Navigating Puerto Rico's vibrant culture and diverse landscapes becomes a more respectful and enriching experience when you're familiar with the local laws, etiquette, and religious customs.
Local Laws
Drinking Age: The legal drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18. It's illegal to consume alcohol in public places not designated for that purpose.
Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in public places like restaurants, bars, and hotels. This includes e-cigarettes and vaping.
Seatbelts and Car Seats: Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers in a vehicle. Children must be in an appropriate car seat until they are 8 years old or 4'9" tall.
Jaywalking: Although not heavily enforced, jaywalking is illegal, and pedestrians should cross the street at designated crosswalks.
Beach Attire: While beachwear is appropriate for the beach, it's considered impolite to wear swimsuits away from the beach, such as in restaurants or shops.
Cultural Etiquette and Customs
Greetings: A handshake is the standard greeting, often accompanied by direct eye contact and a smile. Close friends and family may greet each other with a hug or a kiss on the cheek.
Tipping: Tipping is customary in Puerto Rico, much like in the mainland U.S. A tip of 15-20% is standard in restaurants, and tipping is also expected for other services like taxis and tours.
Language: While many people speak English, especially in tourist areas, attempting a few words or phrases in Spanish is often appreciated.
Punctuality: Being slightly late is generally tolerated in social settings, but it's better to be on time, especially for business or formal events.
Dress Code: Puerto Ricans often dress casually but neatly. For religious or formal events, more conservative dress is appropriate.
Religion and Religious Customs
Predominant Religion: The predominant religion in Puerto Rico is Roman Catholicism, although there are also communities of Protestants and other Christian denominations.
Church Etiquette: If you plan to visit a church, it's respectful to dress modestly. Covering shoulders and knees is generally a good rule of thumb.
Religious Holidays: Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Christmas are significant religious events and can impact local business hours and availability of services.
Respect for Local Traditions: Religious processions or festivals may take place, especially in smaller towns. It's important to be respectful, even if you are just an observer.
