Money & Costs
Currency, tipping, and budget planning for Puerto Vallarta
Currency
The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN), symbolized as "$" or "MX$". Don't confuse prices in pesos with US dollars - a $500 dinner is about $30 USD!
Currency Quick Facts
- • Symbol: $ or MX$ (to distinguish from USD)
- • Common Bills: $20, $50, $100, $200, $500, $1000
- • Common Coins: $1, $2, $5, $10, $20
- • Approximate Rate: $17-18 MXN = $1 USD (rates fluctuate)
Tip: US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but you'll typically get a better exchange rate paying in pesos. We recommend using pesos whenever possible.
Getting Money
ATMs (Cajeros Automáticos)
- • ATMs are widely available throughout Puerto Vallarta
- • Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers for security
- • Most ATMs offer transactions in English
- • Withdraw pesos, not dollars, for better rates
- • Be aware of fees from both your bank and the Mexican bank
- • Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
Credit Cards
- • Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted
- • American Express accepted at larger establishments
- • Small shops and street vendors may be cash-only
- • Always carry some cash as a backup
- • Use a card with no foreign transaction fees if possible
Currency Exchange
- • Exchange houses (casas de cambio) are throughout town
- • Rates vary - compare before exchanging
- • Banks often offer better rates than exchange houses
- • Avoid exchanging at the airport if possible (poor rates)
- • Never exchange money with people on the street
Tipping (Propinas)
Tipping is customary in Mexico and an important part of service workers' income. Here are the general guidelines:
| Service | Suggested Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | 15-20% of the bill |
| Bars | $10-20 MXN per drink or 15-20% |
| Taxis | Round up to nearest $10 or 10% |
| Hotel Housekeeping | $50-100 MXN per day |
| Hotel Bellhops | $20-50 MXN per bag |
| Tour Guides | $100-200 MXN per person |
| Spa Services | 15-20% of the service |
| Gas Station Attendants | $10-20 MXN |
| Grocery Baggers | $10-20 MXN |
Note: Some restaurants add a service charge to the bill. Check before adding an additional tip. Tips in pesos or dollars are both appreciated.
Budget Guide
Puerto Vallarta offers options for every budget. Here's a rough guide to daily costs per person:
Budget
$50-80 USD/day
- • Hostels or budget hotels
- • Street food and local eateries
- • Public buses
- • Free beach activities
Mid-Range
$100-200 USD/day
- • 3-4 star hotels
- • Mix of casual and nice restaurants
- • Taxis and occasional tours
- • Some activities
Luxury
$300+ USD/day
- • 5-star resorts or boutique hotels
- • Fine dining experiences
- • Private transfers
- • Premium activities and tours
Sample Prices
Food & Drink
- Street tacos: $15-30 MXN each
- Local restaurant meal: $100-200 MXN
- Mid-range restaurant: $200-400 MXN
- Fine dining: $500-1000+ MXN
- Beer at a bar: $50-80 MXN
- Cocktail: $100-180 MXN
- Coffee: $40-70 MXN
Transportation & Activities
- Local bus: $10-12 MXN
- Taxi (short trip): $50-100 MXN
- Water taxi to Yelapa: $400-500 MXN RT
- Whale watching tour: $1,500-2,500 MXN
- Snorkeling trip: $800-1,500 MXN
- ATV tour: $1,500-2,500 MXN