Calling Codes

The area code all of Puerto Rico is 787. Calls can be dialed from the mainland U.S. or the U.S. Virgin Islands by first dialing a "1" and then the area code. Similarly, dial the seven-digit local number for local calls, and the three-digit area code plus a "1" for long-distance on the island. Long-distance pay phone rates within the island are expensive given the distance concerned. Local calls are a cheap 10 cents.

Electricity is 110V AC, 60Hz, as in the continental U.S., plugs are of the flat, two-pin type. Be aware that this voltage is half as much as in most European and Asian countries, so visitors from those countries will need an adapter and a converter to operate their appliances.

Islandwide, you can dial 911 for emergencies.

Major hotels offer services as do specialty centers in San Juan and Ponce.

Both English and Spanish are used on the island. Highly educated Puerto Ricans can speak English. Many Puerto Ricans may not speak much English, even though they may have studied it in school, so a knowledge of basic Spanish comes in handy.

New Year's Day:
January 1
Epiphany January:
6 Birthday of Eugenio Maria de Hostos:
January 8
Martin Luther King Day:
Third Monday in January
President's Day:
March 22
Good Friday:
Friday before Easter
Easter Sunday:
in mid-March or early April
Birthday of Jose de Diego:
April 15
Memorial Day:
April 29
St. John the Baptist Day:
June 25
Independence Day:
July 4
Birthday of Luis Munoz Rivera:
July 15
Constitution Day:
July 25
Birthday of Jose Celso Barbosa:
July 27
Labor Day:
First Monday in September
Columbus Day (Discovery of Puerto Rico):
Second Monday in October
Veteran's Day:
November 11
Thanksgiving:
Fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day:
December 25

Puerto Rico lies in the Atlantic Time Zone (Greenwich Mean Time minus four hours). During the summer months, the entire island switches to Daylight Savings Time.

Weekday business hours are generally 8am to 5pm. Banking hours run from 8:30am to 2:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Airport Skycap/Porter: 1 dollar per bag
Bars: 15 percent
Haircare/Personal Services: 10-15 percent
Hotel Bell Desk: 1 dollar per bag
Hotel Housekeeping: 10 percent
Hotel Room Service: 10 percent
Restaurants: 15 percent. A service charge is sometimes added to the bill.
Parking Attendant/Valet: 1 to 2 dollars
Taxis: 10 to 20 percent

The island's poor internal transportation system makes renting a car necessary. If you don't have insurance, however, make sure you're covered. All too often roads are poorly marked so getting anywhere can be an adventure in itself! Puerto Rican law prohibits the rental of scooters and motorbikes. Cars may be rented at the airport; a valid U.S. driver's license is required. Expect to pay around $200-250 per week, but weekend specials and a weekly rate may be available. Insurance is additional. In general, it's preferable to avoid driving in San Juan, so try to take a taxi or a bus. Old San Juan has a free open-air taxi system. However it is rather slow, and it may be faster to walk where you wish to go.

Freeways run between San Juan and Mayaguez and San Juan and Ponce, but the other roads (often poorly marked) are a true adventure. The Ruta Panoromica (marked on maps) gives you great views. It is also possible to charter a vehicle to a specific destination.

All taxis are metered. Rates are $1 for the initial charge, and 10 cents for every additional mile. Each suitcase is an extra 50 cents. One extra dollar is charged for a taxi called from home or business. The minimum fee is $3. You can easily find a taxi in the street or have your hotel call you one. Smaller towns also have taxis.

The Metropolitan Bus Authority (787-250-6064) operates buses in the San Juan Metropolitan area. The new Metrobus system (787-763-4141), which runs from San Juan to Rio Piedras, is another alternative.

Out on the island, minibuses (carros publicos or guaguas) generally carry from 10 to 14 people. If you have more time than money, then publicos are a good way of getting around. Be prepared to wait for them to fill up--this can take an indeterminate amount of time.

Australia
Citizens of Australia must have a valid passport to enter Puerto Rico.

Canada
Citizens of Canada need a proof of citizenship for entry into Puerto Rico. This can be either a birth certificate with a raised seal or a voter registration card with a photo ID. A driver's license is not enough. Canadian citizens under 16 require notarized permission from both parents.

France
Citizens of France must have a valid passport to enter Puerto Rico.

Germany
Citizens of Germany must have a valid passport to enter Puerto Rico.

Ireland
Citizens of Ireland must have a valid passport to enter Puerto Rico.

Japan
Citizens of Japan must have a valid passport to enter Puerto Rico.

United Kingdom
Citizens of the U.K. must have a valid passport to enter Puerto Rico.

United States
Since Puerto Rico is part of the territorial United States, U.S. citizens only need to present a driver's license or other photo ID when entering the island.

A sweater or light jacket should be sufficient for chilly evenings. If you are planning on going snorkeling, you might want to bring a mask or fins. Divers should consult with their hotel or resort regarding equipment. The standard tropical take-along item list applies, including sunglasses, sunscreen and other toiletries, windsurfing sandals, long pants (if you intend to go hiking), shorts, umbrella or rain poncho, day pack, and nice clothes if you plan on going the nicer restaurants and nightclubs.

The best time to visit is between December and April. The temperatures are in the 70s and 80s during the day, and in the 70s at night. (It can get cooler in the mountains.) Hurricane season runs from June to November, a period during which it may be cloudy and rainy and more humid. The major hotels offer off-season discounts, so this is one advantage if you plan to visit during this time of the year.

Most of Puerto Rico's celebrations are in a religious vein. Every town on the island has its fiestas patronales or patron saint festival. They always begin on a Friday, approximately 10 days before the date prescribed. Although services are held twice a day, the atmosphere is anything but religious. Music, gambling, and dancing take place on the town plaza, and food stalls sell local specialties. A generally somber atmosphere prevails during Holy Week (Semana Santa), the week surrounding Easter, when processions and pageants are held islandwide. Las Navidades or the Christmas season, which stretches from December 15 to January 6, is the liveliest time of the year. Marked by parties and prayers, it's a time to get together with friends. On January 6, the Epiphany or Three Kings' Day is celebrated. The night before, children traditionally place boxes of grass under their beds to await the arrival of the Three Kings, Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. After the camels have eaten all the grass, the kings leave presents in the now empty boxes.