Questions and Answers

What currency is used in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico uses the US dollar

Do I need a passport?

If you are a US citizen, nope.

Will my phone work there?

Yes! Most major U.S. cell carriers (like T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon) offer the exact same coverage in Puerto Rico as they do on the mainland, with no roaming fees. Data speeds are solid in the cities, though signals can get a little spotty if you head deep into the central mountain roads.

Is the tap water safe to drink?

Yes. Puerto Rico's tap water is treated, filtered, and regulated under the exact same U.S. EPA standards as the mainland. It is perfectly safe to drink, wash with, and enjoy with ice.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

In San Juan and high-tourism areas, almost everyone you interact with will speak fluent English. If you venture out into smaller mountain towns or less-traveled coastal spots, Spanish is much more dominant. A polite "Por favor" and "Gracias" goes a long way, and downloading an offline translation app is always a good backup!

Can I bring local food or fruit back to the mainland?

Be careful here! Because it's an island, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspects all luggage at the airport before you fly back to the mainland. You cannot bring back fresh fruits, vegetables, or certain pork products (like local sausages). However, processed items like Puerto Rican coffee, rum, and pre-packaged sweets are totally fine to pack.

Can I make it to Puerto Rico and then Culebra all in the same day?

If your flight lands in San Juan early enough, you can hop right onto a tiny island hopper plane and make it to Culebra the same day. But honestly? We highly recommend crashing in San Juan for your first night.

Give yourself an evening to wander around gorgeous Old San Juan, grab an incredible dinner, and unwind with a drink or two. You can kick off the journey to Culebra the next morning feeling refreshed. Trust us—it’s way less stressful!