Statistically, San Juan is the most dangerous city in Puerto Rico. Updated December 30, 2022. Whats more, the island has been experiencing telluric movements, but they often go unnoticed. San Juan is exceptionally safe for women traveling alone. Let me tell you about Vieques, just off Puerto Rico's eastern coast. In fact, its got a lower crime rate than many mainland US cities, which is reassuring. Crime hotspots make great places for this crime, so avoid driving at night. In 2019, thePuerto Rican and US governments launched a crackdown on human traffickers and drug smugglers to combat violence. However, you must avoid isolating yourself because you become easy prey for pickpockets. If your travel plans in Puerto Rico include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip. Puerto Rico is a famous destination for many tourists visiting the Caribbean, and for a good reason. Other crime-prone areas include La Perla, Puerta de Tierra, Pinones, some parts of Santruce, and Parque de la Palomas. This doesnt mean that a hurricane will hit the country, but planning a vacation outside of this season takes loads off your back. Choose yourself a social hostel with good reviews from other women, make some travel buddies, book a tour, explore this stunner of an island. The fact that Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory means that there are no visa or quarantine requirements. Travel Advisory 2023. If youre looking for trouble, youll find it. Most of the violent gun crime in Puerto Rico is related to drug trafficking and gang activity, which rarely affects visitors. Water activities Swimming. Theres a lot of potential danger in Puerto Rico, which is probably why youre wondering, Is Puerto Rico safe?. Whilst it is safe to visit Puerto Rico right now, there are definitely some things you should keep in mind. If youre visiting with your partner, youll be most likely not to experience any problems in Puerto Rico, even in San Juan. Is It Safe to Travel to Puerto Rico? (2023 Update) Puerto Rico Travel Restrictions: What Travelers Need To Know Weve covered the main safety concerns already, but there are a few more things to know. Some clubs have dress codes too, requiring men to wear nice shoes or women to not wear sneakers. Like Iinsist that you do!. Watch out for unlicensed or "gypsy" taxis as they're more likely to overcharge you or take unnecessarily long routes to increase your fare. Disclosure: Pilot is supported by our community. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. In particular, exercise caution when venturing out to clubs in Santurce - this is a high-crime area at night. Research the area where youre staying and try to speak to someone who already lives there or has visited to gauge safety levels. Just be honest with yourself! That being said, it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings. , with temperatures regularly as high as 80 degrees. Puerto Rico has alower crime rate than most statesin the United States, albeit having a tainted reputation for high homicide and gun crime rates. The local beach, Balneario de Luqillo, is considered one of the best on the island, with golden sands and great local services. As a former Spanish colony, Puerto Rico was left with a legacy of Spanish colonialist practices, including widespread Catholicism, as is common in other nearby Latin American countries such as Cuba and the Dominican Republic. And if you have a little bit of Spanish under your belt, it should get you involved in the culture even more. While their bites are usually just itchy and annoying, mosquitoes can also transmit diseases like dengue fever and the Zika virus. The island is well-equipped for families with children and there are many activities to do for kids of all ages. Oops! Discover new places and be inspired by stories from our traveler community. Taxis are safe in Puerto Rico, but they can be a little expensive too. This is mainly due to the thriving tourism scene, social and political changes, and anti-crime efforts. Start Here Caribbean Puerto Rico Is Puerto Rico Safe to Visit in 2023? Most people in Old San Juan are bilingual in English, so if you have to communicate with someone urgently, you should be able to. You also want to look out for locals who disguise themselves as guides. Puerto Rico is an amazing island to explore as a solo. Damaged water systems and contamination can make it dangerous to drink tap water! Be careful when visiting tropical areas and carry a map. For the Puerto Rico solo female traveler, below is our solo travel Puerto Rico guide, including the best places to go in Puerto Rico solo . Look for white cars with ayellowGarita or sentry box logo that says TAXI TOURISTICO on the side of them. Or is it? Traveling from one end of the island to the other can be a breeze if you use the expressways, or it can be a long rollercoaster ride via the islands beautiful backroads. The usual alternative to taxis, Uber, isnt so well established or even used that much, which is a good-ish gauge of how safe the taxis are in Puerto Rico. They'll often have great tips on the best places to visit and areas to avoid. Trust us, planning ahead will be a game-changer. One thing that's important to remember After natural disasters, like the infamous Hurricane Maria in 2017, water quality can be temporarily affected. Unfortunately, the rollout of that plan has been delayed until at least Friday, May 28, but it is coming. You will notice a lot of reckless driving on the road, and the best you can do is follow the rules and drive as carefully as possible. And since credit cards are readily accepted, you dont have to bring too much money when exploring Puerto Rico. Is It Safe to Travel to Puerto Rico? - TripSavvy Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. During your booking process, youll be perfectly protected through the platform, and you can check the small details on each property as well. Heres a guide showing the safest places to travel in Puerto Rico while providing handy safety tips. In fact, tourists are actively being encouraged to help the country recover. Keep your belongings close to you and watch out for suspicious characters trying to get close to you. Even if you think, you're not the target age for it, what you may lack in style you'll gain in security. And while the number of Zika cases has decreased significantly, it's still essential for pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant to take precautions. If you must, avoid crime hotspots like those in San Juan. Three weeks after Hurricane Fiona made landfall in Puerto Rico, tourism officials there are pledging solidarity with