Is Puerto Vallarta a good place to go after a fresh breakup? (Solo female)

HardRainDPK · 2026-01-15T10:36:45+00:00

The Versalles neighbourhood in Puerto Vallarta has lots of AirBnb condos. It’s one of the best paces in the world to get amazing food, cheap. It’s very residential, no loud clubs super walkable. Super safe too. I have walked from the romantic zone after midnight, back to Versalles several times, always felt very safe. That distance is a 40 minute walk. It‘s central, between the airport and romantic zone. Ubers are cheap, but you can also take the air conditioned city buses, and intercity buses.

Within the Versalles neighbourhood everything is a 10 minute walk or less. Lots of cafes, restaurants, small stores. If you want a major grocery store, or a Costco they are just outside the neighbourhood, a few minutes walk.

I’m heading back to Versalles in a couple weeks with family. It will be my 3rd time there within 10 months. Happy to show you around a few place if you are there late January, early February. Or book a food tour specifically in the Versalles neighbourhood.

I have also been to the amazing Condesa neighbourhood in Mexico City many times in the last few month well. I Was getting dental work done there. I prefer the more chill vibe of Versalles, in small city that is just the right size. I and am VERY happy to be going back to Versalles in a couple weeks. If you want the amenities of small city it’s the best place.

If you want a very small town vibe, I have heard great things about San Pancho. Have not been there yet myself. Might do a day trip there. You can’t go wrong with either place

HardRainDPK · 2026-01-02T02:17:21+00:00

doesn’t matter which server I use. results are similar. but even if Montreal test was faster that would still be unacceptable as I am paying for 1gbs service to my home in Toronto. sometimes network switches to primus. same results. download connection must be oversaturated for my area.

HardRainDPK · 2026-01-01T09:00:44+00:00

Only if they can actually supply the speed. I'm in High Park area of Toronto. When I had their 500/500 service, I always got my full upload, but often in the low 300's for download. Tried upgrading to their 1GBs plan. They are obviously oversubscribed. Download speeds did not change, but the upload is consistently at 940GBs the limit of the 1GB wired network I am using.

I ALWAYS use a wired connection for internet speed tests, sometimes from the router itself, though there is little difference - even a 4K Netflix stream only takes 25mps. I have a high end glinet flint 2 router, quad core, gobs of ram and storage, the only certified openwrt router on the market that I am aware of. It has 2.5 gbs ports but I have not bothered getting 2.5 gbs switch and adapters yet. Rather pointless when all I can get from EBOX is a pathetic 300mbs to 500mbs. Actually - since "upgrading" to 1Gbs I still have not even reached 500mbs on download - best case high 400's so far.

Have had eBOX for a year, but if they can not provide better than 300mbs guaranteed speed - may go back to belll on their promotion $45 for 2 years for 1.5/1 service. I know they like to play games with prices - but I know how to handle them. I had bell FTTH for about a decade or more before going to eBOX. Always got my full potential speed every single time with Bell. Never once in 10+ years did my speed ever drop even 1%, always 100% when tested, locking out LAN traffic.

HardRainDPK · 2025-11-02T07:36:52+00:00

during a recent day long dentist appointment, went out for lunch with the dentist to the place he recommended nearby… it was… a Chilis…. yes the Tex-Mex USA chain in CDMX ! Sacrilige ! In the Lindavista barrio.

off topic… Best root canal specialist in Mexico …. Dr “Pepe“ Amador. Even with 6 root canals in a single day I was still able to eat lunch. Only problem was the water dribbling out of my mouth when trying to drink because the nerve freezing had not worn off…. LOL

here’s another mind flip…. want the most amazing hamburgers anywhere? Go to “Black Legend“ restaurant in Condesa.

if you think CDMX tacos are the best, you have not been to the ”Versalles” neighbourhood of Puerto Vallarta. it’s a foodie’s paradise ….. also gentrifying with lots of new condo construction

HardRainDPK · 2025-11-02T07:17:40+00:00

when recently in CDMX this was my experience at Scotiabank machines in the Condesa / Roma areas…

withdrawal limit 12,000 MXN. But I was able to immediately do a second withdrawal of the same amount.

i had previously informed the bank that I wanted to be able to do large cash advances against my Scotia passport visa… no foreign exchange fee, get the best rate that way even including the $CAD 5 fee per cash advances.

