Internet cafés have sprung up all over Puerto Vallarta and even small surrounding towns and villages, making e-mail by far the easiest way to get in touch with people back home. At PV Café you can enjoy a sandwich or a salad and coffee while downloading digital photos, sending a fax, or surfing the Web (35 pesos per hour).

At less-comfortable PV Net (computers lower than eye level promote slouching), which is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, you obtain an access code and use your minutes each time you visit; the cost for Internet access is 20 pesos per hour, offers monthly and weekly rates, and has a room at the back just for the kids and teens. For laptop connections you can pay by the day, week, or month.

If you're bringing a laptop with you, check with the manufacturer's technical support line to see what service and/or repair affiliates they have in the areas you plan to visit. Carry a spare battery to save yourself the expense and headache of having to hunt down a replacement on the spot. Memory sticks and other accessories are usually more expensive in Mexico than in the U.S. or Europe, but are available in megastores such as Sam's Club and Office Depot.

The younger generation of Mexicans are computer savvy and there are some excellent repair wizards and technicians to help you with problems; many are bilingual.

Contacts

Cybercafes (www.cybercafes.com) lists over 4,000 Internet cafés worldwide. PV Café (Calle Olas Altas 250, Olas Altas. 322/222-0092). PV Net (Blvd. Francisco M. Ascencio 1692, across from Sheraton Buganvilias, Zona Hotelera Norte. 322/223-1127).

Local Do's & Taboos

Customs of the Country

In the United States and elsewhere in the world, being direct, efficient, and succinct is highly valued. But Mexican communication tends to be more subtle, and the direct style of Americans, Canadians, and Europeans is often perceived as curt and aggressive. Mexicans are extremely polite, so losing your temper over delays or complaining loudly will get you branded as rude and make people less inclined to help you. Remember that things move slowly here, and that there's little stigma attached to being late; be gracious about this and other local customs and attitudes.

You'll probably notice that local friends, relatives, and significant others show a fair amount of physical affection with each other, but you should be more retiring with people you don't know well.

Greetings

Learning basic phrases in Spanish such as "por favor" (please) and "gracias" (thank you) will make a big difference in how people respond to you. Also, being deferential to those who are older than you will earn you lots of points, as does addressing people as señor, señora, or señorita.

Also, saying "Desculpe" before asking a question of someone is a polite way of saying "Excuse me" before launching into a request for information or directions. Similarly, asking "¿Habla inglés?" is more polite than assuming every Mexican you meet speaks English.

Sightseeing

In Puerto Vallarta, it is acceptable to wear shorts in houses of worship, but do avoid being blatantly immodest. Bathing suits and immodest clothing are also inappropriate for shopping and sightseeing in general. Except at beach and fishing communities, Mexican men do not generally wear shorts, even in extremely hot weather. This rule is generally ignored by both Mexican and foreign men on vacation here and at other beach resorts.

Out on the Town

Mexicans call waiters "joven" (literally, "young man") no matter how old they are (it's the equivalent of the word "maid" being used for the old woman who cleans rooms). Call a female waitress señorita ("miss") or señora ("ma'am"). Ask for "la cuenta, por favor" ("the check, please") when you want the bill; it's considered rude to bring it before the customer asks for it. Mexicans tend to dress nicely for a night out, but in tourist areas, dress codes are mainly upheld only at the more sophisticated discoteques. Some restaurants have separate smoking sections, but in smaller establishments people may smoke with abandon anywhere.

Doing Business

Personal relationships always come first here, so developing rapport and trust is essential. A handshake and personal greeting is appropriate along with a friendly inquiry about family, especially if you have met the family. In established business relationships, don't be surprised if you're greeted with a kiss on the cheek or a hug. Always be respectful toward colleagues in public and keep confrontations private.

Meetings may or may not start on time, but you should be patient. When invited to dinner at the home of a client or associate, it's not necessary to bring a gift; however, sending a thank-you note afterward scores points.

Your offers to pick up the tab at business lunches or dinners will be greatly appreciated but will probably be declined; as a guest in their country, most Mexicans will want to treat you to the meal. Be prepared to exchange business cards, and feel free to offer yours first. Professional attire tends to be on the conservative side. Mexicans are extremely well-groomed, so you'll do well if you follow suit.