Business Hours
Most banks and government offices are open Monday through Friday, and some are open on Saturday and Sunday. Shopping malls are open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with Sunday hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some retail stores outside malls are closed on Sundays, but those in tourist areas are open every day.
Money
The U.S. dollar is the local currency and there's certainly no shortage of ATMs to replenish your supply. Most businesses (aside from street vendors) accept major credit cards, as well as traveler's checks.
Mail
The U.S. Postal Service administers the postal services with the same regulations and prices as in the United States. In addition, most major courier services operate on the island.
Customs
There are no customs duties on articles bought in Puerto Rico and taken to the U.S. mainland, so feel free to bring back as much as you like as long as it's not fruits or plants.
Language
Spanish is the primary language here, but many locals also speak English, especially in the tourist areas.
Dress
During the day, casual, sporty clothing is the norm in resort and tourist areas, and a cover-up over beachwear is a good idea when walking in the streets. At night, locals enjoy dressing up.
Drinking Water
The public water supply is said to be safe for consumption; the trusting drink it, the rest buy bottled water. Most hotels have a filtration system for backup.
Medical Services
Puerto Rico's hospitals have highly qualified healthcare professionals and are equipped with the latest medical technology. In fact, many people come from the neighboring islands to take advantage of Puerto Rico's state-of-the-art healthcare services.
Public Holidays
Puerto Rico observes most U.S. holidays plus several local ones. Mainly government offices and banks are affected by holidays, but most stores in tourist areas and attractions remain open with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Three Kings (Jan. 6) and Mother's Day.
Tipping
Tip here the same as you would anywhere in the U.S.: 15% to 20% is the norm.
Time
The island is on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), which is one hour later than U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST) from October through April. From April to October, when the mainland is on Daylight Saving Time, the time is the same as Eastern Daylight Saving Time.
Transportation
The Tourist Taxis charge fixed rates between the airport, ports and tourist districts such as Isla Verde, Condado and Old San Juan. Outside of these areas taxis are required to use their meters, except on charter trips. It's not unusual to pay additional charges for baggage.
Public buses will take you just about anywhere in the metropolitan area. Bus stops are marked by signs that read "Parada" and are only a few blocks apart on most main streets.
The Urban Train subway system operates 12 stations between the Hato Rey financial district and the town of Bayamón, which includes several stops at shopping centers, sports venues and major medical facilities. The fare is $1.50 each way.
Rental cars are easy to access, and all that's needed is a valid driver's license and credit card. Most rental car companies offer complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off service.
Ferries operated by the Puerto Rico Port Authority to Culebra and Vieques depart from Fajardo which is on the very eastern tip of Puerto Rico. (San Juan is on the nothern side of the island, depending on traffic, about one hour by car from Fajardo.) There are also local flights to the islands from San Juan. For ferry schedule and ticket information, contact PR Port Authority in Fajardo: (787) 863-3360 (Spanish only). Note, their web site is under contruction at this time.
Regional Airports
The main international airport is San Juan (SJU). Regional airports are located in Isla Grande, Mayaguez, Culebra, Arecibo, Humacao, Fajardo, Vieques, Ponce.
Flights between San Juan and Fajardo, Culebra and Vieques are available on the following carriers:
To Culebra
Vieques Air Link
Tel. 787-742-0254
Isla Nena Air Service
Tel. 787-742-0972/787-741-1577
Air Flamenco
Tel. 787-742-1040
To Vieques
Vieques Air Link
Tel. 787-741-8211
Isla Nena Air Service
Tel. 787-741-1716/787-741-6362
M&N Aviation
Tel. 787-741-3911/787-741-3912
To Fajardo
Vieques Air Link
Tel. (787) 863-3020
Isla Nena Air Service
Tel. (787) 863-3030/1-800-812-5144
Air Flamenco
Tel. (787) 801-8256
Air St. Thomas
Tel. (787) 863-0730/1-800-522-3084
Getting Married
Be prepared to spend a few weekdays here to meet the requirements for a marriage license, and be sure to have all related documentation, including birth certificates, and when necessary, divorce decrees and death certificates on hand. Contact the Registro Demográfico for full details.
Pease see additional info about weddings in Puerto Rico, here.
Liquor Laws
The legal drinking age is 18.
Useful and Emergency Phone Numbers
Directory Assistance - 411
Emergency Assistance 911
Air Ambulance Service - 787-756-3424
Paramedics
Metro Area - 787-754-2222
Outside San Juan - 787-754-2550
Police - 911
Condado Tourist Zone Police - 787-726-7020
Isla Verde Tourist Zone Police - 787-728-4770
Fire Department - 911 or 787-343-2330
Traveler's Aid - 787-791-1054
Time - 787-728-9595
Weather - 787-766-7777
Compañía de Turismo de Puerto Rico - 787-721-2400
Registro Demografico (for marriage license info) - 787-767-9120
Ferry service to Culebra and Vieques - 787-863-0705
Helpful Resources
Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce
787-721-6060
www.camarapr.org
Puerto Rico Convention Bureau
787-725-2110 or toll free 1-800-875-4765
www.meetpuertorico.com
Puerto Rico Convention Center
787-641-7722 or toll free 1-800-214-0420
www.prconvention.com
Puerto Rico Tourism Company
787-721-2400 or toll free 1-800-866-7827
www.gotopuertorico.com