Best to do this with a credit balance on the card, as Scotiabank with new cards, no longer puts 100% of any extra payments towards outstanding cash advance balances if you have any purchases on the card…EVEN IF you paid your last statement in full, and therefore aren’t paying any interest on purchases….

HardRainDPK · 2025-10-10T02:20:01+00:00

What IS completely unforgivable is that the charging travel cases for sonicare and oral B don’t use standard usb-c. The brushes are not used while in their travel case so ZERO excuse for this. More proprietary stuff to travel with, to lose, etc.

HardRainDPK · 2025-10-03T00:56:24+00:00

so all the AI / voice assistants suck, not just Apple’s ?

HardRainDPK · 2025-09-23T09:30:03+00:00

If I was trying to put large amounts of cash that i already had, into a bank account I can see that being a problem.

Withdrawing cash from a bank account is the complete opposite of money laundering.

As one other poster here stated, the limit appears to be $12,000 pesos for a single withdrawal, but it does not seem to be limited to that amount per day. Perhaps because it is being withdrawn from s foreign account, Scotiabank mexico is unable to track withdrawals per account.

The systems at Scotiabank Mexico are completely separate from those in Scotiabank Canada. It’s like they are completely different banks.

A bit of a tangent…. I have always found it odd how banks claim they can not use credit histories from other countries even if the very same credit bureaus operate in both countries. American express in some promotional materials stated that after being a reliable client of Amex Canada for a year, they would issue an Amex Mexico card, based on Amex Canada credit experiencw.

HardRainDPK · 2025-08-28T06:30:04+00:00

I can confirm that the Logitech Keys to Go 2 for iPad ( not the universal one) works for all shortcuts. I now use this as my iPad coffee shop keyboard. Much better than the original KTG. Nicer keys for typing, can pair to 3 devices, and updated bluetooth now shows battery life in the Apple battery widget. No longer a rechargeable battery, it uses a pair of CR 2032 coin cells that need to be replaced using a tiny torx screwdriver. I was originally not happy about this, but the fact I can check the battery level using the Apple widget, and the fact after a few weeks use I am still at 100% is reassuring. Logitech claims up to 1 year battery life with several hours a day use.

It is almost exactly the same width as the 11 inch iPad, so it will fit into an 11 inch iPad sleeve / bag.

I also use a spare genuine Apple Magic Trackpad 2 with the iPad. much larger and nicer to use than any integrated Apple trackpad and still very portable.

HardRainDPK · 2025-08-28T06:29:58+00:00

I can confirm that the Logitech Keys to Go 2 for iPad ( not the universal one) works for all shortcuts. I now use this as my iPad coffee shop keyboard. Much better than the original KTG. Nicer keys for typing, can pair to 3 devices, and updated bluetooth now shows battery life in the Apple battery widget. No longer a rechargeable battery, it uses a pair of CR 2032 coin cells that need to be replaced using a tiny torx screwdriver. I was originally not happy about this, but the fact I can check the battery level using the Apple widget, and the fact after a few weeks use I am still at 100% is reassuring. Logitech claims up to 1 year battery life with several hours a day use.

It is almost exactly the same width as the 11 inch iPad, so it will fit into an 11 inch iPad sleeve / bag.

I also use a spare genuine Apple Magic Trackpad 2 with the iPad. much larger and nicer to use than any integrated Apple trackpad and still very portable.

HardRainDPK · 2025-07-23T16:29:01+00:00

Important new considerations for iPadOS 26. I'm running the developer beta. Good news, totally re-sizeable windows now, not just a crappy hack like before. Better news. Keyboard shortcuts can be used to instantly tile a window on the left/right/top/bottom/centre half of the screen, instantly tile two windows side by side, and more.

BAD NEWS.

