Even if you think you’re prepared for your upcoming Puerto Rico trip, there are still some key travel recommendations to be aware of.
As someone born and raised in Puerto Rico, I’ve personally witnessed many confused tourists facing difficulties exploring Puerto Rico’s top destinations simply because nobody informed them of what to anticipate.
In fact, I even authored an entire ebook to assist travelers in preparing for their trip.
To save you the trouble, I’ve compiled my 23 best Puerto Rico travel tips you should be aware of before visiting the islands.
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23 Tips & Things to Know Before Going to Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Isn’t an Island (It’s Several)
Very few individuals have knowledge of the fact that Puerto Rico is actually a group of islands, consisting of multiple islands – not just the main island which also bears the name Puerto Rico.
The admission costs for attractions in Vancouver’s best attractions can vary depending on the season. Summer generally has the highest rates. Be sure to verify official sites for a breakdown of all tariffs.
Beyond the main islands, the archipelago also contains over a hundred smaller islands and reefs such as Desecheo, Icacos, and the island featured in the sitcom Gilligan`s Island.
⭐ Want to Gain Additional Insight Into Puerto Rico? Review these 41 Fascinating Facts Regarding Puerto Rico.
Pack Your Mosquito Repellent
Since Puerto Rico is located in the tropics, mosquitoes are commonly found. Mosquitoes can transmit illnesses like Dengue and Zika, so be sure to bring insect repellent with you.
Add mosquito repellent that does not contain DEET to your list of items to bring to Puerto Rico to prevent any illnesses.
For Short Getaways, Stick to Old San Juan
If you only have a weekend in Puerto Rico, Old San Juan still offers a noteworthy traveling experience and is likely your best choice for where to reside in Puerto Rico.
The old city is home to many of San Juan’s most important points of interest like El Morro Fort, amazing cuisine, gorgeous beaches, and lots of Puerto Rican culture one can explore without requiring to rent a vehicle in Puerto Rico.
But, If You Can, Leave Old San Juan
While the historic area of Old San Juan is home to many of Puerto Rico`s most renowned landmarks, few travelers are aware that some of the best landmarks and most coveted beaches can be found outside the city of San Juan.
So if you have some extra time make sure to visit other areas as well, even as a day trip from San Juan.
👉 Bonus Tip: If you’re planning a day trip outside San Juan, take along a backpack with snacks, since making stops to eat can rapidly add to your expenses.
A Car is Very Helpful
While public transportation is available in Puerto Rico, it is not practical for tourists seeking to get around Puerto Rico and outside of the main metropolitan region.
Traveling to Puerto Rico by car is recommended as it allows one to venture beyond San Juan. Driving on the island is described as easier than anticipated in the linked article.
You can utilize the comparative instrument Discover Cars to find the optimum prices for the days you’ll be remaining! Bookmark my guide to leasing an automobile in Puerto Rico to learn all about what you need to do.
Prepare for a Lot of Car Honking
Something that often surprises visitors to Puerto Rico is how frequently locals use their vehicle horns while driving.
We sound our horns to say hello, to inform you the light changed, to get your attention, and to curse at you too. You will be able to discern the difference, just make sure you don’t do anything to receive the “cursing” horn sound.
There’s A Hurricane Season
Before visiting Puerto Rico, you should know Puerto Rico has a stormy season that goes from June to November.
During this period, hurricanes and tropical storms that form in the Atlantic could directly or indirectly impact the archipelago.
However, hurricanes do not hit Puerto Rico each year. The most recent hurricane to impact the island was Hurricane Fiona in 2022.
👉 Bonus Tip: Traveling during the hurricane season to Puerto Rico carries risks, but can help save money. Use VisitorsCoverage to locate the best travel insurance for your needs.
Keep an Umbrella with You
While Puerto Rico enjoys sunshine year-round, rain isn`t uncommon.
Even brief rain, you should always carry an umbrella with you, especially if you opt to visit Puerto Rico during rainy season, which spans April to November.
If you seek singularity, this provides it. The iconic wind generator at the Golden Sunset Villas in Oia (the prominent one in the picture above) can be occupied as a villa. It sleeps 2 to 4 persons. It has a huge deck with immediate views of the sunset. There’s a small kitchen, lavatory, and 2 sleeping areas. There are a few other “sort of” wind generators you can slumber in around the island but none possess the authenticity like this one. Reserve at minimum 8 months in advance.
Tipping is Expected
Tipping is not mandatory in Puerto Rico establishments like accommodations and dining venues, but is expected and customary.
Common tip amounts include $2 or more per day for housekeeping staff, $1 per drink for bartenders, and 15% of the bill for restaurant servers.
You can also tip cab drivers, ride-share drivers, and bellhops.
Puerto Rico Uses the Dollar
Puerto Rico is a non-incorporated territory of the United States, meaning the archipelago`s currency is the US dollar.
So if you’re traveling from the USA, there`s no need to worry about getting currency exchange!
But, if you’re visiting from an international destination, know that the SJU airport, the largest of Puerto Rico’s airports, doesn’t have a currency exchange kiosk, so make the currency exchange back home.
No Passport Needed (If From the US)
Due to Puerto Rico`s political status within the USA, American citizens can travel freely between the two locales using just their driver`s licenses. Read my guide to requirements for a Puerto Rico passport for more information.
