What do I need to know before moving to Puerto Vallarta?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Puerto Vallarta, they said...
"Puerto Vallarta is known for its good-natured people and rich culture, making it a great destination for expats. There is excellent weather all year round, with an average annual temperature of 75°F. Mexico can be a very affordable destination for expats, so be sure to budget accordingly and considering local living expenses. It is essential for expats to familiarize themselves with the local culture before making a move. Puerto Vallarta is a vibrant and active city, so be sure to take time to explore not only the main beach area, but also some of the surrounding villages and attractions. Lastly, it is important to be aware of any visa or entry restrictions before making the move to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
"There are a few neighborhood guides online, including on insidepv.com, with pictures and video of the areas. It's relatively easy to choose where you want to be, because Puerto Vallarta is divided into 5 distinct areas- Marina, Hotel Zone, Centro, Old Town, Mismaloya. The marina is pricey, surrounded by a golf course and yacht slips, fine dining and art galleries. The hotel zone is a strip of resorts and modern shopping centers. These two areas resemble southern California or Florida. Centro is downtown Puerto Vallarta where the famous malecon boardwalk is located- loud, popular with tourists, fast paced Old Town Puerto Vallarta is slower paced, trendy, more traditional with cobblestone streets, residences, bars/clubs- this is also the popular gay area and has become quite stylish. Mismaloya is farthest south with different areas along the way, marked by "the crescent beaches." This area is lush in tropical jungle and lined with villas and luxury condominiums overlooking private beaches and the ocean," commented one expat who made the move to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
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It's impossible to confuse citizenM with any other hotel. We don't look or sound like anyone else. Bold, vibrant, and artistic - that's us. Our rooms cater to modern travelers - enormous ultra-comfortable beds, unlimited free Wi-Fi and 24/7 food and drinks always waiting at canteenM. And best of all, our ambassadors are every guest's best friend.
CitizenMIt's impossible to confuse citizenM with any other hotel. We don't look or sound like anyone else. Bold, vibrant, and artistic - that's us. Our rooms cater to modern travelers - enormous ultra-comfortable beds, unlimited free Wi-Fi and 24/7 food and drinks always waiting at canteenM. And best of all, our ambassadors are every guest's best friend.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Puerto Vallarta?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Puerto Vallarta?
- Will I be able to find a job in Puerto Vallarta?
- What is life like in Puerto Vallarta?
- What do expats in Puerto Vallarta appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Puerto Vallarta?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Puerto Vallarta accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Puerto Vallarta like?
- What are healthcare services like in Puerto Vallarta?
- What are medical services in Puerto Vallarta like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Puerto Vallarta?
- What are emergency services like in Puerto Vallarta?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Puerto Vallarta?
- How are local medical facilities in Puerto Vallarta?
- As a foreigner living in Puerto Vallarta, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What do I need to know before moving to Puerto Vallarta?
If you live in Puerto Vallarta, newcomers to Puerto Vallarta would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of InternationalTravel.ai and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and InternationalTravel.ai, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

