Puerto Rico is one of the most visited Caribbean destinations for Spanish-speaking travelers. Before packing your bags, it's worth knowing what currency is used, how to manage cash, and what expenses to expect on the island. In this article, you'll find all the practical information about currency in Puerto Rico so you can plan your trip to Puerto Rico without any surprises.
What is the official currency of Puerto Rico?
The official currency of Puerto Rico is the US dollar (USD). As an unincorporated territory of the United States, Puerto Rico adopted the dollar as legal tender following its incorporation into the American sphere at the end of the 19th century. In this post you'll find more information about why Puerto Rico belongs to the United States.
The use of the dollar is a significant advantage for European and Latin American travelers, as it is the world's reference currency and is very easy to obtain before your trip. The dollar is divided into 100 cents. The most common coins are 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents, while bills in circulation come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars.
How to exchange currency in Puerto Rico
Current exchange rate: The value of the dollar against the euro and other currencies changes daily. Check the official real-time rate before traveling on platforms such as XE.com or your bank's app to always get the most up-to-date rate.
If you're traveling from Europe or Latin America, you have several options for obtaining or exchanging currency before or during your stay in Puerto Rico:
- At the airport: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport has currency exchange offices. This is the most convenient option upon arrival, though fees tend to be higher.
- Currency exchange offices: Available in the main tourist areas. Always compare the exchange rate and fees before proceeding.
- Banks: Banks such as Banco Popular, Citibank, and Santander offer currency exchange, generally with favorable terms for their customers.
- Currency exchange apps: Tools like Wise or Revolut allow you to exchange money before your trip at very competitive rates and with no hidden fees.
Whatever method you choose, avoid unofficial exchange offices or those in less-trafficked areas, as the risk of receiving an unfavorable rate or falling victim to fraud is higher.
ATMs: the ATHs
In Puerto Rico, ATMs are commonly known as ATHs, an acronym for "a todas horas" (meaning "around the clock"). You'll find them throughout the island: in shopping malls, tourist areas, supermarkets, and gas stations.
The main banks operating in Puerto Rico with ATM networks are Banco Popular, Citibank, Santander, Doral, and Westernbank. Most international debit and credit cards are accepted without any issues.
Keep in mind that your bank may charge a fee for each cash withdrawal abroad. Check your card's terms and conditions before traveling and consider whether it's worth getting a card with no international fees, such as those offered by some neobanks. It's also a good idea to carry some small-denomination bills and coins for payments at markets, tips, or small businesses that don't have a card reader.
Paying by card in Puerto Rico
Card payments are very widespread in Puerto Rico, especially in hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and establishments in the main tourist areas such as San Juan, Condado, and Isla Verde. The most common international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express) are widely accepted.
In more traditional stores, local markets, or small family-run businesses, cash remains the norm. For this reason, it's recommended to always carry a reasonable amount of dollars in small bills.
Before traveling, check with your bank whether your card charges fees for international use. Some institutions charge between 1.5% and 3% per transaction abroad, which can add up to a significant cost over the course of a trip.
How much does it cost to travel to Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is a relatively more expensive destination than other Caribbean or Latin American countries, partly due to its economic ties with the United States. Even so, it's possible to visit the island on different budgets depending on the type of trip you're looking for.
As a general guide, and bearing in mind that prices may vary by season and location:
- Food: a breakfast at a café costs between $5 and $10 USD; a budget meal, between $8 and $15 USD; and a dinner at a mid-range restaurant, between $15 and $30 USD per person.
- Accommodation: a hostel or guesthouse can run around $20–$40 USD per night; a three-star hotel, between $100 and $220 USD; and luxury options easily exceed $300 USD.
- Tourist attractions: some of the most iconic landmarks, such as Castillo San Cristóbal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro, have an admission fee of approximately $5 USD each.
- Transportation: renting a car is the most common way to get around the island, and prices vary depending on the season.
To better plan your budget, we also recommend checking the requirements for traveling to Puerto Rico, where you'll find information about fees and pre-trip formalities.
Tipping in Puerto Rico
Tipping is not mandatory in Puerto Rico, but it is deeply embedded in local culture and follows the same convention as in the rest of the United States. The standard is to leave between 15% and 20% of the total bill.
Before adding a tip, always check your bill: in restaurants in tourist areas, a service charge ("gratuity" or "service charge") of between 15% and 20% is often already included. If the charge exceeds 20% without apparent justification, you can raise the issue with the manager.
Some common tipping guidelines in Puerto Rico:
- Restaurants and bars: between 15% and 20% of the bill.
- Bar staff: $1 USD per drink.
- Hotel housekeeping: between $2 and $5 USD per night.
- Taxi drivers: between 10% and 15% of the fare.
- Hotel porters: $1–$2 USD per bag.
Hotels may add a service charge of between 5% and 15% directly to your bill, so it's worth reviewing the breakdown before paying.
Now that you know everything about currency in Puerto Rico, the next step is to make sure you meet all the requirements for traveling to Puerto Rico. If you are a citizen of a visa waiver program country, you may need to obtain an ESTA authorization to fly through US territory. Safe travels!
