Just back from two glorious weeks in PV my annual fall trip.

Weather this trip: Hot, sunny, humid, breezy... perfection.

Things I learned this trip: that new chip on your BoA debit card does not work in a Mexican ATM(!); Santanders doesn't change money; you can use your Visa card at Ley's grocery store to buy booze and other things, Zumba is alive & well with classes and terrific teachers all around town, you need sunscreen in your face cream, a jean skirt is too warm to wear this time of year.

People I met this trip: pegontheroad from Fodor's, Bethinto and Sheila from Trip Advisor. Excellent friends each one.

Favorite restaurants this trip: Salud, Vitea, Daiquiri Dicks, Fredy's el Tucan, Boccon de Vino, and Lix ice cream.

always, Suze

Glad to see you had another great trip to P.V. I need to go back as I have missed going the last couple of years. First trip there was with my family for Christmas in 1962(!)

That ATM situation sucks big time!

And to boot, BoA "customer service" was totally lame about it... i called long distance collect from an internet cafe after it happened (thinking my account was perhaps hacked) and they said "oh yea, we haven't quite figured out how to make that chip thing work internationally yet". Can ya believe it?

Wow! 1962? That must have been very cool. My first trip was in the early 90's and even from then until now, things have changed so much over the years.

Scary Suze! I just got a a new ATM with a chip but was assured it will work in Guanajuato by a local there.
More research on my part.

Suze:

On your next trip go to La Palapa and look at the old photos they have. (They are on the walls on the way to the bathrooms.)

stewbear, exactly why I wanted to mention this for other people to be aware. If I had just kept my old card in my wallet, would have been OK, I'm pretty sure. I haven't talked to the bank yet here in Seattle, but we will be having a little chat soon -lol!

Oddly enough, my ATM card from a cdn bank never works at Scotiabank when we are in Latin America, but always seems to work with the Mexican banks. We have had a chip card for what seems like forever.

I do know that you now MUST let your bank where you are going & for how long.
Also Susan thanks for your imput, you are the second to confirm "Chip Cards".
PS I also have had trouble at Scotia a time or two finding Banamex better with "swipe" style machine so no danger of it being eaten.

Suze FYI On http://gtolist.com/forum/ the Ex Pat web site for Guanajuato some not only have no problem with ATM cards with chips but in fact have removed funds with a B of A chip card from Santander. So perhaps they just have not updated the machines in PV as I know it takes a upgraded machine.

http://www.paraleloinformativo.com/s...a-los-muertos/

The annual Torneo de Pesca happened Nov 6-7 and was a huge deal on Los Muertos. Very fun local event, not to be missed!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-be2Wer1EnE

And here's how they Zumba in PV!

The ATMs in Mexico have been accepting chipped cards for over 2 years now, it's the USA who is behind. Seems BofA had admitted they have a problem with their cards.

Yes, that is an accurate summary of the situation I ran into, cabron.

Sounds like a good time, Suze.
One of these days I'll have to make it over to PV.
Side note; I use my chipped ATM card in Merida all the time. Also used it in Q Roo, as well.

Sounds like you had a great time!
Personally I use BOA card with chip in Guadalajara all the time, the only thing is to update traveling notice once in 6 months so BOA won't block it...

I did update my travel notice. Didn't change a thing. The card was not "blocked" it did not work. And BoA knew it (is my only point in even mentioning this).

YES it was a fabulous trip, as always. Puerto Vallarta is my home away from home. I think this was my 25th trip (or so, since I first went in the early 90s).

Suze, it is a delight to read your reports oozing with your love for Puerto Vallarta.
It is SO great when we find our special place. For me it's Guanajuato where I will be spending another 2 months starting in early January.
PS I am taking a side trip to Cuba, a place I have wanted to visit since the '60's.

I am interested in seeing other places in Mexico, Guanajuato looks incredible. I just need more time to be able to do it all! When I have only two short weeks vacation, I just go with a sure thing... and for me that's PV!!

We just booked our first trip to PV for late April! I can't wait, will be taking a break from rainy Portland. Looking forward to reading the trip reports and figuring out what to do and where to eat for 7 nights. We're an active couple in our 40's and not super beach people but love the water (I burn way too easily).

We are staying in Zona Romantica and will wander from there. Thanks for the ongoing posts Suze and others!

eroz, Just post if you have any specific questions. I always stay in that neighborhood and know it quite well