Essential Information
The authorities require that each person fill out an "FMT" (Forma Migratoria Turista) and commonly referred to as a "Tourist Card." Make sure it signed on the reverse side. Keep the stamped copy with your passport, as it demonstrates that you entered Mexico legally. Be careful not to lose it, as you will need to turn it in at the airport before boarding your return flight.
Entry Documents
For US and Canadian Citizens
Preferably a valid passport or a birth certificate, if it is an original with the embossed seal of the court recorder and is complemented by an official picture ID such as a driver license or voter's registration.
For Other Citizens
Please check with the closest Mexican Consulate if you will require a Mexican Visa.
For Minors
There are no special requirements for a minor traveling with both parents. A minor traveling with one parent will need a notarized letter authorizing the parent traveling with the child to take him/her to Mexico, and indicating length of stay. If the missing parent is divorced, the same letter will apply, as would a certified or notarized copy of custody agreement. If the missing parent is deceased, a certified copy of the death certificate must be brought along.
Customs
Once you clear immigration, pick your your luggage from the carrousel assigned to your airline. In case of a damaged or missing suitcases, do not leave the luggage area until an airline representative is found. Ask the closest official to assist you in locating a Tukari representative to help you.
In Mexico, the law requires that you complete a declaration form, which you turn in to the authorities at the airport check point. If you have nothing to declare, you will press a button which turns on red or green light at random. If you get a red light, Customs officials will inspect your luggage; if the light is green, you are free to proceed. Foreign visitors are entitled to bring up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars and one liter of alcoholic beverage into Mexico.
US visitors are entitled to return to the US with up to $800.00 US Dollars in handicrafts and souvenirs and, depending on the state they are from, one or two liters of alcoholic beverages, duty free. You may never take fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, plants, flowers, or protected animals out of the country.
Currency
The currency is the Mexican peso, in both bills and coins, although the US dollar is widely accepted. Prices are usually marked with the "$" symbol to denote pesos and "US$" for dollars, although not always! Credit cards are widely accepted but there may be a small transaction fee charged when using them.
Money Exchange
Banks are located downtown and along the hotel zone and are usually open to exchange money Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Casas de Cambio, money exchange offices, are widely distributed throughout Puerto Vallarta. Although they may give you a slightly lower rate than the banks, they are open in the evenings and on weekends and holidays, and have much shorter lines.
Tipping and Taxes
The average tip in hotels, restaurants and bars is 10-15% for good service. Always check the bill to ensure the tip is not included on the check. It is very difficult to exchange U.S. coins for pesos in Mexico. When tipping, we suggest you to tip in pesos or in U. S. currency bills. Like most European countries, Mexico charges a value added tax of 15% on most items; it is usually included in the price tag. There is a 2% Hotel Tax. International Airport Tax: $20.00 US per person. Domestic Airport Tax: $13.00 US (These rates are approximate, per person, and may vary, depending on the rate of the exchange)
Beach Vendors
Beaches in Puerto Vallarta are public and many Vallartans make their living by walking up and down offering a wide assortment of goods for sale. If you are not interested a polite "no thank you" will usually do. If you are interested, be prepared for some serious bargaining!
Buses and Taxis
The local buses are cheap, frequent and a great way to get around Puerto Vallarta. To go downtown from Hotel Zone catch a bus with Centro written on the front window. To return, look for a bus marked Zona Hoteles or Hoteles. Taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive. Taxis do not have meters - always ask the fare before getting into the cab.
Tourist Police
In order to ensure your vacation runs smoothly, Puerto Vallarta employs a large force of "Tourist Police" who patrol widely in the Centro and Hotel Zone. They are dressed, appropriately, in white, speak English and are glad to help with problems or directions.
Long Distance Calls
A less expensive way to call home is to use the long distance offices that can be found both in the Hotel zone and downtown. Look for a "Larga Distancia" sign. It is also possible to make long distance calls from public phones, many of which accept calling cards. To reach an international operator, dial 09.
Timeshare
People on the street, or hostesses in your hotel, may offer you invitations such as: free breakfast, tour discounts, or jeep rentals. These offers are timeshare related and, in order to claim your "prize," you must attend a lengthy presentation seminar. If you are interested in participating, please be advised that Tukari is in no way connected with these associations and consequently, will not be held responsible for any actions of their sales staff or the outcome.
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