Where in Puerto Vallarta can I find design/tourism work?

Question

I am going to be living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for two months in Dec/Jan of next year and am looking for work. I am a Canadian university student taking a year away from school to do volunteer work and to make some money in order to afford returning to school. I have extensive graphic and web design experience, and that would be my preferred job. I would also love to work in tourism, and Dec and Jan are big tourism months in PV. I speak some Spanish, but will be taking a course before I move to Mexico. I would really appreciate any information on design/tourism jobs in Puerto Vallarta. Thanks!

It's not so much that I'm concerned about finding a job - I have a few potential employers lined up - it's that I would prefer to work in either graphic/web design or tourism. I have searched job posting websites, and there have been short-term (1-2 month) design jobs in Puerto Vallarta, I just haven't been able to find any current such jobs.

Answer 1

hello,
to start with: i'm german living in mexico since more than 14 years in total (2 years puerto vallarta (bucerias),2 years cancun and since 10 years in playa del carmen).please excuse my way of putting it together for you...english is not my first (or even second) language.i may have a funny way to explain it to you.
FIRST:in order to work legally in mexico you need a what's called FM3 (after 5 years it turns into a FM2 and after another 5 years you will be an "immigrante").it will take an average somewhere between 4 to 6 weeks from the day on you apply for that permit till it is approved...depents on how busy they are and in which state you would like to work.during that time it is ILLEGAL to work.like everywhere else in the world:your papers are in process? you wait.buttom line.most companys will tell you:"don't worry...nothing is going to happen." ....of course they do so...if immigration comes they pay a little fine and your little behind is on fire.i couldn't care less what everybody else says...i saw it to many times.
second:even if you have that FM3...that permit is only valid for ONE company.you are only allowed to do one job for one company at the time.there is no way that you are legally allowed to do two jobs at the same time.THAT'S THE LAW.if you do so you are no better then every mexican who swims across the rio grande and works in the u.s. or canada without papers.beside that...you will only get a working permit if you do a job which a mexican is not able to "fullfill"...well that law is like gum...there is always a way.
and to the idea to work in timeshare:if you tell to who ever is in charge that you plan to stay for two month only....nobody will hire you without experience....meaning if you never worked in the industrie before.why? they would have to train you first.that will take somewhere between 7 and 10 days at least.why should they train you...invest in you...if they know you will be gone in a few weeks.other then that....till you have your first deal and the commision is payable you are already on your way back home."no way jose".

in other words...between you and me: if you find something to simply "job" for a few weeks...bartender,reception or what ever...i don't seriously think anything will happen in such a short time period.....but whatever it will be....be aware that it would not be legal.the pay? well that's a whole different story....do not expect much...or why do you think so many mexicans are on the run?
if you do have more questions you will find my e-mail adress in my profile.
good luck,
cancundivers

p.s.:before somebody says:it did this and i did that....i talk about the law.

Answer 2

I really enjoy Puerto Vallarta. The location is attractive, with mountains looming over the town surrounding the lovely Bay of Banderas. While the beaches aren't the best in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is one of the few Mexican resorts that feels like a Mexican town and not a gringo-filled extension of Florida. The town has some lovely old buildings with fine shopping. The restaurants are terrific. In fact, the food scene in Puerto Vallarta is second only to Mexico City in terms of quality and diversity of offerings. So if you like food, lying by the pool, enjoying sunshine in a scenic environment, and actually feeling as though you've left the US, Puerto Vallarta is the place to go.

Answer 3

Your best bet is to just find something when you get there. I am so jealous !! I love Puerto Vallarta...just got home (Canada) from there a few days ago! And practice, practice your Spanish...then you can talk with everyone and make some good contacts.

Answer 4

Going to Mexico to make money is a little backwards...When I lived there, I worked 2 jobs (teaching English, working at an internet cafe), 14hr days and 7 days a week and I didnt have anything to show for it and I did not go out every night and I wasn't a big drinker. I was on a strict budget and there were times that I had to save money to buy shampoo and toilet paper.

Answer 5

when I went to Cancun I met an American couple that lived in Mexico. they told me most Americans or Canadians that move to Mexico have Internet businesses or are retired and recvd checks. It is hard to find a regular job because most people dont want to take jobs from local Mexicans to give to foreigners

Answer 6

Sell time shares - other than that you are dreaming if it's only for 2 months