F.A.Q

We are Here to Help

Call Jen Hollis in the US at +1 720-933-3149 or email her at jen@harmonyhillsacademy.org . We’d love to help you plan your visit and give you insights on how to make it better. From pre-ordering groceries, getting around PV without a car… you name it, we’ve done it.

Airport & Transportation

  1. Complete the Immigration form on the plane as you arrive. Fill out the top and bottom portion for each person in your party. Keep this with your passport.

  2. When you deplane, you’ll just follow the herd to immigration. Practice saying “Hola, como estas?” to the officer. They will take the top portion of your form and give you the bottom portion to keep with you during your trip. Important! Don’t lose this bottom portion, you’ll need it to get home.

  3. After you get through immigration, follow the signs to the baggage area to collect your luggage. DO NOT use the ATM or Currency Exchange station here, the rates are terrible. Once you get your bags, line up again for customs. Don’t bring fruit, vegetables, or food/snacks through this point. They may scan your bags for anything organic.

  4. Once through customs, make your way to the airport exit. You will enter the “Shark Tank” of very pushy people who want to arrange for excursions, taxis, time-shares, you name it. Just ignore them, you do not have to say “No”, just keep moving.

After you go through the “Shark Tank”, you’ll exit into the main airport building. There are several ATM’s to your right as you walk into the main airport building. If you don’t already have pesos, this is your first real opportunity to get some cash.

  1. Taxi’s are cheaper if you do not hire your ride right at the airport exit where everyone else is doing it. If you are ok walking about 200 meters, you’ll be able to save quite a bit of money. Of course, you can hire a cab right there at the airport exit if you don’t want chase that cheaper fare. A full fare taxi from the airport will run about $400 pesos or around $20USD.

  2. To get cheaper fairs, after the “Shark Tank”, you will exit the airport to the left, then take another left to walk along the building toward the highway. You’ll have a short walk on an elevated pedestrian walkway to get to the other side of the highway.

  3. Here is a YouTube link that explains the process -> Click to See Cheaper Fares

  4. Expect to pay about $150 pesos or so for a taxi on this side of the highway. Cha-ching!

  5. It’s good to know the price up front. “Cuanta por un viaje a Fluvial?”

  6. When they need an exact location… tell them “Centrika en Fluvial, cerca de Costco”. The exact address is “Rio Yaqui 239, Fluvial, Puerto Vallarta, JA 48312”

Ok, get ready. We’re going to change the way you get around… you can thank us later. Even some locals don’t know about this trick.

You will need to download an app called inDriver.

Here’s a video for how to do it, until we can make our own… InDriver Tutorial

Here’s what to do…

  1. Use the app to enter the address where you want to go.
  2. Offer a fare in pesos, usually we offer $60 or $70 for anywhere we want to go.
  3. The drivers on the other side of the app will respond with an amount they will accept.
  4. You then accept their proposal and request pickup.
  5. You do NOT pay the fare in the app. You must have cash pesos. You give the driver the cash pesos at the end of the trip. Tips are not needed, but you could a little if you want. We almost always tip 10 or 20 additional pesos.
  6. You rate your driver in the app once the ride is complete. And the driver rates you as well.

Think of inDriver as the cash version of Uber.

Of course, Uber works, but it can be more expensive. Uber is a great backup in case inDriver’s are busy or do not respond. So try it, learn it, and then use it over and over to get anywhere you need for way cheap. I love this app!!

I would recommend using Gecko Car Rental, they are great. The insurance the other companies are always trying to push on you is just flat-out included in the Gecko up front price. We even rented a pickup truck from them once, it was great for moving furniture into Casa De Dos Soles.

Yes, but it’s more expensive than inDriver. The benefit of Uber is that you can use a credit card.

Vallarta has Uber Rideshare and Uber Eats.

There are also taxis everywhere you go, getting a ride is easy in Vallarta. inDriver is definitely worth learning.

Money, cash, pesos, dolares

In the airport directly after you go through the “Shark Tank”, you’ll exit into the main airport building. There are several ATM’s to your right as you walk into the main airport building. If you don’t already have pesos, this is your first real opportunity to get some cash.

We recommend NOT using the Cambio Station or ATM that is located within the baggage area of Customs.

We usually just use an ATM after we land. There are fees on both sides, the machine and your bank. But it’s vacation, you don’t go very often, and it’s easy.

You might want to alert your bank that you’ll be traveling in Mexico prior to using an ATM. My Citywide Banks debit will not work until I call them and tell them I’ll be in Mexico, but my FirstBank debit works without a phone call. Every bank is different I would suppose.

Consider pulling out about 10,000 pesos which is about $500USD. There might be a daily limit at your bank, and there are plenty of ATM’s around Vallarta, no need to be overly concerned.

The worst part is that you’ll just get $500MXN notes. Getting smaller denominations is my personal obsession whenever I travel to Vallarta. I like to have it for tips, inDriver rides, and making sure I don’t get scammed with someone telling me he can’t make change and wants my entire $500MXN note. Argh!!

