Area: 1,300 sq. kilometers

Population: 350,000 inhabitants

Economy: The local economy is based mainly on tourism, construction and, to a lesser degree, agriculture, mainly tropical fruits such as mango, papaya, watermelon, pineapple, guanabana, cantaloupe and bananas.

Currency: The Mexican Peso is the legal currency in Mexico, although Canadian and American dollars are widely accepted.

Time Zone: The entire State of Jalisco is on Central Time, as is the area of the State of Nayarit from Lo de Marcos in the north to the Ameca River, i.e. Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Sayulita, San Pancho, Punta Mita, etc. North of Lo De Marcos, Guayabitos, La Peñita, San Blas, etc. are on Mountain Time, i.e. one hour behind PV time.

Telephone Calls: Always check on the cost of long distance calls from your hotel room. Most cell phones from the U.S. and Canada can be programmed for local use, through Telcel or other carriers. To dial cell to cell or landline, use the prefix 322, then the seven-digit number of the person you’re calling. To access toll-free numbers in the U.S. and Canada: 800 numbers – dial 001-880 + the number, 866 numbers – dial 001 – 883 + the number, 877 numbers – dial 001 – 882 + the number, 888 numbers – dial 001 + the number.

Local Customs: Tipping is usually 15%-20% of the bill at restaurants and bars. Tip bellboys, taxis, waiters, maids, etc. depending on the service. Some businesses and offices close from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., reopening until 7 p.m. or later. In restaurants, it is considered poor manners to present the check before it is requested, so when you’re ready to leave, ask “La cuenta, por favor” and your bill will be delivered to you.

Money Exchange: Banks will give you a higher rate of exchange than the exchange booths (caja de cambio), though not all offer exchange services to foreigners. Better yet, if you have a “bank card”, withdraw funds from your account back home. Try to avoid exchanging money at your hotel. Traditionally, those offer the worst rates.

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Engagement Photos