Upon disembarkation from your flight you will be ushered to immigration.  Once you give the immigration agent your tourist information card distributed during your flight and filled out by you prior to landing, you will receive a tourist visa. THIS VISA HAS TO BE RETURNED upon departure from the country so keep it in a safe place along with your passport and other documentation.

Customs is located in te baggage claim area.  After you retrieve your baggage, you will proceed to the custom check out counters where a button is pressed. If a green light is given, clearance is automatic, if red, your baggage will be checked.

Please note that upon departure from Puerto Vallarta all luggage is hand searched. This includes checked bags so be sure to allow ample time at the airport for this check-in procedure.

CAR RENTAL:

Rental car rates are high in Mexico due to insurance requirements so when checking rates be sure to ask if they include insurance and taxes.

As well as the international car rental companies, Gecko Rent a Car is a new car rental service in the town of Bucerias run by Canadian Denis Beauvais and his wife Kaisa.   Gecko will meet or beat the prices of the local major rental agencies.  Their rates are year round and include collision insurance and pick up and delivery.  Upon your arrival in Puerto Vallarta, Gecko will take you out to the house as well as provide complimentary drop off at the airport at the end of your stay/rental car return.

MONEY TIPS:

The peso is Mexico's official currency, but almost all purchases can be paid in US dollars. Dollars are accepted almost everywhere in Puerto Vallarta, however large bills can be difficult to break.  It's a good idea to bring along plenty of $1's, $5's, and $10's.  If you go on an adventure out of the main tourist areas it can be helpful to have some pesos available. Before traveling to Puerto Vallarta we'd recommend you exchange $30 - $40 dollars so you have change for taxi, tips, etc., upon arrival.

Cash and Travelers' Cheques:
It is best to exchange your money into pesos upon arrival at your final destination.  At the airport to your sharp left are two CAMBIO (money exchanges).  The rate here is usually one of the best (as well as the easiest to find).  There is a good money exchange at the Marina Plaza, just past the airport--same mall in which MacDonald's is located.  There are money exchanges on the main street in Puerto Vallarta and the rate seems to be quite good at each one, but seems to get better the further you go into downtown. 

To exchange the rest of your travelers cheques or cash look for the CAMBIO's either at the airport (best rate), Bucerias, downtown Puerto Vallarta, or at the supermarkets.  As the exchange rates change frequently ask your neighbours in the complex where they are getting the best rates.

Bank Card:
Using your Bank Card at any BANAMEX machine will also give you a good exchange rate.  You will not find a bank machine in La Cruz yet, but there is one in Bucerias on the main highway, near the "China Palace" store, and there is a new Bital (bank) in Bucerias, (across the highway from the Banamex) and many in Puerto Vallarta.  Don't rely solely on your bank card for money as the telephone/bank lines are sometimes down or busy between Mexico and US/Canada. 

Visa, MasterCard and American Express:
When you use any credit card internationally you are charged a 1 percent fee by the Visa/MasterCard clearinghouse, no matter what country you are in. Most people are unaware of this fee. It is imposed at the currency exchange level as part of the transaction. But in addition to the clearinghouse fee, some issuers have begun to charge an additional 2 to 5 percent fee for international credit card transactions.

There is a 5% or 6% credit card fee when you use your credit card in Mexico. Most retailers or hotels add this into the final price so you never notice it.

American Express charges a 2 percent fee for international transactions with its card. Before you rely on plastic as your major means of money while on vacation, check with your credit card company about their international policies. In the end, you may be paying 10% more than if you would have paid with cash.

As in other parts of the world, restaurants and gas stations have been known to take your card in the back and make blank carbon copies.  Make sure your card does not leave your sight.

BEACH HEALTH TIPS:

The sun can be very intense in Mexico. It is best that you use sunscreen before you even venture into the sun. A bad burn can ruin a vacation. A hat and sunglasses are also a must for the seasoned sun bather. It is a good idea to take an older tee shirt with you--a great protector from the sun.  If you do stain it with sunscreen, wash it in bleach when you get home and the stains should be removed.

Sunscreen is a wonderful thing, it protects our bodies but it harms the lounges and furniture, so please sit on a towel if you use sunscreen. 

If you do become ill with Montezuma's revenge the very best remedy is the following recipe:

Squeeze the juice of 2 fresh limes into a glass, add a good size pinch of salt and down like a shot. Symptoms will ease in about an hour.  If it hasn't stopped in 2 hours repeat the treatment and you should feel much better by the next day. Lime will kill bacteria and microbes in your system. It is also served with most meals, use liberally.

Always wash your hands before you eat.  As with the rest of the world, a lot of germs travel on money.  If you have been shopping or handling money, use the rest room to wash your hands before you eat.   You can also purchase a packet of chlorinated towellettes that you can use to wash your hands when water is not available.

COMMON SENSE:

Have someone watch your bag with camera and money when you are at the beach or out dancing in a bar.  If you aren't watching you never know when it will walk away, same as in any other country.  Take enough money for the day and leave all other money at the house.  The complex is very secure, but be sure to lock all the doors--including sliding patio doors--when you go out.