Do I Need a Passport to Go to Puerto Rico? And Other FAQs
"Do I need a passport to go to Puerto Rico?" "Will my phone work?" We get it. You have questions about Puerto Rico travel. We have answers—including an update about the coronavirus in Puerto Rico.
No one knows a place like the people who live there. Our locals can provide up-to-date, on-the-ground info that you might not find online—and help plan a trip away from the crowds. Work with a local to plan your trip.
- Do Americans need a passport to go to Puerto Rico?
- What to know about the coronavirus in Puerto Rico
- Will my cell phone work in Puerto Rico?
- What type of money do they use in Puerto Rico?
- Do most people in Puerto Rico speak Spanish?
- Is Puerto Rico safe?
- Should I get any special vaccines before going?
- How do I get to Puerto Rico?
- What should I do in Puerto Rico?
Q: Do Americans need a passport to go to Puerto Rico?
A: If you're a United States citizen, you do NOT need a passport to go to Puerto Rico. Since Puerto Rico is a US territory, all you need is the same identification you use to fly anywhere else in the country. Just one of the many reasons traveling to Puerto Rico is easy.
Q: Will my cell phone work in Puerto Rico?
A: If you're traveling to Puerto Rico as an American you don’t have to use an international plan—US cell phone plans work exactly the same in Puerto Rico as they do on the mainland. Most major carriers (including Verizon and AT&T) don’t charge roaming for voice and text service.
But don't spend your trip staring at Google Maps—get insider advice before you even arrive.
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Be sure to download Yesterday in Travel—a podcast sponsored by ViaHero—before your trip! One recent episode covered the "Great Migration" of Puerto Ricans to NYC:
You can find Yesterday in Travel on a variety of podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Q: What type of money do they use in Puerto Rico?
A: Puerto Rico is a US territory—they use dollars there! That means you don't have to worry about the hassle of updating your wallet. (Or those annoying foreign transaction fees.)
Q: Do most people in Puerto Rico speak Spanish?
A: While Spanish is the dominant language of Puerto Rico, both Spanish and English are official languages of the island—so most people speak at least some English. Authorities (police and government personnel) speak both Spanish and English.
Still, it's good to know a few key phrases. Don't travel blindly. Ask one of our locals for suggestions of important words to know.
Q: Is Puerto Rico safe?
A: Puerto Rico is safe—but there are some things to keep in mind before you go. Benefit from local knowledge. After all, no one understands Puerto Rico like the people who live there.
Q: Should I get any special vaccines before going?
A: Another perk of vacationing in Puerto Rico is that you probably have all your necessary vaccines. Aside from your routine vaccinations, the CDC recommends getting your hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines to be safe.
Q: How do I get to Puerto Rico?
A: You can take nearly any airline there.
Have a favorite airline? An airline rewards card? Not to worry—all the major US airlines fly to Puerto Rico. There are dozens of flights per day from mainland US and beyond.
Q: What should I do in Puerto Rico?
A: We love *all* the incredible things to do in Puerto Rico—but what you do depends on your travel style! Our locals in Puerto Rico have recently suggested a wide range of great island activities, from checking out the view at Las Salinas to exploring the delicious selection at the Kioskos de Luquillo.