Puerto Rico Guest® A Travel & Sports®, Inc. MasterGuide™ to Puerto Rico, © 2008 Select Language English | Español | Deutsch | Francais | Portugues Expert Help | Email this page | 33732 | Packages / Coupons / Auctions | Create Your MasterGuide™ | Advertise Puerto Rico > Island-Wide General Information Island-Wide Info By:Travel and Sports Staff, June-2008 Checking the general information listings in Puerto Rico you will find info on everything from accommodation rates to the weather line. This can be found under the map on the main page by selecting Cities / Municipalities > Island-Wide. ... (more) Where to Stay, What to Do, Who Can Help: Information Island-Wide: Information Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide 787-758-8001 787-758-8091FX 165 Ponce de León Suite 301. prhta.org As the voice of the private sector of the Island's hospitality industry, the Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association represents, promotes, informs and educates its 515 corporate members to enable them to achieve their business objectives. Real Time MasterGuide™ (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide 888-673-0404 travelandsports.com Select the activities and areas that are of interest to you and receive a personalized custom MasterGuide™ to Puerto Rico created in real time using the most current photography, editorial and directories. Accommodations (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com The prices shown are representative of high-season rates, per unit, double occupancy at the time of publication. These prices are subject to change and are not guaranteed. Confirm your price before booking. The accommodations are accessible by everyone. See: Special Needs Travelers. Airlines, Air Charter, Airports (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport is the major international hub in the Caribbean with flights worldwide and 50% of the flights in the Caribbean. There are daily inter-Island flights to Aguadilla, Culebra, Fajardo, Mayagüez, Ponce and Vieques as well as flights to other destinations in the Caribbean. From Fajardo there are quick and inexpensive flights to Culebra and Vieques. All the airlines and charters are listed under San Juan. Attractions and Sights (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com There are hundreds of attractions in Puerto Rico. The main forts in San Juan are open 7 days a week. Typically, other sites are open Tue-Sun 9-4. Since the days and hours change, call ahead. Banking and Currency (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the US and uses the US dollar. Most major US banks have branches here. Banking hours are from 8:30-2:30 (though some have extended hours). Credit cards & travelers checks are widely accepted. Automatic teller machines are easy to find. Bus Information (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide 37 Ave. Diego, Urb. San Francisco. puertoricoguest.com Bus stops are marked with signs that read PARADA. You need to pay a fee of $.50 or $.25 depending on the route, every time you board a bus. Buses numbered A5 and B21 are frequently used to move around the Isla Verde, Condado, Old San Juan tourist areas. Car & Truck Rentals (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com You can find car and truck rentals, from budget to luxury and sedans to SUVs, throughout the Island. The main number for the rental company, which is most often at the international airport, is listed under the San Juan Metro Directory. Cruise Ship Port (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com Many passengers extend their vacation for an extra couple of days, before or after the trip, in Puerto Rico. Essentially you get two trips for the price of one without incurring the extra travel time and expense. Dining (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com You are in the dining capital of the Caribbean. In major cities, expect to pay top dollar dining, especially if your taste runs to fashionable decor and formal service. As part of your Island explorations, try a Mesón Gastronómico. These great local restaurants are endorsed by the PRTC as maintaining the highest levels of quality while featuring local specialties. Electricity (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com A modern electrical grid following US standards: 110 volt AC. Emergencies: Dial 911 (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com Events (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com Puerto Rico has a long history of cultural events built around the Patron Saint Festival in each municipality. In addition, a number of world-class events as well as local celebrations are held throughout the year. Ferry Service (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com Ferries run between Old San Juan and Cataño, Cataño and Hato Rey, Fajardo and Culebra, Fajardo and Vieques, Vieques and Culebra. Check the area directories for the schedules. Honeymoon in Puerto Rico (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com Puerto Rico is a great place to get off to a romantic start. A number of hotels offer something special. This can range from free champagne to discounted rooms. Just inquire when you book. To find out how you get married in Puerto Rico, look under Marriage. Immigration (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com There are no passports or visas required for US citizens. For citizens