Frequently asked questions:

Answers

1) What is the legal drinking age?

18 YEARS OLD.

2) Should I bring Canadian or US dollars with me?

US dollars garner more pesos usually than Canadian dollars.

3) Does Mex-Dev offer monthly rates?

There are 4 suites available on the Sonia side with a monthly rate and fewer services. We also offer monthly rates at Casa Anita & Corona del Mar.

4) Are there bank machines in town to withdraw money on bank cards?

There are many Bank machines in town but be cautious of the Bank charges to withdraw money. Also they frequently run out of money or debit you without producing the cash. You should bring along some cash and travellers cheques as well.

5) Can I pay with credit cards in town?

Many restaurants and shopping malls will accept credit cards. Some smaller stores however on major purchases will insist on a 5-8% surcharge for using a credit card. Some stores will only accept cash. At CASA ANITA however you can pay for beer and pop as well as tours with a credit card with no extra penalty. If you want to raise cash on your credit card however we charge a 5% fee, but it's a same day service.

6) Can I order a case of pop or beer before arriving?

If you would like a case (beer 20 bottles pop 24) placed in your fridge before you arrive so that you have some cold drinks available when you arrive, just let your travel agent or SONIA when you book your trip and we will have that in place before you arrive.

7) Do I tip the taxi driver from the airport?

NO, Cabbies don't expect a tip so we recommend that you save the tips for the HOUSEBOYS who will help you up the stairs to your suite with your luggage.

8) Can I buy transfers to and from the airport with my package?

YES, this is highly recommended so that you don't start your trip getting "ripped off". Return transfers from the airport or bus terminal are $18. USD per person. You can book the transfers when you book your accommodation, even up to a day before your departure.

9) Where can I do my laundry?

CASA CORONA DEL MAR has a guests coin operated laundry room. The cost per load both WASH and DRYER is about $30 pesos ($2.75 US approximately) which includes soap as well.

10) What time zone is Puerto Vallarta in?

Puerto Vallarta is on Central time (CST) and goes to DST in the summer on the same dates as Bill Gates tells you. Nuevo Vallarta in the neighbouring state of NAYARIT along with Bucerias and PUNTA MITA are on Mountain Standard Time and also subscribe to DST

11) What are the MEX-DEV office business hours?

OFFICE HOURS ARE 9:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. MONDAY - SATURDAY AND CLOSED ON SUNDAYS.

12) Where can I lock up my valuables?

Each MEXDEV suite has a private lock-box for valuables. Bring your own padlock or rent one from the front desk at check-in.

13) How do I reserve a Mex-Dev suite or package?

MEX-DEV has a 1-800 # for reservations. (See contact us) You can also book through our web page or by FAX or through your travel agent. Prices do not vary between modes or booking.

14) Do I need to rent a car?

NO CASA ANITA is walking distance to everything. You may want to rent a car but on a daily basis to reach the farther out places. You are better off to walk or take taxis (which are affordable). You can rent a car or buggy through MEX-DEV's office in Puerto Vallarta usually at better rates.

15) How far is it to the beach from Casa Anita?

PLAYA LOS MUERTOS (the main beach of Puerto Vallarta) is a four and one half minute walk from CASA ANITA.

16) How far is it to town from Casa Anita?

The distance to the centre (Guadalupe Cathedral and Town Hall) is a twelve minute walk.

17) What is the charge for extra guests sharing in a suite?

There is a charge of $12.US for each extra guest staying in a suite between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.

18) I hear there are a lot of steps in CASA ANITA. How many steps are there to the Penthouse?

About 110 STEPS. This is equivalent to 3 times the number of steps climbing into a DC-10 aircraft.

19) When and what is the guest BBQ?

The guest BBQ is every Wednesday evening at 19:30 hrs if there are sufficient people and if it isn't threatening rain. This is a semi-hosted party that takes place on the office pool deck of CASA ANITA. Everyone "brings and broils their own" and we provide the free margaritas, canned music, dishes, cutlery, and we get the fire going.

20) What is the hospitality package?

On reservations of ONE WEEK or more, we provide a FREE HOSPITALITY PACKAGE which is a small food and drink package that is placed in the suite prior to your arrival so that you have a cold drink and a snack.

21) Is it safe to walk around in town at night?

YES, Puerto Vallarta is a very safe tourist oriented town with most of the streets being well lit. Also there are over 1200 cabs that cruise all the time.

22) Is there anything I should avoid during my trip?

Make sure that drink lots of water. Many people get sick from too much alcohol and then they become dehydrated followed by diarrhea. We also advise that you stay away from Time-Share booths. There are numerous time-share booths in town and even at the airport. BEWARE!!! They parade as Information booths and offer deals on Tours to ensnare to come to a "conference".

23) Is there a restaurant at Casa Anita?

No we don't have a restaurant on premises, however there are over 60 good restaurants within 5 minutes walking distance. We do however, have a MENU BOOK and coupons near the office which can help you decide which restaurant to go to. The street at the bottom of the hill from CASA ANITA is called Basillo Badilla or more fondly called CAFE ROW.

24) What taxes do we have to pay at the airport when we go home?

All taxes should be included in your ticket. If you are taking a side trip to Guadalajara for example you will be asked to pay an domestic departure tax if it was not part of your international ticket. There is a new PVR Airport TAX being levied which equates to about $10.USD.

25) What is the 17% room tax?

The 17% TAX consists of TWO taxes. The first is the 15% I.V.A. (added value tax - like VAT in Britain and GST in CANADA). The other 2% is a HOTEL ASSOCIATION TAX that we are obliged to collect but which is dedicated to the advertising and marketing internationally of PUERTO VALLARTA exclusively.