the Mexican Peso

Shopping

There is no shortage of shopping opportunities in Puerto Vallarta. Commerce is everywhere and you can even do your shopping stationary while relaxing on the beach – vendors can be found all over the beach offering their wares.

Puerto Vallarta has countless venues featuring everything from crafts, glass work, pewter, jewelry, leather work, Huichol Art, clothing, paintings, pottery and endless supplies of tourist souvenirs.

One thing to watch out for is the pottery. It often contains lead, so we recommend that you do not use locally produced pottery for food or drink consumption.

just do it!

The process

Although prices in Puerto Vallarta are often comparable to Stateside prices, shopping in Puerto Vallarta is nothing like shopping in The States. Here bartering is EXPECTED unless prices are affixed with a tag on the item.

When shopping beach vendors, street-side stands and flea markets, it’s all about bartering. This is part of the Mexican culture and if you plan to shop these venues, you must learn the skill of bartering. Not doing so will often make you the butt of a joke, as it is an expected process. When bartering it’s common to ask the seller what the price is and then cut that price in half to two thirds and begin the back and forth from there.

One thing to stay clear of is being insulting to the seller, do not scoff at the initial price but politely make a counter offer. In Mexico this is not a war but more of a polite game. What we recommend is that you decide what the item is worth to you PRIOR to asking how much the item costs. Regardless of whether you actually got a bargain, what you did pay for it was worth it (to you) so walk away happy.

Shopping in the early morning can have its benefits as the first sale of the morning is often considered good luck to vendors.

Best exchange rate

Here the Peso is king and the best place to get the best exchange rate for your dollars is at the ATM.