23 Puerto Rico Travel Tips from a Local (for 2023)

Even if you think you’re prepared for your upcoming trip, there are still some key Puerto Rico travel tips to know.

As a local born and raised in Puerto Rico, I’ve seen a lot of unprepared and clueless tourists facing complications just because nobody told them what to expect.

I don’t want you to be another one of those tourists, so I put together my 23 best Puerto Rico travel tips you should know before visiting the island.

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23 Tips & Things to Know Before Going to Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Isn’t an Island (It’s Several)

Very few people know that Puerto Rico is actually an archipelago, consisting of several islands – not just the main island also named Puerto Rico.

In fact, you’ll find several of the best places to go in Puerto Rico are actually located on its two other municipalities outside the main island: Vieques and Culebra. Beyond those, the archipelago also sports over a hundred smaller islands and cays like Desecheo, Icacos, and Gilligan’s Island.

❓ Want to Learn More About Puerto Rico? Check out these 41 Fun Facts About Puerto Rico.

Pack Your Mosquito Repellent

Puerto Rico is a tropical island in the Caribbean, which means you’ll find a lot of mosquitos. Mosquitoes can transmit different illnesses like Dengue and Zika so you’ll want to pack your repellent. 

Since DEET repellant can get smelly and isn’t great for the environment, use an alternative like the excellent new DEET-free spray by Ranger Ready.

While we’re on the subject of packing, check out my list of important things to pack for a trip to Puerto Rico (I bet you’re missing at least one!).

For Short Getaways, Stick to Old San Juan

If you only have a weekend in Puerto Rico, Old San Juan still offers a great traveling experience and is probably your best bet for where to stay in Puerto Rico. 

The old town is home to many of San Juan’s most important points of interest like El Morro Fort, amazing food, gorgeous beaches, and lots of Puerto Rican culture you can explore without the need to rent a car in Puerto Rico.

But, If You Can, Leave Old San Juan

While Old San Juan has the most famous Puerto Rico landmarks, very few travelers know the best beaches in Puerto Rico and the best landmarks are outside San Juan. So if you have some extra time make sure to visit other areas as well, even as a day trip from San Juan.

👉 Bonus Tip: If you’re planning to leave Old San Juan for a day trip, you should take with you a backpack with snacks, since making stops to eat can quickly add to your expenses. This amazing Tourit Cooler Backpack can keep your drinks colder for a longer time, something you’ll need in the Caribbean heat.

A Car is Very Helpful

While there is public transportation in Puerto Rico, it’s not practical for tourists trying to get around Puerto Rico outside of the metropolitan area.

That’s why if you’re visiting Puerto Rico, you should really consider renting a car to go out of San Juan. Driving in Puerto Rico is easier than you might think!

You can use the comparison engine Discover Cars to find the best prices for the days you’ll be staying!

Prepare for a Lot of Car Honking

One thing that surprises a lot of people is how much Puerto Ricans honk their cars. We honk to say hi, to make you know the light changed, to catch your attention, and to curse at you too. You will be able to tell the difference, just make sure you don’t do anything to receive the “cursing” honk.

There’s A Hurricane Season

Before visiting Puerto Rico, you should know Puerto Rico has a hurricane season that goes from June to November. During this period, hurricanes and tropical storms that form in the Atlantic could impact the island directly or indirectly. This doesn’t mean the island will get affected by hurricanes yearly. The last hurricane to impact the island was Hurricane Fiona in 2022.

👉 Bonus Tip: While the hurricane season represents an additional risk, traveling during this season to Puerto Rico can save you a lot of money in hotels, car rentals, and tours. Just consider if you should protect your trip with insurance. You can easily compare quotes in minutes at VisitorsCoverage.

Keep an Umbrella with You

While Puerto Rico is sunny all year round, it rains quite frequently. Even if showers are short, you should always keep an umbrella with you, especially if you choose to visit Puerto Rico during the rainy season, which goes from April to November. 

If you need one, check out Lydia’s post reviewing several of the best umbrellas for travel. Spoiler alert: the Rain Mate umbrella came out on top!

Tipping is Expected

Tipping in Puerto Rico is not compulsory, but it’s expected within restaurants, hotels, and bars. Some common tipping quantities are $2 or more per day for the housekeeping staff, $1 per drink for bartenders, and 15% of the check for restaurant servers. You can also tip cab drivers,  uber drivers, and bellhops. 

