Some things that make Puerto Rico so popular are the pumping nightlife, amazing food scenes, the tropical rainforest, breezy mountains, and oceanfront vistas. This is the best place to enjoy an authentic Caribbean getaway.
Taking time to understand some social and travel rules on the island is one of the best ways of enjoying the vibe. It is the only way to enjoy a memorable vacation since it’s such a fantastic location. There are many activities to enjoy here, like festivals, boogie boarding, zip lining, surfing, hiking, etc.
Things to keep in mind
Even when you are sure you’re completely ready for the trip, there is always something new to learn. Being clueless and unprepared could lead to complications, especially if you don’t know what to expect. Here are essential travel tips for Puerto Rico.
Go through the passport requirements and visa rules
Puerto Rico has customs, and local laws aren’t the same as those applicable in the U.S. However, it is still a Commonwealth country, and you don’t need a visa or passport for entry if you are a U.S. citizen. Flights coming from the U.S. are categorized as domestic, and there is no need to go through customs to arrive on the island. There is no departure tax as you leave either.
However, visitors must pay an 11.5% local tax on goods and services. There is also the requirement to go through the U.S. Department of Agriculture at the airport before leaving the country. This is mainly to ensure you don’t take any vegetables, fruits, or other open food packets to the U.S.
If you are a non-citizen, then there is a 90-day visa that you may have to apply for before travelling there. You are exempted if you are from a country that is part of the U.S. waiver program due to international agreements.
Get a car rental if you intend to take long-distance road trips
It’s important to know that Puerto Rico’s public transportation sometimes falls short. This is something you should have in mind. The Autoridad Metropolitan de Autobuses serves the metropolitan area, but the pick times and routes are unreliable. You need to rent a car to take a road trip to the southwestern desert, the northwestern beaches, and the central mountain range.
The prices of renting a car fluctuate according to the season. However, it is the best way to enjoy the trip because you can take as many stops and photographs as needed. There are many great points for this along the expressway 22.
You may not be able to see everything in a single trip
Puerto Rico covers a distance of 100 miles length and 35 miles wide. However, don’t let the geography fool you since there are so many activities you can engage in while in the country. The surface area is 3515 square miles, and the sandy beaches are among the many natural wonders.
While here, watch for the salt flats, mountain peaks, canyons, and rivers. There are many popular bars and tourist attractions within San Juan. However, to experience authentic Puerto Rican culture, visit areas outside the metropolitan areas. To get from one side of this island to the next takes about three hours. Sometimes, some of the roads within the island may be closed for repairs, which could cause jams and delays. The expressway helps you cover the island faster.
Pack some extra clothes and bathing suits
These are among the tips for traveling to Puerto Rico that you should remember. Being a former Spanish colony, the country has a legacy of these colonial practices. This includes Catholicism, common in Latin American countries like the Dominican Republic and Cuba.
Puerto Ricans are conservative with the dress codes, especially in some locations. In La Fortaleza, which is the governor’s mansion in old San Juan, it’s normal to see people wearing long shirts and full suits despite the prevailing tropical heat.
Flip-flops are mainly meant for casual situations and the beach. Other areas where they are worn are during trips to the restaurants at the beach, river sidewalks or trips to the kiosks. Wearing swimsuits at the mall makes you stand out in the wrong way. There are some clubs where a dress code is set. Men and women are expected to wear smart shoes.
So remember to pack that bathing suit and some flip-flops, but include some dressy outfits for the night out. Include clothes that cover the shoulders and knees if you want to visit the religious sites.
Get tickets ahead for attractions and tours
This is among the vital travel tips for Puerto Rico. If you intend to enjoy snorkeling trips or catamaran tours, do your bookings well in advance to secure your spot. In addition, if you need to eat at 1919 Restaurant in the Vanderbilt Hotel, advance bookings are necessary. Doing so is a true game changer.
Not everyone speaks English
Even with the island’s political status, Spanish is still the most widely spoken language on the island. Don’t get me wrong, there are many almost perfect English speakers on the island. However, one of the tips for traveling to San Juan, Puerto Rico, is to remember that you could encounter people in the peripheral cities and metropolitan areas who don’t speak English.
While there are locations where those in the tourism and restaurant industry speak English without an issue, it is always good to ask them if they speak English before carrying on with a conversation. If you are away from the major tourist areas, bush your Spanish a little. It helps you be courteous and patient while interacting with the island residents. This way you will be able to make some friends.
Take care as you discuss politics
Among the tips for Puerto Rico travel is to be careful with those political discussions. Such discussions regarding the island can quickly get emotional and heated. Engaging in such conversations with a very open mind is always better. The U.S. politics differ quite a lot from the Puerto Rican ones. You gain a lot by listening to the stories of the locals and their hopes for the future.
Be ready for the entire Puerto Rican cuisine
While street snacks like bacalaitos, alapurrias, and pernil are popular, they shouldn’t take all the attention. These are traditional dishes that are very delicious. However, the cuisine in Puerto Rico is complicated and vast. The influences range from Asia to Spain and West Africa.
