Travel tips · San Juan · Puerto Rico
San Juan travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Farragutful, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Puerto Rico is a US territory and Puerto Ricans are US citizens, but the island has its own strong identity, shaped by Taíno, Spanish and African heritage. Spanish is the everyday language, though English is widely understood in tourist areas. Music runs through daily life — salsa, bomba and plena, and the reggaetón that the island helped create — and the Christmas season stretches from November to mid-January.
Key facts
- Language
- Spanish and English
- Currency
- USD
- Plugs
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is treated and generally safe in San Juan, though many residents…
- Emergency
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
Things to know
- Greet people with 'buenos días' or 'buenas tardes' before asking for anything.
- La Perla, below the old town walls, is a residential community; do not treat it as a sightseeing stop unless with a local guide.
- Cover up when leaving the beach; swimwear is not worn in Old San Juan's streets and shops.
- Dress modestly when visiting churches, and keep quiet during services.
- Be patient: service and schedules can be relaxed.
- Book Casa Bacardí ahead: Tours run on a reservation basis; book a slot online before you go.
- Visit from May to mid-June or in November for lower rates and lighter crowds.
Tipping
Tip 15–20% at restaurants unless a service charge is included, $1–$2 per drink at bars, 15% for taxis, and a few dollars a day for hotel housekeeping.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Buenos días | Good morning |
| Gracias | Thank you |
| La cuenta, por favor | The bill, please |
| ¡Wepa! | Hooray! / Let's go! |
| Boricua | Puerto Rican |
| Chévere | Cool, great |
What to wear
Light, breathable clothing and sun protection year-round; a cover-up away from the beach and smart-casual for dinner in Condado and Old San Juan.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is treated and generally safe in San Juan, though many residents drink filtered or bottled water, especially after storms.
- Emergency number
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
- Phone and internet
- US mobile plans work without roaming charges for most US carriers; Wi-Fi is standard in hotels and cafés.
- Time zone
- America/Puerto Rico
Tourist areas are generally fine with normal precautions, but avoid deserted streets at night and do not leave valuables in cars or unattended on beaches. Rip currents affect several north-coast beaches, including parts of Condado. Follow official guidance during hurricane season, and use insect repellent, as mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue occur.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Puerto Rico's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in San Juan?
Tip 15–20% at restaurants unless a service charge is included, $1–$2 per drink at bars, 15% for taxis, and a few dollars a day for hotel housekeeping.
+Can you drink the tap water in San Juan?
Tap water is treated and generally safe in San Juan, though many residents drink filtered or bottled water, especially after storms.
+What plugs are used in San Juan?
Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in San Juan?
Spanish and English.