What items of clothing should I be packing?
You cannot fail to put more than one bathing suite, short pants, t-shirts (better if cotton), sandals or sneakers, caps and sunglasses, these are the indispensable items of clothing in Puerto Vallarta, a destination of sea and sand.
After having packed the above, make room for casual clothes (jeans and casual shirts for men and skirts and blouses for women) for they are proper for going out at night to restaurants, bars and discotheques. With this kind of clothes you can get into most of the establishments in Puerto Vallarta. Just a few have more strict clothing rules (jacket and tie, and night dress required respectively). If you are planning on visiting the beach resort between January and May, also bring some light sweaters for the temperature drops to 16º C at night; if you are coming between June and September, have an umbrella at hand for it usually rains during the afternoons. From October to December the heat is too strong, so you must bring extra loads of sunscreen.

Where can I ask for tourist information?
When in Puerto Vallarta you can ask for information at the Office of Tourism, located on 123 Independencia Street, Colonia Centro; phone number 226-8080. Another alternative is to call toll free to 01 (800) 903-9200, which is the number of Tourist Assistance.

How are people like in Puerto Vallarta?
Although Puerto Vallarta ceased to be a discreet town of fishermen several decades ago, its people still keep their amiable and simple character, which contributes on making travellers' stay yet more pleasant.

Which are the working hours at offices and shopping malls?
Shopping malls work Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 hours to 20:00 hours, with a break between 14:00 and 16:00 hours. On Saturday and Sundays the working hours vary depending on each commercial establishment.
Public offices work between 9:00 hours up to 17:00 hours without taking a break, whilst banks open their doors Mondays through Saturdays from 9:00 till 19:00 hours.

Will I have any problem in communicating with my country?
In no way, there are numerous public phone booths in Puerto Vallarta from where you can call abroad using coins, prepaid cards (they can be acquired in shops and businesses), or making a collect call, which is always a good alternative.
Another option is to communicate from your hotel room; in this manner you will have more privacy though the cost will be higher.
On the other hand, there are several cybercafés in Puerto Vallarta with direct access to the Internet. They are an economic option to communicate abroad and to navigate through the worldwide web of information. Likewise, most of the hotels offer this service to their guests. Ask for it at the reception desk.

Is it easy to drive in the City?
Yes because unlike large cities, traffic in Puerto Vallarta is calm and pleasant, strange to traffic jams and noisy horn blows. Driving in this coastal paradise is an agreeable activity that is centred on the 5 kilometres of its main road.

What must I present in order to rent a car?
You need to be over 21 years of age, produce a valid driver license and an international credit card. Besides, you need to present your passport. These are the only requisites to rent a car in Puerto Vallarta, a destination where the main and most prestigious car-rental chains operate.
When renting a car, it is advisable to purchase an insurance policy for the time you are renting the vehicle. Remember that it is always better to prevent than to lament.

Where can I purchase handicrafts?
There are many places where you can buy handicrafts in Puerto Vallarta. There are establishments specialised on this kind of products in the shopping malls at the marina and at shops downtown offering silverworks and jewels, ceramics, typical customs and wooden works, amongst other beauties coming from all over the country, a true delight for the traveller's eye.
Prices are fixed in most of these shops, although you can bargain and ask for a discount if you are buying several products. On the other hand, bargaining is an accepted practice at handicraft markets.
Within the variety of crafted products, pay especial attention to those made by the Huicholes, an indigenous group living on the Western Sierra Madre, close to the border between the States of Jalisco and Nayarit. They stand out for their fine wooden carvings covered with bee wax and decorated with glasses.

What voltage is the power output in Puerto Vallarta?
As in the rest of the country, alternate current in Puerto Vallarta is of 110 volts and 60 cycles. Generally the outlets have flat slots. If you have appliances working with 220 volts, ask for adaptors at the reception desk of your hotel.