Source: https://top-list.co/top-things-to-know-before-traveling-to-puerto-rico-v765.html
- It’s Heavily Influenced by the United States
- The US dollar is the local currency in Puerto Rico
- US citizens don’t need a passport to visit Puerto Rico
- The legal drinking age is 18
- The weather in Puerto Rico
- Puerto Rico can be expensive
- Tipping culture!
- Amazing cuisine!!
- Puerto Rico is pretty safe
- Learn a Bit of Spanish
It’s Heavily Influenced by the United States
Many people believe Puerto Rico is an independent country, although it is actually a United States commonwealth. This also implies that it is greatly impacted by all things American, such as fast-food restaurants, retail stores, car repair shops, and so on.
This also implies three things that will make your journey easier: One, you don’t need a passport if your government-issued identification will suffice (you do undergo an agricultural inspection on your return trip, but no customs or immigration in either direction). Two, Puerto Rico uses the same electrical outlets as the United States, therefore converters and adaptors are unnecessary.
Three, because Puerto Rico’s currency is the US dollar, there’s no need to worry about currency exchange, albeit the ATM may charge you a foreign transaction fee (though likely not by a credit card).
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The US dollar is the local currency in Puerto Rico
The US dollar is the official currency of Puerto Rico because it is a US territory. This means you’ll be able to spend US money throughout the island, making travel to and from the US a breeze. Tourists from the United States will be able to spend money easily since they will have access to American banks and ATMs.
While many establishments accept credit cards, there are still areas of the island where cash is king, so keep enough cash with you at all times. If you run out of money, go to an ATM. They may be found all around the island and accept most American credit cards. This is definitely one of the Things to Know Before Traveling to Puerto Rico that will make your trip worthy.
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US citizens don’t need a passport to visit Puerto Rico
The admission criteria are one of the most important things to know before visiting Puerto Rico, or basically anywhere! Because it is a US territory, US nationals do not need a passport to visit.
You won’t have to travel through customs or immigration, which will save you time at the airport. It’s like flying to another city or state in the United States! All other travelers to Puerto Rico will be subject to the same passport and visa requirements as those who enter the US.
You’ll probably want to travel through the island’s principal international airport, Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, when arranging your journey (airport code SJU). It is within a few minutes’ drive from San Juan.This is definitely one of the Things to Know Before Traveling to Puerto Rico that will make your trip worthy.
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The legal drinking age is 18
While many laws in Puerto Rico are similar to those in the United States, many differ slightly. The legal drinking age in their state is only 18, compared to 21 in the rest of the country. That’s correct, at the age of 18, teenagers can drink and buy alcohol in pubs and stores.
When you go out, have your ID with you because you will very certainly be questioned for it. This Puerto Rico travel advice is, of course, very popular among college students!
It’s worth noting that, like the United States, Puerto Rico takes drunk driving quite seriously. Also, be advised that carrying open containers of alcohol in public is punishable in much of Puerto Rico. Puerto Rican law takes drinking and driving seriously, and there are fines for anyone who carry open alcohol containers in public.
- Take note, college students: In Puerto Rico, the legal age to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages is 18. Bring your ID to bars, restaurants, and nightclubs because proof of age is still required. It’s also worth noting that, like in the United States.
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The weather in Puerto Rico
Between the Dominican Republic and the British Virgin Islands lies Puerto Rico in the Caribbean. As you might guess, it has a hot and humid environment all year, though the temperature does dip at night, so bring a sweater! The two distinct weather seasons to be mindful of are as follows. In Puerto Rico, the rainy season is defined as the summer and fall. This also corresponds to hurricane season. If you want to visit Puerto Rico at this period, be sure to purchase travel insurance in case Mother Nature has other plans!
You’ll probably get a small burst of rain once a day during this time, and then it’ll be gone. Temperatures range from 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (26 to 30 degrees Celsius), with water temperatures closer to 79 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit (26 to 28 degrees Celsius).
The dry season in Puerto Rico is comprised the winter and spring. This season delivers bright weather with temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 26 degrees Celsius) and water temperatures of 75 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 26 degrees Celsius).
This is the best season to visit Puerto Rico, but it also means more tourists and crowds. To obtain the best discounts on flights and lodgings, book early.This is definitely one of the Things to Know Before Traveling to Puerto Rico that will make your trip worthy.
