Take some time and travel to a tropical island. Hire a cast of thousands to play friendly, welcoming people most of whom speak English (in addition to their native Spanish). When you are looking for exotic locations, miles upon miles of white sand beaches, plus an unbelievable rain forest and mountains, you come to Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico is a modern progressive and civilized vacation spot that maintains the charm and hospitality of days gone by. You will find everything that the Caribbean has to offer in this all around family destination - and with it is a people whose warmth is equaled only by the sunshine that graces its shores.

When to Go
Puerto Rico enjoys year round summer temperatures, an average annual temperature of 80°F (26°C). The peak tourist season is between December and April, but this has more to do with the climate in U.S. mainland than anything else. The best time to avoid the crowds is the low season between May and November, which, unfortunately, coincides with hurricane season.

Best Places to Visit in Puerto Rico
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. See which places should be on the top of your list according to Escape to Puerto Rico's web site. In addition, The Best of the Best by Frommers offers recommendations to visitors for a must see places, cities, or scenery.

Customs and Immigration
There are no passports or visas necessary for United States citizens, which mean that US citizens can travel freely in and out of the island without going through immigration or customs. US citizens only need to have some form of official government issued picture identification to enter Puerto Rico such as a current driver's license or a photo-identification card issued to non-drivers by a state's motor vehicles department. For additional information, contact your local U.S. embassy. or call the Puerto Rico State Department at (787) 722-2121.

Citizens of other countries have the same requirements as for entering the USA. Potential visitors must first obtain a visa, either a non-immigrant visa for temporary stay or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. The 90-day "visitor" visa is a non-immigrant visa to enter the United States temporarily. Those planning to travel to Puerto Rico for a different purpose, such as study or temporary work, must apply for specialized visas (either an M-1 or F-1 class). A visa is not a guarantee of entry into Puerto Rico. The bearer of a visa is subject to inspection at the port of entry by U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials who have authority to deny admission (Homeland Security Advisor, La Fortaleza, P.O. Box 9020082, San Juan, PR 00902-0082 - 787-977-7730 / 7731).

At the airports in Puerto Rico, your luggage will be inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make sure you are not carrying prohibited fruits and plants to the mainland. Avocado, papaya, coconut and plantain can be taken to the U.S.; mango, sour sop, passion fruit and plants potted in soil cannot. Travelers carrying undeclared prohibited items will be fined on the spot. Articles from Vietnam, North Korea, Kampuchea or Cuba, illegal publications, lottery tickets, chocolate liqueurs or pre-Columbian artifacts may not be brought into the country.

Passing through customs should be routine and quick. If you are taking prescription drugs, make sure you have a copy of the prescription with you; otherwise you could be held up.

If you want a copy of what is and is not permitted back on the mainland, write the U.S. Agriculture Department, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737 or call (787) 796-1650.

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: 1) 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. 2) 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.

On July 22, 2004, President George W. Bush signed into effect the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004 (LEOSA). This law creates a mechanism by which qualified active and retired sworn law enforcement officers are permitted to carry a concealed weapon anywhere within the jurisdiction of the United States, subject to certain limitations, provided that officers are carrying their official badges and photographic identification.

The title defines the term "state" to include the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and all US possessions excluding the Panama Canal Zone.

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

For information on estimated tax liability contact the Puerto Rico Treasury Department ("Departamento de Hacienda, Negociado de Arbitrios Generales"), at (787) 721-1257. You can also contact the Office of Excise Taxes at (787) 721-6237 or (787) 721-0338 for assistance.

Embassies & Consulates
Because Puerto Rico is part of the United States, Puerto Rico is represented abroad by US Embassies and Consulates.

Puerto Rico hosts Consulates from 42 countries from the Western Hemisphere and Europe. Most consulates are located in San Juan.

Puerto Rico Tourism Company Offices
The Puerto Rican Tourism Company operates offices around the island and numerous regional offices in countries around the world. Some of them listed below.

Tourism Brochures and Other Literature

The Puerto Rico Tourism Company, the island's official tourist center, produces and distributes several publications. The most popular is Qué Pasa! magazine, a bimonthly magazine that extols Puerto Rico's vast number of tourist attractions and natural wonders available throughout the island. Featuring outstanding photography and packed with information, every issue of Qué Pasa! includes useful and fully updated lodging and restaurant listings, detailed full-color maps for touring the Island, engrossing feature articles plus vital information on Puerto Rico's history, local cuisine and night life, arts and crafts, folklore, sports and much more.