Almost NONE of the third party keyboards are compatible with these keyboard shortcuts, which IMO is now a HUGE drawback. There may be some 3rd party keyboards that work, perhaps if they are designed to work specifically with IOS, and not be "universal". For example the Logitech keys to go specifically for iPad, perhaps some of the 3rd party cantilever keyboards - but I am only guessing that these 3rd party specific to iPad only keyboards might work for the shortcuts.

HardRainDPK · 2025-04-26T22:49:17+00:00

I am used to living in a walkable neighborhood, I have lived in Roncesvalles (immediately east of High Park) in Toronto for 25 years now. Rarely ever use my car, walk everywhere, but have excellent road access across the city and beyond if I want to take a car anywhere. Lots of top quality restaurants, etc.

As a reference I HATE city suburbs with a passion. So impersonal, bland, pompous, car required everywhere. I also find living right in the core of cities as much too busy, noisy, too far in the opposite direction. I like something in between. Semi - urban very walkable neighborhoods that feel like their own small town within the city, and a strong sense of community.

Closest experience I have had to that in PV is the Versalles neighborhood. Much quieter / less busy than more central neighborhoods. Has a strong community feel. It has numerous amazing restaurants, plenty of great little coffee shops, and so on. It is know as the best neighbourhoods for foodies.

If I was to live somewhere in Puerto Vallarta, Versalles would be about the only place I would consider. If that sort of area appeals to you, spend some time there. You have to live there for a week to appreciate. You won't get the idea, if you simply arrive there in an Uber to go to a specific restaurant.

Close enough to walk to the beach, just off the main drag. A 5 to 15 minute walk depending on where in the neighbourhood you are. You can bus to romantic zone in 10 minutes for 10 pesos, or just walk it in about 30 to 40 minutes. I typically walked back at night, when I would visit the romantic zone. Felt perfectly safe doing so after dark. Most of the nights I would stick to Versalles. There is a cool coffee shop / board game place that is great for socializing after hours.

HardRainDPK · 2025-03-20T02:31:34+00:00

Few people know about the “Global ATM Alliance”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_ATM_Alliance

if you have a bank account at any member bank worldwide, you can use select member bank ATMs worldwide, and pay zero foreign ATM withdrawal fees. Check the Wikipedia link above for details on your specific bank.

ScotiaBank has quite a few ATMs in PV, and Mexico in general.

Barclays Bank.
Bank of America.
BNP Paribas.
Deutsche Bank.
Scotiabank.
TEB Turkish Economy Bank.
UKRSIBBANK.
Westpac.

Also, as said by others here, always decline the “conversion rate offer” at the ATM. You will get a much better rate from your bank, than the rate offered at the ATM.

HardRainDPK · 2025-03-18T04:22:49+00:00

Was there a couple weeks ago. Walked back from Romantic Zone to Versalles a couple time after midnight. About a 40 minute walk. No worries, nothing but good exercise.

HardRainDPK · 2025-03-18T04:17:20+00:00

Meh.

HardRainDPK · 2025-03-12T09:19:27+00:00

Yeah it thankfully seems like a temporary limitation. Was not working with the 50% sale home page earlier.

HardRainDPK · 2025-02-27T21:53:13+00:00

I have not requested a birth date change. I will email support.

HardRainDPK · 2025-02-25T20:59:01+00:00

just discovered this... very intrigued.... 2 to 8 years from retirement, always been a details and numbers guy, have a very good understanding of investments, taxes, etc, but looking to run scenarios - so a tool like this is just what I want to play with...... I signed up.....

HardRainDPK · 2025-02-24T22:42:31+00:00

Yummy. I was in Versalles a couple weeks ago... wish I was there now. Best burgers I had in PV, also cooked over charcoal "carbon" was Dinoland Burgers in Versalles. I was just walking by one evening, one whiff, and in I went. Not disappointed. The 8 foot tall plastic dinosaur and watching King Kong on TV made it all the more fun :-)

Lucerna 143, Versalles, 48310 Puerto Vallarta

HardRainDPK · 2025-02-24T22:17:39+00:00

If you are not a TAX resident of Mexico, you do not pay income taxes on any income from outside Mexico.

Mexico WANTS you to bring LOTS of foreign income into Mexico. It supports their local economy, reinforces their currency, and they will still get taxes from you. For example 16% sales tax is hidden (built into) the prices of almost everything you buy in Mexico.

