Puerto Vallarta no Pesos needed

[hymiemanusch]

Coral Princess stopped Puerto Vallarta 9-27-2016, I went to Walmart for a small purchase to get pesos (as suggested in other threads) never used the pesos - everyone takes USD. As suggested in other posts, took yellow cab to beginning of Malecon ($10usd) walked Malecon and had lunch at La Palapa (recommend) then took public bus back to ship $.50usd. As stated on other threads, beach vendors were constant - every 10 seconds one would stop. One problem was it was off season and not many people on beach so we were targeted.

[Hlitner]

Coral Princess stopped Puerto Vallarta 9-27-2016, I went to Walmart for a small purchase to get pesos (as suggested in other threads) never used the pesos - everyone takes USD. As suggested in other posts, took yellow cab to beginning of Malecon ($10usd) walked Malecon and had lunch at La Palapa (recommend) then took public bus back to ship $.50usd. As stated on other threads, beach vendors were constant - every 10 seconds one would stop. One problem was it was off season and not many people on beach so we were targeted.

 

Yes, you can get away with just dollars. But you will often pay for using those dollars as you did when you paid $10 for a taxi...which would have cost you around $7 if you paid in Pesos (and did not get ripped off). Paying 50cents US for the bus was a good deal (some drivers want $1). When you shop, just about any shop or vendor will take US Dollars....but you may not get a very good exchange rate. Some of the real touristy shops will show prices in both dollars and Pesos (both use the dollar sign so if not sure ask) and you can see what exchange rate is being used. Currently the official exchange rate is about 18.5:1.....but you will find some merchants trying to get 15:1....so be aware and don't get taken :).

 

By the way, the very popular (especially with cruisers) Cheeky Monkey (and Sea Monkey) usually have great exchange rates. Walmart (can never understand why cruisers go to Walmart while on vacation) also gives an excellent exchange rate which they have on a big sign in the store.

 

Hank

Edited October 26, 2016 by Hlitner

[Rosefloater]

Walmart (can never understand why cruisers go to Walmart while on vacation) also gives an excellent exchange rate which they have on a big sign in the store.

 

Hank

 

You just answered your own question. :)

 

If you really need to know why we go there, it's to get mole, horchata and cebada mix.