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What to Pack for Old San Juan

What to Pack for Old San Juan

Old San Juan Puerto Rico Travel Guide

Specific Expense Ranges

Accommodation & Dining

Hostels/Guesthouses: $40-$100 per night. Boutique Hotels: $150-$350. Luxury Hotels: $350-$600+. Street Food: $5-$12 per dish. Casual Restaurants: $15-$30 per person. Fine Dining: $70-$150+ per person.

Transportation & Attractions

Public Bus (AMA): $0.75 per ride. Taxi (airport to Old San Juan): $19-$21. Ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft): $15-$25. El Morro & San Cristóbal Forts: $10 (valid for 7 days at both sites).

Tipping Guide

  • Restaurants:

    15-20% of the total bill for good service.

  • Bars:

    $1-$2 per drink, or 15-20% of the total bar bill.

  • Taxis/Ride-shares:

    15-20% appreciated for good service, not strictly mandatory.

  • Hotel Staff:

    $1-$5 per service (e.g., per bag for bellhops, per night for housekeepers).

  • Tour Guides:

    15-20% of the tour cost, or $10-$20 per person for a half-day tour.

Estimated Daily Costs

These figures aid in planning your spending, excluding international flights.

Budget Traveler

Accommodation: $40-$70. Meals: $20-$40. Transportation: $5-$15. Activities: $0-$20. Total: $65-$145.

Mid-range Traveler

Accommodation: $100-$200. Meals: $40-$80. Transportation: $15-$40. Activities: $20-$60. Total: $175-$380.

Luxury Traveler

Accommodation: $250+. Meals: $80+. Transportation: $50+. Activities: $60+. Total: $440+.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended. Policies often cover trip cancellation, medical emergencies, emergency medical evacuation, and lost luggage.

  • Consider policies that cover natural disasters if traveling during hurricane season.
  • Reputable providers include World Nomads. Read policy details carefully.
  • SafetyWing is designed for digital nomads.

Budget Dining Tip

For budget meals, look for "almuerzo ejecutivo" (executive lunch) specials at restaurants during weekdays. These frequently deliver multi-course meals at a fixed, reduced price.

Health and Safety Considerations

Awareness of potential concerns and knowing how to access services aids in managing unforeseen circumstances.

No specific vaccinations are required for entry to Puerto Rico. However, health organizations recommend ensuring your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before any international travel.

San Juan possesses medical facilities, hospitals, and pharmacies that deliver care comparable to the U.S. Mainland. Many doctors and medical staff communicate in English.

Common Health Concerns

  • Mosquito-borne illnesses (Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya) are endemic. Use effective Insect repellent.
  • Sunburn and Heatstroke: Use broad-spectrum Sunscreen, wear hats, and stay hydrated.
  • Tap water in Old San Juan is potable and generally safe for drinking.
  • Traveler's Diarrhea: Practice good hand hygiene, use Hand sanitizer, and choose street food vendors with high turnover.

Crime & Natural Disaster Awareness

Old San Juan is generally safe for tourists. Like any popular destination, petty crime may occur.

Puerto Rico lies in an active seismic zone, with minor tremors occurring periodically.

Emergency Services

Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies. This is the universal emergency number.

Rip Currents

If swimming at beaches, know of rip currents. Always swim near lifeguards and heed warning flags.

Lost Documents

Report lost/stolen passports to local police immediately, then contact your country's embassy for assistance.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended for all travelers visiting Old San Juan. A comprehensive policy delivers protection for various unforeseen events.

  • Your policy should cover trip cancellation/interruption, medical emergencies, and lost/delayed luggage.
  • Consider policies that cover natural disasters if travel happens during hurricane season.
  • Reputable providers include World Nomads and SafetyWing. Read the policy details carefully.

Emergency Preparedness

Save important emergency contacts on your phone and write them down on a separate piece of paper kept in a different location from your phone. This approach grants access to them in any situation.