Money and payments
Cards and cash
There are plenty of ATMs around the commonwealth.
Tipping
Tipping in Puerto Rico is basically the same as in the mainland United States.
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Americas · CaribbeanUsable guideU.S. territory in the Caribbean
Photo: Picture taken by the U.S. National Park Service. See [www.cr.nps.gov/ worldheritage/fort.htm], Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island. Its white sandy beaches can compete with any in the world and vary from metropolitan cocktail heavens and bustling surfing hotspots to quiet island getaways. Easily accessible diving and snorkeling spots and the excellent bioluminescent bays offer great maritime experiences. Still, there's more to this tropical island than sunny beach life. The Spanish-American influences make for a fun melting pot of culture with an abundance of heritage to explore and some delightful food to enjoy.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Puerto Rico.
Cards and cash
There are plenty of ATMs around the commonwealth.
Tipping
Tipping in Puerto Rico is basically the same as in the mainland United States.
English, Spanish
Both Spanish and English are the official languages of Puerto Rico, but Spanish is without a doubt the dominant language.
T-Mobile has 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G data in the major metro areas, averaging over 1,500 kbit/s or higher, but they only have 2G outside those areas.
Tap water is safe to drink almost everywhere, and your hosts will let you know if their water is suspect.
Freshwater lakes and streams in metropolitan areas are often polluted so avoid going in for a dip. You can, however, find freshwater streams and ponds in the rain forest that are safe to swim in.
Politeness and a simple smile will get you far. Unspoken rules regarding personal space differ somewhat from the American mainland; people generally stand closer together when socializing.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
The capital and largest city with its historic old town, vibrant nightlife and one of the best natural harbors in the Caribbean. The old town is a .
A historic city with access to beaches and the nature of the Karst country, formerly the home of the world's largest radio telescope.
Entry point into the western coast famous for its beautiful beaches and surfing.
The largest inland city and an important entry point into the Cordillera Central.
Location of Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, and the Isla Verde club scene with its hotels and casinos.
Famous for its large marina, bioluminescent bay, and ferries to Vieques and Culebra.
The largest city in the western coast is a vibrant and historic college town.
Puerto Rico's second city hosts a number of important museums like the Ponce Museum of Art and the Museum of Puerto Rican Music, as well as the Tibes Ceremonial Indigenous Center, and access into the highest mountains in the island.
includes forts San Cristóbal, San Felipe del Morro, and San Juan de la Cruz, also called El Cañuelo, plus bastions, powder houses, and three fourths of the city wall. All these defensive fortifications surround the old, colonial portion of San Juan, Puerto Rico and are among the oldest and best-preserved Spanish fortifications of the Americas.
the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. national forest system, a rocky, misty peak covered in waterfalls
La Parguera is a fishing village in the town of Lajas, in the Porta del Sol region of Puerto Rico, known for its bioluminescent bay, and world class diving.
The region where Puerto Rico's capital San Juan is located, as well as the metropolitan area of San Juan.
The region around the west coast of the island. The region has charming beach towns, prominent surfing destinations, and abundant nature reserves.
The southernmost region of the island. The main city in this region is Ponce, which is the second largest city in Puerto Rico. The region is also known for its fertile plains where a variety of crops are produced such as coffee, sugar cane and tropical fruits.
The region around the eastern coast of the island which is especially known for its spectacular beaches, its abundant rainforests, and the El Yunque National Forest.
A mountainous area located in the center of the island which is especially known for the Cordillera Central mountain range.
also known as Isla Nena or Little Island. It is a peaceful small rural island located 13 kilometers east of the big island of Puerto Rico. The island's protected natural reserves contains a rich variety of wildlife.
a tiny island located 27 kilometers east of the big island of Puerto Rico. It is Puerto Rico's least populous municipality. The island is mostly known for the breathtaking Flamenco Beach, often hailed as one of the world's most beautiful beaches.
Public transport and paid services in Puerto Rico.
By ferry
Ferries depart from San Juan and Fajardo, and the most popular arrivals are Cataño, Vieques Island & Culebra Island. Also, the Mayaguez ferry travels between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
By train
There are no long-distance train services in Puerto Rico.
By bus
Autoridad Metropolitana de Autobuses, also known in English as Metropolitan Bus Authority or by its initials in Spanish, AMA, is a public bus transit system based in greater San Juan.
By taxi
Official Tourism Company-sponsored taxis on the Island are clean, clearly identifiable and reliable. Look for the white taxis with the official logo and the "Taxi Turístico" on the front doors.
By car
If you are planning to explore outside of San Juan, renting a car is by far the most convenient way to get around. Rentals are available from the airport as well as larger hotels.
By plane
Cape Air flies between San Juan (both (SJU) and Isla Grande (SIG) airports) and Culebra (CPX), Mayaguez and Vieques.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Puerto Rico.
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Other ways to travel:By público
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
San Juan · International · SJU
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in San Juan
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 26° | 27° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 28° | 27° |
| Avg. low | 21° | 21° | 21° | 22° | 23° | 24° | 24° | 25° | 25° | 24° | 23° | 22° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 64 | 43 | 52 | 89 | 107 | 83 | 103 | 120 | 120 | 118 | 145 | 79 |
| Humidity | 80% | 77% | 74% | 75% | 78% | 80% | 80% | 81% | 81% | 81% | 82% | 82% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$80
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$240
Per person, per day
Luxury
$605
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $40 | $130 | $350 |
| Food and drink | $20 | $55 | $125 |
| Local transport | $10 | $25 | $55 |
| Activities | $10 | $30 | $75 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2021). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
No advisory found from this source.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advisory found from this source.
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Puerto Rico.
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Travel tipsChristopher Columbus (Italian: Cristoforo Colombo; Spanish: Cristóbal Colón) made four voyages from Spain to the Caribbean from 1492 to 1503.
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Culture & historyFortified locations, military constructions, or buildings, have been built from antiquity all the way to the present. At many archaeological sites and in some old towns they are the dominant structures.
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Food & drinkAlcoholic beverages were invented thousands of years ago, and have since given humankind pleasure and trouble. The customs, costs and laws for drinking vary greatly between countries.
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