Before visiting Puerto Rico, U.S. citizens should know that no passport is required and the U.S. dollar is the official currency. While English is common in San Juan, Spanish is the primary language island-wide. Travelers should budget for a 11.5% sales tax and tip 15-20% for service. Renting a car is essential for exploring beyond the metro area, but be prepared for aggressive driving and potholes. The drinking age is 18, and tap water is generally safe to drink.
Beautiful travel photos of Puerto Rico might make us believe it’s a faraway exotic location with a completely different culture and customs. While it is indeed a beautiful tourist destination, it is accessible and shares many similarities with the mainland USA.
Here is exactly what to know before going to Puerto Rico to make your trip smooth and memorable.
You’re Not Leaving the US
Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the USA, which means U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel here. Flights are treated as domestic, so you won’t need to go through time-consuming customs. However, if you plan on boarding a cruise ship to other islands, you will need a passport. Otherwise, a valid driving license or state ID is sufficient.
Money and Tipping Etiquette
What currency does Puerto Rico use? The currency won’t change. Puerto Rico uses the US dollar, even though locals sometimes call it “peso.”
Tipping is Standard Just like on the mainland, tipping is expected. Plan to tip 15-20% for good service at restaurants and bars.
Budgeting and Costs Accommodations are not cheap. Prices can go up to $150/night for standard hotels. Food costs are comparable to major US cities. Be aware that there is an 11.5% sales tax on goods and services, which can add up quickly.
A great way to stay within budget is to eat street food. Locals love their frituras (fried snacks). This is your chance to try popular dishes such as empanadillas, pinchos, relleno de papas, or bacalaitos at local kiosks.
Language: Spanish Comes First
While English is widely spoken in tourist areas like San Juan, Spanish is the dominant language of the island. In rural areas, English proficiency drops significantly. Learning a few basic phrases like “Hola” (Hello) and “Gracias” (Thank you) goes a long way with the locals.
Getting Around: Rent a Car
Most Puerto Ricans use cars in their day-to-day lives. Public transportation is limited to buses and taxis in the metro area. Uber is available, but generally only reliable within the San Juan metropolitan area.
If you want to travel longer distances, renting a car is the way to go. Most big-name agencies have offices here.
Driving Tips:
- Drive Defensively: Local driving can be aggressive. Use caution at intersections.
- Watch for Potholes: Roads outside major highways often have deep potholes.
- Navigation: Google Maps works well, but signal can be spotty in the mountains. Download offline maps.
Island Hopping: Ferries
Puerto Rico, Vieques, and Culebra are the three main inhabited islands. You can fly between them for a couple of hundred dollars. For a cheaper alternative, the ferry costs only a few dollars.
Crucial Tip: Buy your ferry tickets online weeks in advance. They sell out quickly, and relying on purchasing them at the terminal is risky.
Weather and Hurricanes
Puerto Rico has a tropical climate with warm weather year-round. However, the hurricane season runs from June to November. Monitor the weather forecast closely if you travel during these months.
Sun Safety You need plenty of sunscreen. The Caribbean sun is stronger than you might expect, even on cloudy days.
Health and Safety
Is the water safe? Yes, tap water is generally safe to drink as it adheres to US standards. However, the taste may vary, so sensitive travelers might prefer filtered water.
Mosquitoes Dengue fever is a risk. Use insect repellent containing DEET, especially if hiking in the rainforest or visiting bio bays.
General Safety “La Perla” is a historic neighborhood in San Juan made famous by the “Despacito” music video. However, authorities advise caution here. Drug trafficking and other crimes occur in this area, and it is best avoided at night. Generally, stay in well-lit tourist zones and be aware of your surroundings.
Beaches and Swimming
Swimming is allowed on most beaches, but warning signs must be taken seriously. Families and weak swimmers should be careful at Condado Beach in San Juan due to big waves and strong currents.
Bioluminescent Bays One place where swimming is prohibited is Mosquito Bay on Vieques. This protects the delicate dinoflagellates that turn the water bioluminescent. Do not use bug spray or sunscreen here as it damages the ecosystem.
Must-Visit Attractions
It’s not just about the beaches. The lands contain much more:
- El Yunque National Rainforest: The only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System.
- Cueva Del Indio: Ancient sea caves featuring Taino carvings from before Columbus arrived.
- Rio Camuy Cave Park: An incredible underground cave system.
- History: The Fort of San Cristóbal and Fort El Morro in Old San Juan are perfect for history lovers.
Shopping
There are many malls, but for authentic souvenirs, buy from locals. Old San Juan has shops targeted for this. Avoid shops selling cheap trinkets, as these are likely mass-produced. Look for La Casa de las Casitas or Puerto Rico Homemade Crafts for quality items.
Alcohol and Nightlife
Puerto Rico is the world capital of rum and the birthplace of the Piña Colada. The drinking age is 18. Rum is the cheapest alcoholic drink available, while other spirits are priced similarly to the mainland.
Final Travel Tips
Remember that things move on “Island Time.” Service at restaurants may be slower than you are used to. Relax and enjoy the pace. Most of all, treat the locals with respect and compassion as they share their beautiful island with you.
Now that you know what to know before going to Puerto Rico, you are ready to book that ticket!