13 things to know before heading to Puerto Rico (2024)

With breathtaking oceanfront vistas, lush, breezy mountains, tropical rainforest, some pumping nightlife and one of the coolest food scenes in the Caribbean, a Puerto Rico vacation is all about enjoying the ride.

Learning a few of the island's unspoken social rules will go a long way to helping you enjoy the vibe and understanding what makes Puerto Rico such a memorable spot for your vacation.

So whether you're hiking, surfing, zip-lining, boogie boarding or heading to one of the island's many festivals, here are our top tips on planning, etiquette and health and safety in Puerto Rico.

1. Check the visa rules and passport requirements

While Puerto Rico is its own country, and local laws and customs differ from those of the United States, the island is still a Commonwealth of the USA.This means US citizens don’t require a passport or a visa for entry.

Flights from the US are considered domestic, so you won’t go through customs when you arrive on the island and you won’t need to present a visa or pay a departure tax when you leave.

However, visitors must still pay the local tax of 11.5% on goods and services and you’ll be required to pass through the US Department of Agriculture channel at the airport before you leave, just to make sure you don’t bring fruits or vegetables or open food packets back into the US.

Non-US citizens taking a trip to Puerto Rico may need to apply for a 90-day visa before arrival, but countries that are part of the US Visa Waiver Program won’t need a visa thanks to international agreements. Check out this list to see what countries are part of the program and which have visa requirements.

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2. Rent a car for long-distance road trips when traveling in Puerto Rico

When planning a trip to Puerto Rico, it's necessary to know that public transportation often falls short. Keep this in mind when planning how long you want to stay.

The bulk of the San Juan metropolitan area – comprising the municipalities of San Juan, Bayamón, and some parts of Carolina – is served by buses run by Autoridad Metropolitana de Autobuses (AMA), but the routes and pick-up times are unreliable.

A road trip to the beautiful central mountain range, the beaches of the northwest, or the southwestern desert requires a rental car.

Cars can go up or down in price depending on the season, but you’ll get more out of your trip if you’re driving as you can make all the stops you need to take photographs at the amazing miradores (lookout points) sprinkled along Expressway 22 in the north or Route 66 in the northwest.

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3. Don’t expect to see the whole island in one trip

Puerto Rico is 100 miles long and 35 miles wide, but don't let that fool you – the geography is anything but small in scale and there are many things you'll want to do while you're there. The island has a surface area of 3515 sq miles, and white, sandy beaches are only one of the natural wonders you’ll experience in Puerto Rico.

Visitors can marvel at bioluminescent bays, caves that are thousands of years old and adorned with Taino hieroglyphics, and a wealth of rivers, canyons, high mountain peaks, and salt flats.

While a lot of tourist attractions and popular bars are in San Juan, real Puerto Rican culture is often best encountered in places outside of the metropolitan area. It can take up to three hours to get from one side of the island to the other, and there are bound to be some roads that are either closed or temporarily closed for repairs.

Traveling from one end of the island to the other can be a breeze if you use the expressways, or it can be a long rollercoaster ride via the island’s beautiful backroads.

Expect delays due to construction and improvement work along major highways, and be prepared for epic traffic jams during the peak commuter hours, from 6am to 9am and 4pm to 7pm.

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4. Pack bathing suits and your Sunday best

As a former Spanish colony, Puerto Rico was left with a legacy of Spanish colonial practices, including widespread Catholicism, also common in other nearby Latin American countries such as Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Puerto Ricans tend to be quite conservative when it comes to dress codes and the places where these apply. In Old San Juan – where the governor’s mansion, La Fortaleza is located – it’s common to see workers in full suits or long shirts regardless of the tropical heat.

Flip flops are usually reserved for the beach or super-casual situations, such as trips to kiosks and beachside restaurants, or riverside walks. You’ll stick out like a sore thumb if you show up at the main mall, Plaza las Américas, in your swimsuit.

Some clubs have dress codes too, requiring men and women to wear smart shoes. Pack your bathing suit and flip flops, but also bring some dressy outfits for going out at night and clothes that cover the knees and shoulders if you plan to visit any religious sites.

5. Buy tickets ahead for tours and attractions

If you’re planning to join a snorkeling trip, go on a catamaran tour, or eat at the 1919 Restaurant in the Vanderbilt Hotel, book your spot ahead of time. Trust us, planning ahead will be a game-changer.

6. Don’t expect everyone to speak English

Regardless of Puerto Rico’s modern political status, Spanish remains the language most widely spoken on the island. While you’ll find plenty of Puerto Ricans who speak near-perfect English, you're most likely to meet these people in the metropolitan area and peripheral cities such as Caguas, Bayamón, Guaynabo, Carolina, and Trujillo Alto.

Even in Old San Juan, where restaurant and tourism industry workers will speak to you in English without a problem, it’s considerate to ask someone if they speak English before continuing. If you're venturing outside of the main tourist zones, brush up on your Spanish, be patient and courteous and you’ll make fast friends with island residents.

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7. Discuss politics with care

Conversations about the island's political situation can get heated and emotional – the subject of the islands' status is a controversial one, and Puerto Ricans' views vary widely.

