Puerto Rico Vacation Guide 2023: Tips and Resources - misfit nomads (2024)

On our first Puerto Rico vacation we immediately fell in love with the island. Our AirBNB host was incredibly welcoming and gave us lots of great advice on places to eat, shop, and visit. Her hospitality was just the beginning as we went on to discover that most of the people we interacted with were very kind.

In addition to the people, Puerto Rico has activities for everyone. You can go from the beach to the rainforest with just a short drive creating endless possibilities. We enjoyed morning hikes in the rainforest and relaxing on the beach later that same day. Water enthusiasts can partake in numerous activities including swimming, surfing, fishing, scuba diving, and more.

Our default choice for a quick winter getaway is to visit Puerto Rico if we want an affordable vacation in a sunny destination. Below I’ve put together some Puerto Rico frequently asked questions and links to our Puerto Rico itineraries and guides.

Last Updated: December 30, 2022

Puerto Rico Frequently Asked Questions

Is Puerto Rico worth visiting?

Absolutely! The food, history, beaches, and weather make it a great destination with endless activities. It’s a quick, and usually affordable, flight from the eastern US with world class beaches and food.

It’s an easy trip to plan but provides much more than just a normal beach vacation. You’ll have the chance to learn about an amazing culture and meet fantastic people. Whether you travel around the island, or remain in San Juan the whole time, you’ll find plenty to do.

See our San Juan Puerto Rico Full Travel Guide

What should I do on a 7 day Puerto Rico vacation?

The ideal itinerary will depend on your travel preferences. Some people prefer to spend the entire trip lounging on the beach, and that’s perfectly fine. Puerto Rico has pristine beaches that will give you the warmth and relaxation you’re looking for.

If you’re like me though, and prefer to see a lot, while still balancing in some relaxation, see our 7 day Puerto Rico itinerary linked below for daily recommendations on activities. It should serve as a good starting point that you can modify to create your perfect itinerary.

7 Day Puerto Rico Itinerary

Do I need a passport to visit Puerto Rico?

One of the biggest perks for US citizens is that you can travel to Puerto Rico without your passport. Since Puerto Rico is a US territory, the flight is considered domestic. This means you can just bring your Driver’s License or other standard ID you use for other domestic flights and you won’t have to go through customs.

Non-US citizens will want to check Puerto Rico entry requirements for residents of their country of origin since they will vary.

When should I visit Puerto Rico?

To avoid hurricane season, it’s usually best to go between December and April. This is also ideal since many visitors are traveling to Puerto Rico for the sun, since it’s cold in most of the United States during those months.

Top things to do in Puerto Rico

What currency does Puerto Rico use?

As a US territory, the US Dollar is the official currency of Puerto Rico. This means travelers from the US do not need to worry about exchanging currency, making it an even easier travel destination.

Is Puerto Rico safe?

We felt safe when traveling to Puerto Rico. Like everywhere, crime exists, so it’s important to be smart and pay attention to your surroundings. Make sure you stay in well traveled areas and are respectful of others. If you ever feel unsafe, trust your instincts and return to an area where you were comfortable.

See our article for tips on staying safe in Puerto Rico here.

What are the Puerto Rico Covid restrictions?

Covid restrictions are constantly changing, so it’s best to frequently check them if you have an upcoming trip. The Discover Puerto Rico site provides updates on regulations for visitors here.

Additionally, check with your airline on any regulations they may also be enforcing. Remember it is your responsibility to make sure you know and are following any applicable regulations when traveling to a destination. Also, be prepared for cancellations or delays due to outbreaks.

Puerto Rico Vacation Guide 2023: Tips and Resources - misfit nomads (1)

Wrap-up

We hope our guides help you begin to plan your next Puerto Rico vacation. Puerto Rico has been one of our favorite destinations, and we think others will enjoy it too!

Mexico or Puerto Rico: Choose your next vacation with this guide

Puerto Rico Vacation Guide 2023: Tips and Resources - misfit nomads (2024)

FAQs

Is it safe to travel to Puerto Rico right now? ›

Puerto Rico sits comfortably under a 'Level One' travel advisory, signaling a call for normal precautions – Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia all give the green light. For crime concerns, international travel advisories want you to be vigilant against pickpocketing and purse snatching.

How many days in Puerto Rico is good? ›

Some might say this isn't long enough to enjoy everything Puerto Rico has to offer, but 4 days in the Caribbean beats 4 days sitting at home, or driving a few hours to the same old beach. Plus, there's so much to see in Puerto Rico, and four days is a good, inexpensive, bite-size trip to check it out.

Can I drink tap water in Puerto Rico? ›

Is the water safe to drink? The food and drink standards in Puerto Rico are comparable to those of mainland United States. The tap water is safe to drink as it is filtered and treated at the source.

Can I use my cell phone in Puerto Rico? ›

U.S. phone plans work in Puerto Rico. You'll also find Wi-Fi available at most hotels around the island.

Do I need shots to go to Puerto Rico? ›

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the UK's NHS recommend several routine vaccinations and optional vaccines for rabies, measles, typhoid, and hepatitis when visiting Puerto Rico in April 2024.

Is Puerto Rico or Mexico safer? ›

Statistically, Puerto Rico is fairly safer than Mexico. While both countries have dangerous areas that should be avoided at all costs, Puerto Rico is tourist-friendly overall. There are gang-related crimes happening in both countries, but they usually don't affect visitors.

How much money should you take on vacation to Puerto Rico? ›

The average daily budget for a trip to Puerto Rico can vary widely depending on your travel style and preferences. However, a reasonable estimate is around $100 to $150 per day, which includes accommodations, food, transportation, and activities. Of course, this can be higher or lower depending on your choices.

How to dress in Puerto Rico? ›

When thinking about what to wear in Puerto Rico, I recommend bringing light fabrics and flowy outfit options. Sun dresses, particularly, are my favorite as they're cute and easy to dress up or down. I also find them very easy to pack as they don't take up much space.

Where is the best place to stay in Puerto Rico for the first time? ›

1. San Juan: the best area to stay in Puerto Rico for your first visit. If you only have time to visit one place in Puerto Rico, choose San Juan. Puerto Rico's capital offers everything you could want in a Caribbean metropolis, plus amazing beaches and an incredibly rich architectural scene.

What is the #1 attraction in Puerto Rico? ›

1. Castillo San Felipe del Morro. El Morro was initially fortified in 1539 and completed in 1589. Rising 140 feet above the sea, its 18-foot-thick wall proved a formidable defense.

How long does it take to drive from one side of Puerto Rico to the other? ›

Puerto Rico is approximately 110 miles long and 35.5 miles wide, which means you can get across the Island in a few hours and, therefore, plan multiple road trips for your getaway!

Do you still need a Covid test to enter Puerto Rico? ›

Update 2022-06-29: According to information provided by authorities, it is no longer mandatory for international travellers to present a negative test result when entering Puerto Rico.

Do U.S. citizens go through customs in Puerto Rico? ›

Puerto Rico is a United States territory. If you're visiting from any part of the U.S., you don't have to exchange your currency, update your cell phone plan for international service, or go through customs or immigration. An unforgettable Caribbean getaway is within easy reach — no passport required.

Do you need cash in Puerto Rico? ›

In Puerto Rico, credit card usage is prevalent and widely accepted, especially in urban and tourist areas. However, cash is still commonly used, and the choice between the two often depends on the situation and personal preference.

Will my debit card work in Puerto Rico? ›

Although cash is king in Puerto Rico, credit and debit cards issued by major global providers like VISA and Mastercard are commonly accepted in touristy areas (although this is less the case in non-touristy regions).

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