Facts on Puerto Rico

Below is a list of key facts on Puerto Rico as well as links where you can find more information on Puerto Rico and Puerto Rican culture.

Electricty - 110 volt 50 Hz like the US mainland. Plugs have 2 flat pins or 2 flat and one round pin.

Climate - The climate is fairly constant all year round, with temperature ranging from 73 degrees in January and Febraury to 80 degrees in July-September and high humidity is helped by the sea breezes. Hurricane season is July to October.

Timezone - Puerto Rico is on Atlantic Standard Time. The time is an hour later than Eastern Standard Time, or the same time when Eastern Standard Time is observing Daylight Saving. There is no Daylight Saving Time in Puerto Rico.

Weights and measures - Gas is supplied in liters, distances is kilometers and speed limits in miles per hour. Go figure.

Tipping - Any time you are provided with a service a tip is expected. Taxis, hairdressers, restaurants all expect 15 percent, or 20 percent for excellent service.

Infectious diseases - Dengue is a mosquito borne disease with fever and muscle and joint pain followed by a rash. Although there is no treatment hospitals can treat your symptoms, which should subside after a few days.

 

For more facts on Puerto Rico follow the links below.

History of Puerto Rico The History of Puerto Rico is a three part look at Puerto Rico from the days before Columbus. It looks at the original inhabitants of the island and the colonization by the Spanish, covers the fortification of San Juan and its position in the Commonwealth of the United States to the present day. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Currency The currency in Puerto Rico is the US dollar. For travelers from outside the United States there are some restrictions on the value of currency that can be taken in or out.

Holidays Find out what's on when in Puerto Rico. Here we list all holidays, religious feasts and other notable events throughout the year.

Puerto Rican flag Officialy adopted in 1952, the Puerto Rican flag is similar to the Cuban flag in design, with the colors arranged differently.

Arecibo observatory The largest and most sensitive radio telescope on Earth is in Puerto Rico. The Arecibo observatory is open to visitors, who can look down at the vast dish.

Puerto Rico's government The government in Puerto Rico is headed by an elected Governor. Although Puerto Ricans are US citizens, they cannot vote in US Presidential elections - although he's the head of state of Puerto Rico.

 

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