For a full information package, call the Puerto Rico Tourism Company at 1-800-866-7827, Que Pasa magazine is included in the package or sign up online for a free electronic subscription at: www.qpsm.com.

Some other magazines and guides to look for include: Tables Magazine, Places to Go, San Juan Guide, Bienvenidos and Go To Puerto Rico Travel Planner.

You can also buy maps practically at any store or gas station. Many recommend the Metro Data 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 Road Map 2007
• Puerto Rico Map by ITMB

Tourism

Receipts from visitors: U.S. $1,826,100,000 (1995)

Expenditures by national abroad: U.S. $833,000,000 (1995)

Tourist Receipts: U.S. $1,736,600,000 (1994)

Tourist Arrivals: 2,450,000

Time
Atlantic Standard Time (AST) (EST +1; GMT -4) all year around, which means that the island does not observe Daylight Saving (one hour later than Eastern Standard Time (EST) from October to April, and the same as Eastern Daylight Saving Time from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October).

For the exact time of day call: 787-728-9595.

Travel Time Reference

From Puerto Rico To	By Air	By Sea
New York	3 ½ hours	2 ½ days
Los Angeles	8 hours	10 days
Miami	2 ½ hours	2 days
Atlanta	3 ¼ hours
Washington, DC	3 ½ hours
Chicago and Dallas	4 ½ hours
Toronto	4 ¼ hours
Europe	8 hours	14 days
Madrid	7 ¾ hours
Paris	10 hours
Brussels	10 ¼ hours
London	12 hours
Caracas	2 1/2 hours
Mexico City	5 3/4 hours
Sao Paolo	11 hours

Estimated travel time to arrive to major cities and other attractions from San Juan.

From	To	Time (hours)	Kilometers/Miles
San Juan	Aguadilla	2	130km/81mi
	Camuy Caverns	1 ½	80km/55mi
	El Yunque	¾	55km/35mi
	Fajardo	¾	54km/34mi
	Mayagüez	2 ½	160km/98mi
	Ponce	1 ½	112km/70mi

Economic Development
Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company, (888) 577-4326.

Chamber of Commerce
Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce/Camara de Comercio, (787) 721-6060.

Foreign Chamber of Commerce
Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce in the U.S., Box 899, Ansonia Sta., New York, NY 10016.

Health and Medical Facilities
Health standards in Puerto Rico are generally comparable with those of the United States, its medical facilities are among the finest in the Caribbean. There are physicians and hospitals in all cities. For more information contact the "Departamento de Salud" (Department of Health), (787) 766-1616.

Physicians 1 doctor per 523 people

Hospital beds (1 per 381 persons) (1993-94)

Infant mortality rate: total: 9.14 deaths/1,000 live births (2006 est.)

Vital Records

You may request a birth, death or marriage certificate by mail you must provide the following information:

1. Complete and sign the corresponding application form: (Birth Certificate, Death Certificate or Marriage Certificate).
2. Photocopy of a valid photo ID. Acceptable forms of identification include: drivers license, state ID, passport, or an identification card from a welfare program such as food stamps, from the Veterans Administration, from a state or federal agency, or from an accredited university. All forms of identification are subject to approval.
3. Postal money order or a Internal Revenue Seal for the amount of $5.00 made payable to: "Secretario de Hacienda de Puerto Rico". For each additional copy of the same certificate add $4.00. Personal checks or other methods of payments are not accepted.
4. Send a self addressed stamped envelope (with address clearly printed) along with the money order/seal and application to the following address:
   

   Department of Health Demographic Registry
   

   P.O. Box 11854
   

   San Juan, Puerto Rico 00917

If you need more information or need to verify current fees, the telephone number is (787) 767-9120. Requests usually take six weeks.

Getting Married
Puerto Rico offers a wide variety of services for those wishing to get married in paradise.

Marriage License Information
Marriage license papers may be requested in writing from the Dept. of Health, Demographic Registry Office, Box 11854, Fernandez Juncos Station, Santurce, PR 00910 (allow 2 months) or call (787) 728-7980.

1. Both parties must appear at the City Court office to purchase a marriage license. Persons 16-17 years of age must have the consent of their parents or legal guardians to marry. Blood tests are required.



