Resources & References: Ponce

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for the Destination

Google Maps / Apple Maps
Navigation and points of interest.
Uber
For ride-sharing services.
Google Translate
For language assistance.
Weather apps
Monitor conditions, especially during hurricane season.
Useful websites for additional planning
Discover Puerto Rico (official tourism site for general information, events). Local government sites, hotel/restaurant sites, and "Caja de Muertos ferry Ponce" for ferry providers.

Social Media & Digital Content

Social media accounts to follow
Official Puerto Rico tourism accounts, for example, @discoverpuertorico on Instagram or Facebook. Search "Ponce Turismo" or "Ponce PR" for local pages.
Podcasts and digital content
Search for podcasts on Puerto Rican culture, history, or travel.
Language learning resources
Duolingo, Babbel, or Pimsleur for basic Spanish.
Online communities and forums
Reddit communities, like r/PuertoRicoTravel, and travel forums feature specific advice and real-time questions.

Print Resources

Guidebooks and Maps

No single guidebook exists specifically for Ponce. General Puerto Rico guidebooks cover the city. Consider a Physical map of Puerto Rico for navigation, especially if planning rural drives.

Find Maps

Books About the Destination

Explore Puerto Rico: A National Culture on the Global Stage by Agustín Laó-Montes, War Against All Puerto Ricans by Nelson A. Denis (history), and When I Was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago (memoir).

Local Publications

Look for free local newspapers or tourism magazines at hotels or information centers upon arrival for event listings and local insights.

Emergency Information

Emergency Contacts

All Emergencies (Police, Fire, Medical): 911
Hospital Damas (Ponce): (787) 840-8282
Hospital San Lucas (Ponce): (787) 844-2000
These are major hospitals in Ponce. In case of emergency, head to the nearest or call 911.

Embassy and Consulate

As an U.S. Territory, no U.S. Embassy exists in Puerto Rico.
Foreign nationals: contact your country's embassy or consulate in Washington D.C. For assistance.
U.S. Citizens: contact the U.S. Department of State.

Lost Document Procedures

Passport/ID: Report loss or theft to local police immediately to get a police report.
Foreign nationals: contact your embassy or consulate for replacement procedures.
U.S. Citizens: contact the nearest U.S. Passport agency for replacement procedures.
Credit Cards: Call your bank immediately to report theft or loss and cancel cards.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Safety Alerts

Monitor Information

Tune into local radio or TV for broadcasts.
Follow social media alerts from official sources, like National Weather Service San Juan or Puerto Rico Emergency Management Agency.

Local Authority Instructions

Adhere to all instructions provided by local authorities.

Emergency Planning

Have a plan for sheltering in place or evacuation if necessary.

Travel Insurance

Consider Travel Protection

Review options for travel insurance coverage.
Investigate policy details covering cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage.
World Nomads offers options for various traveler types.

Health Preparedness

Arrange for any necessary vaccinations or medical consultations.
Pack prescription medications.
Pack Reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine environments.

Home Security

Secure Your Home

Ensure all doors and windows are secure.
Stop mail or newspaper delivery.
Arrange for plant watering.

Digital Arrangements

Set up out-of-office replies for emails.
Notify banks and credit card companies of your travel dates.
Save digital copies of important documents to cloud storage.

Pre-Trip Research Recommendations

Cultural & Historical Immersion

Read about Ponce's history and culture.
Familiarize with major attractions.
Learn about local cuisine.

Language & Practicalities

Familiarize with basic Spanish phrases.
Check weather forecasts for Ponce.
Download offline maps and useful applications.
Print copies of important documents.

Arrival and Departure

First Steps Upon Arrival

Clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection for international arrivals, collect luggage, and locate transportation (rental car counter, taxi stand, or ride-share pickup).

Orientation and Essentials

Proceed to your accommodation, acquire a local map, take a short walk around your neighborhood, withdraw USD from an ATM, and purchase bottled water or snacks (consider a Reusable water bottle).

Departure Timing

Allow 1.5-2 hours for PSE and 2-3 hours for SJU before your flight. Account for traffic. Confirm return flight details and pack efficiently. No VAT refund is applicable as Puerto Rico is an U.S. Territory.

Important Note on Luggage

For souvenirs, be mindful of TSA liquid limits for carry-on items like rum or coquito.

Resources & References