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Puerto Rico can be expensive
It is feasible to travel on a budget in Puerto Rico, but it is also an excellent destination for a luxury vacation. Because your accommodation and any tours you decide to plan in Puerto Rico will be your major expenses, and you will want to arrange these in advance, you can assess if Puerto Rico is the perfect price for you.
Meanwhile, while on the island, you will discover that some items are really affordable. For example, a local beer (Medalla) costs roughly $2, but a 10-minute Uber ride costs around $5. However, there are other factors that influence island pricing, such as the additional costs of importing them and higher taxes. This is especially true when filling up a car with gas!
The island lifestyle’s languid pace of rest and pleasure comes at a cost. Because most things must be imported, many islands experience economic difficulties, and Puerto Rico has additional hurdles posed by US shipping rules. This means that prices typically include a mark-up as well as hefty taxes. Budget carefully because the cost of living in Puerto Rico is considerably greater than the national average.
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Tipping culture!
Tipping is popular in Puerto Rico. Keep this in mind while you travel across Puerto Rico, because this is a must-know travel tip! Here are some broad tips to assist you prepare if you’re not used to tipping.
Tipping hotel personnel, restaurant servers, and cab drivers is expected, much as it is in the United States. Bellhops should be paid one dollar every bag, while housekeepers should be paid at least two dollars per day. Leave the waitstaff 15 to 20% of the bill in restaurants. Cab drivers are typically paid 15% of the fare.
- Cab drivers: ~15% of the fare
- Bellhops: $1 per bag
- Housekeeping staff: ~$2 or more per day
- Restaurant Servers: ~20% of the check
- Bartenders: $1 per drin
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Amazing cuisine!!
Eat everything!! There is delicious food all around Puerto Rico. You will not go hungry with classics like mofongo and regular fried food nibbles like empanadillas. One of the more difficult aspects of traveling throughout Puerto Rico may be eating balanced meals due to the abundance of fried food on the menus.
Try a variety of eateries, from traditional sit-down meals to quick-service options. Visit a kiosko or a street food vendor for the most authentic and affordable options. They can be found all around the island, with the Luquillo kiosks being one of the most well-known. There are dozens of kioskos there that serve both traditional Puerto Rican food and popular international meals.
However, missing out on the island’s fantastic and diverse local restaurant and cuisine culture would be a tremendous mistake. Try mofongo, suggests Schwietert Collazo. “It’s a mashed plantain dish, often packed with meat or shellfish and then coated in liquid,” she explains. It’s a guilty favorite of mine; I never eat it at home, but I always do in Puerto Rico.”
Pabon chose Cocina Abierta as her favorite restaurant when asked. “My favorite restaurant is Cocina Abierta in Condado, a neighborhood of San Juan,” she explains. It’s a gastrobar with fusion cuisine.
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Puerto Rico is pretty safe
Puerto Rico is a safe place to visit, and it is really safer than many US mainland cities. Many regions of the island also have an active police presence to help maintain safety. Simply follow basic safety procedures, such as not walking into dark alleys alone, and you should be fine.
Of course, San Juan, like any other city, has its safer and less safe areas. At night, stay away from La Perla and Puerto de Tierra, which are both close to the Old City. It’s also worth noting that since Hurricane Maria hit the island in 2017, there has been a minor spike in crime as the island continues to recover.
One of the most important things to understand before visiting Puerto Rico is how to keep safe. While you may be aware of the crime rates, there is another factor to consider: the island itself! That’s correct, you must bear some responsibility for your own health (and survival) during your journey!
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Learn a Bit of Spanish
Despite the island’s official affiliation with the United States, Spanish is still the most widely spoken language. While most people speak English in the more touristic regions of the island, you may expect to find many areas where this is not the case.
It’s also crucial to be aware that the English language has the potential to instill emotions of fear and inferiority in some elder generations who don’t speak English well or at all. Learning some basic Spanish before visiting Puerto Rico can not only make things easier for you, but it will also show respect for the locals.
While there are many English speakers in the touristy areas of Puerto Rico, the more off-the-beaten-path areas are entirely Spanish-speaking. As a result, learning a little Spanish ahead of time will make your trip much easier and more fun.
Not to mention the fact that you tried would be appreciated by the locals. Even if you have no intention of learning Spanish before you arrive, attempt to pick up a few popular words or phrases.
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