2. If either party is a citizen or resident of a country other than the U.S, a declaration certifying that he or she is not married must be sworn before a Notary Public or other person authorized to administer paths in that country. This declaration must accompany the application.



3. If applicable, divorce must be finalized in the state or country where it was granted. A divorced person must provide a 'certified'
copy of his or her final divorce decree, and a person whose former spouse has died must provide a certified copy of death certificate with a raised seal prior to a marriage license being granted.

With the above hand you need to obtain a medical certificate from a physician in Puerto Rico (VDRL blood test required), such document will expire in 14 days. Lastly you visit the Marriage License Bureau to have all the documents authenticated. Once your documents are in order you may be married at the free weekly Judicial Center ceremony or at a $150-200 private ceremony (your hotel may set this up).

Getting Divorced

A petition for divorce (or "dissolution") in Puerto Rico must be filed and decided in court. The court will also deal with such matters as alimony, custody, child support, property settlement, attorney's fees and court costs.

A couple applying for a divorce must have resided in the island for at least a year immediately before filing the divorce petition, regardless of the location where they were married. For more information call (787) 641-6600 or send your questions via e-mail to buzon@tribunales.gobierno.pr.

Handicapped Facilities
For information call: (787) 721-2800, Ex. 1549.

Accommodations
Puerto Rico offers a huge variety of lodgings that will appeal to a multiplicity of personalities and pocketbooks. There are 12,000 hotel rooms available in Puerto Rico (1998), 50% are located in the San Juan area. The government sponsors "Paradores Puertorriqueños", a group of 18 inns located throughout the island. Quality and prices varies among the group. A centralized reservation and information system has been set up. (From the U.S., call 1-800-443-0266. Outside of the San Juan metro area, call 1-800-981-7575. Within the San Juan area, call (787) 721-2884.)

If you are planning on renting, buying or leasing property on the island, Real Estate Agencies offer a variety of services, whether it is a small quiet home or a vacation rental, real estate agents will provide you with the information you need. There is a wide selection of rental properties available in San Juan and throughout the island at beach and resort areas.

For detailed information consult Escape to Puerto Rico lodging directory.

Courtesy & Dress
Puerto Ricans are a gentle and friendly people. The island feels more like Latin America than the United States. Swim wear is fine for the beach and leisure wear for the resorts, but elsewhere a little dressing up is in order. Night time in San Juan is somewhat informal.

Light and loose cotton clothing is the best bet year-round for Puerto Rico's warm tropical climate. Pack a sweater for cool season evenings or if you plan to visit the mountain regions.

There are no nudist facilities (camps and/or beaches) in Puerto Rico. Nudism is illegal in Puerto Rico.

Currency
Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the US and uses the dollar. The US dollar is often referred to as the "peso".

Currency Exchange
Currency Exchange can be arranged through many institutions in Puerto Rico, including:

• Banco Popular. Foreign currency exchange: any branch. International division, second floor, 1500 Ponce de León, corner Europa, Santurce, (787) 723-0077.
• Caribbean Foreign Exchange. 201B Tetuan, Old San Juan. (787) 722-8222.
• Thomas Cook Foreign Exchange. International Airport, Isla Verde. (787) 791-1960, (787) 791-2233. Popular Center Building, Hato Rey (787) 754-2228.
• Scotia Bank of Puerto Rico. Canadian exchange only. Any branch. (787) 758-8989.
• Western Union. Cable money transfer. All Pueblo supermarkets (800) 325-4046.

Banking hours are 9am to 3:30pm.

Currency Exchange Rates

Credit Cards
All major credit cards are widely accepted: American Express, Visa, Diner's Club, Discovery, Master Card and other Bank credit cards.

Relative Costs

Budget meal: US $3-15

Moderate restaurant meal: US $15-30

Top-end restaurant meal: US $30 and up

Budget room: US $40-75

Moderate hotel: US $75-200

Top-end hotel: US $200 and up

Taxes & Tips
Puerto Rico has a 5.5% sales tax. Municipalities have the option of imposing an additional sales tax of up to 1.5% (effective on November 15, 2006). In addition, in the event that the governor determines an insufficiency in collections for the general fund an additional 1% to the central government will be imposed.

Tipping is much the same as in the States. In hotels, major restaurants and nightclubs services charges are usually included. However, many inexpensive restaurants do not add service charge. If it isn't, tip between 15% and 20%.

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.

