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.
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.
Learn about Puerto Rico's cruise ports and what to expect when arriving by ship.
Explore the Island
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.
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.
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.
Good to know
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.
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.
Island Traditions
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.
Helpful Resources
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.
Visitor Assistance
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
International Visitors
Foreign Consulates
Need assistance from your home country? Find contact information for Foreign Consulates in Puerto Rico.
Continue Planning
More Puerto Rico Travel Resources
Getting Married in Puerto Rico
Dreaming of a destination wedding?
Explore important planning considerations,
marriage requirements, and helpful information
in our Getting
Married in Puerto Rico guide.
Learn Spanish
A few Spanish words can make your trip
even more memorable. Learn common greetings,
everyday expressions, and useful phrases
in our Learning Spanish guide.
Getting Around Puerto Rico
Explore transportation options, including
rental cars, taxis, public transit, and ferries.
Find practical tips in our
Getting Around
Puerto Rico guide.
The Sound of Puerto Rico
Listen to the coquí's song.
Experience one of Puerto Rico's most recognizable sounds. Press play to hear the distinctive call of the coquí frog.
How to Cite This Webpage
Don't forget to cite this webpage on your project sources (APA Style).
Rivera, M.
(2026, November 11).
Puerto Rico Travel Information: Everything You Need to Know .
Welcome to Puerto Rico!
Retrieved
12 November 2026,
from
https://welcome.topuertorico.org/tinfo.shtml.
Add a Link to This Page
To link to this page from your web site, simply copy and paste the following
code to your web page.
<a href="https://welcome.topuertorico.org/tinfo.shtml">
Practical Information for Your Trip to Puerto Rico</a>
