Do I need a passport?
You and your guests will need a passport to enter Mexico. If you do not yet have a passport, please start now as it can take up to 2 months or possibly more if any complications occur. If you already have a passport, please make sure that your passport expiration date is valid when you enter Mexico and also still valid when you return. You can visit the U.S. Department of State’s website for more information about how to obtain or renew your passport.
When should I arrive?
We suggest that you arrive on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 as the conference will start bright and early the following day.
What airport should I fly into?
When booking your flight, the closest airport to the hotel is Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR / MMPR).
What do I need to know about transportation to/from the hotel?
Taking a taxi from the airport to Westin will cost about $25 U.S. dollars. Coming from the Westin to the Airport will cost $6 US dollars. The reason for the price discrepancy is it is considered to be in a Federal zone when arriving into Puerto Vallarta, but not when you are departing.
It is better to use Mexican pesos when taking a taxi ride. Taxis do not accept credit cards.
You can also use Uber.
You may also get car service from Tukari by sending an email to reservations@tukari.com (preferred contact method) or by calling 322-224-7177 or 322-224-7178. On the email subject line, please write “RESTAURANT MANAGER 2020”.
Will my mobile phone work in Puerto Vallarta?
Please note, you should call your mobile phone carrier about switching your mobile phone to an international plan or you run the risk of very high charges or your mobile phone not working at all. For example, AT&T offers a plan that costs $10 per day.
What forms of money should I carry?
The Westin accepts American money. Most other stores accept U.S. dollars as payment, but it is recommended that you use a credit card for items purchased. Just have a small amount of Mexican pesos with you.
You will be able to use your credit cards and you can get cash from the banks with your credit cards. All major credit cards (except Discover) are widely accepted.
If you eat in a restaurant off of the Westin’s property, it is best to ask before ordering as not every business in town accepts credit cards.
All of the banks will give cash advances, most have ATM machines at their locations, for after-hours cash.
What kind of weather do you anticipate during the conference?
Nobody can predict the weather. Here is an Average Temperature Chart on the Puerto Vallarta Weather website.
You can use online services to get an idea and, if you want confirmation, you can call your hotel a few days before your arrival to make sure.
Is Puerto Vallarta safe?
Yes, definitely. You will feel much safer in most parts of Puerto Vallarta than in the United States or Canada. There is very little crime and what does exist is usually petty compared to the U.S.
However, we strongly urge you to use common sense. Leave your fancy jewelry at home, etc. After dark, stay on the main streets, do not wander on the beaches unless you are in well-lit areas or together with other tourists. Never flash large amounts of money, etc, the common sense stuff :-)
Lately, there's been a lot of talk about the drug "war" in Mexico. It is important to emphasize that the issue is fundamentally linked to USA-Mexico border towns and is an issue far from important in Puerto Vallarta and surroundings. Here are links to articles about this:
https://villadelmarvallarta.com/blog/news/travel-warning-mexico-puerto-vallarta
http://www.banderasnews.com/1811/nr-us-state-dept-mexico-travel-advisory.htm
https://www.vallartadaily.com/united-states-updates-travel-alert-in-mexico-no-warning-for-puerto-vallarta/
Is the water safe to drink in Puerto Vallarta?
For over 15 years, Puerto Vallarta's water has been certified for human consumption - one of the few places in Mexico to receive this honor, but that doesn't mean you should necessarily drink it. It means it's safe when it leaves the water treatment plant, but after going through the water pipes, what comes out the other end may not be!
Stick to purified water, which is now served in all restaurants, hotels, and bars throughout Vallarta. In most hotels, you'll receive a couple of complementary water bottles, either in the bathroom or in the refrigerator.