Casinos
They are located in many hotels around the Island. Proper dressing should be observed by men and women. People under 18 are not allowed.

Shopping
Shoppers from the Caribbean and beyond are drawn to metropolitan San Juan, Plaza Las Americas in Hato Rey is the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean, containing 190 stores, including J.C. Penney's, Sears, Macy's, and dozens of smaller stores for clothing, gifts, electronics, cosmetics, etc. (787) 767-1525. Other commercial centers: Plaza Carolina in Carolina, Río Hondo in Levittown, Plaza del Carmen in Caguas and Mayagüez Mall in Mayagüez, Plaza de Aguadilla in Aguadilla, and Plaza del Caribe in Ponce.

In almost all cities there are regional commercial centers. Retail stores like: Sears, Wal-Mart, Kmart and JCPenny anchor shopping centers and malls alongside locally owned shops and island chain stores.

Do not forget that Puerto Rico is a large producer of rum, with many different types ranging from light rums for mixing with soft drinks to dark brandy-type rums. Hand made cigars can still be found in Old San Juan and Puerta de Tierra. A wide variety of imported goods from all over the world are available. Local artesanías include wooden carvings, musical instruments, lace, ceramics, hammocks, masks and basket-work.

Craft Shops
For information about island crafts and visits to island artisans, contact:

• Fomento Crafts Program (787) 758-4747 Ext. 2291.
• Puerto Rico Tourism Company artisan office (787) 721-2400 Ext. 2201, 2080.
• Institute of Puerto Rican Culture Popular Arts Center (787) 722-0621.

Transportation
Transportation facilities have been expanded to meet the requirements of the expanding Puerto Rican economy.

Maritime Transportation
The main passenger port is San Juan. The San Juan Harbor is the fourth busiest in the Western Hemisphere, and is ranked among the top 17 of the world's ports in terms of container movement. Port activities are controlled by the Puerto Rico Maritime Shipping Authority, which the government privatized.

There is no regular passenger service to Puerto Rico by sea, but more than a million passengers visit the island on cruise ships every year.

Tonnage grew 15.6% between 1995 and 1997. Ponce, Puerto Rico's main south port, had a tonnage growth of 57% to 852,713 during Fiscal Year 1997.

Ports: Aguadilla, Arecibo, Fajardo, Guanica, Guayanilla, Guayama, Mayagüez, Playa de Ponce, and San Juan.

Cruise Lines
The following cruise lines run services to San Juan: Carnival Cruises(tel. 1-800-327-9501; fax 1-305-406-4740; www.carnival.com), Celebrity Cruises (tel. 1-800-722-5941 or 1-800-280-3423; www.celebrity.com), Costa Cruises (tel. 1-800-462-6782; fax 1-305-358-7325; www.costacruises.com), Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises (tel. 1-800-421-0522; fax 310-284-2845; www.princess.com), Radisson Seven Seas Cruises (tel. 1-800-285-1835 or 954-776-6123; fax 954-772-3763; www.rssc.com) Royal Caribbean International (tel. 1-800-327-6700 or 305-539-6000; fax 800-722-5329; www.royalcaribbean.com), Seabourn Cruise Line, Silver Sea Cruise Line and Windstar Cruises.

Merchant Marine

total: 3 ships (1000 GRT or over) 87,789 GRT/50,138 DWT

by type: roll on/roll off 3

foreign-owned: 3 (US 3)

registered in other countries: 1 (St Vincent and the Grenadines 1) (2008)




Air Transportation
Puerto Rico airports handle domestic, US and international flights to and from the Island on a daily basis. There is a total of 30 airports (23 usable) in Puerto Rico, including Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), which ranks 37th among passenger airports in the U.S., and 26th, out of 250 American airports, in cargo movement. The airport receives over 10 million passengers per year making it the busiest airport in the Caribbean in terms of movement of passengers. Conveniently located 14km (9 miles) northeast of San Juan. The Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport is owned and managed by the Puerto Rico Ports Authority and is served by Air Canada, AirTran Airways, American Airlines, BWIA, Continental, Delta Air Lines, Iberia, Lufthansa, Northwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, TWA, United Airlines, US Airways and Virgin Atlantic, among others. Airport facilities include: restaurants, bars and fast-food outlets, bank, post office, duty-free shops and car hire.

