Puerto Rico
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13 things to know before you head to Puerto Rico
Nov 30, 2023 • 10 min read
Don't just dive right in! A little local knowledge can help you on your way to a perfect trip to Puerto Rico © Stephen Frink / Getty Images
With breathtaking oceanfront vistas, lush, breezy mountains, tropical rainforest, some pumping nightlife and one of the coolest food scenes in the Caribbean, a Puerto Rico vacation is all about enjoying the ride.
Learning a few of the island's unspoken social rules will go a long way to helping you enjoy the vibe and understanding what makes Puerto Rico such a memorable spot for your vacation.
So whether you're hiking, surfing, zip-lining, boogie boarding or heading to one of the island's many festivals, here are our top tips on planning, etiquette and health and safety in Puerto Rico.
1. Check the visa rules and passport requirements
While Puerto Rico is its own country, and local laws and customs differ from those of the United States, the island is still a Commonwealth of the USA. This means US citizens don’t require a passport or a visa for entry.
Flights from the US are considered domestic, so you won’t go through customs when you arrive on the island and you won’t need to present a visa or pay a departure tax when you leave.
However, visitors must still pay the local tax of 11.5% on goods and services and you’ll be required to pass through the US Department of Agriculture channel at the airport before you leave, just to make sure you don’t bring fruits or vegetables or open food packets back into the US.
Non-US citizens taking a trip to Puerto Rico may need to apply for a 90-day visa before arrival, but countries that are part of the US Visa Waiver Program won’t need a visa thanks to international agreements. Check out this list to see what countries are part of the program and which have visa requirements.
2. Rent a car for long-distance road trips when traveling in Puerto Rico
When planning a trip to Puerto Rico, it's necessary to know that public transportation often falls short. Keep this in mind when planning how long you want to stay.
The bulk of the San Juan metropolitan area – comprising the municipalities of San Juan, Bayamón, and some parts of Carolina – is served by buses run by Autoridad Metropolitana de Autobuses (AMA), but the routes and pick-up times are unreliable.
A road trip to the beautiful central mountain range, the beaches of the northwest, or the southwestern desert requires a rental car.
Cars can go up or down in price depending on the season , but you’ll get more out of your trip if you’re driving as you can make all the stops you need to take photographs at the amazing miradores (lookout points) sprinkled along Expressway 22 in the north or Route 66 in the northwest.
3. Don’t expect to see the whole island in one trip
Puerto Rico is 100 miles long and 35 miles wide, but don't let that fool you – the geography is anything but small in scale and there are many things you'll want to do while you're there. The island has a surface area of 3515 sq miles, and white, sandy beaches are only one of the natural wonders you’ll experience in Puerto Rico.
Visitors can marvel at bioluminescent bays, caves that are thousands of years old and adorned with Taino hieroglyphics, and a wealth of rivers, canyons, high mountain peaks, and salt flats.
While a lot of tourist attractions and popular bars are in San Juan, real Puerto Rican culture is often best encountered in places outside of the metropolitan area. It can take up to three hours to get from one side of the island to the other, and there are bound to be some roads that are either closed or temporarily closed for repairs.
Traveling from one end of the island to the other can be a breeze if you use the expressways, or it can be a long rollercoaster ride via the island’s beautiful backroads.
Expect delays due to construction and improvement work along major highways, and be prepared for epic traffic jams during the peak commuter hours, from 6am to 9am and 4pm to 7pm.
4. Pack bathing suits and your Sunday best
As a former Spanish colony, Puerto Rico was left with a legacy of Spanish colonial practices, including widespread Catholicism, also common in other nearby Latin American countries such as Cuba and the Dominican Republic .
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Puerto Ricans tend to be quite conservative when it comes to dress codes and the places where these apply. In Old San Juan – where the governor’s mansion, La Fortaleza is located – it’s common to see workers in full suits or long shirts regardless of the tropical heat.
Flip flops are usually reserved for the beach or super-casual situations, such as trips to kiosks and beachside restaurants, or riverside walks. You’ll stick out like a sore thumb if you show up at the main mall, Plaza las Américas , in your swimsuit.
