About Puerto Rico
The bright island country of Puerto Rico combines all the best that is needed for an excellent vacation: American quality of service and services, authentic culture preserved in a number of Indian tribes to this day, ancient architecture and ancient historical monuments, as well as the richest nature, including world natural records like the longest underground river. Miracles, and more! Puerto Rico is a safe and comfortable exotic for foreign tourists.
Geography of Puerto Rico
Dependent on the United States, the country of Puerto Rico is located in the Caribbean Sea and is an island nation. It includes the main island of Puerto Rico with an area of 10,200 km² and a number of small islands, including Mona (Isla de Mona), Vieques (Vieques), Desecheo (Desecheo), Culebra (Culebra) and Caja de Muertos (Caja de Muertos). Muertos). Most of them do not have a permanent population; employees of a number of organizations and ministries for the extraction of resources periodically live on the islands. The surface of the island of Puerto Rico is mountainous, along it passes the ridge “La Cordillera Central” with the highest point of 1338 meters above sea level (Mount Cerro de Punta (Cerro de Punta)). In the south and north of the island there are wide coastal areas. In total, there are more than 50 mountain rivers and 17 artificial lakes on the island of Puerto Rico.
Capital
San Juan
Area
The area of Puerto Rico is 9104 km. sq.
Population
3 725 789
Currency
The state currency is the US dollar (USD).
Language
Official language – Spanish, English
Visa to Puerto Rico
Since Puerto Rico is officially a voluntarily dependent territory of the United States, citizens of the Russian Federation will need to obtain an American visa to visit the country. This can be done at the visa section of the US embassy or consulate in Russia. All visa requirements are the same as those listed in the U.S. visa section.
Weather in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has a maritime tropical climate with fairly constant temperatures throughout the year. The average annual temperature is +28 °C. In the north, it can be slightly lower than in the south, and in the mountains the climate is the least cool. From June to November, the hurricane season lasts in the country, the rest of the time except for this is the tourist season in Puerto Rico.
Transport
Puerto Rico’s main international airport, called Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Luis Muñoz Marín), is located in the municipality of Carolina. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights here from Russia. The most common option is flights through the United States, more often – New York. Intercity bus service in Puerto Rico is practically non-existent, only the Linea Sultana company connects the capital and the west coast. The vast majority of local residents move around the island by private transport. On the main island of Puerto Rico, the transport system is well developed. High-class motorways and high-speed highways are laid here. In the capital, the city of San Juan and its suburbs, there is a bus and metro system called “Tren Urbano”.
Currency exchange in Puerto Rico
The official currency of Puerto Rico is the US dollar, but it is often referred to as the “peso” on price tags. Foreign currency can be exchanged at a bank branch or an exchange office. Banks in Puerto Rico are open Monday through Friday from approximately 8:30-9:00 to 15:00-15:30 without a lunch break. The use of credit cards and traveler’s checks in the country is very convenient. In large cities, they are accepted for payment everywhere; in provincial areas, they can be easily cashed out at round-the-clock ATMs or bank branches. An account in dollars will, of course, be more profitable here, since you will avoid losing in exchange rates. Traveler’s checks in other currencies can only be cashed at central bank branches in major cities in Puerto Rico.
Electricity
Mains voltage 110V\220V, 60 Hz. Sockets are standard American with two flat pins.
Religion
The first conquerors brought Catholicism to Puerto Rico, and until now it remains the predominant religion, but Protestantism is also developing in the country under the influence of the United States. A small part of the population adheres to the ancient beliefs of the Taino people of South America.
Security
Puerto Rico has a relatively high level of security, tourist areas are patrolled by a special police department, but it is highly discouraged to visit poor areas in large cities, thefts and robberies are possible here. Solo travelers should not travel to remote areas and deserted beaches, especially at night. Demonstration of expensive photo and video equipment, jewelry and large amounts of cash in crowded places can also attract the attention of thieves to you, it is safer to store everything of value in a hotel safe. If you plan to rent a car, park it only in well-lit areas and do not leave anything of value inside. Swimming on the beaches is absolutely safe, as they are protected by coral reefs and sharks, as well as other dangerous inhabitants, do not get here. The open sea carries a danger in the form of predators, strong currents and sharp underwater rocks. It is highly undesirable to swim here, and it is not necessary due to the huge number of safe beaches.
Health
Puerto Rico does not pose any obvious threats to your health, however, it is recommended that you get vaccinated against typhoid, tuberculosis, diphtheria and polio before traveling. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, which is based on US standards. Having international health insurance is a highly recommended item, as the cost of medical services in Puerto Rico is quite high. Tap water is chlorinated, but bottled water is still recommended for drinking. The sun is quite strong in Puerto Rico, be sure to stock up on sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen with a high SPF factor.
