Hi everyone, have not been in Mexico since our Truck got stolen in Monterrey MX a few Years back. Need some sun this winter and decided to join a couple we know in Puerto Vallarta. Main reason SUN SUN Sun.Found a inexpensive Studio with kitchen for my hobby cook husband for a month in Jan.11 - Feb.11 So questions:For the Canadians- Can I still withdraw cash from Scotia Banks in MX?What would you recommend to do in PV and Guadalajara? and is Tonala still the place to shop? Any warnings of WHAT NOT to bring back on a plane to the USA would be appreciated. We will be flying from Vegas to PV. Will have to dig out the hotel we stayed years back. :)Patzcuaro and what else do you recommend ????Thank you for your time and effort Silvia and Rudy

Two absolute musts in PV, and amazingly, both free. Wednesday Night Art Walk and Cocktail Tour. Check on line in the free newspapers.Monday morning sculpture tour. Starts across from McDonalds, and tours all of the malecon art with the stories behind them. Ends up at a gallery owned by the leader who provides beer. Fabulous, you'll see things you haven't known existed.Cheeky Monkey, dollar beer, dollar margaritas, limited but good menu, Best view in all of PV. On the malecon, second and third floor, across the street from one of the Sergio Bustamante galleries. Directly across the street from Bustamante's large sculpture, In Search of Reason. (figures climbing up a ladder.) Should be on line, too.Yes, Tonala is a great place to shop, but you'll find a great cross section of everything in PV, without having to go to Guad.

While you are in Guadalajara, do not bypass Tlaquepaque, not too far from Tonala. You will find lots of little restaurants and a large Mariachi center. While in Guadalajara, stay away from car rental companies at the airport, they will rip you off with the insurance costs.

For cash use any bank ATM. To minimize ATM fees take out as much as possible each time. (last year we could take out 12,000 pesos. We split it up between us in various pockets and wallets until we get home. Never had a problem, but just as when traveling anywhere in the world, don't flash a big roll of cash.

Thank you all very much - good info. Scotia Bank from Canada has banks in MX and was just wondering if my Canadian friends still get the ATM withdrawal for free :)it was 2008 when we where in MX.We still have friends in Zacatecas and they will take us around in Guad. :)Also was wondering if anyone knows of ANY Catholic Church in PV that offers english masses ????Thanks Silvia

I just took a debit and US credit card from Scotia. They assured me I could witdraw money from the Mex Scotia bank or their ABM, I would expect it is free of machine charge, but I suppose there will be a 2 to 4% charge over the exchange fee.Here is what they say on their Website: Scotiabank is a founding member of the Global ATM Alliance. When you’re travelling, you can use the ABMs of the international banks in the Alliance, and you’ll skip the surcharge and access fees.Here is some info I was told by scotia bank. In USA, I am suppose to be able to withdraw money from the Bank of America automatic machine without machine fee. If they collect a fee, I will call them and try to get re-imburse, otherwise, I will discontinue use of this card and close all my account, no need if I get no benefit and I hate to be rip-off. When you withdraw money from Bank of America, you have to take it from your Scotia canadian money account, even if you have a US money account in Canada. So there will be a money exchange fee of 3% over the day exchange rate. Your US money account is just to withdraw US money in Canada or to pay your Scotia bank US credit card.

Puerto Vallarta - Guadalajara Help please | Good Sam Community

PNW_Wood
Explorer
Nov 08, 2016
We go to PV almost yearly. There are a ton of restaurant's to choose from. We try to avoid crowds and never eat at big chains like Sr. Frogs, Planet Hollywood, etc. We have always made a point of eating somewhere nice but our last trip we went out almost every night (two week stays is normal). We had some fantastic food this last trip. We typically spent between $75 and $90 (U.S.) which is a little steep but it would have been double or triple that in the states.

I usually contribute our experiences in Trip Adviser, if you are interested, you can see the restaurants I've reviewed for PV Here

We went to Guadalajara once. It was a little overwhelming; so many people and cars. The one thing I wish is that we had more time to spend in the downtown historical area. Fantastic area, very European and very old. The architecture and art in the area is outstanding.

someone else mentioned Tlaquepaque. We very much enjoyed this bedroom community of GDL. Sort of a hip artsy place. Much of the art coming out of Tonala is displayed here for sale. We went to Tonala too and found it to be more industrial. If you know where you are going, you can get into many of the studios and production warehouses for much of the art being sold throughout Mx.

ATM skimming seems to be a pretty big deal in Mx. you can go to Youtube or just Google "checking for ATM skimmer". Make a point of paying attention to where you stick your card. ATM's out in random public areas are the most vulnerable. Try to use ATM's anchored at/inside banks.

I can't really comment on the state of affairs as it pertains to watered down or spiked drinks other than suggesting you stay away from typical tourist trip locations.
swissmiss
Explorer
Nov 08, 2016
PNW Wood- thank you very much :)

Will check out your TA reviews I find them very helpful and contribute myself .
Silvia
kalynzoo
Explorer
Nov 09, 2016
Go to the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens. What a fantastic day we had walking around the place. Lush vegetation, open air butterfly gardens, lovely landscape, and a really good lunch restaurant. It is definitely worth a visit.
Talleyho69
Moderator
Nov 09, 2016
And there is a dedicated bus that goes right from downtown. Check their website. It's a MUST!!!
swissmiss
Explorer
Nov 09, 2016
Thank you everyone much appreciated, Silvia

Forum Discussion

Puerto Vallarta - Guadalajara Help please

About Bucket List Trips

Related Content

Route from Texas to Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta Cuota to open in October

Temporary Visitor's Pass - Guadalajara

Guadalajara Bypass

Heading South of Puerto Vallarta in Jan