Language: Spanish and English are the official languages of
Puerto Rico.
Currency: The
United States Dollar (USD) is the unit of currency, which is divided into 100 cents. It is often referred to as the 'peso' in Puerto Rico. ATMs and bureaux de change are freely available and all major credit cards and travelers cheques are generally accepted. Banking hours are 9am to 3.30pm.
Time: Local time is GMT -4.
Electricity: Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin flat attachment plugs are in use.
Communications: The international
access code for Puerto Rico is +1 787 and +1 939. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the
United Kingdom). The outgoing code is not needed for calling the US,
Canada and most of the
Caribbean. Mobile phones work throughout the island and local operators use CDMA networks that are not compatible with GSM phones, as used outside
North America. Internet cafes are available in most towns and resorts.
Duty Free: Puerto Rico's customs regulations are the same as those for the United States. Visitors over 21 may bring in the following items without paying duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 2kg of tobacco; 1 liter of alcohol; and gifts valued up to US$100. There is a long list of restricted and prohibited items which may not be imported or imported only under license, ranging from fireworks and matches to pre-Columbian sculpture and Cuban cigars. If in doubt consult your nearest US Embassy for advice. Any merchandise from embargoed countries (
Afghanistan,
Cuba,
Iran,
Iraq,
Libya,
Serbia and Montenegro and the
Sudan) may not be brought onto US soil.
Tourist OfficeThe
Puerto Rican Tourist Company, Old San Juan: +1 787 721 2400 or www.gotopuertorico.com
EmergencyEmergencies: 911
Embassies
United States Embassy,
London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7499 9000.
United States Embassy,
Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 5335.
United States Embassy,
Canberra,
Australia: +61 (0)2 6214 5600.
United States Embassy,
Pretoria,
South Africa: +27 (0)12 431 4000.
United States Embassy,
Dublin,
Ireland: +353 (0)1 668 8777.
United States Embassy,
Wellington,
New Zealand: +64 (0)4 462 6000.
British Consulate, San Juan: +1 787 406 8777.
Canadian Consulate, Hato Rey: +1 787 759 6629.
Australian Embassy,
Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Puerto Rico): +1 202 797 3000.
South
African Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Puerto Rico): +1 202 232 4400.
Irish Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Puerto Rico): +1 202 462 3939.
New
Zealand Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Puerto Rico): +1 202 328 4800.
