Puerto Rico Basics |
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Electricity: Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin flat attachment plugs are in use.
Money: The Unites States Dollar (USD) is the unit of currency, which is divided into 100 cents. It is often referred to as the 'peso' in Puerto Rico. ATMs and bureaux de change are freely available and credit cards and travellers cheques are generally accepted.
Currency Exchange Rates |
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| US$1.00 = | US$ 1.00 | £ 0.56 | C$ 1.06 | A$ 1.27 | R 8.32 | € 0.71 | NZ$ 1.49 |
Language: Spanish and English are the official languages of Puerto Rico.
Entry requirements for Americans: There is no immigration control for United States citizens arriving from the United States. However, US citizens arriving in Puerto Rico from Central or South American countries, or from Caribbean islands, require proof of United States citizenship or a birth certificate; those arriving from elsewhere should have a United States passport.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: Entry requirements are as for mainland USA: British citizens require a valid passport for travel to Puerto Rico. Under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), most British citizens do not require a visa for holiday, transit or business purposes providing their passports are machine-readable, the stay does not exceed 90 days and a return or onward ticket is held. Note: Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Protected Person, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do require a visa.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Entry requirements are as for mainland USA: Canadian citizens require a valid passport and proof of citizenship. No visa is required.
Entry requirements for Australians: Entry requirements are as for the United States: Australian citizens qualify for the US visa waiver programme and may stay up to 90 days without a visa provided they have a machine-readable passport.
Entry requirements for South Africans: Entry requirements are as for mainland USA. South Africans must hold a valid passport and a visa is required for entry to Puerto Rico.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: Entry requirements are the same as for the United States: New Zealand nationals qualify for the US Visa Waiver programme provided they have a valid, machine-readable passport and fulfil the other requirements. A visa is then not required for stays of up to 90 days.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Entry requirements are the same as for the United States: Irish passport holders qualify for the Visa Waiver programme if they hold a valid, machine-readable passport, and may stay up to 90 days without a visa.
Passport/Visa Note: All passport holders must have an onward or return ticket and documents necessary for further travel. Entry requirements for Puerto Rico are the same as for the United States of America. When arriving from mainland USA there is no immigration control.
Health: There are no health risks associated with travel to Puerto Rico, and no vaccination certificates are required. It is best to drink bottled water to avoid stomach upsets. Thoroughly wash or peel produce you buy in markets before eating it. Medical services are good but can be expensive; medical insurance is advised.
Tipping: Some restaurants and hotels automatically add a 10 to 17% service charge to the bill, if not 15 to 20% is expected. Taxi drivers and bar staff also expect tips.
Safety: Visits to Puerto Rico are usually trouble-free but travellers should take sensible precautions to avoid petty theft.
Business: Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory although the resemblance is closer to Latin America. English is understood by many on the island, but Spanish may also be the language in which business is conducted. Dress codes will vary according to different sectors, but suits are favoured on very formal occasions. Shaking hands is common for both men and women. Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken at lunch.
Communications: The international access code for Puerto Rico is +1 787. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom). The outgoing code is not needed for calling the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean. Mobile phones work throughout the island and local operators use CDMA networks that are not compatible with GSM phones, as used outside North America. Internet cafes are available in most towns and resorts.
Duty Free: Puerto Rico's customs regulations are the same as those for the United States. Visitors over 21 may bring in the following items without paying duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 2kg of tobacco; 1 litre of alcohol; and gifts valued up to US$100. There is a long list of restricted and prohibited items which may not be imported or imported only under license, ranging from fireworks and matches to pre-Columbian sculpture and Cuban cigars. If in doubt consult your nearest US Embassy for advice. Any merchandise from embargoed countries (Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Serbia and Montenegro and the Sudan) may not be brought onto US soil.