The best approach is to come to these conversations with an open mind and remember that Puerto Rican politics and US politics are incredibly different. There's much to be gained by just listening to Puerto Ricans' stories and hopes for what they want to see the island become in the future.

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8. Be ready to sample the full range of Puerto Rican cuisine

Don’t let the tasty street snacks – pernil (roast pork), alcapurrias (stuffed, fried fritters), and bacalaitos (codfish fritters) – steal all your attention. While these traditional and delicious foods are prevalent, Puerto Rican cuisine is vast and complicated, with influences that range from West Africa to Spain and Asia.

You’ll find vegetarian-friendly restaurants such as vegan cafe El Grifo in Caguas and 100% HP in San Juan. Then there's the fine dining experience at the internationally renowned 1919 Restaurant inside the Vanderbilt Hotel in Condado or the French restaurant Trois Cent Onze.

Puerto Rico has a host of extraordinarily talented home-grown chefs and wonderful influences from other countries, such as the island's ubiquitous Puerto Rican-Chinese restaurants, which are typically family-run and cozy. Come for the mofongo (mashed fried plantains) and pernil, but stay for the surprising breadth of culinary experiences that await in Puerto Rico.

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9. Be ready for the real “island time”

It’s tempting to think of Puerto Rico as a laid-back escape where the majority of the time is spent going to the beach or hanging around in the sun.The reality is that the island is centered on a busy, metropolitan city, with people rushing to work early in the morning, and traffic jams at the end of long workdays.

If you need to do any errands, plan ahead, because government offices, fast food restaurants, bakeries, and supermarkets will almost always have long lines. Making a scene or looking exasperated because the cashier took a little bit more time than usual will most likely earn you some dirty looks.

You’re on vacation; enjoy the slower pace and go with the flow. You’ll soon learn the art of Puerto Rican small talk and taking a breather while you wait.

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10. Be aware of the hurricane season

Hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June 1 to November 30, and while Puerto Rico isn’t typically hit by hurricanes, when they do hit, they can be devastating. When booking hotels and plane tickets during hurricane season, always check with your airline about their natural disaster policies.

If you get stuck in Puerto Rico during a hurricane, your hotel will likely have an emergency plan. Tourists are well taken care of on the island, so ask your lodging about contingency measures before you go.

This is not to say you can’t travel during the hurricane season – indeed, June to November is one of the most wonderful seasons on the island. Just keep an eye on the news and monitor your favorite weather app for warnings of approaching storms.

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11. Exercise caution on Puerto Rico's beaches

Beaches in Puerto Rico are beautiful, with crisp white sand and crystal clear waters for all to enjoy. However, there are usually no lifeguards on duty, and if you’re staying on the Atlantic coast in the north, the ocean tends to be choppier compared to the mild waves of the Caribbean in the south.

You can usually spot rip currents and whirlpools by the appearance of the surface of the water, which will look different from the water where waves are moving towards the beach.

Don’t panic if you do get caught in one – the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends conserving your energy and swimming parallel to the shore until you get out of the current. While rip currents can be deadly, they rarely pull people under the water, just away from the shore.

Exercise caution when swimming with children and if you see a patch of water or a beach that’s completely empty, that’s usually for a reason. This could be jellyfish, spiky sea urchins, or strong undercurrents.

When visiting the beach, don’t bring flashy jewelry, expensive cameras, or leave purses out in the open, as pickpockets can be an issue on high-traffic tourist beaches such as Ocean Park and Isla Verde.

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12. Exercise the same caution you would use in a big city back home

Puerto Rico is generally safe for travelers but keep an eye out for risks such as dark, empty streets in Old San Juan and other San Juan neighborhoods. In particular, exercise caution when venturing out to clubs in Santurce – this is a high-crime area at night.

Some beaches in urban areas aren’t safe to hang out at night either. There’s no police presence and these beaches tend to be hidden behind hotels and residences with little to no lighting, providing an excellent opportunity for petty crime.

Research the area where you’re staying and try to speak to someone who already lives there or has visited to gauge safety levels.

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13. Don’t skimp on sunblock and bug spray

Caribbean sunlight can hit hard if you’re not used to it. The islands are close to the equator and get hit directly by the sun, with noon to 4pm being the most punishing hours of the day. Don’t skimp on sunblock – aim for SPF50 or higher – and you'll avoid nasty burns.

Any local will tell you that bugs – especially mosquitoes – are a nuisance on summer nights. In the worst cases, they can also carry tropical diseases such as dengue fever, Zika, and chikungunya.

Your best protection against bugs is to wear a lot of DEET-based bug spray, especially in areas close to bodies of sitting water, such as mangroves, lagoons and lakes.

13 things to know before heading to Puerto Rico (2024)

FAQs

13 things to know before heading to Puerto Rico? ›

Limit the cash you carry and take only what you need. After all, most places accept credit cards. Finally, be respectful of residents.

