1. Electric outlets are the same.

2. Exchange in PV at a 'cambio' which are exchange booths located all around downtown. Daily rates are posted. Or use your ATM card to withdraw peso directly from your home bank. No it is not better to use a credit card.

3. Yes you can buy calling cards. Or even easier go to an internet cafe that offers long distance service. Calling from your hotel room will be the most expensive way.

4. Local people who work in the tourist industry usually speak English. Others like at a grocery store, corner market, local businesses may or may not. You can brush up in order to be friendly, people do appreciate the effort.

I believe the outlets at most hotels are compatible, however you can likely find out on your hotels website. Lots of people say to get money from the ATM at the airport in PV for a good exchange rate. There are also lots of currency exchange booths throughout downtown PV that will exchange cash or travelers checks at good rate. Be sure to have some pic ID with you. Not to sure about calling card question. You will find the majority of locals in the shops, restaurants and around the downtown area speak English, although I’m sure they appreciate it when you can pitch in with a little Spanish. Enjoy your holiday.

The electricity is 120V like the US and Canada, but few outlets are grounded, so you might need a 2 to 3 prong adapter. And a surge protector is a good idea, so is unplugging your laptop when not in use, the power can do some weird stuff during a thunder storm.

Some bar/restaurants like Que?Pasa, Cafe Roma and Dee's Coffee offer free phone calls to the US and Canada if you're eating and or drinking.

Suze's post has everything pretty well covered.

There are several bars where you can call home for free, with a purchase:

Que?Pasa

Cafe Roma

Aserderos-Captain Ron's

are three.

Take along a cheap 2 to 3 prong adaptor. Some hotel rooms have the 2 prong outlets. Your computer cord will have a 3 prong and won't fit. (also Rizzos supermarket carrys these up on the second floor)

We have found the ATM's around town to be the best

way to get a good exchange rate.

3. Calling cards. Here's a link to some good info and heads-up re: the use of telephones and calling cards, etc.

vallartainfo.com/…tele

4. If you use your Spanish, even if limited, it will be much appreciated. We shop at some of the small, local tiendas, order at deli's in supermarkets, and eat at some very small, neighbourhood restaurants, and although we get by with little, I do try as best I can, with what I do know, when I am able to do so. I know I feel better when I do this, and I love the reactions that I get in return from the Mexican people.

Cheers!!

Remember to call your bank and give them the dates you will be in Mexico (so they will not freeze your debit or credit card). Anytime you travel outside your home country, you should do this to avoid problems.

Also, to make life easy, when looking at prices, just cover up the last "0", i.e. 10 pesos = 1 dollar, 100 pesos = $10 dollars.

Personally, I bring some money that I have exhanged at home or saved from a previous trip and then use debit machines (Note: You can withdraw money from a debit machine but you cannot use your debit card at the store like you do at home).

Have fun!