Some clubs have dress codes too, requiring men and women to wear smart shoes. Pack your bathing suit and flip flops, but also bring some dressy outfits for going out at night and clothes that cover the knees and shoulders if you plan to visit any religious sites.
5. Buy tickets ahead for tours and attractions
If you’re planning to join a snorkeling trip, go on a catamaran tour, or eat at the 1919 Restaurant in the Vanderbilt Hotel , book your spot ahead of time. Trust us, planning ahead will be a game-changer.
6. Don’t expect everyone to speak English
Regardless of Puerto Rico’s modern political status, Spanish remains the language most widely spoken on the island. While you’ll find plenty of Puerto Ricans who speak near-perfect English, you're most likely to meet these people in the metropolitan area and peripheral cities such as Caguas, Bayamón, Guaynabo, Carolina, and Trujillo Alto.
Even in Old San Juan, where restaurant and tourism industry workers will speak to you in English without a problem, it’s considerate to ask someone if they speak English before continuing. If you're venturing outside of the main tourist zones, brush up on your Spanish, be patient and courteous and you’ll make fast friends with island residents.
7. Discuss politics with care
Conversations about the island's political situation can get heated and emotional – the subject of the islands' status is a controversial one, and Puerto Ricans' views vary widely.
The best approach is to come to these conversations with an open mind and remember that Puerto Rican politics and US politics are incredibly different. There's much to be gained by just listening to Puerto Ricans' stories and hopes for what they want to see the island become in the future.
8. Be ready to sample the full range of Puerto Rican cuisine
Don’t let the tasty street snacks – pernil (roast pork), alcapurrias (stuffed, fried fritters), and bacalaitos (codfish fritters) – steal all your attention. While these traditional and delicious foods are prevalent, Puerto Rican cuisine is vast and complicated, with influences that range from West Africa to Spain and Asia.
You’ll find vegetarian-friendly restaurants such as vegan cafe El Grifo in Caguas and 100% HP in San Juan. Then there's the fine dining experience at the internationally renowned 1919 Restaurant inside the Vanderbilt Hotel in Condado or the French restaurant Trois Cent Onze .
Puerto Rico has a host of extraordinarily talented home-grown chefs and wonderful influences from other countries, such as the island's ubiquitous Puerto Rican-Chinese restaurants, which are typically family-run and cozy. Come for the mofongo (mashed fried plantains) and pernil , but stay for the surprising breadth of culinary experiences that await in Puerto Rico.
9. Be ready for the real “island time”
It’s tempting to think of Puerto Rico as a laid-back escape where the majority of the time is spent going to the beach or hanging around in the sun. The reality is that the island is centered on a busy, metropolitan city, with people rushing to work early in the morning, and traffic jams at the end of long workdays.
If you need to do any errands, plan ahead, because government offices, fast food restaurants, bakeries, and supermarkets will almost always have long lines. Making a scene or looking exasperated because the cashier took a little bit more time than usual will most likely earn you some dirty looks.
You’re on vacation; enjoy the slower pace and go with the flow. You’ll soon learn the art of Puerto Rican small talk and taking a breather while you wait.
10. Be aware of the hurricane season
Hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June 1 to November 30, and while Puerto Rico isn’t typically hit by hurricanes, when they do hit, they can be devastating. When booking hotels and plane tickets during hurricane season, always check with your airline about their natural disaster policies.
If you get stuck in Puerto Rico during a hurricane, your hotel will likely have an emergency plan. Tourists are well taken care of on the island, so ask your lodging about contingency measures before you go.
This is not to say you can’t travel during the hurricane season – indeed, June to November is one of the most wonderful seasons on the island. Just keep an eye on the news and monitor your favorite weather app for warnings of approaching storms.
11. Exercise caution on Puerto Rico's beaches
Beaches in Puerto Rico are beautiful, with crisp white sand and crystal clear waters for all to enjoy. However, there are usually no lifeguards on duty, and if you’re staying on the Atlantic coast in the north, the ocean tends to be choppier compared to the mild waves of the Caribbean in the south.
You can usually spot rip currents and whirlpools by the appearance of the surface of the water, which will look different from the water where waves are moving towards the beach.
