Essential Travel Information for Puerto Rico

Get all the essential travel information you need for your trip to Puerto Rico. From visa requirements and local currency to health and safety tips, find out what you need to know for a seamless and memorable experience in this Caribbean paradise.

Bargaining

Bargaining is generally not a widespread practice in Puerto Rico, especially in formal settings like malls, branded stores, or restaurants, where prices are fixed. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, and the commercial culture is largely influenced by that of the mainland United States, where haggling is not commonly accepted in most shopping scenarios.

Communication

In Puerto Rico, which is a U.S. territory, you'll generally find reliable Wi-Fi and phone service, especially in urban areas and tourist hotspots. However, like any location, the quality of service can vary depending on a range of factors, including the specific service provider and the region of the island you are in. Here's a breakdown:

Wi-Fi

Hotels and Resorts: Most hotels, resorts, and many vacation rentals offer Wi-Fi, often free of charge for guests. The quality and speed may vary depending on the establishment.
Cafés and Restaurants: Many cafés and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi, although you may need to make a purchase to receive the password.
Public Areas: Some cities, like San Juan, have public areas with free Wi-Fi access. However, the connection may not be as secure or as fast as other options.
Airports: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport and other regional airports offer Wi-Fi, usually with a time limit for free access.
Libraries and Business Centers: These can also provide internet access, though you may need to be a member or pay a small fee.
Prepaid Options: Portable Wi-Fi devices are available for tourists to rent or purchase, offering a way to have a personal, secure connection.

Phone Service

Coverage: Major U.S. carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile offer coverage in Puerto Rico. Signal strength is generally good in populated areas but can be weaker in remote regions or in the mountains.
Roaming: Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, most U.S.-based phone plans treat it as a domestic location, meaning that roaming charges are usually not a concern for U.S. visitors.
Local SIM Cards: For visitors from outside the U.S., purchasing a local SIM card might be a cost-effective way to have mobile service during your stay.
Prepaid Phones: These are also available for purchase at various retailers, providing an option for those who may not have a compatible or unlocked phone.
Emergency Numbers: The emergency number for police, fire, and medical services is 911, the same as in the mainland U.S.

Currency

Puerto Rico uses the United States Dollar (USD) as its official currency. This makes it convenient for travelers from the U.S., as there's no need to exchange currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most places, particularly in urban areas and tourist destinations. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors, public transportation, or in case you visit more remote areas where card payment options may be limited.

Electric Plugs

Puerto Rico uses the same type of electrical outlets as the United States: Type A and Type B.

Type A: This is a flat two-pin plug.
Type B: This is a flat three-pin plug, with two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin.

The standard voltage is 120 V, and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. This means that if you're traveling from the United States, you won't need a plug adapter or voltage converter for your devices.

Time Zone

Puerto Rico is in the Atlantic Time Zone (AT), which is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the mainland United States. Specifically, the time in Puerto Rico is UTC-4:00. Unlike most locations in the mainland U.S., Puerto Rico does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time remains the same year-round.

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is customary in Puerto Rico and follows similar guidelines to those in the mainland United States. Here's a general guide on tipping in various settings:

Restaurants and Bars

Full-service restaurants: It's standard to tip 15-20% of the total bill, depending on the quality of service.
Bars: $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the total tab is customary.

Hotels

Bellman: $1-2 per bag is typical.
Housekeeping: $2-5 per day is a good rule of thumb, and it's usually best to leave this daily as the cleaning staff may change.
Concierge: $5-10 for special services like securing difficult reservations.

Taxis and Rideshares

Taxi Drivers: 10-15% of the fare is standard, plus an additional dollar or two if they assist with bags.
Rideshare services (e.g., Uber): While tipping isn't mandatory, it is appreciated. Most apps allow you to tip directly via the app, and 15-20% is customary for good service.