Online Tourism Magazine from Puerto
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.
Before you go on your trip to Puerto Rico, find out all the basics and all the facts.
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. July and August represents another peak tourist seasons. The best time to avoid the crowds is the low season between May and November, which, unfortunately, coincides with hurricane season (officially -- from June 1 to November 30). In recent years, Puerto Rico has also become popular Spring Break destination.
It's easy to find your way to and around. There is a wide selection of flights and cruises to Puerto Rico, and there are several ways of getting around when you arrive.
How to Get and Around Puerto Rico
It's easy to find your way to and around. There is a wide selection of flights and cruises to Puerto Rico, and there are several ways of getting around when you arrive.
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. The Best of the Best by Frommers offers recommendations to visitors for a must see places, cities, or scenery.
Time
Atlantic Standard Time (AST) (EST +1; GMT -4) all year around, which means that the island does not observe Daylight Saving Time (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.
Estimated travel time to arrive to major cities and other attractions from San Juan.
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. The official tourism guide is the Que Pasa! magazine, it includes information on accommodations, restaurants, shopping centers, casinos, transportation services, special events and fiestas.
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 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.
Accommodations
Puerto Rico offers a huge variety of lodgings that will appeal to a multiplicity of personalities and pocketbooks. There are 13,000 hotel rooms available in Puerto Rico (2010), 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.
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.
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.
Learn about how to apply for a marriage lincense in Puerto Rico.
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.)
Handicapped Facilities
Like all major destinations in the world, Puerto Rico provides comfortable conditions for travelers with disabilities. Since Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States business that provides goods or services to the public must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
All public buildings are wheelchair accessible and have accessible rest rooms. Most hotels and attractions provide wide doorways, wheelchair ramps and elevators.
For information call: (787) 721-2800, Ex. 1549.
Medications
Bring enough prescription medication for your stay. Unexpected delays and extended stays can upset your medication regimen. Similar to the United States, pharmacists cannot distribute prescription medications without authorization from a doctor.
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required for visitors to Puerto Rico. However, those arriving from, or transiting through countries where a health epidemic has been formally declared, may need proof of vaccination before they can enter the island.
Vital Records
Puerto Rico Department of Health issues certified copies of Puerto Rico birth certificates, death records, marriage licenses, and divorce decreesfor events that occurred within Puerto Rico.
For faster service, visit one of the many offices located throughout the island.
Personal Safety
Robbery and theft does happen occasionally as any place else, but you need not be concerned. Just don't be too careless. Women can wear as much jewelry as they want anywhere (as the locals do) with no fear.
Always keep a copy of your documents with you. Take precaution and make copies of your important documents. Keep a copy at home. Take a copy with you and leave the originals in a safe place in your hotel room or wherever you are staying.
Travel Insurance
It is a good idea to take out travel insurance covering cancellations, lost or stolen property, injury, and illness. You're likely to have partial or complete coverage.
Some credit and charge cards provide health insurance for travelers.
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
- 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.
Currency Exchange Rates
US$ 1.00 = | AU$ 1.20 | CA$ 1.06 | NZ$ 1.35 | £ 0.50 | EUR .74 | JPY 122.1 |
Note: These rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.
Travellers' Checks, Debit and 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
Read about other travel tips.
Business Hours
Casinos
Sports
Liquor Laws
Festivals
Shopping
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
- 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.
Tourism (2010)
- Tourist Arrivals: 3,737,142
- Cruise Passagers: 1,191,055
- Hotel Rooms: 13,311
- Average Length of Stay (nights): 2.6
Economic Development
Chamber of Commerce
Foreign Chamber of Commerce
Customs and Immigration
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, (www.seastarline.com) (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
Puerto Rico Tourism Company Offices
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
New York
135 West, 50th Street, 22nd Floor
New York, NY 10020
(212) 586-6262 / (800) 223-6530
California
3575 W. Cahuenga Blvd., Suite 405
Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 874-5991 / (800) 874-1230 - Ext. 10
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
New York
135 West, 50th Street, 22nd Floor
New York, NY 10020
(212) 586-6262 / (800) 223-6530
California
3575 W. Cahuenga Blvd., Suite 405
Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 874-5991 / (800) 874-1230 - Ext. 10
Canada
6-295 Queen Street East
Suite 465
Brampton, Ontario L6W 4S6
(416) 368-2680 /
(800) 667-0394 within Canada only
Spain
Calle Serrano 1, 2 A
28001 Madrid
34-91-431-2128
Germany
Schenkendorfstr.1
65187 Wiesbaden
49 611 2676710
6-295 Queen Street East
Suite 465
Brampton, Ontario L6W 4S6
(416) 368-2680 /
(800) 667-0394 within Canada only
Spain
Calle Serrano 1, 2 A
28001 Madrid
34-91-431-2128
Germany
Schenkendorfstr.1
65187 Wiesbaden
49 611 2676710
Emergency Numbers
- 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
- 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
- Bureau of Consular Affairs U.S. Department of State
- Currency converter
- Health Center Statistics (PDF)
- Master Card®/Cirrus® ATM Locator
- Paradores de Puerto Rico Map Source: Frommer's Puerto Rico, 5th Edition
- Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association
- The Pulse of of Tourism (PDF), December 2009, from Government Development Bank for Puerto Rico
- Shipping a Car to Puerto Rico
- The Universal Currency Converter™
- U.S. State Department - Passport Services and Information
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