of other countries, call your local US Embassy to determine entry requirements. Internet site for the PRTC (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com www.gotopuertorico.com is the official website of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. Check for special offers and more information on Puerto Rico. Internet site for this Planner (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com www.travelandsports.com is the companion website to the Puerto Rico Planner. Check the site for the most current information on the listings in the Planner and to link directly to the websites of the businesses, activities and attractions shown in the Planner. Languages: Spanish & English (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com Puerto Rico is a Spanish-speaking country. In the major tourist areas most everyone is bilingual (Spanish/English). However, wherever you travel, language is not a barrier. LeLoLai Festival (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide 787-721-2400 ext 2215 787-723-8392FX www.gotopuertorico.com The LeLoLai Festival is perhaps the most all-encompassing and attractive cultural festival in Puerto Rico, created to showcase the Island's enticing blend of Spanish, Taíno Indian and African traditions. We invite you to enjoy unforgettable live performances and discover the magic of Puerto Rico's 500-year legacy. For additional information, schedules of events or reservations, call 787-721-2400 / 1-800-866-7827. Limousines (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com Limousines are readily available in San Juan and, to a lesser extent, around the Island. Mail (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com US Post Office and overnight delivery services are readily available. The USPO has an excellent guide to Puerto Rico addresses on their website. Marriage (how to get married in PR) (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide 787-767-9120 787-281-8867 787-751-5003FX 171 Quisqueya St. www.salud.gov.pr To get married in Puerto Rico you need identification such as a driver's license or a passport (for non-US citizens). You also need a VDRL blood test within 10 days of the wedding, divorce decree or death certificate if that applies. Papers must be obtained in person at the Department of Health in San Juan. You next get a certificate from a physician and then a marriage license. Medical/Hospital/Emergencies (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com Dial 911 for emergencies. Puerto Rico serves as the medical hub of the Caribbean and Latin America with travelers arriving specifically to take advantage of the world-class facilities. Mesones Gastronómicos (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide 800-866-7827 787-721-2622 787-721-4698FX PRTC- 2 La Princesa. www.gotopuertorico.com This is a special PRTC program that recognizes outstanding restaurants outside of San Juan that maintain the highest level of quality and feature local specialties. Only restaurants with the PRTC endorsement can call themselves a Mesón Gastronómico. Nightlife (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com San Juan is unsurpassed in nightlife and cultural entertainment: theater, dance, operas, concerts and the ballet. Major hotels all around the Island offer some of the best entertainment: casinos, nightclubs and restaurants. Latin-style music, including Salsa and Merengue, are featured at many of the clubs. Operator: Dial 411 (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com Parador Information (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide 800-866-7827 787-721-1039FX Num. 1 Paseo La Princesa. www.gotopuertorico.com Paradores are family-owned and -operated inns offering true Puerto Rican hospitality. Located outside of metropolitan San Juan, these inns range from centuries-old haciendas to small properties in local fishing villages. Only properties meeting the Tourism Industry Standards are allowed to use the Parador name and symbol. Many of the Paradores are located near Puerto Rico's major attractions, activities and sights. Call for more information. Population (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com The population of Puerto Rico is 3.5 million with 1.4 million living in the San Juan Metropolitan Area. Prices in this Planner (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com The prices change and are not guaranteed. You must call to confirm the current prices and tax. These prices were the high season prices quoted to us at the time of publication. The accommodation prices are per room, double occupancy for the least expensive to most expensive (room, suite or villa). The prices are intended to give you a pretty good idea of the relative cost of the properties. In the interior, the prices tend to stay the same year round. Públicos (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com Públicos are individuals or companies that offer van service on fixed routes throughout the Island. Like a bus company, you pay a small charge to go anywhere along the standard route. Most of the vehicles are passenger vans. A very inexpensive and popular way to get around. Puerto Rico Convention Bureau (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide 787-725-2110 787-725-2133FX 500 Tanca Suite 402. www.meetpuertorico.com The Puerto Rico Convention Bureau is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and