Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Puerto Vallarta is a resort town located on Mexico's Pacific coast, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and welcoming community. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 300,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 50 Mbps, with some locations offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 18.50 MXN. ATMs are widely available and credit cards are accepted at most establishments. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 127V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Telcel and AT&T offer good coverage; prepaid SIM cards available at convenience stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Many banks accept international cards; services like Revolut and Wise can be useful. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options including Airbnb, local rentals, and hostels are available with prices starting around $25/night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, most businesses accept cards, but carry cash for smaller vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular; short-term rentals often range from $25 to $100 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Hostel Vallarta start at around $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Zona Romantica is popular for its vibrant nightlife and proximity to the beach. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | 5 de Diciembre offers a good mix of local culture and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Bamboo Coworking offers fast internet and a collaborative atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de Olla provides a cozy space with free Wi-Fi and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are hosted at venues like The Beach House, particularly popular on Thursdays. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat groups on Facebook facilitate regular meetups, like the Puerto Vallarta Expats group. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is popular, though local taxis are available and affordable. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rentals are available through companies like Vallarta Bikes and Scooters at various locations. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Los Muertos Beach is a popular spot, easily accessible from most accommodations. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Volaris and Interjet provide local connections to other Mexican cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Southwest Airlines offer frequent flights to the U.S. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Highway 200 connects Puerto Vallarta to other major cities along the coast. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service; buses are the public transport option. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses throughout the city are inexpensive, with fares around 10 MXN per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect to nearby towns like Sayulita and Punta Mita for around 35 MXN. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital CMQ is a well-regarded facility with English-speaking staff. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Vallarta offers various classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Club Vida offers modern fitness facilities and classes starting at $30/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava Laundry provides wash and fold services, with same-day options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi is popular for food delivery across the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Tacos de pescado (fish tacos) are a must-try in local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Veggie Street offers a range of plant-based options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Panadería El Molino is famous for its pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Vallarta's Farmer’s Market offers fresh produce and local goods every Saturday. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers to Puerto Vallarta with various products available. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Superama and Walmart provide grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Malecon is the top nightlife district with bars and clubs along the waterfront. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Whale's Tail Brewing Company offers a variety of locally brewed beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Playa offers a selection of fine wines and tapas. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food stalls at the Mercado Municipal serve delicious local bites. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Daiquiri Dick's offers a range of international dishes with a local twist. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is an iconic landmark. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Puerto Vallarta Art Walk takes place every Wednesday, showcasing local artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | El Malecón promenade features historical monuments and sculptures. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is an important Catholic site in the area. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Puerto Vallarta Independence Day celebrations include parades and local festivities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Zona Romantica offers a vibrant mix of culture, music, and culinary experiences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Act II Entertainment offers live performances and theater productions. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Municipal Market is popular for handicrafts and local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Vallarta also has live music venues like The Jazz Foundation featuring local talent. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The Malecon is adorned with colorful murals and sculptures. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Sayulita Crepes has cooking classes focused on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleria Uno showcases contemporary works by Mexican artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa de los Abuelos is a historic colonial-style building worth visiting. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Puerto Vallarta's heritage is reflected in its turquoise waters and vibrant culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Marietas Islands are a great spot for snorkeling and wildlife watching. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sierra de Vallejo National Park offers beautiful hiking opportunities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Malecon has a scenic walkway perfect for strolling or biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Mirador de La Cruz offers stunning panoramic views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | El Tuito is a great area for birdwatching with various native species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Many beaches allow bonfires; check local regulations for specific areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | FedEx and DHL provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech Vallarta is known for good electronics repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | La Isla Shopping Village has public table tennis tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish schools like Compass offer language immersion programs. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local branch of the Biblioteca Los Mangos is a peaceful place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Casa de la Cultura offers community events and educational programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes often host gaming nights; check with Café de Olla. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Life Vallarta provides gaming options along with entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $100,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxed based on worldwide income for residents with progressive rates. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 16% standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply for CFCs. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on value, typically low compared to U.S. standards. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Between 2% and 4% depending on the state of purchase. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Temporary residents can benefit from a low tax rate under specific conditions. |