How to get through Puerto Vallarta International Airport's Timeshare Shark Tank

Follow the signs to immigration after deplaning. The line will be longer the more planes that arrive. You will need the immigration card the flight attendant had you fill out. Fill it out completely, even on the bottom, and you'll need your passport.
After checking you out and comparing your face to the passport photo, the immigration officer will stamp your passport. You'll be directed to a long and wide corridor that'll take you to a large hall (with a low roof) with the luggage carousels, toilets and a money exchange with very bad exchange rates.
After collecting your bags, you'll be directed to customs, where you'll hand over your declaration card and push a button, the famous stop-lights. Most people get a green light and can continue their adventure. If the signal color is red, customs authorities will ask you to open your baggage for inspection. I'd been arriving for some years now without checks, but this last time I got a red light. The baggage check was fast and discreet, of course I am not bringing much nor anything suspicious either.
00:00 Arrival at Puerto Vallarta Airport
00:19 Immigration
00:29 Corridor to International Baggage Claim
00:43 PVR Baggage carrousels
00:52 After customs entrance to the Shark Tank
01:03 Entering the timeshare shark tank corridor
01:24 Exiting the PVR Airport Shark Tank
01:34 Exits to the Airport Lobby Terminal A
01:49 Puerto Vallarta terminal A lobby
01:57 Exiting Puerto Vallarta Airport terminal A
Now. It's finally here: The Shark Tank. After going through customs, you'll pass through some glass sliding doors and you'll enter the area kindly dubbed "The Shark Tank". You'll be strolling through a corridor with counters, tables, and official-looking people in uniforms on either side. A taxi will be offered. They'll organise a taxi for you. They'll inquire where you're staying and try to chat. They'll make offers. Keep going. Avoid these people. They're pretty, with big kind-looking smiles, they may have a sign with your resort's name on it. So nice... They'll assist with my trip? They'll drive me to my resort for free. They represent X hotel or resort. Don't let them fool you!
They're selling timeshares. They will take away from your most valuable asset when on vacations, your precious time! Vacation time is sacred. Don't let these salesmen ruin your vacation with their hard sale tactics. Just keep on walking . Say, no thanks. Or act deaf. Say you have a condo, that you aren't interested, and keep on walking to the automatic exit doors.
Why would they let folks inside the airport who could ruin your vacation? For some reason, people with influence and deep pockets put timeshare people inside the airport. Airport commission and timeshare businesses may have an arrangement. Who knows? But, as with drugs, just say no :-)

[@eyesea123]

PVR is my favorite airport in the world!

[@PuertoVallartaVideos]

Only because when you walk out the door you are in PV!

[@eyesea123]

@@PuertoVallartaVideos From the moment the warmth hits you once you exit the plane, you know something great is going to happen. Ahhh, PV!

[@PuertoVallartaVideos]

@@eyesea123 yup 😁

[@EMSpdx]

Ha ha! I wish I saw this video before my trip to Puerto Vallarta last December! I was in a presentation for 4 hours- all because they said they would get me a taxi! I was so dumb😂😂😂

[@PuertoVallartaVideos]

Sorry to hear that... Check out other videos we have, hopefully you'll get some other useful info that can maybe make up for it 🙂 Greetings

[@Marcus.Robinson]

Went last year to PVR, loved it, and cant wait to back. It's easy to get through it- thousand yard stare and don't say a word just keep walking

[@PuertoVallartaVideos]

That's 100% correct, but you need to know beforehand. Greetings

[@SacredSacral]

I went through this airport in Oct 2021 and I was being wheelchaired through, I already watched your video before hand so I put on a mean face. Those people came up to me but once I glared at them, they backed the f up! LOL I'm going to be back in PVR again in Oct this year and I'll make sure to just keep going! Thanks for keeping it up!

[@PuertoVallartaVideos]

Great to hear it was useful for you. Thanks for your update and technique variant 😄. PV is great, would be even more so if we got rid of this TShark tank. 👍

[@m-pjoanis4667]

PVR used to be a good airport; last few years its a D- even after renovations as trying to get though customs + getting your luggage it's like a real funnel after and the way you have to preess that button is such an archaic system, slows everything, real frustrating when you hope to get out to catch your shuttle or taxi but now it's an endless wait, got to improve it!

[@PuertoVallartaVideos]

Yes, I imagine it can be slow, especially when there are a lot of flights arriving at the same time and now that there are more and more flights. Personally I've mostly had luck and it has not been eternal as in other airports in the US of A, for example, where the lines are hours and the distances inhuman. I wonder where the plans for the new airport in PV are at?

[@ericdries4955]

Arrived in Puerto Vallerta a few days ago. Everyone asks where your headed aand claims to be with your resort. Almost got through the shark tank hallway until a lady approached us with a badge from our resort offering to assist and said she would help us with our upcoming stay. Our shuttle was pre-arranged through Costco/Gray Line so we knew to walk on through but she sounded convincing enough to help us out. In the end we participated in a time share presentation at our own resort for 2 hours and recieved a buy one got one free nassage at the spa. If I return to Puerto Vallarta I know now to keep on walking.

[@PuertoVallartaVideos]

Exactly why I posted this video and that's why I mention in the description and in the video: You'll be strolling through a corridor with counters, tables, and official-looking people in uniforms on either side. A taxi will be offered. They'll organise a taxi for you. They'll inquire where you're staying and try to chat. They'll make offers. Keep going. Avoid these people. They're pretty, with big kind-looking smiles, they may have a sign with your resort's name on it. So nice... They'll assist with my trip? They'll drive me to my resort for free. They represent X hotel or resort. Don't let them fool you! They're selling timeshares. They will take away from your most valuable asset when on vacations, your precious time! Vacation time is sacred. Don't let these salesmen ruin your vacation with their hard sale tactics. Just keep on walking . Say, no thanks. Or act deaf. Say you have a condo, that you aren't interested, and keep on walking to the automatic exit doors.

[@otool]

Hahahahaha

[@amanchand7273]

Where would I find the VIP Service? My resort has transportation provided and said there is a VIP Service booth

[@PuertoVallartaVideos]

It'll depend on which service they are providing. Do check with them so they can point you in the right direction. Greetings

[@romandamaso6308]

Where do you recommend that we exchange USD for MXN?

[@PuertoVallartaVideos]

I think the best option is to get mx pesos at an ATM directly via your debit card. It's what I do. I don't know if others use exchanges... been years since I've used them.

[@PuertoVallartaVideos]

And only use the official ATMs in very public locations or even better in the banks themselves during banking hours. They are better protected against skimmers or other card frauds.

[@tommytfaa]

Where do you get taxi?

[@PuertoVallartaVideos]

There's a stand with the three authorized taxi providers, all have the same prices and are just as reliable. Choose the one with the shortest line or go out on the backside they also have a window and the line might be shorter (if there is one). More info and photos here: holateddy.com/puerto-vallarta-airport-transportation/

[@tommytfaa]

@@PuertoVallartaVideos thanks we ended up walking across the bridge and got an Uber. Wait was 15 min though will probably get cab next time

[@PuertoVallartaVideos]

@@tommytfaa OK, thanks for the update. I normally do the same. I just get a cab right there at the airport because I am anxious to get to town and saving a few bucks just doesn't make sense at that point in time. 🙂 Hope you enjoyed/are enjoying your time in PV!

[@plant-basedmd8155]

Just don't interact or talk with anyone.. fixed on the steps in front of you..

[@PuertoVallartaVideos]

Yep, that's what we day and recommend too

[@otool]

Didn’t watch but you just walk

[@PuertoVallartaVideos]

Yeps, it's what I say in the video 🙂