What should you know before going to Puerto Rico? ›

What To Know Before Going to Puerto Rico
  • Researching the language of Puerto Rico. ...
  • Don't expect everyone to speak English. ...
  • Don't wear flashy jewelry. ...
  • No Passport is needed to travel to Puerto Rico. ...
  • You must take the COVID test within 72 hours of arrival. ...
  • Learn the customs. ...
  • Research safety.

What are the do's and don'ts in Puerto Rico? ›

Here are our top safety tips for traveling to Puerto Rico:
  • Be careful of your belongings. ...
  • Try to blend in. ...
  • Learn some Spanish. ...
  • Understand local laws. ...
  • Be careful at night, especially in San Juan, and stay away from housing projects. ...
  • Watch for changes in weather and weather warnings.
  • Be careful in the rainforest.
Feb 6, 2024

Should I carry cash in Puerto Rico? ›

Limit the cash you carry and take only what you need. After all, most places accept credit cards. Finally, be respectful of residents.

How far does the US dollar go in Puerto Rico? ›

In Puerto Rico, $1 holds the same value as it does throughout the United States.

Is Puerto Rico tap water safe to drink? ›

It is perfectly safe to drink water from the faucet. The CDC and World Health Organization state that Puerto Rico's drinking water is safe to drink. Restaurants, bars, hotels, and homes use faucet water to wash, drink and cook. Alternatively, some businesses and homes install water filters for a purer taste.

What to watch out for in Puerto Rico? ›

Hurricane season in Puerto Rico, typically spanning from June to November, is a crucial factor for travelers to consider when planning their visit. During this period, the island can experience hurricanes or tropical storms, which may lead to severe weather conditions.

What to stay away from in Puerto Rico? ›

While you might hear about the statistics for homicides, a vast majority of the violence in Puerto Rico is between gang members, and not between citizens and tourists. During your time on the island, as long as you stay away from drugs, guns, and don't go looking for trouble, you'll be okay.

What is considered taboo in Puerto Rico? ›

Homosexuality is a taboo subject in Puerto Rican society, owing to their Roman Catholic heritage and a culture that places a lot of emphasis on machismo. Nevertheless, Puerto Rico is more tolerant than many Caribbean nations.

What's the best month to go to Puerto Rico? ›

December through March, considered winter, or dry season, in Puerto Rico, are the most pleasant months.

How much money should I bring to Puerto Rico for 4 days? ›

The average daily budget for a trip to Puerto Rico can vary widely depending on your travel style and preferences. However, a reasonable estimate is around $100 to $150 per day, which includes accommodations, food, transportation, and activities. Of course, this can be higher or lower depending on your choices.

Can I use my U.S. debit card in Puerto Rico? ›

Ally customers can use our Allpoint® ATM locator to easily find the nearest location anywhere in the U.S. (and in Canada, Puerto Rico, United Kingdom, Mexico and Australia.) Using your debit card while on vacation can be a solid strategy for avoiding a serious case of buyer's remorse when you return home.

Is tipping customary in Puerto Rico? ›

Tipping in Puerto Rico is just as common as in the U.S. It is part of the service economy and taxation system. Tipping is generally the same as it would be here in the United States. Gratuity may be included in bills in restaurants for parties of six or more.

Is Puerto Rico expensive to eat? ›

Food and drinks: Puerto Rico is a food lover's paradise, and you don't have to break the bank to enjoy delicious meals. At budget restaurants, you can expect to spend around $10 to $15 per meal. However, if you opt for street food or convenience store meals, you can save even more.

How much money do I need for 1 week in Puerto Rico? ›

For mid-range travelers, you can expect to pay around $200 per night on average. This equates to $1,400 for a week-long trip. And for luxury travelers, you're looking at around $350+ per night, or around $2,450+ for a 7-day trip to Puerto Rico.

What are 5 interesting facts about Puerto Rico? ›

10 Fun Facts About Puerto Rico Likely To Surprise You
  • Puerto Rico Is Not a Country. ...
  • El Yunque Is the Only Natural Rainforest in America's Forest System. ...
  • Puerto Rico “Rains” Frogs. ...
  • Puerto Rico Has Bioluminescent Beaches. ...
  • Puerto Rico Has Its Very Own Abyss Known As the Trench. ...
  • Puerto Rico Is Home to the Largest Rum Distillery.
Dec 8, 2023

Is travel to Puerto Rico safe right now? ›

Puerto Rico is generally safe for tourists, but hey—stay aware and cautious. Pickpockets and robbers are after the small treasures: cash, flashy jewelry, phones, and cameras. So keep a watchful eye, especially on public transport, bus stations, public beaches, restaurants, and venues.

Do you still need a Covid test to enter Puerto Rico? ›

Further information is available via the link below. Update 2022-06-29: According to information provided by authorities, it is no longer mandatory for international travellers to present a negative test result when entering Puerto Rico. Travellers are still required to show proof of full vaccination, however.

Is Puerto Rico expensive to vacation? ›

The average daily budget for a trip to Puerto Rico can vary widely depending on your travel style and preferences. However, a reasonable estimate is around $100 to $150 per day, which includes accommodations, food, transportation, and activities. Of course, this can be higher or lower depending on your choices.

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