Car Rental San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan is the capital of the tropical island of Puerto Rico, where you can find local exotic hideaways, miles of white sandy beaches, mountains and valleys, and many other natural wonders. In addition to the natural splendors you will find yourself surrounded by warm and friendly people.
Known as "La Ciudad Amurallada", San Juan was founded in 1521. In 1508 Juan Ponce de León founded the original settlement, called Caparra, which is now known as Pueblo Viejo, behind the almost land-locked harbor just to the west of the present metropolitan area. A year later, the settlement was abandoned and relocated to the area which is now called Old San Juan. San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean and is the second oldest city in the Americas.
San Juan is a major port and tourist resort of the West Indies. The municipal area known as San Juan has 3 distinct areas: Old San Juan, the Beach & Resort area, and other outlying communities, the most important: Río Piedras, Hato Rey, Puerta de Tierra, and Santurce. During the early 16th century, San Juan was the point of departure of Spanish expeditions to charter or settle unknown parts of the New World. Its fortifications repulsed the English navigator Sir Francis Drake in 1595, as well as later attacks.
San Juan is the largest processing center of the island, there are facilities for petroleum and sugar refining, brewing and distilling and produces cement, pharmaceuticals, metal products clothing, and tobacco. The port is one of the busiest in the Caribbean. San Juan is center of Caribbean shipping and is the 2nd largest sea port in the area (after New York City).
There is no shortage of things to do in San Juan; everything from nature parks to museum and historical landmarks. People from San Juan are known as Sanjuaneros.
Courtesy & Dress
Puerto Ricans are gentle and friendly people. The island feels more like Latin America than the United States. Swim wear is fine for the beach and leisure wear for the resorts, but elsewhere a little dressing up is in order. Night time in San Juan is somewhat informal. Light and loose cotton clothing is the best bet year-round for Puerto Rico's warm tropical climate. Pack a sweater for cool season evenings or if you plan to visit the mountain regions.
Currency
Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the US and uses the dollar. The US dollar is often referred to as the "peso".
Taxes & Tips
Local taxes are included in all purchases. There is a 9% hotel tax in a non-casino hotel and an 11% tax in a hotel with a casino. Tipping is much the same as in the States. In hotels, major restaurants and nightclubs services charges are usually included. However, many inexpensive restaurants do not add service charge. If it isn't, tip between 15% and 20%.
Driving in Puerto Rico
Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. All the same rules as any part of the United States, except that the signs are in Spanish, the distance markers in kilometers and the gas sold in liters.
During the first 120, a non-resident may operate motor vehicles in Puerto Rico if they have a valid, unexpired license issued by any state of the U.S.A. or by any foreign country that imposes requirements similar to Puerto Ricos to grant a driver's license. A person must be at least eighteen years old to qualify for a driver's license. A person between sixteen and eighteen years old may be issued a license to drive with a legal guardian authorization.
It is recommended to purchase a detailed highway map for orientation. Distances in Puerto Rico are indicated in kilometers (1 km = 0.6 mile); however, speed limits, are posted in miles per hour.
Road Conditions
The older coastal highways provide the most scenic routes but are often congested. Some of the roads, especially in the mountainous interior, are just too narrow for automobiles. When renting a car, proceed with caution along these poorly paved and maintained roads, which most often follow circuitous routes. Cliffslides or landslides are not uncommon as well.
Speed Limits in Puerto Rico
Speed limits signs are infrequently posted in residential areas, so it is sensible to stay under 30 MPH unless otherwise posted.
| Area |
Limit |
| Rural Zone |
45 MPH |
| Urban Zone |
25 MPH |
| School Zone |
25 MPH |
Drinking and Driving Laws in Puerto Rico
Drinking and driving is never a good idea. In Puerto Rico, the legal blood alcohol level is 0.08 and the penalties are severe for drinking and driving convictions.
Visitor Center
La Princesa Bldg. #2 Paseo La Princesa
Old San Juan, P.R.
Tel: (787) 721-2400
Toll Free: 1-800-866-7827
Helpful Telephone Numbers in Puerto Rico
Here are some telephone numbers you may find useful during your stay in Puerto Rico.
- Puerto Rico Police Department (non-emergency): (787) 343-2020
- Police (emergency): 911
- American Red Cross: (787) 759-7979
- Customs Service: (800) 981-3030
- Tourist Information: (787) 722-1709
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