HELPFUL tips & instructions

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We recommend you bring cash (or Pesos) with you on your visit. It's easier to get it from your local bank than it is from the ATMs in Sayulita (and a lot cheaper). 

There are two trustworthy ATMs in Sayulita we use. Both charge an withdrawal fees that’s substantial. If memory serves, 8%. These ATMs are located inside:

1. Don Pedro’s Restaurant 
2. INTERCAM Bank next to hospital 

Cash (Pesos Preferred)

We typically bring pesos from our bank before we leave the US. Small pesos bills are preferred. Because there are only 2 trusted ATMs in town they run out of cash frequently. 

If you are stopping Mega on the way out to Sayulita from PV airport you can also get some pesos at the ATM at the banks there in front of Mega (so you have pesos)

US Dollars

You can use US dollars easily although if you give someone a $20 they might not have change in pesos, and you’ll end up not getting any change back. So come with smaller pecos. 

Credit Cards

We use credit cards at restaurants. 

Exchanging Cash

There are locations around town that you can exchange dollars or use a credit card for pecos as well. Or you can stop at the airport upon arriving. Check the exchange rate, typically not as good as banks offer. 

• All doors have combination locks and the codes are changed regularly.  SAYS (Sayulita At Your Service) will give you the current codes upon your arrival.
• Even though we've put a lot of security into the house with the new gates and iron fences, you will want to ALWAYS lock up the house tight when leaving. You will also want to put all computers, wallets, purses and phones or other valuables in the safes located in each bathroom. DO NOT LEAVE THEM VISIBLE FROM WINDOWS and lock all patio doors when leaving for the beach or dinner. 

Most theft happens between 6:30pm when it gets dark and 10pm when people leave the house for dinner. When leaving for the evening, here are our suggestions. 

• Put all valuables in the safes
• Close the curtains, especially on the first floor
• Do not leave valuables in site on the beds
• Leave some lights on in the house and the courtyard

We've never gotten sick going to any of the restaurants. But people who are not aware or careful have gotten anything from a mildly upset stomach to three days on the toilet. What we avoid is any of the street vendors selling fresh fruit or fish walking up and down the beach. 

Drinking Water

While all of the water at Sayulita is filtered, we recommend using the bottled water dispensers for drinking on each floor. The sinks are fine for brushing teeth. 

General Guidelines

• Try to avoid eating things washed with tap water 
• Avoid unwashed produce 
• Fruits you can peel like bananas, kiwis, and mangos are okay, so long as you are the one peeling them.
• We avoid fruits and juices not prepared in the restaurants. 
• If you can’t resist trying street food, eat at the stands the locals are lining up for, but keep in mind that their immunity may be different from yours. 

Electrical outlets are the same as in the U.S. and Canada.  

Casa Estrella has Starlink with insane download speeds and a mesh network that would rival the best offices. The network name and access code is printed on the wifi access points throughout the house and can be shown to you upon arrival. 

The maid comes every other day. If you have personal laundry and need help, please give it to her upon her arrival to give her time. We change sheets and towels mid week.

Saint Luke's Hospitals Sayulita

• Avenida Revolución No. 231, Loc. A, 63734 Sayulita, Nay.
• 329 688 2335
• https://maps.app.goo.gl/ge8ErKUQ7mdv2zEf8 

For severe emergencies, there is a hospital in San Francisco (the town is called San Pancho by locals) just 4 miles north on Highway 200.  Also, In Bucerias through Vallarta there are many hospitals, including the American Hospital at the marina.  It is on the right side of the road, at the second stoplight past the airport. Turn right at the statue of Neptune. Please use us as a resource if you have health issues, we will guide you!

Dr Armando Pena

• Mobile 322 172 0714- will do house calls!! 

San Francisco General Hospital

• Africa 10, San Francisco, Nay.
• 311 258 4077
• https://maps.app.goo.gl/8whs3NKpyQKEMUTW9