There are no banks or ATMs in Boca de Tomatlan, so you will need to make your currency exchanges in Puerto Vallarta. There is a bank at the airport that keeps regular business hours, as well as a
casa de cambio (called
“cambios”; these are small money-changing booths), that is open until about 9:00 p.m.
Currency
USD: The exchange rate for Mexican pesos to US dollars is roughly 10/1 on the street. This means you will get approximately 10 pesos for every US dollar you exchange. The rate in banks,
cambios (exchange booths) and ATM machines is higher — you will get more pesos to the dollar. Most stores, restaurants, street vendors and taxis will take US dollars, or a combination of dollars and pesos. They will not take US coins, however. Buses take only pesos. ATMs dispense only pesos, although some provide for requests in dollars (in other words, you ask for $100 USD, and get the equivalent amount in pesos).
Other Currencies: Some large hotels and restaurants will change Canadian dollars, but they do not offer a very favorable rate. Other currencies should be exchanged at banks or cambios.
Traveler’s Checks: Traveler’s checks are not widely accepted in Puerto Vallarta or Boca. These are traditionally considered to be “safe money” abroad for tourists, however, some Mexican businesses have had difficulty redeeming them, and most Mexicans now consider them risky to accept.
Plastic
Credit/Debit cards: Most major credit cards, and debit cards issued by MasterCard or Visa, are widely accepted in Puerto Vallarta, although not in small, locally-owned businesses. They are not used much in Boca de Tomatlan. Usually there will be a sign posted, but it is a good idea to ask if cards are accepted before making a purchase.
ATMs: Cajeros automáticos, which dispense pesos, are rapidly becoming the money source of choice in Mexico. Almost every Mexican bank has a 24-hour ATM. Several are located on
Olas Altas north of
Basilio Badillo. There is a service fee at some ATMs, which may look confusing on the screen. The fee may appear to be $7.50, but this is 7.5 pesos, or about 75 cents USD. Retrieve your card immediately after getting your cash Ð some ATMs will “eat” your card if you don’t retrieve it within about fifteen seconds of completing your transaction.
Tipping
In restaurants and bars, Mexican tipping customs are similar to those in the US: tip your wait staff and bartenders about 15% for satisfactory service. Anyone who handles your baggage should generally get about $1.00 USD per bag. Whenever you are uncertain of what to tip, remember that it will probably mean a lot to someone, perhaps a whole family, if you err on the generous side.
