Banking and Communications
1. The US Dollar
The US dollar ($) is the local currency, sometimes referred to as the peso or dolar by locals. The dollar is divided into 100 cents (centavos or chavitos to locals), with coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents, and notes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars in circulation.
2. Foreign Currencies
Some tourist entities may accept payment in Canadian dollars and Euros, although these are the exception. Major foreign currencies can be exchanged on the island at banks, casas de cambios, and hotel reception desks.
3. Banks and ATMs
Puerto Rico has many US- and foreign-owned, as well as local, banks. Most will change foreign currencies at the official rate. Opening hours are typically 9am–3:30pm, Monday to Friday. Major banks, such as Banco Popular, Banco de San Juan, and Citibank, operate ATMs that accept MasterCard and Visa.
4. Casas de Cambio
These currency exchange bureaus are relatively few. They offer more or less the same rate as banks, usually cash traveler’s checks, and have longer hours than banks. The Thomas Cook Foreign Exchange at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport and the Caribbean Foreign Exchange in Old San Juan are reliable.
Thomas Cook Foreign Exchange • Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport • 787 791 1960
Caribbean Foreign Exchange • Calle Tetuán 201B, Old San Juan • 787 722 8222
5. Credit Cards
Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and tourist-oriented stores, but not in colmados and other out-of-the-way stores. Credit cards can be used for cash advances at banks, though you may be charged a commission. You can also use them at ATMs, so carry your personal identification number (PIN) before leaving for your trip.
6. Telephones
Puerto Rico has an efficient telephone system. Public phones are ubiquitous and prepaid phone cards are easily available. Calls from hotels can be expensive. To call the island from North America, dial 1, then 787 and the local number; from the UK, dial 00 for international access, followed by 01, then 787 and the local number. All phone numbers within Puerto Rico have a 3-digit area code, either 787 or 939. So dial all 10 digits for calls within the island.
7. Cell Phones
AT&T Mobility and Claro (the wireless arm of the Puerto Rico Telephone Company) offer cellular services throughout the island. However, don’t count on your cell phone working in some of the relatively remote locations.
8. Post Offices
The US Postal Service extends to Puerto Rico, where US rates apply and service is speedy and efficient. Every town has a post office. Check with the reception staff of your hotel to see if they can forward your mail to the post office.
9. Internet
Many of the larger hotels provide a complimentary Internet service, while others charge a fee. An increasing number of hotels have a WiFi service. Internet cafés are widely available and charge reasonable rates.
10. Television and Radio
Most hotels include cable TV in room rates, with international channels such as CNN and the BBC, along with local Spanish-language ones. Premium channels may be available on a pay-per-view basis. Qué Pasa TV, available in metro area hotels, broadcasts tourist information. Most radio stations are Spanish language.
