Facts On Puerto Rico

Things you should know about Puerto Rico while visiting our beautiful country. These facts on Puerto Rico are based on the information collected from different sources and although we try to make them as accurate as possible, these may change without notice.

AIRPORTS – Here is a list of international and regional airports in Puerto Rico.

• San Juan Luis Munoz Marin Intl (SJU)
• Aguadilla Rafael Hernandez (BQN)
• Arecibo Antonio/Nery/Juarbe (ARE)
• Fajardo Diego Jimenez Torres (FAJ)
• Mayaguez Eugenio Maria De Hostos (MAZ)
• Ponce Mercedita (PSE)
• San Juan Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci (SIG)

CLIMATE – The average year-round temperature is 82º F (28º C), with mild easterly trade winds. A rainy season starts in August and ends in October, but due to our tropical climate you can expect brief rain showers at any time. Be on the lookout for hurricane season from June ’til December.

CUISINE – A wide range of international cuisines are available but authentic Puerto Rican and Caribbean are more common. Many major American restaurant chains and fast food restaurants are found in the island.

CURRENCY – The U.S. dollar is the official and only currency used in Puerto Rico. Major U.S., Canadian, and European banks have branches on the Island. ATM’s are plentiful, and linked to major worldwide banking networks.

CUSTOMS AND DOCUMENTS – Puerto Rico is a U.S. Commonwealth with U.S. citizenship. Therefore, passports are not necessary for U.S. citizens. Foreign nationals should have valid passports and visas as required. Travelers flying from Puerto Rico to the U.S. are subject to check-in baggage inspection by the U.S. Department of Agriculture at the airport because they prohibit taking certain fruits and plants into the U.S. For more information call (787) 253-4505 or U.S. Customs at (787) 253-4533.

DRESS CODE – Casual wear is accepted everywhere, swimsuits are acceptable at the beach. Puerto Ricans tend to dress up at night when going out dancing or dinner. Most restaurants will be OK by wearing shorts and a t-shirt, but if you are considering to dine at some of the more up-scale restaurants you may want to wear nicer pieces of clothing.

DRIVING – Many national and local car rental companies operate at the airports and at key locations in the tourist districts. Gas is sold by the liter (3.8 liters to a gallon), distance is measured in kilometers (1 Kilometer = 0.62 miles), and speed is measured in miles per hour. Driving is on the right hand side of the road.

ELECTRICITY – Electricity is 110 volts 60 Hz, with U.S. style power common outlets.

GAMBLING – Gambling is legal in Puerto Rico and you can find casinos in all major hotels throughout the island.

HACIENDA – A Spanish word describing a vast ranch, a large home or small group of large homes in Spanish speaking regions. A unique venue in Puerto Rico, reflecting the spirit and traditions of the island.

HOLIDAYS – All US holidays are observed by government agencies and the private industry as well as the local holidays. See Events page for more information.

LANGUAGES – Puerto Rico has two official languages, Spanish and English with Spanish a predominant. Locals speak both languages.

LIQUOR LAWS – The legal drinking age is 18. Alcohol consumption in the streets of Old San Juan has been forbidden by law and other designated areas are allowed to drink.

PHONE SYSTEM – The phone system is the same as in the U.S. (Sprint, AT&T, Verizon, etc.) The Island’s area codes are 787 and 939. You need to dial the area code before placing a call anywhere within Puerto Rico and the U.S. For international calls, international codes apply. For emergencies dial 911.

POSTAL AND MAIL SERVICES – The U.S. Postal Service provides the same reliable service as in the U.S. and all major courier services, such as FedEx, DHL, UPS among others service Puerto Rico.

SIZE AND POPULATION – Puerto Rico is approximately 100 miles long by 35 miles wide (160 Km by 56 Km), which is roughly the size of Connecticut. The island’s population is approximately 2.8 million people.

SMOKING – Smoking in all public places is illegal and the only places that are allowed to smoke are outdoors when not affecting others, in a hotel with designated room, in your car when children are not present, and in your own home. Fines start at $250.

TAXES – Puerto Rico has its own tax system. It has a 10.5% sales tax and municipalities have the option of imposing an additional sales tax of up to 1% (effective on July 2015); therefore, the total Sales & Use Tax is 11.5%. There is an 11% tax on room charges in hotels with casinos, 9% tax on hotels without casinos and 7% on small inns. Hotels in San Juan may have an additional tax between $3 and $5 per room, per person.

TELEVISION – Cable and satellite TV service are available island-wide, with local television stations and all major English language stations from the U.S.

TIME – The clock in Puerto Rico is never reset because we are on Atlantic Standard Time. Current time is the same as EST during summer and 1 hour ahead of EST during winter.

TIPPING – A 15% to 20% tip is customary. Some hotels and restaurants add a 10% to 20% service charge to the total bill.