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Weather & climate
Weather in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
28°
Light drizzle
Sat
25°
28°
Sun
26°
28°
Mon
25°
28°
Tue
24°
28°
Wed
25°
29°
Thu
25°
30°
Fri
26°
30°
SPF level in Puerto Rico
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Puerto Rico
What British travellers need to know
You must obtain either a valid US visa or an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) before you travel.
Your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay in the US.
To travel under the Visa Waiver Program, you must apply for an ESTA before arrival, including for land, sea, and air entry.
An ESTA requires a selfie photograph, and you should check your account before travelling to ensure the authorisation remains valid.
If you are not eligible for an ESTA, you must apply for a US visa, as travelling on an ESTA when ineligible can lead to detention and deportation.
Good to know:
Children aged 17 and under must have a visa or ESTA, be able to provide evidence of their visit details, and carry a notarised letter of consent if travelling without both parents.
You must declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty when entering the US due to strict customs rules.
Safety in Puerto Rico
Tips when travelling
Puerto Rico is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Do not leave your passport in a rental car, especially in the boot, as gangs may target tourist vehicles.
Always carry your passport with you as it shows your permission to enter or remain in the country.
The legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21 across the country.
Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties like long jail sentences and heavy fines for possession, use, or smuggling.
Violent crime rarely affects tourists, but take care in unfamiliar areas and avoid walking alone in quiet places, especially at night.
Bonus tips:
You can use your UK photocard driving licence to drive, but you may need to get a 1949 international driving permit depending on the state you visit.
When travelling by car, check weather conditions before long journeys, stay on main roads, and use well-lit car parks.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Puerto Rico
A UK driving license is valid for tourists for up to 90 days.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
104 km/h (65 mph)
Urban speed limit
40-72 km/h (25-45 mph), varies by area
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Puerto Rico drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Puerto Rico
While the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are useful in Europe, they are not applicable in Puerto Rico. Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including potential hospital stays and repatriation.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and health precautions. Ensure you pack any personal medications you require, along with copies of your prescriptions. Mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika virus and dengue fever are present in Puerto Rico, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Tap water is generally considered safe to drink, but bottled water is readily available if preferred.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Puerto Rico, especially in tourist areas and larger establishments.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
Tipping in Puerto Rico
Tipping is customary in Puerto Rico for various service industries. While not mandatory, it's a common way to show appreciation for good service.
Restaurant
15-20% of the pre-tax bill
Bar/Café
15-20% of the bill
Taxi
10-15% of the fare
Hotel Porter
$1-2 per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
$2-5 per night
Tour Guide
10-15% of the tour cost
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider for their roaming charges in Puerto Rico (United States). Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card if you plan to use a lot of data.
Local SIM
10 GB for 30 USD (~£24)
Network coverage
4G LTE, 5G
Electrical in Puerto Rico
Voltage
120V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is readily available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and some public spaces.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Free WiFi is often available, but the speed and reliability can vary. Consider purchasing a local SIM card or portable WiFi device for more consistent and faster internet access.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
9-1-1
Save 9-1-1 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Puerto Rico
Country code
+1
To call the number 787-123-4567 from the UK, you would dial 00 1 787 123 4567.
The country code for Puerto Rico is 1. Puerto Rico shares area codes with the US (e.g. 787, 939). When calling Puerto Rico, you must dial 1, then the 3-digit area code, then the 7-digit local number. As a British tourist, ensure your mobile phone has international roaming enabled or consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper calls and data.
Languages in Puerto Rico
UK Embassy
British Honorary Consulate, San Juan
1609 Ashford Avenue, Suite 201, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00911
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Airports in Puerto Rico
Beaches in Puerto Rico
Frequently asked questions
British citizens typically do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days in Puerto Rico. As Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, it follows US visa policies. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.
Renting a car is a popular and convenient way to explore Puerto Rico, allowing you to access various parts of the island at your own pace. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in urban areas, but may be limited in more remote regions. Public buses (guaguas) are available but can be infrequent and less reliable for tourists.
Tap water in Puerto Rico is generally considered safe to drink, as it adheres to US federal standards. However, some travelers prefer to drink bottled water, which is readily available for purchase. If you have a sensitive stomach, bottled water might be a safer option.
The best time to visit Puerto Rico is typically from mid-April to June. During these months, the weather is pleasant with lower humidity, and you'll avoid the peak tourist season as well as the height of hurricane season. The winter months (December to March) are also popular but can be more crowded.
Be aware of inflated taxi fares, particularly at the airport. Agree on a price beforehand or ensure the meter is running. Also, be cautious of unsolicited offers or services from people approaching you on the street, as these may be scams. Always keep your belongings secure to avoid petty theft, especially in tourist areas.
Pack light, breathable clothing suitable for a tropical climate. Include swimwear, shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses. A light rain jacket can be useful, especially during the rainy season. If you plan to visit churches or upscale restaurants, pack some modest attire as well.
Puerto Rican cuisine (Cocina Criolla) is a blend of Spanish, African, and Taíno influences. Be sure to try mofongo (mashed plantains), arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), lechón asado (roasted pork), and tostones (fried plantains). Also, sample local rum and coffee.
Puerto Ricans are generally warm and welcoming. Politeness and respect are valued. While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few basic Spanish phrases will be appreciated. Be mindful of dress codes when visiting religious sites. Tipping is customary in restaurants and for service providers.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.