Airports: 29 (2007)

Airports with scheduled flights: 10

Airport	City	Code	Phone	Runway length (ft)
Luis Muñoz Marín Intl	Carolina	SJU	(787) 253-3522	10,002
Isla Grande	San Juan	SJG	(787) 729-8711
Rafael Hernández	Aguadilla	BQN	(787) 891-2286	11,700
Eugenio María de Hostos	Mayaguez	MAZ	(787) 833-0148	4900
Mercedita	Ponce	PSE	(787) 842-6292	5,529
Humacao	Humacao	HUC	(787) 852-8188
Diego Jiménez Torres	Fajardo	FAJ	(787) 860-3110
Benjamin Rivera Noriega	Culebra	CPX	(787) 742-0022	2600
Antonio Rivera Rodriguez	Vieques	VQS	(787) 741-0515	3400
Antonio Juarbe	Arecibo	ABO	(787) 881-2072	3900

For Airports listings consult EPR Business Search.

Airports with paved runways

total: 17

over 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 5 (2007)

Airport with total unpaved runways

total: 12

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 10 (2007)

Railways

total: 96 km

narrow gauge: 96 km 1.000-m gauge (2006)

Roadways

total: 25,735 km

paved: 24,353 km (includes 427 km of expressways)

unpaved: 1,382 km (2005)

Air transport

passenger arrivals/departures: 9.5 million

air cargo: 835.0 million pounds

ocean cargo: 9.3 million tons (1999)

Airlines
San Juan has become the hub for flights from the US and Canada to other Caribbean destinations. Flights to San Juan from major US cities are offered by many airlines such as American (tel. 1-800-433-7300; www.aa.com), American Eagle, American Trans Air, British Airways, Carnival, Continental (tel. 787-890-2990), Copa, Delta (tel. 1-800-221-1212; www.delta.com), Flamenco, jetBlue Airways (tel. 1-800-538-2583), Hill Aviation, Iberia, KLM, LASCA, LIAT, Mexicana, Northwest, PanAm, Spirit Airlines (tel. 787-772-7117), Sunaire Express, Towers Air, TWA, United (tel. 1-800-241-6522; www.united.com), US Airways (tel. 1-800-428-4322; www.usairways.com), Vieques Air-link.

Several local airlines operate services within Puerto Rico, including American Eagle, Flamenco and Vieques Air Link, and they have offices either at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, or the Isla Grande airport. There are 4 daily American Eagle flights between San Juan and Ponce. Flamenco Airways flies to Culebra and St Thomas from Fajardo and San Juan. Some charter or inter-island flights leave from the Isla Grande airport.

For Airlines listings consult EPR Business Search.

Book Your Trip!

Ground Transportation

Highways

total: 25,328 km

paved: 23,665 km

unpaved: 1,363 km (2004 est.)

Roads
Las Americas Expressway has reduced travel time from San Juan, in the North, to Ponce, in the South, to approximately ninety (90) minutes.


Maps

• Puerto Fly & Drive Map - It includes a list of attractions to visit per region!

Highway and Road Maps

• East
• East-Center
• West-Center
• West

Source: Mapa de Carreteras by DTOP

Vehicles/Automobiles: 3,167,862 (2000)
All vehicles available in Puerto Rico are imported, mainly from the U.S. Due to transportation costs and import taxes, prices may be higher than in the U.S. Taxes apply to both new and used vehicles.



Driving
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.
During the first 120 days since arrival, a non-resident may operate motor vehicles in Puerto Rico if that person possesses a valid, unexpired license issued by any state of the U.S.A. or by any foreign country that imposes requirements similar to Puerto Ricos to grant a driver's license. For longer stays, any person may obtain a Puerto Rico driver's license simply by requesting one and paying the corresponding fees. The license issued by the state or foreign country will not be withheld. A person must be at least eighteen years old to qualify for a driver's license. A person between sixteen and eighteen years old may be issued a license to drive with a legal guardian authorization.




How to obtain a driver license?
The process of obtaining a Puerto Rico driver license is easy to follow. When you apply for your license, take the following basic information: Social security card, ID with your full name, residential and postal address, date of birth and driver's license number (if applicable).

Learners Permit Certificate
A learner's license allows you to practice driving while accompanied by a licensed adult age 21 or older. You must be at least 16 to apply. You can study for the written permit test using the Driver's Manual provided by the DTOP available online.

