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Everything you need to know about
Puerto Rico travel

Know before you go:

  • Pre-boarding information

  • Average cost of travel

  • COVID-19 travel restrictions

  • What to pack

  • Words to know in Spanish

  • Puerto Rico Ettiquete

  • Top Locations To Visit

Pre-boarding information

Before boarding your plane, it's crucial to know that you don't need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico. The island is technically U.S. territory, so treat traveling to Puerto Rico as just another domestic flight within the U.S.

No passport is required to visit Puerto Rico, as a U.S. territory traveling to Puerto Rico is Domestic travel. *Beginning May 3, 2023, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.

Be sure to bring your state ID and stay up to date on the latest COVID-19 information.

COVID-19 Updates:
Puerto Rico's travel restrictions change in response to the number of cases on the island. For the lastest information on curfews, COVID-19 testing, and travel policies, check out Discover Puerto Rico's day-to-day updates. 

Also, check out these other resources for travel recommendations: CDC & Sherpa. 

Average Travel Costs

Heads up, Puerto Rico's currency is the U.S. dollar so no euros or pesos are needed. Besides ATM fees, there are no foreign bank charges for using your credit or debit card in Puerto Rico. Common methods of payment include Apple Pay, ATH Movil, along with cards and cash.

Average flight costs:
On any given part of the year, flights can range from $200-300 to travel from the east coast of the U.S. to Puerto Rico. Our team recommends using Hopper to track flights and be notified when prices drop. The most common times to travel to Puerto Rico include December and January for the holiday festivities and spring-like weather, along with summer because of summer vacations. 

Transportation costs:
Local Ubers and taxis often offer fair prices on the island. For those looking for a more private, luxury experience private transportation rates are based on how many hours you request. Our team recommends booking a tour that includes private transportation to get that next level service and tour of the island.

Accommodation costs:
AirBNB prices start around $70-100 per night, while hotels can range from $100-150+ per night. The best way to travel the island is to support local AirBNB and hotel owners, this way you get extra special travel advice from your host and get to experience Puerto Rico like the locals do.
 

What To Pack

For beach outings:

  • Bathing suits

  • Sun protection (wide-brim hats and shoulder cover-ups)
    Sand-friendly footwear (flip flops)

  • Sunglasses

  • Ample reef-safe sunscreen and bug spray (available for purchase at local pharmacies)

  • Ask your accommodation host about beach chairs and beach towels availability. 

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For adventures:

  • Water shoes with grip on the bottom

  • Sneakers with an extra pair of socks

  • Dry undergarments and an extra pair of clothes

  • Ample environmentally-friendly sunscreen and bug spray (available for purchase at local pharmacies)

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For a night out:

​Puerto Rico is all about bright colors and fashionable outfits. Although the island has ample beaches, fashion is not centered around beachy outfits. Air conditioning is very common in restaurants, AirBNBs, hotels, nightclubs, bars, and more in Puerto Rico. 

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Try checking out local fashion bloggers' outfits in Puerto Rico to see exactly what bright, fun outfits locals wear, such as @nathashabonet. Keep in mind, some of Puerto Rico’s streets such as Old San Juan are cobblestone or have steep inclinations - always choose comfy footwear!

Words To Know In Spanish

Although Spanish is the official language of the island, English is fairly common in Puerto Rico. Usually, even in the more rural parts of the island, you can find someone who speaks English. 

With that in mind, learning Spanish can be incredibly helpful in a pinch and connects you wonderfully with the local culture.

Consider learning common phrases including:

  • how to order food

  • greetings and goodbyes: hola, buen dia, buenos dias, buenas noches, adios

  • asking for directions or help

  • enjoy your meal: buen provecho also known as bon appetit

  • please: por favor

  • I'm sorry, do you speak English?: Lo siento, hablas ingles?

  • where is the bathroom? (donde esta el bano?)

Get expert-level help planning your trip

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