At the airport, there is an OXXO (pronounced ohkso) right there close to the drop-off and pick-up area. It’s easy to miss, but it’s there if you just look up and to your left as you exit the airport building.

Go to the OXXO and use one of those $500MXN notes you got from the ATM to buy a snack, water, or a Corona. Those might be about 50 or 60 pesos, and you’ll reap the reward of small peso notes, woo hoo! I love 20 peso bills, can’t get enough!!

Then, have your spouse or travel mate do the same thing. You are now a travel pro! Ready for the inDriver across the street.

Then visit any OXXO you see as you go. Asking your inDriver for a quick stop happens all the time, just reward him with an extra tip.

And there is an OXXO that is about a 100 meter walk from the condo, once you arrive and get settled in.

You could just get an inDriver to the Costco or La Comer (awesome grocery store) and use the atm’s there.

Here’s a map of ATM’s close by – ATM Map

Here’s a link to the closes ATM that is about a 15 minute walk – Closest ATM

Here’s how I do it.

  1. Take the amount in pesos, say $849

  2. Divide by 10… easy, move the decimal, count on your fingers… comes to about 85.

  3. Now take the result and divide by 2… this would be about 42 or 43. Round here folks, just get close.

  4. So you did it! $849 MXN is about $43USD. Good job!

We have used Western Union and that has worked well. But working well in Mexico means that it will only take a couple of hours. The ATM is the easy choice here, but you can use Western Union for larger amounts. Be careful though, don’t go over about $1000 USD or else they won’t give you the money. They’ll tell you it’s too much. Go to either of the two Walmarts in Vallarta to retrieve your Western Union cash.

 

Groceries, Beverages, Deliveries

The two best locations are Costco and La Comer.

Costco: Av Fluvial Vallarta 134, Fluvial Vallarta, 48312

Your US Costco card will work to get you in and check you out. They accept credit cards or debit cards just fine.

La Comer: Av Fluvial Vallarta 63, Las Gaviotas, 49328

La Comer is the nicest place to get groceries and supplies. They have pool and beach supplies, clothes, toys, in addition to all kinds of groceries. They also carry Piedra Lisa IPA, which is my favorite Mexican Craft Beer.

You can easily inDriver to each location, then get another inDriver back. It should be about $50 or $60 pesos each way, or about $2.50 USD each way. Easy!

Or you can do the La Comer delivery, which we’ve done. But paying online didn’t work, we did the cash at delivery option and that worked. You’ll meet them in the lobby of the building.

Yes, you’ll want to give the address of the unit…

Rio Yaqui 239, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 48312

Most deliveries will call you and you will meet in the lobby.

Uber Eats works great.

If there are room for notes, put in “Centrika Building” or “New Condo Building”. The address is so new, many services don’t readily recognize it. There is no other large condo building in the area.

La Comer is the best place for beer, wine, and liquor. They have single bottles, although they are not refrigerated, to try many different craft brews from all over Mexico.

Costco has a decent wine selection, and is a good second option.

The OXXO by the condo is a good option for cold Coronas.

We try to have the basics, but sometimes things just run out. There is an OXXO within a 2 minute walk from the condo. You can get small groceries, fruit, beer, beverages, ice, and many other supplies from there.

Here’s a link that shows how close it is and the walking distance.

Building & Pool Details

Yes, the building has 24 hour a day security. The security office is located by the entrance to the parking lot.

The building has a single front door, which is locked during the night. There is a keypad at the front door to call security if needed and to enter a code to open the front door when it’s locked.

The parking lot is gated and locked. We have a single designated parking space within this lot that is assigned to our condo. The parking space number is 27. Be sure to park only in this numbered spot.

There is also plenty of street parking around the building and in the neighborhood – in case you have more than 1 car. We have parked on the street without any issues.

The pool is open everyday from 9am until 10pm.

However, it doesn’t open until 3pm on every Monday due to deep cleaning.

Here are the amenities that come with the pool and are part of the building community…

  1. Lounge chairs with tables
  2. Umbrellas (but they are very tall, you’ll have to climb up on the chair or table to set their pin)
  3. Outdoor shower
  4. Bathrooms at the pool
  5. Table & chairs for dining
  6. 2 outdoor gas grills and 2 large sinks

We have beach/pool towels in the condo. They belong to us, so be sure to bring them back up with you.

Do not use glass in the pool area. We have fun plastic cups for the pool area that look kind of like Solo Cups.

The spa is jetted but it is not heated water. So it is not a hot tub. It’s just a separated seated area.

No, the pool is not heated and is generally comfortable year round.

Yes, we will provide you with bracelets that all guests must wear when enjoying the common areas and the pool area. You’ll receive these after your enter the condo unit.

Please be careful not to lose these bracelets. The Management Company of the condo building will charge us $35 to replace them, and we will need to pass that fee onto guests.

How bout… No.

We have shoe booties at the shoe rack as you enter the condo. And we also provide sweet slippers for your use and comfort inside the condo.