Puerto Rico Uses the Dollar

Puerto Rico is a non-incorporated territory of the United States, which means the island’s currency is the US dollar. So if you’re traveling from the USA, you don’t need to worry about finding a currency exchange!

No Passport Needed (If From the US)

Due to the island’s political status, US citizens can travel freely between the USA and Puerto Rico using just their licenses. Read my guide to passport requirements for Puerto Rico for more information.

For more inspiration, check out Andrew’s list of all the other places you can visit without a US passport.

If Not, You’ll Need a Visa

If you’re not a US citizen but you want to visit Puerto Rico, you must know you’ll need the same entry requirements and visa requirements you would need to enter any other part of the United States.

You Can Visit on a Cruise

Puerto Rico is a popular cruise port. While some cruises depart from here and others just make a quick stop, Old San Juan receives up to two million cruise ship passengers per year. So, if you rather party while you travel, you can take a cruise to visit the island.

Since cruises typically only have a short time in port, you may want to check out my guide to the best tours and excursions from San Juan port.

Flip Flops Aren’t For Every Occasion

While you may be spending most of your days exploring Puerto Rico’s beautiful beaches, you should pack something more than sandals and bathing suits in your pack. 

Many tourists believe they can wear their swimwear everywhere, but in reality, Puerto Ricans dress up even before leaving the beach. You’ll need an extra change of clothes for restaurants, hospitals, bars, and even for walking around the city.

Plan Your Budget

Puerto Rico is not a cheap destination. You can expect more or less the prices you would find in cities like Orlando or Miami, and you should plan your budget for Puerto Rico accordingly. You can save money by eating in food kiosks outside the tourist zone, like in Piñones, renting an Airbnb with a kitchen, booking a hotel with breakfast included, or traveling during the low season.

The Drinking Age is 18

Young international visitors thinking about traveling to Puerto Rico to party the night away may be in for a nasty surprise: the legal drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18 years, though some clubs may require you to be 21 to enter. 

The drinking age in Puerto Rico is well-enforced too. Bars, gas stations, and even convenience stores will ask you for an ID every time you try to buy a drink and will certainly deny it to you if you’re under 18.

If you are of age and want to try something local, bookmark my article on the best Puerto Rican drinks.

Speaking Spanish Comes In Handy

Puerto Rico sports two official languages, Spanish and English, but you’ll find people that speak English mostly within tourist areas. That’s why, before visiting the island you should learn some basic Spanish phrases to get around.

Traffic is Heavy

If you’re renting a car, you should know Puerto Rico sports some heavy traffic, especially in the metro area. The peak traffic hours could make a simple 20-minute route take 45 minutes or an hour. Be sure to go out with plenty of time to your destinations.

You Might Lose Signal

US travelers could get surprised when learning their phones work perfectly fine in Puerto Rico without the need to pay for roaming. But, if you adventure into the central area, you’ll probably lose your signal at some point. 

Metrics are Different

You will notice Puerto Ricans use both the Imperial System of Measurement and the Metric System of Measurement, which means you’ll see things in inches and others in meters. For example, distances get measured in kilometers, speed limits in miles per hour, and gas in liters.

The Most Beautiful Beaches Aren’t in San Juan

San Juan sports multiple great beaches for couples, families, and solo travelers, but you should know the top clearest, and paradisiacal beaches in Puerto Rico are outside San Juan. If you’ve got extra time you should explore the beaches on Vieques, Culebra, and the west coast.

Some Beaches Have Rip Currents

While you can’t leave Puerto Rico without visiting some of the best beaches, you should know some beaches on the island are home to rip currents like Playa Jobos and Playa Peña. You can ask your Puerto Rico travel guide about them, or you can check the local media.

Bring Your Hiking Boots

You’ll find lots of incredible hiking trails in Puerto Rico, and getting out on them is a great activity!

So just remember that your Puerto Rico packing list should include more than your swimwear when visiting Puerto Rico. In top destinations like El Yunque National Forest, you’ll need boots, long sleeves t-shirts, and even a light rain jacket!

Puerto Rico’s Travel Tips Frequently Asked Questions

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That was the complete list of great tips for traveling to Puerto Rico. I hope they can help you enjoy your vacation. If you’re still figuring out what to do, then check out my complete guide to the 49 Best Things to do in Puerto Rico.