter and 95° F during the summer, with very low annual rainfall.
How to Pay
The local currency is the peso, but U.S. currency is accepted in Puerto Vallarta, as are all major credit cards. The dollar sign is commonly used to refer to the peso. Prices listed in U.S. dollars are listed as US$ or USD.
Tipping
A 15%-20% tip is customary when tipping at restaurants. However, some places may automatically add a service charge, so be sure to check the bill.
How to Get Around
There are a number of ways to get around Puerto Vallarta.
- Car Rentals: Rentals are available through local travel agencies; however, due to the high costs involved and difficulty in finding parking, we don't recommend renting a car.
- Taxis: Taxis are available throughout the city. The white taxis are federal and yellow taxis are private.
- Buses: Buses are the cheapest form of transportation. Buses are available on the main road in the city and make several stops along the Hotel Zone before arriving into the center of the city.
- Walking: Downtown Puerto Vallarta can be explored on foot.
Safety
Puerto Vallarta is a resort destination and considered very safe, but Disney Cruise Line Guests are always advised to follow safety precautions to protect valuables. Please follow these tips to help ensure that you have a fun and safe vacation.
- Busy tourist areas and outdoor festivals are favorite locations for pick-pockets. Always be conscious of your personal belongings and surroundings.
- It is a good practice to keep your wallet in your front pocket and any bags securely zipped.
- Leave passports, air transportation tickets and cruise documents in the safety deposit box of your stateroom.
- Do not keep large amounts of cash with you or show money in public.
- When walking, stay on main streets and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas.
Fun Facts & Tips
Herbie Goes Bananas and Predator were two of the many movies filmed on location in Puerto Vallarta.
Watch your step! The street curbs can vary dramatically in height from inches to feet in some places to stem flood waters during the rainy season.