To apply you must provide the following:

• Photocopy of your Social Security card
• Complete the Application for Driver License (form DTOP-775), including medical certificate and "patria potestad" or emancipation certificate, if younger than 18 years.
• Evidence that you are 16 years old or older, like a birth certificate or passport.
• Pass the written exam
• Three 2"x2" photographs
• Internal Revenue Seal of $10.00

Driver's License

• Learners Permit Certificate with at least 30 days of expedition
• Pass the driving exam
• Three 2"x2" photographs
• Internal Revenue Seal of $10.00

If you wish to retake the exam you should present an Internal Revenue Seal of $5.00.

Renew of Driver's License

• Complete the Application for Driver License, including medical certificate
• Two 2"x2" photographs
• Internal Revenue Seal of $10.00, if your license has expired you must present one for $20.00

If your license has been expired for more than 2 years and 30 days, you must take the written exam applicable for your license type.

Driver's License for New Residents

New residents must obtain a valid Puerto Rico driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency and may register to vote after 30 days. If you are a U.S. Citizen and you have a valid out-of-state license you must provide the following:

• Take an eye exam
• Pass the written exam, (if you are over 25 and your current license has no outstanding violations, the written exam could be waived)
• Internal Revenue Seal of $10.00

Duplicate of Driver's License

• Affidavit on the loss of the license, indicating that has not been occupied by the Police or suspended by some court of Justice
• Two 2"x2" photographs
• Internal Revenue Seal of $5.00
• Identification with photo

How to obtain a driver's record?
You may request a driver record by mail by providing the following information:

• Full name as it appears on your driver's license
• Social Security number
• License number
• Reason for the request
• Address to which the record should be mailed
• Daytime telephone number
• Photocopy of a valid photo identification, preferably your Puerto Rico driver's license
• Money order in the amount of $1.50 made out to: Secretario de Hacienda.

Mail to:
Secretario de Hacienda
División de Servicio
Apartado 41243
San Juan, PR 00940-1240

Requests usually take 2 to 3 business days and mailed out via first class US Mail.

Driving Directions

From:
- Street

- City, State [or Zip]



To:
- Street

- City, State [or Zip]

Public Transportation
The Metropolitan Bus Authority (AMA and Metrobus) operates in the San Juan Metropolitan area, serving eight cities (San Juan, Trujillo Alto, Toa Baja (Levittown), Guaynabo, Cataño, Bayamón, Carolina and Loíza (vía Piñones)). Stops are marked by magenta, orange and white signs which read Parada. Buses run between certain hours, usually until 10:00 p.m. For route, terminals or schedule information, contact the AMA at (787) 767-7979.

There are also mini-buses ("carros públicos" or "guaguas"), usually carrying 10 to 14 people. Públicos are a good way of getting around, but be prepare to wait for the car to fill up, which may take from 10 minutes to few hours, for additional information call (787) 765-7733.

Taxis
The Tourism Taxi Program, recently instituted by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, has simplified the fare structure between the airport and several major tourism zones in the San Juan area.

Charge set rates as follows:

Zone 1: International Airport to Isla Verde and Punta Las Marias $10

Zone 2: Airport to Condado, Ocean Park and Miramar $14

Zone 3: Airport to Old San Juan, Tourism Piers and Puerta de Tierra $19

Zone 4: Piers to Old San Juan $7

Zone 5: Piers to Puerto de Tierra $7

Zone 6: Piers to Condado, Miramar and Convention Center $12

Zone 7: Piers to Isla Verde $19



Shopping Center Flat Rates Plaza Las Americas/Piers: $14

Plaza Las Americas/Airport: $18

Piers/Plaza Carolina: $24

Airport/Plaza Carolina: $14





All taxis are metered, rates start at $1.75 with increments of 1/19 mile x $0.10 = $1.90 per mile, waiting time each 25 seconds $0.10; .50&ceent; for the first 3 pieces of luggage, extra on at $1 ea. Meter Rates & Flat Rate do not include Tolls. To verify rates contact the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (Transportation Division) 787-999-2100 or 1-866-2GOTOPR to verify current tariffs during your traveling dates.

For Taxi Cabs listings consult EPR Business Search.

Car Rental
Agencies are located around the island. Includes: AAA, Afro, Avis, Budget, Charlie, Discount, Hertz, L & M, Leaseway, National, Popular Leasing, Target, Thrifty, and Vias. Rates might be a little higher than U.S.

For Car Rental or Limousine Services listings consult EPR Business Search.

