ALERT: credit card scam in Puerto Vallarta
 

My friend and I both used credit cards at several bars in 'old town' Puerto Vallarta this past week and soon after there were thousands of dollars of fraudulent charges to our cards. These were in 'gay friendly' bars but I'm not sure in which one the fraud happened. We are trying to narrow it down by talking to other friends of ours that may have had the same thing happen.

Only use cash.....it is easy to exchange money there and is much safer than using a credit card. We just got lazy and mistakenly thought it was safe to use a credit card.

Also, Playa Los Arcos hotel gave us nothing but hassle the whole time we were there. Will NEVER go there again. Too bad :( It's a pretty hotel but the staff were very unhelpful; I even had to PAY the concierge $40 to make a phone call to help me with my departing plane reservation. REALLY?? PAY the concierge?? what a rip off!!

Sorry for your bad experience.

If you're read in advance all the forums advice you NOT to use a credit card in restaurants (not just in Puerto Vallarta, the problem happens in Cancun, Cabo, etc.). Trip Advisor's PV forum has near daily posts on the subject.

I've been going to PV since the early 90's, ~20 trips so far, and I *always* *only* use cash (peso). I have a credit card for emergency and to pay my hotel bill. That's it.

I'm sorry to hear of your bad experience at Playa los Arcos, because it's a very popular hotel with many long-time fans and guests who return every year.

As far as phone calls, you can make those using a prepay phone card or from the internet cafes to avoid hotel surcharges.