Group trips to Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is in the Atlantic Standard Time (AST) zone. It does not observe daylight saving time, so clocks stay the same all year round. If it is 12 pm in the UK, it will be 8 am in Puerto Rico. If it is 12 pm in New York City, it will be 12 pm in Puerto Rico as well, as Puerto Rico shares the same time with the Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone when the US is on standard time. However, when the US switches to daylight saving time, Puerto Rico is one hour behind the Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Puerto Rico uses the United States Dollar (USD). You won't need to worry about exchanging currency if you're coming from the United States. However, if you're traveling from the UK or Europe, you may want to exchange your British Pounds (GBP) or Euros (EUR) to USD before arriving. You can do this at currency exchange centers or major banks. The exchange rates can vary, so check them before you go.

In Puerto Rico, you can easily use credit and debit cards for most of your transactions, as they are widely accepted. American Express, Visa, and Mastercard are commonly used. If you prefer cash, you can withdraw US dollars from ATMs, which are readily available in cities and tourist areas. Just keep in mind that some small businesses might prefer cash payments, so having some cash on hand can be useful.

In Puerto Rico, tipping is customary and similar to the United States. For restaurants, a tip of 15 to 20 percent of the bill is standard. If you're at a bar, you might tip around a dollar per drink. For taxis, rounding up the fare or adding a few dollars is appreciated. Hotel staff like bellhops usually receive a dollar per bag, and housekeepers might get a few dollars per day. Make sure to check if a service charge is already included in your bill to avoid double tipping.

In Puerto Rico, you can find reliable internet access, and Wi-Fi is widely available in urban areas like San Juan, especially in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. However, if you're planning to venture out to more rural or remote areas, you might want to consider getting a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan for better connectivity.

Some popular providers include:

• Claro
• AT&T
• T-Mobile

These options will give you more flexibility and ensure you stay connected during your travels.

In Puerto Rico, Spanish and English are the official languages, with Spanish being the most widely spoken. Here are some useful Spanish expressions you might hear or use:

• Hello: Hola
• Please: Por favor
• Thank you: Gracias
• Excuse me: Perdón
• Yes: Sí
• No: No

In Puerto Rico, the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B, which are the same as in the United States. The standard voltage is 120 V, and the frequency is 60 Hz. If you're coming from a country that uses different plug types, we suggest bringing a universal adapter to ensure your devices can be charged without any hassle. Keep in mind that your appliances should be compatible with 120 V to avoid damage.

In Puerto Rico, the main religion is Christianity, with Roman Catholicism being the largest denomination. There is also a significant Protestant community. Since Puerto Rico is a part of the United States, there are no specific dressing requirements related to religion. Important religious holidays celebrated include:

• Christmas
• Easter
• The Feast of the Three Kings

For a trip to Puerto Rico, you'll want to be prepared for sunny beaches and vibrant city life. Here's a handy list for your backpack:

• Clothing
  • Lightweight shirts
  • Shorts
  • Swimwear
  • Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
  • Casual evening attire
• Shoes
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Flip-flops or sandals
  • Water shoes for aquatic activities
• Accessories and Technology
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Power bank
  • Camera or smartphone for photos
• Toiletries and Medication
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Basic first-aid kit
  • Pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin
  • Any personal medication you might need

Puerto Rico's weather is generally warm, so pack light, breathable fabrics. Enjoy the beaches and cultural experiences!

Puerto Rico enjoys a tropical climate, so expect warm weather throughout the year. Here's a breakdown by region:

• Coastal Areas: Generally sunny and warm, with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). The best time to visit is from mid-April to June, avoiding the rainy season.
• Central Mountains: Slightly cooler, with temperatures between 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C). It's still warm, but you might need a light jacket in the evenings.

The rainy season is from April to November, with the heaviest rains in September and October. Hurricanes can occur between June and November, so it's good to keep an eye on weather forecasts.