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Climate-Appropriate Clothing

Climate-Appropriate Clothing

Puerto Rico

General Attire

Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, rayon, and moisture-wicking synthetics are choices. These materials aid in managing the high humidity and maintaining comfort.

Day & Evening Wear

  • Daytime: Shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, sundresses, and skirts prove appropriate for most activities.
  • Evenings: A Light jacket, cardigan, or long-sleeved shirt for air-conditioned indoor spaces or cooler nights.
  • Rainy Season (June-November): A lightweight, packable Rain jacket or a Compact umbrella are recommended.

Cultural & Activity Specific

Old San Juan maintains a generally casual and relaxed atmosphere. Modest attire is appropriate for certain settings.

Considerations for Activities

  • Religious Sites: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches like San Juan Cathedral. This holds for both men and women.
  • Swimming & Beaches: Swimsuits and beachwear suit beach or pool areas only. Wear a cover-up in public spaces outside the immediate beach vicinity.
  • Hiking (El Yunque): Pack quick-drying clothes. Long pants or Convertible pants provide protection from insects and brush. Sturdy Hiking shoes with good grip become necessary.

Footwear Recommendations

Walking the Streets

Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy Sandals are important for navigating historic cobblestone streets and occasional hills. Uneven surfaces may challenge high heels or flimsy footwear.

Uneven surfaces

Water Activities

Water shoes or sturdy, quick-drying sandals (e.g., KEEN Newport H2 Sandal) are valuable for rocky beaches, snorkeling, or watersports.

Beach/Snorkeling

Evening Wear

Dressier sandals or casual shoes are appropriate for dining out in the evenings. Supportive Sneakers like Skechers Women's Go Walk Joy Sneaker also provide comfort.

Dining Out

Essential Documents

Documents

With all required documents organized and accessible, delays and stress are avoided. Create both physical and digital copies of important papers.

  • Passport & Visa/ESTA: Mandatory for non-U.S. Citizens. U.S. Citizens need valid photo ID.
  • Travel Insurance: Policy info, emergency contacts, coverage details.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): Highly recommended for non-U.S. Citizens planning to drive.
  • Vaccination/Health Records: Copy of general vaccination record and medical info for prescriptions.
  • Reservations: Printed and digital copies of all flight, accommodation, and tour bookings.
  • Emergency Contacts: List of family, friends, doctor, and insurance company, accessible without your phone.
  • Discount IDs: Student/senior/press IDs for potential discounts at attractions, museums, or public transportation.
  • Store digital copies on your phone, email, or a cloud service for accessibility even without internet.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Puerto Rico uses U.S. Standard electrical outlets (Type A and B) and voltage (120V, 60Hz). Travelers from the U.S. Do not need adapters or voltage converters.

International Travelers

  • International travelers require a Universal travel adapter and possibly a Voltage converter if devices are not dual voltage compatible.
  • Local SIM card options are available from Claro, T-Mobile Puerto Rico, or Liberty. ESIM options also exist.
  • U.S. Mobile carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) operate in Puerto Rico with no roaming charges for U.S. Customers.

Photography & Charging

Capture Old San Juan's beauty with appropriate camera gear and keep your devices powered.

Gear & Power

Apps & Data Safety

Navigation

Google Maps for walking directions and public transport routes. Download offline maps for use without data.

Communication

Uber/Lyft for convenient ride-sharing services. WhatsApp is widely used for communication with tour operators or local contacts.

Translation & Backup

Google Translate for language assistance. Utilize cloud storage services (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) or a Portable external hard drive for backing up photos and important documents.

Health & Wellness Items

Medical Essentials

Ensure your health supplies are covered for a stress-free trip, including documentation for prescription medications.

Kit & Prescriptions

  • A comprehensive First aid kit with pain relievers, Anti-diarrhea medication, antihistamines, antiseptic wipes, Hydrocortisone cream, and bandages.
  • All prescription medications in their original, clearly labeled containers. A doctor's note for controlled substances is recommended. Pack them in your carry-on bag.
  • Over-the-counter remedies for common ailments like headaches, colds/flu symptoms, and heartburn/indigestion.

Prevention & Hygiene

Protect yourself from sun and insects in the tropical climate, and maintain personal hygiene.

Sun & Bug Protection

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Concerns

  • Old San Juan is at sea level, so altitude sickness is not a concern.
  • No specific altitude remedies are necessary.
  • Focus on staying hydrated in the tropical climate.

Motion Sickness

  • Motion sickness medication may prove valuable for boat tours.
  • Consider medication if planning to drive on winding mountain roads outside the city.
  • Tablets or patches can make journeys more comfortable.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Snorkeling & Diving

Gear is available for rent from tour operators, but some travelers prefer to bring their own for comfort and fit.

  • Personal Snorkeling mask and snorkel set.
  • Fins and buoyancy vests typically rent on-site.
  • Consider compact, quick-drying gear to conserve luggage space.
  • Check with tour operators for specific equipment needs.

Hiking Essentials

For El Yunque National Forest, certain items enhance comfort and safety on trails.

  • A small, lightweight Backpack for water, snacks, and a rain jacket.
  • Sturdy Hiking shoes with good grip.
  • Quick-drying clothing for humid rainforest conditions.
  • Insect repellent for trail protection.

Rent vs. Bring

Decide whether to bring or rent equipment based on personal preference, frequency of use, and available luggage space.

  • Specialty items for specific activities are widely available for rent.
  • No unique items beyond general Travel gear prove necessary for Old San Juan.

Gear Consideration

Advantages of Renting

  • Reduces luggage weight and space.
  • Cost-effective for single-use activities.
  • Maintenance and transport are handled by operators.
  • Permits trying different equipment before buying.

Advantages of Bringing

  • Guaranteed comfort and perfect fit.
  • Assured hygiene and familiarity with your own gear.
  • Saves time on rentals at each location.
  • Possess high-quality equipment you trust.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort & Security

Enhance your travel experience with these thoughtful additions for comfort and security.

Comfort Items

Eco & Practical Items

Reusable & Portable

Packing Pro-Tips

Rolling Clothes

Roll clothes tightly to save space and reduce wrinkles in your luggage.

Packing Cubes

Use Packing cubes to organize items and simplify finding what you need.

Eco-Friendly Choice

Consider bringing specialized eco-friendly toiletries if local availability is a concern.

Difficult to Find

Pack specific prescription medications or high-quality outdoor gear not easily found locally.

Destination-Specific Items

Water Activities

  • Personal snorkeling mask if you prefer your own for comfort or hygiene.
  • Quick-drying beach towels to conserve luggage space.
  • A lightweight beach blanket or mat for comfort on sandy areas.

Urban Exploration

  • A compact physical map as a backup to phone navigation, for areas without service.
  • A small flashlight for walking at night or in case of power outages.
  • An extra camera battery for long days of sightseeing and photo opportunities.

Smart Packing Benefits

Thoughtful packing significantly aids a successful and enjoyable trip, making certain you have what you need for Old San Juan's climate and activities.