Yelling Will Get Ya Nowhere!

While it’s accepted that English is a Universal Language it does not mean that everyone in the world naturally speaks English.

Here in Puerto Vallarta , you will find the majority of Mexicans who work in the tourism industry speak a fair amount of English. This includes wait-staff, front desk workers, management, activities staff, childcare, bell-boys, spa and gift shop employees and anyone working time-share or selling tours and tickets. Most maids, gardeners, maintenance workers and such do not speak English or very little.

At bars and restaurants most staff speak basic to excellent English as well, but often times people working in the smaller Mexican restaurants, little tiendas and markets do not speak English. Luckily, the locals of Vallarta will do almost anything to try to understand or help you and with patience and a smile.

Even if you do not speak Spanish it is good to do a little practicing of some basics before you come down. “Hola!” Gracias!” and Como esta usted?”  are great words to know for breaking the ice. Any attempt at speaking Spanish are always greeted with a warm smile and never will someone laugh at you for trying.

Any bookstore near you should have a variety of small phrase books that come with sections that help you to pronounce words and count. They have areas that cover some common words and phrases for hotels, restaurants, shopping, travel, general activities and conversations. Look for a phrase book that is for Mexican Spanish verses Castilian Spanish ( Spain ) as some words and phrases are used differently. You can also search internet websites for Spanish lessons, many include audio to help you with the pronunciation or they have games and quizzes to see what you remember from Sesame Street .

A few things to remember when traveling to Puerto Vallarta and speaking with the locals:

Mexicans typically are very polite people, patient and helpful. Try to always speak slowly and clearly. While you may not think you have an accent, everyone has one and some accents are harder to understand. So again, speak slowly, simply and clearly.

Remember you are a guest in a country where the language is Spanish. Most schools teach little to no English and many cannot afford to attend schools where they teach English as a second language.

If you encounter someone who does not speak English, please remember that yelling louder does not make them comprehend English. They are not deaf; they simply just do not understand your language.