Railroads
96 km rural narrow-gauge system for hauling sugar cane (2003)

The Tren Urbano (urban train) is a 10.7 mile (17.2 km) metropolitan rapid-transit system which links the central business district to residential and employment areas in San Juan, Bayamón, and Guaynabo. At the present the Tren Urbano is composed of 16 stations, ten of which are elevated, four at grade or in open cuttings, and two underground.

Plans for other phases will extend the system to the Minillas Government Center in Santurce, the municipality of Carolina, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in Isla Verde, Old San Juan, and Caguas.

The train runs everyday with from 5:30am to 11:30pm. The one way rate is $1.50, students, Golden age (60 to 74 years of age) and handicaps .75¢ and free rides for passengers 75 years of age or older or 6 years of age and younger. The fare includes a one-way transfer to ride the bus. For information call: 1-866-900-1ATI (1284).

Titles, Deeds and Land Records
Land records are available through the Registros de la Propiedad. There are 29 offices that serve specific municipalities, neighborhoods or sectors. To obtain information from these records it is usually necessary to know the name of the purchaser, the approximate date of purchase and the city in which the land was then located. To obtain certified copies write to or call Registro de la Propiedad, Oficina de la Directora Administrativa, Departamento de Justicia, Piso 3, Calle Olimpo, Esq. Axtmayer, Pda. 11, Miramar, Puerto Rico P.O. Box 9020192, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00902-0192, (787) 723-8960, (787)723-7560, Fax (787)725-8925.

Moving to Puerto Rico
When considering transporting automobiles, furniture and other large household items over land and sea, remember that it may be more economical to sell certain items than it is to ship them -- for instance, older cars valued at less than a thousand dollars.

Shipping a car or household items usually takes from 7 to 14 days, assuming that the request was received at least a 1 to 2 week in advance. Check with your local marines cargo company or an authorized trucking company for schedules and prices.

In addition, contact the Office of Excise Taxes at (787) 721-6237 or (787) 721-0338 in Puerto Rico to obtain an approximate amount for the excise tax you will need to pay to bring your vehicle to the island. You will need to provide vehicle information: make, model, year, automatic/standard, and number of doors.

License plates are not transferable. License stickers are renewed every year at which time you will have to pay $35 annual fee for no fault insurance and $65 for annual registration. For more information contact the Departamento de Transportación y Obras Publicas at (800) 981-3021 or (787) 729-2929.

To obtain further information visit Escape to Puerto Rico's Visitor Information section.

Water & Sewage
The island is served by Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority's (PRASA) ("Autoridad de Acueductos y Alcantarillados") extensive system of over 10,000 miles of water mains and aqueducts and 2,000 miles of sewage lines. Puerto Rico's water quality is subject to the same regulated EPA standards that apply on the U.S. mainland. A private company, Professional Services Group, manages and operates PRASA's system. Tap water is considered safe to drink. Milk is pasteurized and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Solid Waste
Puerto Rico has over 32 landfills and waste-burning facilities.

Electricity
The general rule in Puerto Rico is United Standards 110 and 120 volts AC, and the outlets take the same two-prong plugs found in the United States. Electrical service is provided by Puerto Rico Electrical Power Authority (PREPA) ("Autoridad de Energía Eléctrica"), the second largest government owned utility in the U.S., with assets of $3.5 billion in 1995. New generators are being built to keep up with the demand by adding almost 1,500 megawatts of capacity by 2001. Expansion is part of a five year, $1.6 billion capital improvement program. Two private co-generating plants are under construction. The first, a $600 million facility, broke ground in March of 1998.

- Electric current 110V, 60-CYCLES, AC

- Capacity 5,040,000 kW.

- Production 16.1 billion kWh.

- Consumption per capita 4,260 kWh (1992).

Communications
U.S. by high capacity submarine cable and INTELSAT with high-speed data capability; digital telephone system with about 1 million lines; cellular telephone service; broadcast stations - 50 AM, 63 FM, 9 TV; cable television carries all four major U.S. networks. The first local radio broadcast dating from 1923 and television from 1954. Dow Jones and Reuters are among the quotation and news services available.

