San Juan Travel: 100 Questions Answered

Can I use my credit card everywhere? Yes, in San Juan, cards are widely accepted. However, keep some cash for small kiosks (chinchorros) and street vendors.

Is the tap water safe to drink? Generally, yes, but many travelers prefer bottled or filtered water for taste and to avoid minor stomach upsets.

What is the main language? Spanish is the first language, but English is widely spoken in San Juan’s tourist areas.

Do I need to speak Spanish? No, but learning basic greetings like “Gracias” and “Buen provecho” is highly appreciated.

Is there a departure tax? No, there is no separate tax to pay at the airport when leaving.

What are the power outlets? Standard US Type A and B (120V).

Is tipping required? Yes, it follows US culture. 15–20% is standard in restaurants.

How is the phone service? Major US carriers work without roaming. International travelers should get a US SIM or an eSIM (like Airalo).

Getting Around

Do I need a rental car? If staying only in San Juan, no. If exploring the island (El Yunque, West Coast), yes.

Is there Uber? Yes, Uber is very reliable and affordable within San Juan.

Can Uber go to El Yunque? They can drop you off, but getting one back is nearly impossible. Book a tour instead.

Are taxis expensive? Taxis in San Juan have flat rates between zones (e.g., Airport to Condado). They are usually more expensive than Uber.

Is there public transport? There is a bus system (AMA), but it is notoriously unreliable for tourists.

Is San Juan walkable? Old San Juan is very walkable. Condado and Ocean Park are also walkable within their own neighborhoods.

Can I walk from Condado to Old San Juan? It’s about a 45–60 minute walk. It’s scenic but hot; most people take a $10 Uber.

Are the roads safe for driving? Drivers can be aggressive and potholes are common. Drive defensively.

What is the parking situation in Old San Juan? Extremely difficult. Use a parking garage like “La Puntilla” or “Doña Fela.”

Is there a train? There is a “Tren Urbano,” but it doesn’t go to the airport or Old San Juan, making it less useful for tourists.

Safety and Neighborhoods

Is San Juan safe? Generally, yes, especially in tourist zones. Like any city, stay aware of your surroundings.

What area is best for a first-timer? Condado for luxury/beaches, Old San Juan for history, or Ocean Park for a local vibe.

Is La Perla safe? It’s a beautiful neighborhood but has a history of being “off-limits.” It is safer now but do not take photos of people or private property without permission.

Can I walk at night? In Condado and Old San Juan, yes. Avoid dark, empty side streets.

Are the beaches safe? Be wary of “Red Flag” days. Rip currents are strong, especially on the Atlantic side.

Is it safe for solo female travelers? Yes, many solo travelers report positive experiences. Stick to populated areas at night.

What is “La Placita”? A marketplace by day and a massive street party by night. It’s safe but crowded.

Is there a lot of crime? Petty theft exists. Don’t leave valuables in rental cars, especially at remote beaches.

Should I worry about hurricanes? Season is June–November. Peak is August–September.

Are there many stray animals? Yes, “Satos” (stray dogs) are common. Most are friendly but leave them be.

Food and Drink

What is Mofongo? The signature dish: mashed green plantains with garlic, olive oil, and protein.

Where is the best Mofongo? Locals often suggest El Jibarito (Old San Juan) or Bebos Café (Calle Loíza).

Can I drink on the street? Generally no, except during festivals like San Sebastián.

What is a “Chinchorro”? A small, casual local bar/eatery serving fried snacks.

What are the best local snacks? Alcapurrias, bacalaítos, and empanadillas.

Is the food spicy? No, Puerto Rican food is flavorful and uses “Sofrito,” but it’s rarely spicy-hot.

Is coffee good here? Incredible. Try Hacienda Isabel or Cuatro Sombras.

What is the legal drinking age? 18 (unlike the US mainland which is 21).

Where was the Piña Colada invented? Barrachina and Caribe Hilton both claim the title. Try both!

Is vegetarian food available? Yes, but traditional spots use pork/lard. Look for “modern” restaurants in Santurce.

Activities and Sightseeing

Should I visit both forts? Yes, El Morro and San Cristóbal are included in one $10 ticket.

What is the best beach in San Juan? Playa Escambron for calm water/snorkeling; Ocean Park for a cool vibe.

Is El Yunque worth it? Absolutely. It’s the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System.

Do I need reservations for El Yunque? Currently, yes. Check recreation.gov in advance.

Which Bio Bay is best? Mosquito Bay in Vieques is the brightest in the world. Laguna Grande in Fajardo is closer to San Juan.

How do I get to Vieques or Culebra? Via a small plane from San Juan (expensive but fast) or a ferry from Ceiba (cheap but a trek).

