Food and Drink
- Popular International Cuisine
- Dolce Vita (Italian) or Bonito Kitchen (Asian Fusion).
- Best Food Delivery App
- Rappi and UberEats.
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Pescado Zarandeado (Grilled snapper) at Mariscos Tinos.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Salud Super Food and Veggie Table in Zona Romántica.
- Best Dessert Spots
- Pie in the Sky (Aquiles Serdan) for 'Besos Vallarta' chocolates.
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Mercado Municipal Rio Cuale for local produce and souvenirs.
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Amazon Mexico (very reliable) and Mercado Libre.
- Grocery Delivery
- CornerShop (by Uber) and Chedraui online.
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Calle Lázaro Cárdenas in Zona Romántica (The Gayborhood/Nightlife Hub).
- Local Brewery
- Monzón Brewing Co. and Los Muertos Brewing.
- Wine Bars
- Barrio Lindo or Uncork Mexico (Wine tastings and retail).
- Street Food Stalls
- Marisma Fish Tacos and the taco stands on Basilio Badillo.
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- The Malecon (Boardwalk) and the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
- Museums & Art Venues
- Museo del Cuale (Archaeology) and Galería Pacifico.
- Historical Sites
- Gringo Gulch (Elizabeth Taylor’s former residence area).
- Religious Sites
- Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.
- Annual Events
- Festival Gourmet International (November) and Vallarta Pride (May).
- Cultural Districts
- Centro (Historic Downtown) and Emiliano Zapata.
- Theater Venues
- Act2PV and The Palm Cabaret.
- Local Markets
- Saturday Olas Altas Farmers Market (seasonal, Nov-Apr).
- Music Scene
- Roxy Rock House and La Bodeguita del Medio for Salsa.
- Street Art
- Check out the murals in the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood.
- Cooking Classes
- Cookin’ Vallarta with Chef Enrique.
- Art Galleries
- The Art Walk (Every Wednesday evening during high season).
- Historic Buildings
- Casa Kimberly (The bridge of love).
- Local Heritage
- Huichol (Wixárika) indigenous beadwork and yarn art.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Vallarta Botanical Gardens (Ranked top 10 in North America).
- National Parks Nearby
- Los Arcos Marine Park (Best for snorkeling and diving).
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- The Malecon and the hike from Boca de Tomatlán to Las Animas.
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Mirador El Cerro de la Cruz (Panoramic city views).
- Birdwatching Locations
- Estero El Salado Urban Estuary.
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Playa Grande; check local seasonal bans during turtle nesting.
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- Estafeta and DHL (Local office on Morelos).
- Tech Repair Services
- Soporte PV (Computer/Laptop repair).
- Table Tennis Spots
- No dedicated clubs; available in some private residential amenities.
- Language Classes
- Spanish Experience Center (Zona Romántica).
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Biblioteca Los Mangos (Public library and cultural center).
- Community Centers
- SETAC Community Center.
- Gaming Lounges
- No specific professional lounges; many Internet Cafes remain.
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- Casino Life (Galerías Vallarta) and Winpot Casino.
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $5,500 USD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $220,000 USD).
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $3,000 USD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $120,000 USD).
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $5,000 USD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $300,000 USD).
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $2,800 USD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $168,000 USD).
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $4,500 USD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $360,000 USD).
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $2,500 USD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000 USD).
- Corporate Tax
- 30% (Federal ISR).
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 10% for residents.
- Tax System
- Residential nexus basis (Worldwide income for tax residents).
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 35%
- VAT
- 16% (IVA).
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- Yes, Mexico has comprehensive REFIPRE rules.
- Property Tax
- Predial (Very low compared to US/EU, approx. 0.1% of value annually).
- Property Transaction Tax
- ISAI (Acquisition tax), usually 2% to 4.5% depending on the municipality.
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- Temporary Residence (Residente Temporal) status allows for 180 days tax-free if paid by foreign employer.
Essentials
- City
- Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
- Population
- 291,000
- Internet Speed
- Average 60-100 Mbps (Fiber available via Izzi or Telmex)
- Currency & Banking
- Mexican Peso (MXN). 1 USD ≈ 17.50 MXN. ATMs widely available.
- Tap Water
- Not drinkable; use purified bottled water or 'Garrafones' (20L jugs).
- Power
- 127V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets (Same as USA/Canada).
- SIM Card
- Telcel (best coverage) or AT&T. Prepaid 4GB plan for approx. $200 MXN ($12 USD).
- Banking for Expats
- Intercam (easiest for foreigners), BBVA, and Revolut/Wise for transfers.
- Accommodation
- Airbnb, Vivanuncios, and Facebook Marketplace groups like 'Rentals in Puerto Vallarta'.
- Cashless Friendly
- Moderate. Larger restaurants/malls accept cards; street food and local markets are cash only.
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb, VRBO, and local agencies like PVRPV starting at $1,200 USD/month.
- Budget Accommodation
- Hostel Vallarta ($15-25 USD/night) or Oasis Hostel ($18 USD/night).
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Zona Romántica for nightlife or Marina Vallarta for resorts and proximity to the airport.
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- 5 de Diciembre for lower prices and local feel, or Versalles for the best foodie scene and fiber internet.
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- Vallarta Cowork (Zona Romántica) - Daily: $300 MXN, Monthly: $3,500 MXN.
- Best Cafe for Work
- A Page in the Sun (Zona Romántica) or Metate (Versalles) - Great Wi-Fi and ample seating.
- Networking Events
- PV Digital Nomads weekly meetups at Brewmasters or Los Muertos Brewing.
- Social Events for Expats
- Expats in Puerto Vallarta Facebook Group and the Tuesday Morning Market at Marina Vallarta.
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- Uber (widely available) and InDrive (often cheaper, cash preferred).
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Bici Bucerias or PV Bicycles. Daily rentals approx. $450 MXN ($26 USD).
- Best Beach Nearby
- Playa Conchas Chinas for clear water; Playa Los Muertos for the social scene.
- Top Regional Airline
- Volaris and VivaAerobus for domestic flights.
- Top International Airline
- Aeromexico (via CDMX), Alaska Airlines, and United.
- Highway Access
- Federal Highway 200 connects north to Nayarit and south to Mismaloya.
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- Central de Autobuses Puerto Vallarta (Main bus station for intercity travel).
- Public Transport Passes
- Flat fare cash system: $10 MXN for local buses; no digital pass system.
- Regional Travel
- ATM Buses to Sayulita ($55 MXN) or water taxis from Los Muertos Pier to Yelapa ($380 MXN roundtrip).
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Hospital Joya (Marina Vallarta) - Modern facilities and English-speaking staff.
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Davannayoga (Old Town) - $250 MXN per class; Kupuri Yoga.
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- The Gym Vallarta ($1,200 MXN/month) or Power Fitness PV.
- Laundry Services
- Lavanderia El Centro - Standard wash/dry/fold for $15-20 MXN per kilo.