Puerto Rico: Tips

Eat like a local For cheap and authentic grub, stop at one of the snack bars found along beach roads.

Safety first Beaches with a “Blue Flag” designation have the safest, cleanest, and best-equipped seashore conditions.

Hit the highway A new highway, Route 66, allows cars to drive from San Juan to the northeast coast in just 20 minutes, down from the hour of stop-and-go it used to require.

It’s cold in here You haven’t experienced air conditioning until you’ve been to Puerto Rico: Bring a sweater with you everywhere.

Gallery nights On the first Tuesday of the month, Old San Juan art galleries stay open late and host evening events.

Drive you crazy The locals are known for reckless driving and creative parking – stay alert!

Just fry this Puertorriqueno cuisine is not for the cholesterol conscious – much of it is heavy and fried – but is delicious! Three dishes to try are: mofongo (mashed plantain with meat bits), tostones (fried smashed plantain slices), and alcapurrias (fried mashed plantain).

In the zone Puerto Rico adheres to Atlantic Standard Time, 1 hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Daylight Saving Time isn’t followed, however, so in summer, it’s the same time in San Juan as it is in New York.

No passport required As a U.S. territory, American visitors don’t need a passport to visit Puerto Rico (letters costs the same to mail as back home, too).

Tax alert Recent budget constraints have forced Puerto Rico to introduce a sales tax of 5.5-7%, depending on the municipality.

A note on language Spanish and English are both official languages, but many people, especially outside tourist and business areas, speak little or no English. If you’re planning an off-road journey, bring a phrase book – or a deep well of patience.