Is Flamenco Beach worth the trip? Consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. Yes.

What is “La Factoría”? A world-famous cocktail bar in Old San Juan with multiple “secret” rooms.

Can I see manatees or turtles? Escambron Marine Park is great for seeing turtles while snorkeling.

What are the “Kioskos de Luquillo”? A strip of 60+ food stalls and bars right on the beach, 45 mins from San Juan.

Cultural Etiquette

How should I dress? Casual/tropical for day. For dinner/nightlife in Condado, people dress up.

Is it “Porto Rico”? No, it’s Puerto Rico.

Are locals friendly? Extremely. A simple “Buen día” goes a long way.

Is there a siesta time? Not really in San Juan, but some smaller shops might close midday.

Is Sunday a quiet day? Not in Old San Juan; it’s the busiest day for local families.

Should I mention politics/statehood? It’s a complex topic. Better to listen than to offer strong opinions.

What is “Sanse”? The San Sebastián Street Festival in January—the biggest party of the year.

Is salsa still popular? Yes! Check out La Placita or Nuyorican Café for live dancing.

Is religion important? Yes, the island is predominantly Catholic; dress modestly if entering churches.

What does “Wepa” mean? An exclamation of joy or excitement.

Practical Questions

How early should I get to the airport? SJU is busy. 2–3 hours is recommended, especially for USDA inspections.

What is the USDA inspection? Before checking bags for your flight to the US mainland, they must be scanned for fruit/plants.

Are there many mosquitoes? Yes, especially in the rainforest or at dusk. Bring repellent.

Is there high-speed internet? Yes, most hotels and Airbnbs have excellent Wi-Fi.

Are there laundry services? Yes, “lavanderías” are available, though hotels charge a premium.

Can I buy sunscreen there? Yes, but it’s often cheaper to bring your own. Ensure it is reef-safe.

Are there public restrooms? Rare. Use cafes or museums.

Is the sun strong? Extremely. Even on cloudy days, you will burn quickly.

What is the best time of year to visit? April–June, just after winter and before the heat/hurricanes of summer.

Are there many pharmacies? CVS and Walgreens are everywhere in San Juan.

Specific Experiences

Can I surf in San Juan? La 8 near Escambron is a popular local spot.

Where can I see live Jazz? Carli’s Fine Bistro in Old San Juan.

Is there a Bacardi tour? Yes, Casa Bacardi in Cataño. Take the ferry from OSJ to get there.

Where can I buy local art? Old San Juan has many galleries; avoid the generic souvenir shops.

Are there sharks? Rare, but be mindful. Sightings are more common on the West Coast.

Can I hike without a guide? In El Yunque, yes, on marked trails. For waterfalls, a guide is safer.

Is there a casino? Yes, mostly in the large hotels in Condado and Isla Verde.

What is a “Mallorca”? A sweet, powdered-sugar-covered sandwich. Eat it at Cafeteria Mallorca.

Are there malls? Plaza Las Américas is the largest mall in the Caribbean.

Can I take the ferry to the Dominican Republic? Yes, but it takes 13+ hours and is often rough.

International Specifics

Do I pay US taxes? Sales tax (IVU) is 11.5% on most items.

Will my EU driver’s license work? Yes, for up to 90 days.

Is there a VAT refund? No.

Are prices inclusive of tax? Usually no; tax is added at the register.

Is smoking allowed? Not inside restaurants or public buildings.

Is weed legal? Medicinal is legal; recreational is not, though enforcement varies in tourist areas.

How do I call home? Use WhatsApp or an international calling app over Wi-Fi.

What is the time zone? Atlantic Standard Time (AST). They do not observe Daylight Savings.

Are there many hills? Old San Juan is very hilly and uses cobblestones—wear flat shoes.

Can I use my home country’s health insurance? Most likely not. Buy travel insurance.

Final Advice

What is the “must-see” sunset spot? The wall behind El Morro (Paseo de la Princesa).

How much should I budget per day? $150–$250 for a mid-range experience.

Can I get a SIM card at the airport? There are limited options; it’s better to get an eSIM before arrival.

Is it okay to wear a swimsuit in the street? No, please wear a cover-up in the city.

Are there jellyfish? Occasionally, especially in late summer.

Is it better to stay in a hotel or Airbnb? Both are great. Airbnbs are better for local flavor; hotels for beach access.

Can I visit a rum distillery other than Bacardi? Yes, Ron del Barrilito is highly recommended by locals.

What if I get sick? San Juan has world-class hospitals (e.g., Ashford Presbyterian).

Should I bring a raincoat? Yes, tropical showers are frequent but brief.

Is Puerto Rico a country? It is a “Commonwealth” of the US. It has its own Olympic team and culture, but US laws apply.

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