Wife and I have never been to Mexico but just fell into a free week in a house in Sayulita with some friends. Any advise on what to do, what not to do, things to see? I have read that some people say to bring half your cash in pesos as the exchange rate when paying with US $ are not very favorable?
I have never been to Sayulita, so no info there. But as a fairly regular traveler to other places in Mexico I generally just bring a relatively small amount of US dollars. When there I withdraw pesos from an ATM, located at a bank,for the best exchange rate. Avoid free standing ATMs located on street corners, as most of those will charge exorbitant withdrawal fees. They are also susceptible to skimmer scams. Check with your bank at home, many such as Santander have either branches or agreements with banks in Mexico so no fees are involved. If the ATM does show a fee it will be displayed in pesos so a $30(pesos) fee is (aprox) $2 US dollars.
We haven't been, but did some research looking into a trip to Punta Mita, just south of Sayulita. I was looking forward to exploring the coast further north of Sayulita, past San Francisco to Lo De Marcos area. Looks interesting and not too spoiled with resorts.
I haven't been to Sayulita, but I've spent quite a bit of time nearby in Puerto Vallarta.
I agree that ATMs are a good way to get cash. My Capital One ATM card works fine there, but my credit union card does not, so I guess there are no guarantees. I've never tried to spend dollars there directly, so I don't know if many businesses accept them. The other alternative is to bring dollars and change them at a bank or cambio. And of course most tourist-oriented businesses accept credit cards.
The Malecon (waterfront pedestrian street) and surrounding area in Puerto Vallarta is a nice place to wander, eat, explore, and shop. And if you need any supplies or services, PV is a large enough city to support multiple supermarkets and shopping malls, a Walmart, a Costco, several hospitals, etc.
I don't want to ramble on too long, but if there's anything you want to know more about, ask away.
Dan <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />
We may bring some US$ to exchange but you want to use pesos where you cannot use a credit card. If you travel enough having a separate checking account with a debit card is a great idea. We have an account with Schwabb because they remove any and all ATM fees that are charged.
"Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life β and travel β leaves marks on you.β -Anthony Bourdain
You will like Sayulita, a nice little surfing town that has some good places to eat and a very relaxed vibe. I have not been there in more than a decade but someday hope to get back there. The exchange rate has been very favorable, and I would guess that you will not have a hard time using USD, cards or finding a place to convert. Have a great trip! T
We have a place there. Boho surf town. Tons to do if you are looking to stay busy but can easily do nothing and be satisfied. If anyone wants to check it out and has a boat to trade, we are always looking for interesting exchanges.
"Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life β and travel β leaves marks on you.β -Anthony Bourdain
Actually, Sayulita is much more Peso based than PV and the more popular surrounding areas. You can get by with US dollars but you'll get ripped off and I often find it to be rude to the locals. They're not interested in US dollar bills and if and when they do accept it, they are just doing it as a convenience to you. And as others have mentioned, its a smaller pueblo so they run out of cash in the ATM's all the time. Whenever we are there, I bring a ton of Pesos and a credit card and use the card whenever they accept it. And when I do hit the ATM, I pull the max just in case. Helps that my bank reimburses me for all ATM fees and foreign transaction fees.
old thread...! I hope Riverfrontbrewers enjoyed their first visit to Sayulita back in 2015
Last edited by crmoores; 02/14/201912:26 PM.
"Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life β and travel β leaves marks on you.β -Anthony Bourdain
Looks like it! Sorry you didn't care for it there. We prefer Puerto Vallarta on that side but chose to live on the Carib side for the beach and closer proximity to other areas we like... Keep Travelin!
"Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life β and travel β leaves marks on you.β -Anthony Bourdain