Please use the shoe rack to neatly store your shoes and sandals as you enter the condo. Thank you!

Condo Details - Check-in & Out

We have contactless check-in and check-out, but we also have a property manager that lives in the building as well. We can arrange for David Moreno, or one of his team, to meet you at the building for a detailed check-in upon request.

If you need anything during your stay, contact David Moreno at +52 322-131-2067. Or contact Jen Hollis at +1 720-933-3149. WhatsApp and SMS texts work as well.

We have a binder in the condo unit that will give the house rules and details about the condo. You will see this when you first enter the condo

It will have details on the WiFi, pool, laundry, appliances, restaurants, and local excursions.

We have a binder inside the condo with instructions on how to use everything.

And here is our YouTube Channel that shows how to operate the appliances.

You can always call us or David Moreno if you get in a bind or something doesn’t work as expected.

Appliances in Mexico are different, which is part of the fun.

We do have nightlife across the street on the back side of the building. The bar can be heard overnight just about every day.

That said, all of Puerto Vallarta is one big party and is noisy with roosters, trucks, construction, music, bars, etc pretty much every day, all day.

Inside the condo, the fan units and air conditioning block out most outside noises.

We have top of the line Brown/White Noise machines, LectroFan EVO,  in each bedroom which are the single best thing for sleeping soundly. Here are the instructions.

We have provided a JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth speaker for use in the condo. This is for your listening enjoyment and should stay inside of the condo.

Here is a link for instructions on the JBL Flip 6.

We are 100% a non-smoking condo. Not even on the balconies or outside of the condo. If you have to smoke, we request that you smoke outside of the condo building on the street, or find a place that is more friendly for smokers. We really do not enjoy cigarette smoking!

The electrical outlets are “normal” US, Canada, and Mexico. We all use the same style outlets with about 110 volts. The power has been pretty consistent within the building, we haven’t had any unusual spikes or outages.

And we’ve tried to make the Condo work friendly, with power strips throughout the bedrooms, dining, and kitchen. We work remotely too and need to plug in our phone and laptop, with a place to sit and work. We’ve got you covered.

Police: 066 or 060

Fire: 060

Here is a link to important numbers and how to make international and domestic phone calls… Emergency Numbers & Dialing Instructions

Why Not an All-Inclusive?

All-Inclusive resorts are a fantastic option if this is your first time in Mexico or out of the United States.

However, with our website, connections, and dedication to our rental, even Vallarta newbies can travel like seasoned locals.

So do not be concerned or afraid to venture outside of the all-inclusives right on the beach.

The all-inclusives have their downsides as well. Casa De Dos Soles is a great choice to have a wonderful vacation and experience food and entertainment that you do not get at the all-inclusives.

I typically spend about $30 per day per person. And that is with a beer/drink at lunch and another at dinner. Then I’ll spend another $5 per day on other adult beverages and juices.

So call it about $35 per day total for food and beverages, per person. And you get to enjoy varied restaurants, locations, inDriver rides, and see the city.

Of course, you can spend more and you can spend less. It depends on how much you want to cook at the condo and shop for groceries at Costco or La Comer. Are you buying a local Street Taco for $2, or are you going to a fancy restaurant? I’m just putting something out there so you can budget, but it’s totally up to you.

Yes and that is part of the fun. I very much enjoy the adventure to learn a little spanish and to interact with more people in Vallarta. Most everyone speaks english, so you can easily get by with very little spanish.

inDriver is a game changer! It makes it so easy to get places, and it is so affordable. There is no need to rent a car. Look at the FAQ under Transportation for links to that.

And we have a list of beach resorts where you can pay for a day-pass and enjoy a day at the beach, or several. It’s affordable and a great way to go to see different beaches of Vallarta. Some beaches have better waves, some have rocks, and some have better sand. This way, with our help, we can point you to great locations so you can truly enjoy your type of beach atmosphere.

Oh my gosh, we are so happy to have a luxurious place to visit Vallarta and not have to endure long lines, smoking, or tourist confrontations. Sometimes the All-Inclusives have drunk people that don’t always get along.

Of course, it depends on where you go. We’ve been to many different at low budget and high budget resorts, they all have upsides and downsides. No place is perfect.

Casa De Dos Soles is definitely and exciting alternative.

Enjoy your favorite beverages right your own refrigerator, no lines.

We have a blender, cups for outside, wine glasses, shot glasses, and an ice maker, all for casual yet upscale enjoyment.

Costco has a variety of wines. And La Comer has a good beer selection.

There is also a Liquor Store called Deposito De Cerveza “El Furcio” to get different styles of beer. It’s a 10 minute walk!

Yes, we have enjoyed plenty of Mexican All-Inclusive Resorts. And now we’re very thankful to have a luxurious condo with stunning views, so close to everything we enjoy, and far away from the things we do not.

Discover Casa De Dos Soles

Book online through AirBnB or contact David Moreno at +52 322-131-2067 for long term rentals.

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