There are vegan restaurants and some fine dining ones that are internationally renowned. You find some great homegrown chefs in Puerto Rico and influences from other countries. You can have a comprehensive culinary experience on the island, so don’t miss out.
Don’t miss the island time
Some people may assume there is a laid-back life on the island, and your time will be mostly spent hanging around in the sun and out on the beach. The reality here is that the island is actually a busy metropolitan city. People rush to get to work in the morning, and you are likely to encounter traffic jams as people end the day and head home.
If you want to run errands, do plan ahead. You will likely encounter queues at supermarkets, bakeries, fast food restaurants, and government offices. Don’t be in a rush, either. While in Puerto Rico for a vacation, try to adjust the pace and interact with the locals while at it.
Be conscious of the hurricane season
In the Caribbean, the hurricane season starts from 1st June to 30th November. Puerto Rico isn’t usually hit by hurricanes, but it may be quite devastating if they do hit. If you are booking your plane and hotel tickets during the hurricane season. Take time to go through the natural disaster policies they have in place. This is one of the best tips for traveling to Puerto Rico.
The hotel will likely have a set emergency plan if you are stuck on the island due to a hurricane. In most cases, the tourists are well cared for on these islands. Get to know more about the contingency measures before traveling. Don’t stay away from the island just because it’s hurricane season though, because these months are among the best to be here. However, be alert to the news and monitor your weather apps for any storm advisory.
Be careful at the beaches
Puerto Rico has beautiful beaches with clear water and white sand to enjoy. However, you notice there usually are no lifeguards keeping guard. If you are on the Atlantic coast towards the north, the ocean is chopper compared to the Caribbean, which has mild waves in the south. Whirlpools and rip currents can be spotted by how the water’s surface appears. This looks different from when the waves are coming towards the beach. If caught in one, do not panic. Try to swim parallel to the shore to conserve energy until you are out of the current. Rip currents may be deadly, but they rarely pull you under the water. They only take you away from the shore. Be very cautious, especially with children when you see an empty beach or patch of water. There is typically a reason for this. It could be due to strong undercurrents, spiky urchins, or jellyfish.
Don’t bring valuables like expensive cameras or flashy jewelry to the beaches. Purses shouldn’t be left out in the open because of pickpockets, especially on high-traffic beaches like Isla Verde and Ocean Park.
F.A.Q
What do I need to know before I travel to Puerto Rico?
Here are the most important things to know about Puerto Rico before you travel:
- Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so U.S. citizens are free to travel there with a carry-on bag, a plane ticket, and a driver’s license. However, bring your passport if you want to take a cruise ship or go to other islands.
- You must also know about the hurricane season and what to do should you be caught in one.
- Puerto Rico is safe, but there are chances of theft, so beware.
- Transportation options include Uber, public transport, which may not be reliable, and rentals
- The official languages here are Spanish and English, with Spanish being more prevalent in the rural areas.
- The currency is dollars, just like in the U.S.
- The electrical current is 110 volts, the same as in Canada and the U.S.
How do I prepare for a trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico?
To be ready for your San Juan, Puerto Rico visit, have these in mind:
- You don’t need a passport or visa unless you come from a country other than the U.S.
- The tipping culture in the U.S also applies in Puerto Rico, so get conversant with it
- Buy or pack mosquito repellant
- Be sure to bring eco-friend sunscreen and always have water
- Learn some Spanish or brush it up to improve your stay, especially when interacting with the locals.
How can I be a respectful tourist in Puerto Rico?
To be more respectful as a tourist in Puerto Rico, consider the following tips:
- Dress conservatively without exposing your shoulders and avoid shorts
- Greet people with a handshake while maintaining eye contact, as this is standard. Use “Senor” for men and “Senora” for women as you address the locals.
- Engage in friendly conversations with the locals in educational institutions, restaurants, banks, and stores.
- Give gifts if someone invites you home to dinner. Pastries, chocolates, flowers, and wine are generally acceptable.
- Be careful what and where you eat
- Support some local causes since there are many volunteer opportunities on the island.
- Support the economy by spending in places where the money stays on the island
- Take safety measures by being mindful of the surroundings. Avoid isolated areas at night and keep belongings secure.
How much money do you need for a week in Puerto Rico?
Usually, budget friend trips in this location will cost about 500-700 dollars for one person for a week. This does not include flights. Save money by:
- Staying outside San Juan since the accommodation options are cheaper outside the capital city.
- Go to commercialized beaches instead
- Go camping
- Fly to the island on weekdays since it’s cheaper this way
- Try out budget restaurants
Conclusion
Puerto Rico is an excellent destination. Being an archipelago, there is so much to do and experience here. The above are some travel tips for Puerto Rico that you should consider when planning to stay here, regardless of how long or short it’s intended. Plan and be conscious of the lifestyle and expectations of the locals before travelling to this fantastic destination.