Don’t panic if you do get caught in one – the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends conserving your energy and swimming parallel to the shore until you get out of the current. While rip currents can be deadly, they rarely pull people under the water, just away from the shore.
Exercise caution when swimming with children and if you see a patch of water or a beach that’s completely empty, that’s usually for a reason. This could be jellyfish, spiky sea urchins, or strong undercurrents.
When visiting the beach, don’t bring flashy jewelry, expensive cameras, or leave purses out in the open, as pickpockets can be an issue on high-traffic tourist beaches such as Ocean Park and Isla Verde.
12. Exercise the same caution you would use in a big city back home
Puerto Rico is generally safe for travelers but keep an eye out for risks such as dark, empty streets in Old San Juan and other San Juan neighborhoods . In particular, exercise caution when venturing out to clubs in Santurce – this is a high-crime area at night.
Some beaches in urban areas aren’t safe to hang out at night either. There’s no police presence and these beaches tend to be hidden behind hotels and residences with little to no lighting, providing an excellent opportunity for petty crime.
Research the area where you’re staying and try to speak to someone who already lives there or has visited to gauge safety levels.
13. Don’t skimp on sunblock and bug spray
Caribbean sunlight can hit hard if you’re not used to it. The islands are close to the equator and get hit directly by the sun, with noon to 4pm being the most punishing hours of the day. Don’t skimp on sunblock – aim for SPF50 or higher – and you'll avoid nasty burns.
Any local will tell you that bugs – especially mosquitoes – are a nuisance on summer nights. In the worst cases, they can also carry tropical diseases such as dengue fever, Zika, and chikungunya.
Your best protection against bugs is to wear a lot of DEET-based bug spray, especially in areas close to bodies of sitting water, such as mangroves, lagoons and lakes.
This article was first published May 2022 and updated November 2023
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Google reveals top destinations for summer vacation 2024
Paris, Puerto Rico and more made the top 20!
For anyone feeling a sudden urge for summer wanderlust, Google unveiled its top 20 destinations that travelers have already taken an interest in for any upcoming warm weather getaways.
From domestic to international locations, Google shared insights based on past flight booking data and search trends with "Good Morning America" to help people start planning summer vacation spots or shape an ideal itinerary.
Much like snubs and surprises during awards season, there are a couple of places that fell out of favor since last year as well as some new additions that made this year's list.
Check out all the spots below.
Top summer 2024 destinations on Google flights
The search engine technology company said the list reflects people in the U.S. searching on Google Flights for travel anytime between June 1 through August 31, 2024.
Cancun, which previously came in at number one during summer, dropped to number six, while Tokyo is on the rise, with Madrid and San Juan new to the summer location lineup.
1. London 2. Paris 3. Tokyo 4. Rome 5. New York 6. Cancun 7. Orlando 8. Las Vegas 9. Seattle 10. Athens 11. Los Angeles 12. Miami 13. Barcelona 14. Dublin 15. Fort Lauderdale 16. Honolulu 17. Denver 18. Madrid 19. Boston 20. San Juan
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The biggest change from 2023, according to Google, is that Cancun moved down from the number two spot to number six, while Tokyo rose from number eight to number three.
Newcomers to the top destinations list include San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Madrid, Spain. Chicago and San Francisco didn't make the top 20 this year.
Travel trends on Google search
Google gathers insights from mid-January to mid-March from U.S. users to find out what travel-related queries are top of mind ahead of summer.
Searches for "travel itinerary" and "solo travel" reached an all-time high in January.
Two of the top trending "weekend getaway" destinations are Palm Springs and Florida Keys.
The top trending "romantic getaway" destinations were Napa, the famed California wine country, and Key West, home to the southernmost point in the Continental U.S. with historic landmarks.
Finally, La Romana and Saint John were the top trending destinations searched with all-inclusive resorts.
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Guide to the best hotels and things to do in Puerto Rico. Maps, travel tips and more. Travel. Home; Vacations; Travel Guides; Tours and Attractions; Hotels; ... U.S. News ranked 4,700-plus top ...
