Things to Know Before Visiting Puerto Rico: Christmas, Dollars and Kilometers
- Josue De Diego y Alejandro
- Oct 17, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 7, 2025
Introduction: Puerto Rico 101
Puerto Rico is one of those rare places where you can hike a rainforest in the morning, sip a piña colada at the beach by noon, and end your day dancing salsa under city lights.
It’s tropical, it’s modern, it’s easy to reach — but there are a few fun (and sometimes surprising) things first-time visitors should know before landing in San Juan.
1. Puerto Rico’s Main Language: Spanish… and English
Spanish is the island’s primary language, but you’ll hear plenty of English, especially in San Juan and tourist areas. Street signs, menus, and ATMs are bilingual (sometimes).
Still, knowing a few Spanish words goes a long way — even a friendly “gracias” or “buenos días” will make locals smile.
2. Currency: Good Ol’ U.S. Dollars
No need to worry about exchanging money — Puerto Rico uses the U.S. dollar. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, even we take them.
3. Political Status: The “Complicated Relationship”
Here’s where things get interesting (and mildly confusing). Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, not a state — think of it as the cousin who comes to every family gathering but never gets to vote on dinner.
What Does “U.S. Territory” Mean, Anyway?
U.S. citizens can live and work here freely.
Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, too.
But Puerto Rico doesn’t get voting representation in Congress.
Jokes Aside: What This Means for Travelers
Basically, it means you get all the perks of a Caribbean vacation with the convenience of staying “in the U.S.” — same currency, same phone plan, no customs lines.
4. U.S. Citizens Don’t Need a Passport
If you’re a U.S. citizen, you can hop on a plane to Puerto Rico without a passport — just like flying to Florida or Hawaii.
Visitors from abroad will still need a valid U.S. visa or ESTA entry.
5. Puerto Rico Is the Best of Two Worlds
A Little Bit of the U.S., a Lot of Latin America
Puerto Rico is the perfect blend of North American convenience and Caribbean soul. You’ll find Walmarts and Walgreens next to mom-and-pop bakeries and beach bars playing salsa music.
City, Beaches, Mountains, and Rainforest – All in One Day
Few places pack so much variety into such a small space.
San Juan – Historic charm and nightlife
El Yunque – Lush rainforest hikes
Guánica – Dry forest on the southwest coast
Vieques & Culebra – Island escapes with turquoise water
6. Always Warm – No Need to Pack a Jacket (Almost)
The weather rarely dips below 75°F (24°C), even in “winter.” Bring lightweight clothes, sunscreen, and maybe a rain jacket for quick tropical showers.
7. Christmas That Lasts Forever (Almost)
Puerto Ricans love Christmas so much, it basically lasts from November through mid-January.
There are parrandas (street caroling parties), endless feasts, and the famous Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián that mark the grand finale.
(The honor of the longest Christmas goes to the Philippines, but we like to lie to ourselves and say that we have the longest Christmas in the world.)
8. Gas Is Sold by the Litre (Or, is it Liter?)
Gas stations sell fuel by the litre, not the gallon — a leftover from metric system adoption efforts. But don’t panic — prices might look low, but remember there are about 3.78 litres in a gallon.
9. Kilometers on the Road, Miles in the Car
Another fun mix-up: road signs show distances in kilometers, but your car’s speedometer shows miles per hour (MPH).
If the speed limit says 100, don’t freak out — that’s 100 km/h, or roughly 62 mph.
10. No Styrofoam Coolers Allowed on Beaches or Rivers
You’ll see signs everywhere banning Styrofoam coolers. Puerto Rico is serious about protecting its beaches and rivers, so bring a reusable or hard-shell cooler instead.
11. Driving Tips and Car Rental Quirks
Driving in Puerto Rico is fairly easy, but a few quirks apply:
Locals love their car horns.
Traffic lights may flash late at night (use caution).
Roads can be narrow in mountain towns.
Tip: If you plan to visit Vieques or Culebra, remember rental cars can’t be taken on the ferry.
12. Safety and Friendliness: The Island Vibe
Puerto Ricans are known for their warmth and hospitality. As in any destination, be mindful of your surroundings and don’t go into dark alleys, but overall it’s a welcoming and safe place to explore.
13. Credit Cards, Cell Service & Connectivity
Your U.S. phone plan works here — no roaming needed! Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafés, and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere.
14. Local Etiquette & Common Courtesy
Puerto Ricans are polite and expressive. Expect friendly greetings, cheek kisses among friends, and plenty of “buen provecho” (enjoy your meal) in restaurants.
15. Bonus Fun Fact: Puerto Rico Has Its Own Olympic Team!
Even though it’s part of the U.S., Puerto Rico competes separately in the Olympics. The island even took home the gold medal in women’s tennis (Monica Puig, 2016) — a proud national moment.
Conclusion: Get Ready to Fall in Love with Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is easy to visit, endlessly fascinating, and full of surprises — a place where modern life meets island magic.
Whether you’re here for the beaches, rainforest, history, or just some bili and sunshine, you’ll quickly see why travelers keep coming back.
_____________________
About the Author
Josue is the founder and operator of Ceiba Ferry Transfers, a private transportation service specializing in transfers from San Juan to the Ceiba Ferry Terminal — the gateway to Vieques and Culebra.
With more than a decade of experience in Puerto Rico’s transportation industry, Josue manages every aspect of the business personally, ensuring reliability, comfort, and a local touch that larger companies can’t match.
When he’s not helping travelers reach the ferry stress-free, Josue enjoys boxing, exploring Puerto Rico’s beaches, and, occasionally, a well-earned plate of mofongo.
Safe travels and see you soon!
Comments