Stay out of trouble
Don't buy drugs
This is the big one. Puerto Rico Police say about 4 in 10 murders are tied to drug trafficking and another 3 in 10 to feuds between criminal groups. The places drugs are sold are where that violence happens, and visitors who go looking have been robbed, beaten and shot. Recreational cannabis is also a felony here; only licensed medical cannabis is legal. Metro: Police murder data, July 2026
If faces are covered, leave
If you see a group with their faces covered, walk away and don't look back. People get shot by accident simply for standing near the wrong people. The same goes for an argument building in a bar or on the street: leave early.
Skip La Perla
The neighborhood below Old San Juan's walls looks beautiful from above. A tourist was killed there as a bystander in 2025. Admire it from the wall.
Be a good guest
- Say hello. “Buenos días” or “buenas tardes” when you walk into a shop or up to a stand goes a long way.
- Puerto Ricans are US citizens. Don't ask locals about passports or “your country.”
- Cover up off the beach. Swimsuits are for the sand. Locals dress up for restaurants and bars.
- Music is loud and that's normal. You're the visitor; join in or find a quieter spot.
- Some Spanish helps. Even a few words get a warmer welcome than English spoken louder.
- Ask before you photograph people, their homes or their kids.
Laws that surprise visitors
| The law | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Red lights after midnight | From midnight to 5 am, you may stop at a red light and then continue through when it's clear. Run one without stopping and it's a $500 fine |
| Phones while driving | Hands-free only. Holding your phone is a $100 fine |
| Seatbelts | Everyone in the car, front and back. Kids 4 to 8 ride in a booster; 12 and under in the back |
| The beach belongs to everyone | The shore washed by the tide is public. A hotel can't keep you off the sand, even if it controls the path |
| Election-day dry law | No alcohol sales 6 am to 6 pm on general election day; hotels and tourist zones are exempt. The next one is November 2028 |
| San Juan bar hours | Alcohol sales end at 1 am Sunday to Thursday and 2 am Friday and Saturday. Drinks to go come in plastic or paper cups, never glass or cans |
| Celebratory gunfire | Firing into the air, a New Year's tradition for some, is a felony with at least 5 years in prison. Stay indoors at midnight on New Year's Eve |
| Tips | Always optional. A business can suggest one but can't add it for you |
| Cannabis | Medical only, with a Puerto Rico authorization. Possession without one is a felony |
Ley 22-2000, Art. 8.02 (traffic signals)
Weather
Hurricane season
The Atlantic season runs June 1 to November 30. It peaks around September 10, with a second bump in mid-October that mainly affects the Caribbean. If you travel then, buy insurance, keep plans flexible, and turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts. The National Weather Service office in San Juan posts watches and warnings at weather.gov/sju.
Rain and heat
It rains year-round in short bursts, more in the mountains and El Yunque. Summer highs reach the 90s. Drink more water than you think you need.
Health
Dengue. The CDC lists Puerto Rico as an area with frequent or continuous dengue risk. The island declared an epidemic in March 2024; cases in 2026 have stayed below that threshold but remain steady. Use EPA-registered repellent, especially at dawn and dusk, and see a doctor for a sudden fever. CDC: dengue risk areas
Water. Bottled water is the easy choice, especially after storms and outages when treatment can be disrupted.
Power outages
Rolling outages hit large parts of the island in 2026. Make sure your Airbnb or guesthouse has a generator before you book. Carry a power bank and keep your phone charged.
Everyday crime
- Car break-ins are the most common problem for visitors. Leave nothing visible, not even a bag on the floor, especially at beaches and trailheads.
- Call 911 for police, fire or medical emergencies.
Tourist traps
| The trap | What to do |
|---|---|
| Unlicensed taxis at the airport and piers | Use the official Taxi Turístico line or Uber, and confirm the fixed fare first |
| Damage claims after you return a rental | Film a slow walk-around of the car, inside and out, at pickup and drop-off |
| Declining the toll tag | Keep the rental's AutoExpreso tag; unpaid tolls bring violations |
| Unofficial parking attendants | Use marked garages and lots, not someone in a vest waving you into a free spot |
| A mandatory tip on the bill | Tips are optional by law. Ask for it to be removed; report it to DACO |
| “Free” tours with a timeshare pitch | Say no, or read the cancellation terms before you sign anything |
| Handing your card over at a roadside stand | Pay cash, or ask “Do you take Cash App using riverArk?” and pay from your phone |
Rip currents
The single most dangerous thing on the island for visitors. Read the beach guide before you swim on the north coast.