• Daily Newspapers (national): 4: El Nuevo Día ("The new day"), El Vocero de Puerto Rico ("The voice of Puerto Rico"), The San Juan Star, and Primera Hora ("First hour").
• Daily Newspaper Circulation: 650,000 (1998)
• Daily Circulation: 185 per 1000 persons
• Newspapers Advertising Revenues: $250 million
• Total Radios: 2.7 million (1997)
• Radios: 679 per 1000 persons
• Radio broadcast stations: AM 74, FM 53, shortwave 0 (2006)
• Television broadcast stations: 32 (2006)
• Total televisions: 900,000 or 99% of total households
• Televisions: 1.021 million (1997)
• Television broadcast stations: 18 (plus three stations of the US Armed Forces Radio and Television Service) (1997)
• TV Stations: Telemundo (WKAQ), Televicentro (WAPA), and TELE ONCE.
• Television Revenues: $1.5 million (1998)
• Cable TV subscribers: 280,000 (1998)

Telephone
Puerto Rico has modern, reliable United States style telephone service (area codes 787 and 939). All local calls costs 25 cents. Local information is 411, 1-787-555-1212. For directory assistance to others parts of Puerto Rico, dial 0. Person-to-person, collect and calling card calls are easy to place. At the center of the phone book are blue pages in English.

Total Telephones (main lines in use): 1.038 million (2005)

Total Telephones (mobile cellular): 3.354 million (2005)

• Escape to Puerto Rico Business Search
• Escape to Puerto Rico People Search
• International Dialing Codes

Puerto Rico Telephone Company: (La Telefonica de Puerto Rico) (787) 749-9999.

Internet
Internet service companies provide access to the Net through local telephone calls around the island. National providers includes: AT&T, America On-Line, CompuServe, MSN and Sprynet. Local providers: Datacom Caribe, Inc., Caribbean Internet Services (now a PSINet Company), TLD Internet, and PRTC.

Internet country code: .pr

Internet hosts: 404 (2008)

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)/hosts: 132 (2005)

Internet users: 1 million (2007)

Postal Service
Puerto Rico is part of the U.S. postal system (USPS) and has the same mail rates (26¢ for a postcard, 41¢ for a first-class letter) and service as provided on the U.S. mainland. Post offices in every city offer Express Mail next-day service to the U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico.

In addition, express services are offered by FedEx, UPS, Emery, RPS, and DHL.

• Puerto Rico Zip/Postal Codes

Sports
Puerto Ricans love sports. Any sport you can do in the Caribbean, you can do in Puerto Rico.

Liquor Laws
You must be 18 years old to purchase liquor in stores or buy drinks in hotels, bars, and restaurants. A municipal statute forbids alcohol consumption on the streets of many cities, like San Juan. It is illegal to operate motor vehicle at or above .08 blood alcohol level.

Festivals
The towns celebrate festival featuring something special to the town. In addition to the feature, the festivals include crafts and regional foods and music. The activities usually take place at the town plaza.

Emergency Numbers

In Puerto Rico in the case of an emergency (police, ambulance or fire), call 911. If there is no 911 service or for non-life-threatening emergencies, such as a traffic accident without injuries, call the Puerto Rico police department phone number, which is generally the regional prefix plus 2020.

Helplines and Agencies

• Emergency Services: 911
• Police: 787-343-2020
• Ambulance: 787-343-2222
• Civil Defense: 787-724-0124
• Fire Department: 787-343-2330
• F.B.I: 787-754-6000
• U.S. Secret Service: 787-766-5539
• U.S. Coast Guard: 787-729-6770

Other important numbers:

• Abuse of Minors: 787-749-1333
• American Red Cross Blood Bank: 787-759-7979
• Federal Marshals: 787-766-6000
• Federal Secret Service: 787-766-5539
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): 787-729-7637
• Humane Society of Puerto Rico: 787-720-9398
• Tourist Information: 787-722-1709
• Toxic, chemical and oil spills: 1-800-424-8802

Other Resources

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• Bureau of Consular Affairs U.S. Department of State
• Currency converter
• Entry Requirements & Customs
• Escape to Puerto Rico
• Health Center Statistics
• How far is it?
• Master Card®/Cirrus® ATM Locator
• Paradores de Puerto Rico Map Source: Frommer's Puerto Rico, 5th Edition
• Puerto Rico & Virgin Island Waypoints
• Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association
• The Pulse of of Tourism, March 2003, Government Development Bank for Puerto Rico
• Shipping a Car to Puerto Rico
• Travel Warnings & Consular Information Sheets
• The Universal Currency Converter™
• U.S. Customs Service
• U.S. State Department - Passport Services and Information

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