Travel Guides: All Countries / Caribbean / Puerto Rico
 |  | Fact File : Puerto Rico |
|
| | | Puerto Rico | | Did you know?
Many islanders still call Puerto Rico by its original Taino indian name, Borinquen, changed to "rich port" by Christopher Columbus when he arrived in 1493.
Language
Spanish and English.
Visas
None required for UK passport holders who hold a return ticket.
Getting there
At time of writing, there are no direct flights from London to the capital, San Juan. They go via the US, usually Boston, New York or Miami.
Flying time from London
From nine hours.
Getting around
Hiring a car is the best way to get around if you want to see something of the island as buses are crowded and taxis expensive. Roads are good, driving standards not so good - exercise caution.
Currency
US dollar.
Costs
Prices do fluctuate but as a guide: moderate restaurant meal is from £10, a beer from £1, a (US measure) gallon of petrol from 80p, a short taxi ride (airport to Isla Verde, San Juan hotels) £6.50 at time of writing (rate fixed by Government for tourist taxis).
Weather
Year-round good weather with coastal temperatures ranging from around 73F/23C in January and February to 80F/27C in July, August and September. Most visitors prefer to go to Puerto Rico between mid-December and mid-March. Humidity is high most of the time, but on the coast, breezes help freshen the air. In the mountains, night temperatures can drop to 50F. Hurricane season is July to October when the island is hottest and wettest, though rainfall is usually in short heavy bursts swiftly followed by hot sunshine again. Most rainfall is in the rain forest of El Yunque. The driest area of the island is the southern coastal lowland, especially west of Ponce.
Time difference
Four hours behind GMT.
International dialling code from the UK
00 1 787
Voltage
110v.
Opening hours
Shops open from 9 or 10am to 5 or 6pm and up to 9pm in malls. Banks open 8.30am to 2.30pm on weekdays, and 9.45 to noon on Saturdays. Post offices are open 8am to 4 or 5.30pm and some open Saturday mornings.
Health - Before you go
Take out adequate travel insurance as without it, emergency medical care is very expensive.
Health - When you are there
Dengue fever is endemic. It's spread by a certain type of daylight mosquito. Use a good repellent at all times. During jellyfish season (August to October) be careful where you swim and tread. Standards of hygiene on the island are usually good.
Warnings
Don't take valuables to the beach to avoid opportunist theft and, after dark, the possibility of mugging.
Emergency
911.
Customs
Dress modestly - Puerto Ricans respect good appearance. A little Spanish goes a long way.
Pets
Currently you cannot take your pet on holiday to Puerto Rico.
Tipping
Tip 15%-20% in restaurants and bars and 10% for taxi drivers. For porters it's usually $1 for the first bag and 50c for the others.
Tourist office
Puerto Rico Tourism Company, 67a High Street, Walton on Thames, Surrey, KT12 1DJ. Tel. 01932 253302.
|
|
|
|
|
| | Available rental properties in Puerto Rico |
|
|
|
|
