Traveling to San Juan, Puerto Rico: Essential Etiquette Tips

This guide provides you with essential cultural and travel etiquette tips to make your visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico, a memorable experience for both you and the locals.

General Tips

1. Respect: Always remember that respect is key when traveling. Respect local customs, traditions, and the environment.

2. Greetings: A firm handshake and a smile are appropriate greeting gestures in Puerto Rico. In formal situations, it’s customary to use the title “Señor” or “Señora” followed by the surname when addressing adults.

3. Punctuality: While not always strictly enforced outside of business contexts, punctuality is appreciated and shows respect for others’ time.

4. Dress Code: Casual attire is generally accepted in most tourist areas; however, more formal dress may be expected in upscale restaurants or nightclubs.

Cultural Tips

1. Tap-tap (Public Transportation): These colorful vans are shared taxis that serve as the primary public transportation in San Juan. It’s essential to negotiate the fare before boarding, and always be aware of your belongings while on tap-taps.

2. Boricua (Puerto Rican) Identity: Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States, but its people identify as Boricuas. It’s crucial to understand that although they are American citizens, their culture and identity are distinct from that of mainland America.

3. Language: Spanish is the primary language spoken in Puerto Rico, but English is also widely spoken due to its status as a U.S. territory. Learning a few basic phrases in Spanish will go a long way in showing respect for the local culture and making connections with locals.

4. Tipping: Tipping is customary in Puerto Rico. In restaurants, it’s common to leave around 10-15% of the total bill as a tip. For other services like hair salons or taxis, rounding up to the nearest dollar is appreciated.

Beach Etiquette

1. Respect the Environment: Do not litter on beaches or in the ocean. Use designated trash receptacles and recycle whenever possible.

2. Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen generously before going to the beach, as it protects both you and the environment from damage.

3. Local Customs: Many locals visit the beach on Sundays for a day of relaxation and family time. Be respectful of this tradition and consider visiting during other days of the week if possible.

4. Safety: Always swim in designated swimming areas when available, and never leave children unattended near water. Follow all posted safety signs and be aware of any warnings about strong currents or dangerous marine life.

San Juan, Puerto Rico Travel Etiquette and Cultural Tips (Markdown style)

1. Greetings and Addressing People

   • Puerto Ricans are generally warm and friendly. A handshake is common upon meeting someone new or when greeting a friend. When addressing someone, use their title and last name if you know it (e.g., Señor/Señora Apellido).

2. Language

   • Spanish is the primary language spoken in Puerto Rico. While many locals also speak English, especially in tourist areas, it’s always appreciated when tourists make an effort to use some Spanish phrases.

3. Tipping

   • Tipping is customary in San Juan. For restaurants, aim for 10-15% of the total bill. Taxi drivers usually receive a 10% tip.

4. Dress Code

   • Dress code can vary greatly depending on the area and occasion. For tourist spots, casual but respectful attire is generally acceptable. However, for restaurants or nightclubs in Old San Juan, smart casual is often expected. Remember to cover up when visiting churches out of respect.

5. Public Behavior

   • Puerto Ricans value personal space and cleanliness. Avoid standing too close to people in lines or crowded areas, and dispose of trash properly.

6. Cultural Sensitivity

   • Puerto Rico is a proud Caribbean nation with its own unique identity. Avoid comparing it unfavorably to the mainland United States. Respect local customs and traditions, especially during festivals like San Juan’s Fiestas Patrias (National Day) or El Día de Los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day).

7. Local Customs

   • When entering a home or someone’s car, it’s customary to say “Bienvenido/a” (Welcome). If invited to a Puerto Rican home for a meal, expect food to be plentiful and the meal to last several hours.

8. Haggling

   • Haggling is not typically part of the shopping experience in San Juan. Prices are usually fixed, especially in stores, but you might be able to negotiate a bit at street markets.

9. Etiquette at Beaches

   • Puerto Rican beaches are public, and anyone can access them. Respect this by not setting up your belongings on someone else’s designated space without asking first. Always take your trash with you when leaving the beach.

10. Respect for the Environment

    • Puerto Rico has a rich biodiversity. Be mindful of local flora and fauna, especially in protected areas like El Yunque National Forest. Never leave garbage behind and avoid touching or disturbing wildlife.