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Visitor
Information and Tips
Getting Around
Ground transportation in Puerto Rico can mean
a taxi, a tour bus, a rental car, a ferry, a small
plane, a charter boat, a Metrobus, or a público.
In the near future, you will also be able to get
around part of greater San Juan in a shiny new
Urban Train.
By Ground
Rental Car
Most of the major car rental companies have offices
at the airport, in San Juan and in the larger
cities and towns. Roads are clearly marked and
maps are available. Note that speed limits are
indicated in miles per hour, but distances are
shown in kilometers.
All major highway systems circling the island
are in good condition; several of these highways
are toll roads. For the more adventuresome traveler,
you may choose the "Ruta Panoramica"
(panoramic route) through the middle of the island.
These roads are often curvy, narrow and not well
marked, but with the willingness to "ask
directions", you can follow the route through
the mountains for a very unique trip across Puerto
Rico (allow plenty of extra time for this route!)
Taxi
Taxis are available at the airport, hotels and
major tourist points. In the tourism zones, rates
are fixed and posted. Outside the zones, taxis
are metered and can be hired by the hour.
Bus
Public transportation in the metropolitan San
Juan area is convenient and practical, with regular
bus service on established routes.
By Air
You can fly to many of the cities and towns within
Puerto Rico, including Vieques and Culebra, by
chartering a small plane or taking one of the
regularly scheduled commuter-type flights from
the Ribas Dominicci Airport in Isla Grande, San
Juan, or other local airports. If you are staying
in the west of the island, look into direct flights
to and from the Aguadilla airport.
By Water
Ferry service to Culebra and Vieques is available
at the small port of Fajardo on the east end of
the island. Private boats can also be chartered
at many of the marinas on the east coast.
By Publico
Among the most interesting and adventurous ways
of traveling in Puerto Rico is by público.
Públicos are independently owned and operated
vans that service hard to reach urban areas. They
also travel between island towns; if you have
the time and inclination, they can be an inexpensive
and fascinating way to learn about the island.
You may find yourself riding with a family on
its way to see a grandmother on the other side
of the island, or a half dozen ballplayers on
their way to a game. All in all, públicos
offer visitors a terrific opportunity to meet
Puerto Rico and its people.
Language
Spanish and English are the official languages,
but Spanish is without a doubt the dominant language.
Knowledge of Spanish will be very useful, although
English is widely spoken. (Sometimes you will
find yourself surrounded by Spanish speakers only,
but be sure that in every store, restaurant, medical
and/or government facilities, they would search
around and find one person, who knows enough English
to help you.)
Time
Puerto Rico is in the Atlantic Time Zone, but
does not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Electricity
The island uses standard U.S. electric current
- 110 volts/60 cycles. European appliances require
an adapter.
Business Hours
Business hours are similar to those on the mainland,
6:00 AM to 6:00 PM weekdays (the siesta has pretty
much disappeared). Most stores are open Saturdays,
and all of the larger towns have shopping malls
that are open evenings and Sundays.
Money
Currency is the US Dollar. Major credit cards
are accepted at most businesses, and ATMs connected
to major US and international networks are easy
to find.
Weather
Averages 83°F (22.7°C) in the winter and
85°F (29.4°C) in the summer. The trade
winds cool the coastal towns and the temperature
decreases as you go up into the higher mountains.
Dress
Because of its tropical climate, dress is generally
quite informal in Puerto Rico. Due to the warm,
humid climate, light-weight clothing is recommended.
Health
Medications
Bring enough prescription medication for your
stay. Unexpected delays and extended stays can
upset your medication regimen. Similar to the
United States, pharmacists cannot distribute prescription
medications without authorization from a doctor.
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required for visitors to Puerto
Rico. However, those arriving from, or transiting
through countries where a health epidemic has
been formally declared, may need proof of vaccination
before they can enter the island.
Telephone
Phone cards or calling cards and IDD service are
readily available. Long-distance services from
AT&T, MCI, and Sprint make calling home relatively
convenient and let you avoid hotel surcharges.
Pets
Importation of animals is prohibited without an
Import Permit. Proper health documents must be
produced and the Government Veterinary Officer
must be notified of the port of entry and the
expected time of arrival.
Tourism Office Contact Information
Puerto Rico-Tourism Co.
Old San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico
+1-809-721-2400, 722-1709, 791-1014, 791-2551
+1-809-721-2400, 722-1709, 791-1014, 791-2551
San Juan-Puerto Rico Convention Bureau
59 Del Cristo St
Old San Juan PR 00901
+1-809-725-2110;; FAX +1-809-725-2133
Puerto Rico Tourism Co.(Canada)
380 Ontario St
Toronto, ON M5A 2V7
+1-416-969-9025
Puerto Rico Tourism Co.(USA,CA)
3575 W. Cahuega Blvd, #560
Los Angeles, CA 90068
+1-213-874-5991; 800-874-1230; FAX +1-213-874-7257
Puerto Rico Tourism Co.(USA,FL)
P.O. Box 5268
Miami, FL 33102
+1-305-445-9112; 800-815-7391, 1-800-866-STAR;
FAX +1-305-445-9450
Puerto Rico Tourism Co.(USA,NY)
575 Fifth Ave., 23rd Floor
New York, NY 10017
+1-212-599-6262, +1-212-246-3397; 800-866-STAR,
800-223-6530; FAX +1-212-818-1866
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