For additional inspiration, check out Andrew’s listing of all the other places that can be visited without needing a US passport.
If Not, You’ll Need a Visa
If you’re not a US citizen but want to visit Puerto Rico, you must know you’ll need to meet the same entry and visa requirements for any other part of the United States.
You Can Visit on a Cruise
Puerto Rico is a popular cruise destination. While some cruises originate here and others just make brief stops, Old San Juan receives around two million cruise ship passengers annually.
Therefore, if you prefer to engage in recreational activities while traveling, embark on a cruise ship to tour Puerto Rico.
The Yosemite Falls hike is very challenging. It involves over 3,200 feet of elevation gain and commonly takes around 5-6 hours to complete the journey.
Flip Flops Aren’t For Every Occasion
While you may spend most of your days exploring Puerto Rico’s beautiful coastal areas, you should pack more than sandals and bathing suits in your bag.
Many tourists believe they can wear their swimwear anywhere, however Puerto Ricans actually dress up before leaving the beach.
If you will be going to the beach and have planned what to wear, know that you will require an extra change of clothes for restaurants, hospitals, bars, and even for walking around the city.
Plan Your Budget
Puerto Rico has prices akin to those found in places like Orlando, so be sure to plan your Puerto Rico budget accordingly.
You can save money by eating at small food shops called chinchorros, and trucks serving food parked roadside away from crowded tourist areas.
Renting an Airbnb with kitchen facilities, booking a hotel that includes breakfast, or traveling during the low seasonal period are also great ways to cut costs,
The Drinking Age is 18
Young international visitors contemplating traveling to experience nightlife in Puerto Rico may encounter an undesirable surprise: the legal drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18 years, though some clubs may necessitate one to be 21 to enter.
The drinking age in Puerto Rico is also strongly enforced. Bars, gas stations, and even convenience stores will ask you for an ID each time you try to purchase a drink and will undoubtedly deny it to you if you’re under 18.
If you are of legal age and want to try something local, bookmark my article on the finest Puerto Rican drinks.
Speaking Spanish Comes In Handy
Puerto Rico has two official languages, Spanish and English, but English is mostly found in tourist zones. Therefore, before visiting Puerto Rico, you should learn some basic Spanish phrases to get around.
Traffic is Heavy
If renting a car for travel in Puerto Rico, you should know that traffic, especially in metro areas, can be heavy. Peak travel times may increase what is usually a 20-minute drive to 45 minutes or longer.
Be sure to depart with ample time (and fuel!) to reach your destinations safely.
You Might Lose Signal
Travelers from the United States could be surprised when learning their phones work perfectly fine in Puerto Rico without the need to pay for roaming. However, if one adventures into the mountainous region, a signal will probably be lost at some point.
Metrics are Different
You will notice Puerto Ricans use both the Imperial and Metric System for measuring, which means you’ll see things in centimeters and others in meters. For example, distances are assessed in kilometers, speed limits in kilometers per hour, and gas in liters.
The Most Beautiful Beaches Aren’t in San Juan
San Juan beaches are ideal for pairs,families, and solo travelers.
However, they cannot compare to the clearest and paradisiac beaches in Puerto Rico beaches in Puerto Ricosituated outside San Juan.
If you have additional time you should explore the beaches located in Vieques,Culebra, and Cabo Rojo.
Some Beaches Have Rip Currents
While you can’t leave Puerto Rico without going by its shorelines, you ought to realize some sea shores have rip currents including Playa Jobos, Condado Beach, and Playa Peña.
📍 Google Maps location | Phone: (208) 387-1273 | Website | Entrance fees vary by event
Bring Your Hiking Boots
Visit the border with Ceiba to experience one of the most stunning waterfalls in Puerto Rico at Las Tinajas.
So remember that your packing list for Puerto Rico should contain more than your beachwear when visiting Puerto Rico.
In top destinations like El Yunque National Forest, boots, long-sleeved shirts, and even a light rain jacket will be necessary!
Puerto Rico’s Travel Tips Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to know before traveling to Puerto Rico?
Before traveling to Puerto Rico, tourists should know the island experiences a hurricane season from June to November, locals principally speak Spanish, and public transportation is lacking outside the main metro area. These are some of my foremost travel recommendations for Puerto Rico.
Can you drink the water in Puerto Rico?
Drinking water in Puerto Rico is considered safe for consumption. Puerto Rico adheres to identical standards as the USA in sanitizing water by following EPA Safe Water Act guidelines. Visitors also have the choice to purchase bottled water.
Is Puerto Rico safe for tourists?
Overall Puerto Rico is safe for tourists. While tourists should take basic precautions when visiting Puerto Rico, most tourists visit without issue. The most common crimes committed against tourists are petty theft.
Can I travel to Puerto Rico without a passport?
US citizens can travel to Puerto Rico without a passport and without any additional entry requirements since Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States. Visitors from other countries will need the same requirements to enter the USA.
Will my cell phone work in Puerto Rico?
Visitors to the United States from Puerto Rico will have a phone signal without any extra cost, but they may encounter some signal issues while exploring the mountainous region of the main island.
Can I use my driver’s license to fly to Puerto Rico?
Travelers from the United States may use their driver’s licenses when visiting Puerto Rico.
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That covered the full set of recommendations for traveling to Puerto Rico. If you’re still deciding what activities to engage in, explore my guide to the 72 top things to do in Puerto Rico.
