From practical inquiries about passports and currency to essential tips on weather and safety, here are the top 10 most frequently asked questions travelers have when planning a trip to Puerto Rico.
Here are the top 10 most frequently asked questions about traveling to Puerto Rico.
1. Do I need a passport to go to Puerto Rico?
Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, traveling there from the mainland United States is essentially considered a domestic flight. This means U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents do not require a passport to enter Puerto Rico. You will need a valid form of identification, however, such as a driver's license or other government-issued ID, just as you would for any domestic air travel within the United States. However, if you're a citizen of another country, you'll need to follow the regular U.S. immigration laws and visa requirements.
2. What is the currency in Puerto Rico?
The currency is the U.S. dollar, making financial transactions seamless for American travelers.
3. Is English widely spoken?
While Spanish is the dominant language, English is widely understood, especially in tourist areas.
4. What is the best time to visit?
The dry season from December to April offers the best weather, but transitional months like May and November offer a balance between crowds and climate.
5. Is it safe to drink the tap water?
Tap water is generally considered safe to drink, but if you have a sensitive stomach, bottled water is widely available.
6. What is the electrical plug type?
Puerto Rico uses the same electrical outlets as the U.S. (Type A and Type B), so travelers from the U.S. will not need an adapter.
7. Do I need to tip?
Tipping is customary in Puerto Rico, with 15-20% being the standard in restaurants and for other services.
8. What are the emergency numbers?
The general emergency number is 911, which covers police, fire, and medical emergencies.
9. Is Puerto Rico affected by hurricanes?
The island is in the Caribbean hurricane belt, with the hurricane season running from June to November.
10. What is the time zone?
Puerto Rico is in the Atlantic Standard Time zone and does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
