Puerto Rico Travel Essentials

Planning a trip to Puerto Rico? Start here with the essentials—from entry requirements and the best time to visit to transportation, money, phones, electricity, and other practical information for your stay.

Plan Your Trip

Book your trip as early as possible. The earlier you book your flight and accommodations, the easier it is to do, specially if when looking for non-stop flights.

Before You Go

Best Time to Visit

Puerto Rico enjoys year round summer temperatures, an average annual temperature of 80°F (26°C). July and August represents another peak tourist seasons.

December–April
Peak travel season. Drier weather and high demand.

May–November
Warmer, wetter months with fewer visitors and often lower rates.

June–November
Atlantic hurricane season. Travel is still common, but flexible plans and travel insurance may be worth considering.

Explore Puerto Rico Weather →

Best Places to Visit

Looking for the best of the best? Ask anyone individual and you will get as many different answers as people you ask. Each person sees a different picture of Puerto Rico. Sights, sounds and experiences will forever be embedded in the memories of those who come to visit. The Best of the Best by Frommers offers recommendations to visitors for a must see places, cities, or scenery.

Passport & Entry Requirements

Find out what identification you'll need to travel to Puerto Rico.

Weather & Hurricane Season

Know what weather to expect and how hurricane season may affect your plans.

Where to Stay

Find hotels, resorts, paradores, and other places to stay throughout Puerto Rico.

Explore Places to Stay →

Getting To Puerto Rico

Explore your options for arriving in Puerto Rico.

Airports

Find Puerto Rico's main airports and which one works best for your destination.

Flights from the Mainland U.S.

Explore nonstop routes, major gateways, airlines and tips for flying to Puerto Rico.

Cruise Arrivals

Learn about Puerto Rico's cruise ports and what to expect when arriving by ship.

Getting Around

Renting a car is the easiest way to explore much of Puerto Rico, particularly outside metropolitan San Juan. Other options include rideshare services, taxis, public transportation, ferries and short flights to Vieques and Culebra.

Explore Transportation & Getting Around →

Driving

Valid resident country or international driver's license is required. You can drive for up to three months in Puerto Rico using your internationl driver's license.

Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. All the same rules as any part of the United States, except that the signs are in Spanish, the distance markers in kilometers and the gas sold in liters. In many rural areas, road signs are missing, and roadways can be narrow and winding.

Toll Roads

Puerto Rico has many toll roads, each toll being between $0.75 and $3.

For rates and further information on automobile transportation contact Puerto Rico's main maritime shipping agency; Sea Star Line, (www.seastarline.com) (787) 721-2330 or toll-free at 1 (877) 775-7447.

Money & Everyday Essentials

Currency: U.S. dollar

Credit cards: Widely accepted

Sales tax: IVU

Tipping: Similar to mainland U.S. customs

Electricity:
The electrical current in Puerto Rico is 110 volts/60 cycles, exactly the same as in the continental U.S. and Canada.

Cell phones: Major U.S. carriers

Internet Access:
Internet access is good in most cities, either through mobile data and Internet services provides. Mobile data coverage will be spotty in sparsely populated areas.

Drinking water:
It's generally safe to drink tap water in Puerto Rico, and tastes great. No need to buy bottled water.

Know Before You Go

Business Hours

Most commercial businesses operate from 8:30am or 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. Government offices are open 8:30am to 4:30pm. Banking hours are 9:30am to 3:30pm. Department stores and malls are generally open Monday through Thursday and Saturday from 8am to 6pm On Friday, stores have a long day: 8am to 9pm. Many stores also open on Sunday from 11am to 5pm.

Smoking Rules

Indoor smoking in public places is prohibited. This includes hotels, bars, restaurants and all other establishments where food and beverage are served. You must be over 18 years to buy tobacco products.

Health & Safety

Puerto Rico uses the 911 emergency system. Pharmacies are widely available, particularly in larger towns and cities. Travelers should bring needed prescription medications and check their health insurance coverage before traveling.

Accessibility

Accessibility varies considerably by location, particularly in historic areas such as Old San Juan. Major hotels, airports and newer attractions generally provide accessible facilities, but travelers with specific mobility needs should confirm accommodations and transportation in advance.

Emergency Number — 911

Call 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in Puerto Rico.

Pharmacies & Medical Care

Find practical information about pharmacies, hospitals, urgent care, and getting medical help while traveling.

Getting Married in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is the perfect destination for an unforgettable wedding. The island provides a wide range of location options that you can choose from, colornial forts, sandy beaches and tropical forests.

Learn about how to apply for a marriage lincense in Puerto Rico.

Traveling with Pets

Before taking a flight with your animal, have your veterinarian examine your pet to ensure that it is healthy enough to make the trip. Airlines and State health officials generally require health certificates for all animals transported by air. You will be required to:

• Outfit your pet with a sturdy collar and two identification tags. The tags should have both your permanent address and telephone number and an address and telephone number where you can be reached while traveling.
• Rabies quarantine certificate from veterinary doctor stating that pet has had a rabies shot.

For more information contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture Puerto Rico office, Veterinary Division at (787) 766-6050.

Traveling with Firearms

According to Federal Regulations, anyone carrying a firearm, must declare the firearm upon check-in, complete a Declaration of Armed Individual, and ask for further instructions.

Traveling to Vieques & Culebra

Vieques and Culebra are reached by passenger ferry from Ceiba or by short flights from the main island.

Culture & Local Know-How

Get familiar with Puerto Rico's language, customs, and local culture before your visit.

Language

Learn about the languages spoken in Puerto Rico and useful Spanish for your trip.

Culture & Local Know-How

Get to know Puerto Rican customs, everyday etiquette, and a few things visitors should know.

Travel Guides, Brochures & Maps

The Puerto Rico Tourism Company and other tourism organizations offer visitor guides, maps, and travel resources to help you plan your trip. You can also find maps and local publications at airports, hotels, visitor centers, and attractions around the island.

You can also buy maps practically at any store or gas station. Many recommend the Puerto Rico Adventure Map, which contains the most current and accurate map information available. If you are renting a car, the car rental agency may also provide you with a map, usually by request.

If you prefer to study your route before traveling you can purchase or download maps online.

Puerto Rico Tourism Company Offices

For official visitor information and current tourism resources, visit the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.

Puerto Rico Main Office
La Princesa Bldg. #2 Paseo La Princesa
Old San Juan, P.R. 00902

P.O. Box 902-3960
San Juan, P.R. 00902-3960
(787) 721-2400
1-800-866-7827

Other Resources

• Bureau of Consular Affairs U.S. Department of State
• Paradores de Puerto Rico Map Source: Frommer's Puerto Rico, 5th Edition
• Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association
• Business Insider Currency Converter
• U.S. State Department - Passport Services and Information

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