Visiting San Juan is ideal from December and April, as hurricane season lasts from July to October in Puerto Rico. Bill Ross/Getty Images Here’s what you should know if you’re planning a trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico, from a local. Most places in town have a casual dress code, but be sure to book restaurant reservations well in advance.
Visit Insider’s hub for travel guides, tips, and recommendations Puerto Rico had one of the strictest COVID protocols in the country until early 2022. Thankfully, restrictions have loosened and travel between Puerto Rico and the mainland US is as easy as ever. Here’s what you should know before planning your trip to Puerto Rico, including the latest COVID rules, weather advisories, and local-etiquette tips.
COVID-19US citizens and permanent residents do not need to show proof of a negative COVID test or vaccination to enter the island anymore. International travelers still need to be vaccinated, though the local government does not require a negative COVID test. There are lingering limitations throughout the island.
Grocery stores, performance venues, and pharmacies still require you to wear a mask to enter. Certain restaurants still also require proof of vaccination. HurricanesHurricane season lasts from July to October.
This means that while merchants reduce their prices, there’s a high probability of activities being rained out. It’s also possible to lose power, though most hotels have backup generators. Because of this, I typically recommend that guests aim to visit between December and April, when the days are mostly sunny without being overbearingly hot.
You will need bug spray and sunscreen, even on rainy and overcast days. If you’re going to be in the ocean, make sure you buy a reef-safe variety for both. It’s best to have shoes with grip on them for all nature activities and hiking excursions, otherwise sandals and sundresses are my go-to attire.
Most places have a casual dress code. Tipping is standard throughout San Juan, including at hotel bars like the Numero Uno Beach House Hotel and Restaurant in Ocean Park. Erika P.
Rodríguez for InsiderReservations and tippingRestaurant reservations can be notoriously difficult to get, and some of the best places are only open from Thursday to Sunday. Smaller restaurants sometimes also decide to close early, even on days they’re supposed to be open. Make sure to double-check any hours on Google by calling the establishment first.
Most businesses will have a Facebook page in lieu of an official website, and take reservations through third-party sites like Resy. It’s customary to say “buen provecho” when you see someone eating — it’s the Spanish equivalent of “bon appétit. ” Tipping is encouraged in the same way as the US, and while many merchants accept credit cards, it’s good to carry cash just in case.
If you’re driving, I recommend using Waze or Google Maps instead of Apple Maps, as it’s not uncommon for Apple Maps to take you to the wrong location. View Insider’s comprehensive guide to visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico. Read the original article on Insider.
From: insider
URL: https://www.insider.com/things-to-know-before-visiting-san-juan-puerto-rico