developing the group & convention business for the Island. We assist meeting planners with everything from initial hotel proposals to on-site staffing. Puerto Rico Golf Association (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide 787-793-3444 787-273-3138FX #264, Ste 11, Paradise Commercial Center. www.prga.org This governing body for amateur golf in Puerto Rico was formed in 1954. Today it run 7 major championships and 30 other golf events. Is the host organization for the 2008 Puerto Rico Open, presented by Banco Popular, a PGA TOUR official event. Puerto Rico Is Fun Package (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide 787-721-2400 787-725-4417FX www.gotopuertorico.com At www.gotopuertorico.com, individuals planning Puerto Rico vacations have a great money saving opportunity, and it's only a few clicks away. Travelers can make reservations for special online travel packages offering bonuses and discounts when the booking is made on the website or using traditional means. Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide 787-721-2400 787-725-4417FX www.gotopuertorico.com The Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) is the official government agency responsible for promoting travel and tourism to Puerto Rico. Shopping (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com Puerto Rico offers the largest shopping center in the Caribbean (Plaza Las Américas) and a number of large malls and outlet malls around the Island. As there is no sales tax on most purchases, this is a shopper's paradise. Just look in the directory where you are staying. Special-Needs Travelers (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com All the hotels have facilities for travelers with special needs. Some operators, such as tour operators, offer unique services for the special-needs traveler (which are part of their description). The Sea Without Barriers area of Luquillo Beach is designed for use by those with special needs and seniors. Taxes and Tipping (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com A hotel tax is added to your bill. The tax for hotels with casinos: 11%, Paradores: 7%, all other accommodations: 9%. The standard tip is 15%. Most retail purchases are tax free. Taxis (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com Taxi service is readily available in the major cities. In San Juan the rates for regular tourist trips are set as flat rates (see San Juan Metro: Taxi). Where taxi service is unavailable, you might want to try a Público. Telephone Service (Area 787 & 939) (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com A modern, reliable US-style telephone service. Numbers with area code 800, 888, 877 or 866 are toll free from Puerto Rico or the US. Most hotel systems are compatible with dial-up modems. Some properties have high-speed Internet connections. Puerto Rico has area codes: 787 and 939. To call outside San Juan Metro from the metro area dial 1, the area code and then the number. Time of Day (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide 787-728-9595 Atlantic Standard Time (AST): the same as Eastern Standard Time (EST) +1 hour. Daylight savings time is not observed. May to October: AST = EST, October to April: AST = EST+1. Tourist Transportation (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide 787-253-0418 787-999-2100 787-791-8033FX www.gotopuertorico.com There are Ground Transportation Booths run by the PRTC (Tourism Transportation area) inside and outside the baggage claim areas, in the arrival sections at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport and in the Old San Juan cruise ship piers. The staff will help you with all ground transportation options available on the Island. Tours and Trolleys (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide puertoricoguest.com Quite often, you will be able to arrange a free tour of local attractions and sights through the mayor's office or tourism office of the local municipality. This is particularly true of the smaller communities on the Island. You will also find that a number of the municipalities offer a trolley service (either scheduled or by appointment) that will take you by all the local attractions and sights. If you want to get the inside story from locals, this is a good place to start. US Customs and Border Protection (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide 787-253-4540 787-253-7811FX 1 Puntilla St. www.customs.treas.gov A customs passenger service representative is available to provide on-site passenger complaint resolution. US Immigration (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide 800-375-5283 787-706-2309 www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis There are no passports or visas necessary for US citizens. Citizens of other countries: check with your local US Embassy. Weather (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide 787-253-4586 www.srh.noaa.gov/sju Puerto Rico enjoys an average temperature of 82°F (28°C) from November to May. The average beach temperatures are 80°F in summer and 76°F in the winter. The mountains tend to be 20° colder in the winter. Call this number for current weather report. ¡Qué Pasa! (more) > Puerto Rico > Island-Wide qpsm.com Magazine published bi-monthly for the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. Copies may be obtained at every PRTC office. Symbol Key: Sponsors, Information.