Capital city, Puerto Rico
San Juan
Walkable colonial old town, beaches and strong food scene in a US territory: no passport for Americans, dollars, and good infrastructure. Heat, tourist prices and the occasional blackout are trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$3,000–4,500Comfortable, one person · $3,000–4,500Details
- Value for money11/100Better value than 10% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–MayWarmest: Aug, 30°CDetails
- Air quality12.6 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2018) · ModerateDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water is treated, but outages and storms can affect quality; many residents use filters or bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$100–250Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work almost everywhere; carry some cash for kiosks, beach vendors, tips and small food stalls.Details
Where to stay in San Juan
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Old San Juan | Walkable colonial streets, forts, restaurants and nightlife |
| Condado | Beach hotels, restaurants, walkable and upscale |
| Santurce (Calle Loíza and Santurce Es Ley) | Art, bars, music and a younger crowd |
| Ocean Park | Quiet beachside residential area with guesthouses |
| Isla Verde | Beach resorts and the airport |
Apps that work in San Juan
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Main app; plentiful drivers in metro San Juan |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Taxis have posted flat rates to the airport and zones; Uber is usually cheaper elsewhere. Old San Juan has little parking.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Puerto Rico.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere; carry some cash for kiosks, beach vendors, tips and small food stalls.
- ATMs: Machines are plentiful; foreign cards pay your own bank's fee plus any ATM operator fee.
- Tipping: Follow US norms: 15–20% in restaurants, check whether service is already added; tip drivers and guides.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work widely in shops and restaurants.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- US citizens need no passport check beyond ID on domestic flights; other nationals follow US entry rules (visa, ESTA or visa waiver).
- Flights from the US mainland are domestic. International arrivals go through US Customs and Border Protection.
- Local agricultural inspection applies when flying to the US mainland.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs from Claro, Liberty or T-Mobile stores; US carriers' plans usually roam at home rates. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Puerto Rico
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.