Eastern Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico
Local SIM cards: Major U.S. Carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) operate in Puerto Rico. Check your plan for coverage and roaming. For international visitors, local SIM cards from Claro or T-Mobile Puerto Rico are available at the airport or official stores. Your phone needs to be unlocked. Search for SIM cards on Amazon.
Official Languages: Spanish and English are both official languages. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and by younger generations. Many signs are bilingual. Spanish is the main language for daily life.
Simple phrases for daily interactions.
For questions and basic responses.
Banks: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM; some Sat 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Shops: Mon-Sat, typically 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Malls have longer hours (9:00 AM - 9:00 PM).
Lunch: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Dinner: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM or later. Kioskos (roadside food stalls) may open earlier and close later, especially on weekends.
El Yunque National Forest: Open daily 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM. El Portal Visitor Center: Typically daily, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Always verify hours on Recreation.gov.
ATMs are widely available in towns and cities, found at banks, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Banks generally operate during standard weekday business hours.
Puerto Rico observes U.S. Federal holidays and several local holidays. Services may be limited, and businesses may close or have reduced hours on these days. Expect increased crowds during major holidays like Christmas, New Year's Day, Three Kings Day (January 6), Easter Week, and Thanksgiving.
Always verify the current operating hours for specific attractions, especially for El Yunque and its visitor center, as these can change without notice.
Engage respectfully with local customs to enrich your journey.
Greeting Customs: A handshake is common upon greeting someone. Close friends and family may exchange a kiss on the cheek (usually one kiss). Use "usted" (formal "you") when addressing elders or strangers to show respect. Use "tú" (informal "you") for friends or people your age.
Dining Practices: Generally, table manners are relaxed. Wait for the host to seat you in restaurants. Bills are typically presented when requested.
Avoid discussing politics, especially U.S.-Puerto Rico relations, unless invited to by locals you know well. Avoid stereotypes or generalizations about Puerto Rican culture. Be open-minded and respectful.
Puerto Rico is generally welcoming. Major cities and tourist areas are more liberal. Same-sex marriage is legal. Public displays of affection are generally accepted, though more conservative in very rural areas. Use common sense.
If you have mobility concerns, contact the El Yunque National Forest directly before your visit. They offer the most current and accurate information on accessible trails and facilities.
