Travel Essentials › Puerto Rico
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types A and B, 120 V. Emergency: One number for everything 911. Tipping: US customs apply: 15-20% in restaurants and for taxis and services. Tap water: Generally safe to drink.
Types A and B, 120 V
| One number for everything | 911 |
US customs apply: 15-20% in restaurants and for taxis and services.
Greetings. A handshake is standard, with a cheek kiss common between women and between women and men who know each other; Puerto Ricans are generally warm and expressive.
Time and pace. Social events often start later than stated ("Puerto Rican time"); business meetings tend to be more punctual.
Identity. Puerto Rico is a US territory but has its own strong national identity; referring to it simply as "part of the US" without nuance can come across as dismissive to locals.
Puerto Rico is generally safe for tourists, especially in San Juan's main visitor areas, Condado, and Old San Juan; petty theft and unclear taxi pricing are the main concerns rather than violent crime.
Taxi fare confusion. Some taxis, especially near the airport, quote unclear or inflated fares with added fees; use Uber or confirm the price (or insist on the meter) before you get in.
Street promoter pressure. High-pressure promoters push bar/club deals or timeshare pitches in tourist zones; feel free to walk away.
Unofficial tour operators. Unlicensed guides or 'gypsy' operators may oversell or shortchange tours; book excursions through established, reviewed companies.
Women travelers. Solo women travelers generally report feeling safe, particularly in busy tourist areas of San Juan; standard precautions around nightlife and late-night walking apply as in any city.
Legal · Mostly Safe
As a US territory, Puerto Rico recognizes same-sex marriage nationwide and has anti-discrimination protections; San Juan has a visible LGBTQ+ scene, particularly in the Condado neighborhood, though rural areas remain more socially conservative.
| Coffee (café) | $3.10 | $3.10 |
| Local bus ride | $1.50 | $1.50 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | $20 | $20 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | $47 | $47 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | $150 | $150 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | $180 | $180 |
2026-09
December to April is the dry season with warm, sunny weather and no hurricane risk; it's also peak season, so May-June and November offer a good weather/price balance.