Language in Puerto Vallarta: Learn Key Spanish Phrases Before Visiting

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Puerto Vallarta, like other major Mexican resort areas, poses little difficulty for travelers with linguistic limitations. A knowledge of Spanish is helpful, of course, and it is considered courteous to at least make an attempt at using the local language, even if it's a simple hola, buenos días or muchas gracias.

How Prevalent is English?

But you don't necessarily need to know any Spanish to enjoy your visit, especially if you're content to remain within highly trafficked tourist areas, or to travel with trained tour guides.

The majority of workers in hotels and other industry speak very good English—it's a condition of their employment—and are happy to help visitors with advice and recommendations (especially if they're working for tips). Street vendors and local restaurant employees are less likely to be conversant in English, but they typically know enough to help guests with their menu, or to make change or negotiate a price amenable to both sides.

Adventurous sorts who want to get off the beaten tourist track will need some facility with Spanish (See the list of common words and phrases below.), and those interested in renting cars are well advised to at least learn the meanings of local street signs.

Common Spanish Words and Phrases

¡Hola! = Hello!

Buenos días. = Good morning.

Buenas tardes. = Good afternoon.

Buenas noches. = Good evening.

¿Cómo estás? = How are you?

Muy bien, gracias. = Very well, thank you.

¿Cómo se llamas? = What is your name?

Mucho gusto. = Nice to meet you.

¿Hablas inglés? = Do you speak English?

¿Dónde está el baño? = Where is the bathroom?

Mesa para dos, por favor. = Table for two, please.

¿Puedo ver el menú, por favor? = May I see the menu, please?

¿Cuánto cuesta? = How much does this cost?

La cuenta, por favor. = Check, please.

¿Acepta tarjetas de crédito? = Do you take credit cards?

¿Qué hora es? = What time is it?

Hasta luego. = See you later.

Hasta pronto. = See you soon.

Gracias. = Thanks.

Adiós. = Goodbye.

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