CNN —. Perhaps no travel destination in the world has had a rougher go of things these past few years than Puerto Rico. In addition to the pandemic, the Caribbean archipelago has faced an eye ...
Puerto Rico will eliminate all pandemic-related border protocols for domestic travelers this week, opening the door to much easier travel between the island territory and the mainland United States.
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CNN —. Puerto Rico, which along with Hawaii has maintained some of the strictest Covid-19 measures in the United States, announced Monday it's relaxing travel restrictions. Starting Thursday ...
Find the latest stories about Puerto Rico, plus travel ideas, products, expert advice, and more from Condé Nast Traveler.
April 2, 2024 • Loop News Caribbean • Neutral. The US Coast Guard suspended its search and rescue operation on Sunday for a 26-year-old US marine who went missing while he was swimming at a beach in Luquillo, Puerto Rico. Corporal Samuel Wanjiru, a resident of Massachusetts, went missing on Wednesday ….
Puerto Rico's new travel rules. The new rules for vaccinated travelers began on May 25. If you're visiting Puerto Rico from the United States and you're fully vaccinated, you don't need to get a ...
On National Plan for Vacation Day, Discover Puerto Rico, the Island's official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), shares the 2022 record-breaking, success story of the Island's travel ...
TripFalcon January 31, 2022. Last Update: 2022-01-31 19:35:02. Puerto Rico is set to make it easier for US travelers to visit when entry rules are relaxed on Wednesday (February 2). Currently visitors from the US have to show a negative test to enter Puerto Rico, but that rule will be scrapped on February 2 for vaccinated arrivals.
Puerto Rico should be high on their list as Americans can visit without a passport. That's a significant advantage given the current extended wait time for a new travel document. Routine processing times are up to 10-13 weeks while expedited processing (for an additional $60) can still take as long as 7-9 weeks.
Puerto Rico Travel Guide. Puerto Rico, the birthplace of salsa music, offers a vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you visit for its white sands, crystal clear waters, festivals, concerts, or fusion cuisine, Puerto Rico delivers. Check out this Puerto Rico travel guide for everything you need to know about this ...
All the events this summer come on the heels of record tourism numbers. Saglie explains the reasons more people are traveling to Puerto Rico. He says it's because you don't need a passport and ...
Puerto Rico is full of people who are welcoming and buena gente (which is Boricua lingo for kind and friendly). Here, you'll feel like family instead of just a visitor. Discover vibrant cultural experiences, a celebration of life, and a captivating rhythm around every corner. ... Get travel inspiration, news, tips and more delivered monthly. ...
Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023. COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024. Dengue: Advice for travellers - 8 April, 2024. This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination.
Last week, Discover Puerto Rico announced a revised "Live Boricua" marketing campaign, one that aims to do just that on television as well as on digital and social media platforms. Since its ...
Some clubs have dress codes too, requiring men and women to wear smart shoes. Pack your bathing suit and flip flops, but also bring some dressy outfits for going out at night and clothes that cover the knees and shoulders if you plan to visit any religious sites. 5. Buy tickets ahead for tours and attractions.
Puerto Rico is enforcing local measures developed by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), alongside U.S. Travel Association (USTA) guidelines, such as social distancing, mandatory face coverings in public areas, and a variety of mandates for businesses - including, but not limited to, reduced capacities and high standards of cleanliness in accordance with CDC and EPA guidelines.
Launched in 2022, Live Boricua has generated 625,000 trips to Puerto Rico, said Leah Chandler, DPR's chief marketing officer. The campaign is responsible for "more than $2 billion in influenced visitor spending," she said. The term "Boricua" is translated as a person from Puerto Rico by birth or descent. But the term can also represent ...
All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6-11 months, according to CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel. Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book. Rabies. Puerto Rico is free of dog rabies.
Newcomers to the top destinations list include San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Madrid, Spain. Chicago and San Francisco didn't make the top 20 this year. Travel trends on Google search
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To celebrate, Frontier is offering $52 limited-time fares. Frontier also announced that on July 5, a nonstop service between Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Miami International Airport will debut, with limited-time $29 introductory fares. "As we anticipate an exciting and potentially record-breaking summer travel season, we're ...