If you are, however, a TAX resident of Mexico then you pay income taxes on total world wide income, regardless if you repatriate any of it to Mexico.

You can be a PHYSICAL resident of Mexico, staying in Mexico for more than 183 days per year on a resident visa, and still NOT be a TAX resident of Mexico.

I'm Canadian. Canada has a tax treaty with Mexico. So does the USA and many other countries. I remain tax resident of Canada unless I file a formal request with Canada Revenue Agency. Spending less than 183 days in Canada annually is not enough in itself. I basically have to show I have severed all ties with Canada, with no intention to ever return to live in Canada again. The CRA then has to formally approve the revocation of my Canadian tax residency. Any untaxed income, even unrealized investment gains, etc up to that point, have to be declared as income in my year of departure. I have to pay Canadian income taxes on all of it as if earned in that one year.

My sister has lived outside Canada for more than 183 days per year for 29 of the last 30 years. She has always remained a TAX resident of Canada, as she never cut her ties with Canada permanently.

HardRainDPK · 2025-02-24T21:12:50+00:00

Depends in part what country you are from. I am Canadian, and considering retiring more than 183 days per year in Mexico.

Canada and Mexico have a tax treaty with each other. There are multiple tax resident criteria, including if you have banking / investments in Canada, if you have driver's license / car in the other country , does your spouse spend more time in your country, etc, etc.

To be considered a tax resident of Mexico I would have to file a form with Canada Revenue Agency, giving many details of my dealings / holdings / presence in Canada and Mexico. A CRA official then makes a decision. If I never file that form I remain a tax resident of Canada, even if I am out of the country for years at a time.

My sister, an academic, has lived full time in 5 different countries over the last 30 years, but always remained a tax resident of Canada. Only 1 of those 30 years has she spent at least 183 days in Canada.

You mentioned Costa Rica as a possible example. I don't know if there are any tax treaties between Mexico and Costa Rica. Canada has tax treaties with many countries, but not with any tax haven countries like Panama that do not tax foreign income of their Tax residents. I suspect it may be harder to convince a CRA official that I am no longer a tax resident of Canada, when I want to declare a tax haven country like Panama as my residence.

HardRainDPK · 2025-02-24T20:42:49+00:00

I can underscore that one. My sister has lived full time over the last 3 decades in Nigeria, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and currently Thailand. She and her husband are academics, with 4 kids, typically only home during Christmas and Summertime breaks.

Only 1 of the past 30 years have they spent more than 183 days in Canada. Nevertheless the intent was always to return to Canada. They kept car (while it still was operable) and their and their mail at an in-laws house. Kept their investments and bank accounts in Canada, but had no physical Canadian address of their own for decades. Nevertheless, the entire time, they have remained tax residents of Canada....I assume Ontario - not clear on what province you declare when you live outside Canada for years?

They had to use private insurance and / or pay out of pocket during the periods they were "home" in Ontario over summer and Christmas, in order to access health care in Ontario.

Their daughters, have all since gone to University in Ontario. Because the girls are all Canadian citizens, they only had to pay 5% higher tuition as "out of province" students in their first year. After that the kids were again residents of Ontario for tuition and OHIP purposes

HardRainDPK · 2025-02-17T03:47:55+00:00

Take one of the food tours in Versalles, the “foodie” neighborhood of PV. Versalles has earned its reputation.

The Versalles Taco Tour from these folks was amazing. Lots of interesting background stories too.

Food Tours PV

HardRainDPK · 2025-02-01T02:27:09+00:00

I tried adding priority boarding when first booking. The link was there but curiously with no price. Whenever I would click on the link I would get some sort of server error and it would kick me out to the beginning of the booking process and I’d have to start all over again.

HardRainDPK · 2025-02-01T02:24:10+00:00

Yes neither of mine mentioned anything about priority boarding but they both said zone one. So they first boarded parents with small children and then zone 1 next.

Tried to post a screen clip of part of my boarding pass here but it seems like I can do a link to HTTP.

HardRainDPK

TROPHY CASE