This Caribbean archipelago I call home hosts visitors from all across the world thanks to its warm weather, stunning beaches and great people. Because I have spent so much time here, I can tell you with what you need to know before you arrive. In this article, I will share 30 travel tips that you need to know before visiting Puerto Rico:
What is the most common language spoken?
- On the island of Puerto Rico, the official languages of the country are both Spanish and English.
- In order to visit, you do not need to be fluent in Spanish; nevertheless, it would not harm to acquire a few words in the language.
- Due to the fact that Old San Juan is a popular tourist destination, the majority of the people who work there are fluent in English.
- As a means to making things simpler for visitors, beach communities and larger cities along the metro often have websites and menus that are written entirely in English.
- If you stroll along any street, you will discover businesses and restaurants that are staffed by people who speak English.
- By reading our post titled "45 Things to Do in Puerto Rico," you can get further suggestions for things to do in the island.
What are the benefits of renting a car?
- The public transportation system in Puerto Rico is very limited or nonexistent outside of the Metro region.
- There is a lack of availability even for taxis, Uber, and Lyft.
- There is a significant issue with traffic on the island!
- If you are considering driving throughout the whole island, renting a vehicle is the most convenient alternative for you to consider. A legal license from the United States is required, and rental firms are present at every airport.
By reading our post titled "Renting a Car in Puerto Rico – All You Need to Know," you will get further knowledge.
3. Does it take a while to drive here?
Although it may seem to be a little island, the roads are quite winding and lengthy! Although the roads in the coastal sections of Puerto Rico are well maintained, you need be on the lookout for potholes when you are in the interior of the island. Due to the fact that roads round the island, it is not possible to travel directly from one settlement to another.
Because traveling from San Juan to Cabo Rojo may take up to three hours if there is traffic, it is important to take into account the amount of time it will take to drive while making preparations.
4. Do GPS maps not always seem to work?
The reliability of GPS maps is not always guaranteed in Puerto Rico due to the island's abundance of winding roads and rural scenery. In many regions of Puerto Rico, there is no GPS or mobile phone connection, which is ideal for those who want to unplug and really enjoy their holiday. It's possible that the road hasn't been updated, or that you had a signal loss that prevented you from updating the map.
No matter what the case may be, it is always a good idea to have a tour guide or to seek up instructions before traveling to locations where the signal strength might be patchy. Read our post on "15 Best Outdoor Activities in Puerto Rico" to learn more about fun activities to do in the natural environment.
5. Is there more to see in the surrounding areas of San Juan?
Old San Juan is where the majority of visitors choose to spend their whole holiday, but there is so much more to see beyond that! The west and southwest regions of Puerto Rico are home to some of the island's most beautiful beaches, while the central cordillera and west coast are home to some of the island's most beautiful hiking routes.