Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
The CDC recommends being up-to-date on routine vaccines like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) for Puerto Rico. Consider the flu vaccine if you’re visiting during flu season. Hepatitis A and B vaccines are also advised, especially if you plan to eat street food or have close contact with locals. No special vaccines are required, though. Always check current guidelines before you go.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Puerto Rico, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for Puerto RicoCulture & Customs
Respect local customs by greeting people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek. Use ”usted” instead of ”tú” when speaking to elders as a sign of respect. Dress modestly in religious or rural areas; casual wear is fine in cities and beaches. Tipping is customary at 15-20% in restaurants.
Avoid discussing Puerto Rico’s political status unless you’re familiar with the topic. Public displays of affection are generally accepted, but discretion is advised in rural areas. For LGBTQ+ travelers, San Juan is welcoming, but be cautious in conservative areas. Women should feel safe, but like anywhere, stay aware and avoid isolated areas at night.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Puerto Rico.
Mofongo: This is a mashed plantain dish often mixed with garlic, chicharrón (fried pork skin), and sometimes filled with meat or seafood. It’s a staple that showcases the island’s love for plantains and is a must-try to understand Puerto Rican comfort food.Arroz con Gandules: Often considered the national dish, this is a flavorful rice dish combined with pigeon peas and usually cooked with pork. It’s seasoned with sofrito, a blend of herbs and spices, making it a festive favorite at gatherings and celebrations.Lechón Asado: This is spit-roasted pork that’s marinated in a blend of spices and cooked over an open flame. It’s a big deal during holidays and festivals, showing off the island’s penchant for pork and community feasting.Pastelón: Sometimes called Puerto Rican lasagna, this dish layers sweet plantains with seasoned ground beef and cheese. It’s a sweet and savory delight that reflects the island’s blend of Spanish and African culinary influences.Alcapurrias: These are fritters made from a dough of grated green bananas and taro root, filled with seasoned meat, usually beef. They’re a popular street food snack, perfect for experiencing local flavors on the go.Tap water in Puerto Rico is generally safe to drink and locals consume it, but some travelers might prefer bottled or filtered water due to potential differences in taste or sensitivity to local water. Tourists often opt for bottled water as a precaution, especially in more rural areas. If you’re cautious, a portable water filter could be a handy addition to your gear.
The main language in Puerto Rico is
Spanish. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Spanish skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Puerto Rico includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
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Get the Travel Guide - In Puerto Rico,
English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, major cities, and among younger generations. As a U.S. territory, English is one of the official languages alongside Spanish. Many Puerto Ricans are bilingual, with a strong emphasis on English in education and business sectors.
In urban areas like San Juan, you’ll find that most people in hospitality, retail, and tourism can communicate effectively in English. However, in more rural or less touristy regions, Spanish may be more prevalent, and proficiency in English can vary.
While many Puerto Ricans can understand and speak English to some degree, it is always appreciated when visitors make an effort to use Spanish, even basic phrases. Overall, travelers should feel comfortable navigating Puerto Rico with English, but being open to learning a few Spanish words can enhance the experience and foster positive interactions with locals.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Puerto Rico is USD ($).
ATMs: You’ll find ATMs all over Puerto Rico, especially in cities and tourist spots. Major banks like Banco Popular and FirstBank are your best bet. Just keep an eye on the fees; they can add up if you withdraw too often.
Cash: It’s smart to carry a bit of cash for small vendors or off-the-beaten-path spots. Try to break larger bills when you can, as some places might struggle with change.
Currency: Puerto Rico uses the US dollar, so no need for euros here. If you’re coming from mainland US, no currency exchange required.
Card Acceptance: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but smaller, family-run places might still be cash-only. Always good to ask before you order or buy.
Currency Exchange: If you do need to exchange money, you can do it at the airport or in San Juan at banks. Rates aren’t the best at the airport, so it’s better to exchange just enough to get by until you find a better rate in the city.
In Puerto Rico, tipping is similar to mainland U.S.; generally, leave 15-20% for restaurant service. Taxis often round up or add a couple of dollars, and it’s customary to tip hotel staff a few dollars per bag. Always check your bill, as some places include a service charge.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.