21 Puerto Rico Travel Tips You Need To Know Before Visiting

Explore the island like a local with these Puerto Rico travel tips, covering language, currency, top attractions, and more.

If you’re planning your first trip to Puerto Rico, there are a few essential things to know to make your adventure unforgettable.

Puerto Rico is a vibrant island that offers a warm welcome, stunning beaches, a rich culture, and endless opportunities for both relaxation and excitement.

As Puerto Ricans and world travelers, we’re excited to share top tips to help visitors make the most of their trip to our beautiful island.

Here’s a comprehensive guide filled with Puerto Rico travel tips, covering everything from practicalities to top destinations.

1. Puerto Rico’s Unique Status

Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the United States, meaning U.S. citizens don’t need a passport or visa to enter.

They can enjoy the beauty of Puerto Rico as easily as visiting any other U.S. state.

However, you might need a visa if you’re a non-U.S. citizen.

Travelers from countries that require visas for entry into the United States should check specific requirements for Puerto Rico to ensure a smooth arrival.

2. Language: Spanish, English, and Spanglish

Spanish is the primary language spoken in Puerto Rico, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas like San Juan, Condado, and Isla Verde.

With a strong American influence on our culture, many say that the main language on the island is Spanglish, a mix of Spanish and English.

Don’t worry if you’re not fluent in Spanish; locals are friendly and happy to help, making communication easy for visitors.

3. Getting Around the Island

One of the top Puerto Rico travel tips is to rent a car if you plan to explore the island.

While taxis and Uber are available in urban areas like Condado, Isla Verde, and Old San Juan, they don’t operate extensively outside these zones.

For a full island experience, renting a car is the best option, allowing you the freedom to reach remote beaches, mountains, and historical sites.

• Renting a Car: Driving around Puerto Rico is fairly straightforward and Google Maps works well. Most signs are in Spanish and English.
• Taxi and Uber: If you’re staying in San Juan or nearby areas and are not planning to leave this area, taxis and Uber are convenient options for short trips.

4. Currency: U.S. Dollar

The official currency in Puerto Rico is the U.S. dollar, which makes transactions simple for American visitors.

Expect to find most establishments accepting major credit cards, although it’s helpful to carry some cash for smaller, local vendors, especially in rural areas.

5. Be Prepared for 11.5% Sales Tax

Puerto Rico has one of the highest sales taxes in the United States at 11.5%.

This tax applies to most purchases, including restaurant bills, clothing, and other goods.

When budgeting, remember to account for this tax, as it can add up quickly, especially for larger expenses.

6. Dining Culture: Dinner Starts Around 7 PM

Dinner in Puerto Rico typically starts around 7 PM, and locals enjoy taking their time over meals.

Expect laid-back service, as dining here is more of an experience than a quick meal.

Puerto Rican cuisine is a delicious blend of Spanish, African, and Taino influences, with dishes like mofongo, arroz con gandules, and lechón (pork) to savor.

If you don’t want to eat local food you can also find many diverse restaurants from Italian, Asian to Indian food.

7. Drinking Age: 18 and Up

In Puerto Rico, the legal drinking age is 18, which is lower than in the U.S. mainland.

This makes the island a popular destination for younger travelers.

Bars and clubs are vibrant and welcoming, but it’s essential to enjoy responsibly and stay aware of local drinking laws.

8. Tipping Culture in Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico, tipping is generally expected and follows similar customs to the mainland United States.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Restaurants: It’s customary to tip around 15-20% of the bill, depending on the quality of service. Some restaurants, especially in tourist-heavy areas, may include a service charge, so be sure to check your bill before tipping extra.
• Bars and Cafés: At bars, it’s common to tip around $1 per drink or leave a 15-20% tip if you’re ordering multiple drinks. In cafés, leaving a small tip (around 10%) is appreciated, especially if you receive table service.
• Hotels: For hotel services, it’s typical to tip porters $1-2 per bag and leave $2-5 per night for housekeeping. If you use concierge services, a $5-10 tip for excellent assistance is appreciated.
• Taxis and Rideshares: Taxi drivers and rideshare drivers appreciate a 10-15% tip for a standard ride. If the driver helps with luggage or provides extra assistance, consider adding a bit more.
• Tour Guides: If you take a guided tour, tipping around $5-10 per person or 10-20% of the tour cost is standard, depending on the quality and length of the tour.

While tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s highly appreciated by service workers and goes a long way in showing gratitude for good service.

Many workers rely on tips to supplement their income, so keeping a bit of cash handy for tipping can enhance your experience and show respect for local customs.

9. How To Dress in Puerto Rico

Puerto Ricans generally take pride in their appearance and tend to dress stylishly, especially when dining out, going to parties, or enjoying a night out.

While casual attire is fine during the day, particularly for sightseeing and beach activities, locals often dress more formally in the evenings.

Here are a few tips on what to wear:

• Casual Daywear: During the day, lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal due to Puerto Rico’s warm and humid climate. Shorts, sundresses, T-shirts, and comfortable shoes are perfect for exploring, and beachwear is, of course, expected at the beach or pool areas.
• Evenings and Dining Out: For dinner, especially at nicer restaurants, Puerto Ricans tend to dress more formally. Women often wear dresses, skirts, or pants with nice shoes usually with a heel. Men typically wear button-down shirts or stylish polos with nice pants or jeans. Casual wear like flip-flops (we dislike these) and tank tops are less common for evening dining, especially in upscale venues.
• Nightlife and Parties: Nightlife in Puerto Rico is lively, and dressing up is part of the experience. In popular spots like San Juan’s Old Town, Condado, or Isla Verde, you’ll see people dressed to impress. Women might wear fashionable dresses or heels, and men often opt for fitted shirts, dress shoes, or even a blazer for a more sophisticated look.
• Special Events: If you’re invited to a wedding, festival, or other celebration, expect locals to dress their best. Formal attire is often expected for special occasions, and you’ll likely feel most comfortable joining in on the dressier side.

While there’s no strict dress code, embracing the local style and dressing up for dinner or a night out can help you feel more at home.

10. Beaches and Water Safety

With Puerto Rico’s stunning beaches, water safety is crucial.

Beaches on the north coast often have strong currents, and many don’t have lifeguards.

Be sure to check for advisory signs and flag systems:

• Green Flags: Safe for swimming.
• Yellow Flags: Caution, moderate currents.
• Red Flags: Strong currents, swimming is unsafe.
• Double Red Flags: Beach is closed.

Most beaches around the island don’t have flags so make sure to check the weather apps for any Rip Current advisories.

Locals are knowledgeable about which beaches are safe on any given day, so don’t hesitate to ask for advice before diving in.

11. Bioluminescent Bays

Puerto Rico is one of the few places in the world with bioluminescent bays—breathtaking natural wonders where the water glows at night.

Mosquito Bay on the island of Vieques is the brightest, but you can also visit Laguna Grande in Fajardo and La Parguera in Lajas.

If you can try to plan your visit on a moonless night for the best experience.

As locals, we highly recommend getting a tour to experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you won’t want to miss.

12. Tropical Weather Year-Round

Puerto Rico has a tropical climate, with warm and humid weather throughout the year.

Average temperatures range from 75 to 85°F (24-29°C). It might get a bit chilly during the winter months before the sunrises or at night.

The summer months can get really hot and humid, making it feel more than 100°F (37°C) during the peak hours.

Light clothing, sunscreen, and hydration are essential, as the island’s weather can feel intense, especially if you’re not used to the tropics.

13. Keep in Mind the Hurricane Season

Puerto Rico’s hurricane season runs from June to November, with the peak typically in August and September.

If you’re visiting during this time, stay informed about weather updates, but don’t let it deter you—many travelers visit without issue, just be mindful of potential weather-related delays.

We would also recommend getting travel insurance just in case your trip is canceled or you get stuck on the island during a storm.

14. Explore The Island in a Day

Puerto Rico is a relatively small island (100 x 35 miles), it’s about the same size as Montenegro or as the U.S. states of Delaware and Rhode Island combined.

With a car, you can drive across it in a single day. From the east to the west coast it can take around 3-4 hours depending on the traffic.

Within 8 hours, you can drive the entire coast of the island and return to the starting point.

Whether you’re venturing from coast to coast or taking a scenic route through the mountains, you’ll enjoy diverse landscapes in a short amount of time.

This makes Puerto Rico an ideal destination for road-tripping enthusiasts.

15. High Season and Winter Visitors

Tourist season peaks from November to March, as American visitors flock to escape the cold.

During these months, flights, accommodations, and even rental cars can get more expensive, so booking in advance is crucial.

Traveling in the off-season offers a more budget-friendly experience.

16. Booking Accommodations

During peak season, Puerto Rico’s hotels and Airbnbs can be expensive and fill up quickly.

Booking early will give you access to better deals and ensure that you have a place to stay in popular areas like San Juan, Ponce, and Rincon.

17. Vieques and Culebra

Vieques and Culebra are two smaller islands just off the coast of Puerto Rico, each with stunning beaches and unique attractions.

Flamenco Beach on Culebra is famous for its clear waters and soft white sand, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Vieques also boasts incredible beaches and the brightest bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico.

Both islands are accessible by ferry or small plane and are worth adding to your itinerary.

18. Safety in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is generally safe for tourists, but like any destination, it’s essential to be mindful of your surroundings.

Avoid wandering into unfamiliar areas at night, and respect local customs and communities.

Friendly locals are usually happy to guide you toward safe places to explore.

19. Medical Care In Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico offers quality medical care, with facilities and services comparable to those in the mainland United States.

Here’s what you should know:

• Hospitals and Clinics: The island has numerous hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical centers, especially in larger cities like San Juan and Ponce. Many facilities are modern, with highly trained staff and a range of services available for most medical needs.
• Pharmacies: Pharmacies are widely available throughout the island, including large chains like Walgreens and Walmart where you can find common medications, prescriptions, and basic health supplies. Some pharmacies operate 24/7 in urban areas, which is convenient for travelers in need of over-the-counter remedies or emergency prescriptions.
• Health Insurance: U.S. health insurance is generally accepted in Puerto Rico, though it’s wise to confirm coverage with your provider before your trip. If you have travel insurance, check that it includes Puerto Rico as part of the U.S. coverage area.
• Emergency Services: Puerto Rico has a reliable emergency response system, and you can reach medical help by dialing 911. Ambulance services are available throughout the island, though response times may vary in more remote areas.

20. Local Warmth and Hospitality

One of the highlights of Puerto Rico is its people. We may be biased but this is the feedback we always hear from visitors.

Locals are friendly, warm, and always willing to help.

Whether you’re asking for directions or advice on where to eat, you’ll find Puerto Ricans to be gracious hosts eager to make your trip memorable.

21. Variety of Experiences: Adventure, Beach, and Cultural Enrichment

Puerto Rico offers something for every type of traveler.

Whether you’re an adventurer, a beach lover, or a history enthusiast, you’ll find activities and sights that suit your interests.

Explore the El Yunque rainforest, relax on the beaches of Rincón, or wander through the historic streets of Old San Juan for a well-rounded Puerto Rican experience.

Visiting Puerto Rico For The First Time

Puerto Rico is a destination that combines natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.

From the best times to visit to safety tips and practical advice, these Puerto Rico travel tips will help you navigate your adventure smoothly.

Plan ahead, pack your sunscreen, and get ready to fall in love with this incredible Caribbean gem.