those affected by the storm's heavy winds and rain, while also striving to make it clear that the island's biggest hotels, resorts, airports, cruise ports and tourist attractions are open, functioning and safe.. It's a delicate duo of messages to share, no doubt. Afull-sized travel belt stays tucked under your shirt and keeps your valuables documents, passport cash, headphones, lip balm, illicit goodies organised and on-hand for moments notice. Tourism has been important for the islands economy. Avoid hurricane season and consider planning your trip for the tail-ends of rainy season if you're trying to maximize least tourists and great weather. Puerto Rico's beaches are stunning and generally safe, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Once you arrive in Puerto Rico, you can expect a lot of places to have dropped local health measures in relation to COVIDmeaning masks, distancing, quarantines etc. Carry them with you or stash them away from sight. In fact, safer than most US cities and a lot more beautiful, too. Is Puerto Rico Safe to Visit in 2023? | Safety Guide | Travellers Puerto Rico is no less safe for solo travelers than any other place, so long as lone visitors take precautions like not walking alone at night, avoiding crime-popular areas, and keeping track of possessions at all times. The unspoiled beaches, vast forest lands, and gorgeous rocky scenery make this a perfect retreat for those that really want to get away from it all. You literally must try the Puerto Rico staple of mofongo green plantain, fried pork skin, all mashed together and fried with garlic, served with meat which is an insane concoction and gives insanely delicious results. Look out for the safe neighborhoods, and if you must go to Caserios, visit during the day. Theyll either be able to recommend a reputable company to you or just call one for you. Because of its geographic location in the northeastern Caribbean, Puerto Rico is vulnerable to natural disasters like earthquakes, landslides, and hurricanes. | Safety Concerns, Is Sri Lanka Safe to Visit in 2023? You must also be aware of your surroundings and those around you and avoid taking moonlit strolls along the beach at night alone. Is it safe to travel to Puerto Rico? This is not to say you cant travel during the hurricane season indeed, June to November is one of the most wonderful seasons on the island. A recent gang war didnt stop the problem, which has grown steadily more widespread. A little local knowledge can help you on your way to a perfect trip to Puerto Rico Dennis van de Water/ Shutterstock, 13 things to know before you head to Puerto Rico. Is Puerto Rico Safe for Solo Travel? Yes! Here's Why - One Girl One World This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. The storm is heading toward Bermuda after hitting Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Turks and Caicos. Wed definitely advise caution in certain areas, e.g. The old trolley service is amazingly free! Taking a road trip to the beautiful central mountain range, the beaches of the northwest or the southwestern desert requires a rental car. Dorado, on the northern coast, is your go-to spot for swanky resorts, gorgeous beaches, and golf courses. They may take a longer route, fail to turn on the meter, or claim they dont have change. Here's everything you need to know before you go. Were not going to lie: the drivers make it challenging. One option that is growing in popularity is to make sure you're covered against natural disasters by travel insurance. As I said, it's not the common story for international travelers run into problems. Make an itinerary with all your accommodations, flights, and activities. 8. In San Juan, for example, there are set rates for different zones, and taxis should have a rate sheet displayed inside. Mid-April to June and December to March are the best months to visit Puerto Rico. If you prefer a more comfortable option, consider using taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber. Puerto Rico is generally safe for female solo travelers, but it's always better to buddy up! Theres no police presence and these beaches tend to be hidden behind hotels and residences with little to no lighting, providing an excellent opportunity for petty crime. What to know about travel as Hurricane Fiona leaves Puerto Rico - The Despite Puerto Rico's tainted reputation for gun crime and high homicide rates, the island is relatively safe to visit and boasts a much lower crimes rate than other US cities. These months have the best weather, and you hardly need to worry about hurricanes. The hurricane season usually lasts from June to November, with August and September being the worst times. And you cant get an Uber from the airport, either. Youll stick out like a sore thumb if you show up at the main mall, Plaza las Amricas, in only a bathing suit. The high poverty rate and inequality between the haves and have-nots make Puerto Rico ripe for crimes. San Juan, Puerto Rico's capital, is the place to be! One of the island's most luxurious hotels, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, claimed the No. Avoid unlicensed or "gypsy" taxis. Let's talk about health-related concerns when it comes to nasty insects, ie. To understand how this may impact cover under your policy, please go to our FAQs and select your country of residence. With several currencies, multiple street names, and cheap cigars, Cuba confuses even hardened travelers. It's good to keep this in mind knowing that landslides and flooding can also impact Puerto Rico. Yes, Puerto Rico is a safe place to visit, however there is a risk of natural disasters - such as earthquakes and hurricanes. Its mainly in operation in and around San Juan. Visitors can marvel at bioluminescent bays, caves that are thousands of years old and adorned with Taino hieroglyphics, and a wealth of rivers, canyons, high mountain peaks and salt flats. Also, if renting a vehicle, dont leave any valuables inside. Is it safe to travel to Puerto Rico? Is Puerto Rico Safe? All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. You can dress like a local, throw in a Spanish phrase or two, and act like you know your way around. Inequality is rife between the different cultures that live here an ongoing issue and theres crime related to that. Illegal drugs and the gangs who traffic them are becoming an increasing problem. From the vacation of a lifetime to the life of a digital nomad, we've got everything you need to know about entry requirements for Panama. Dont panic if you do get caught in one the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends conserving your energy and swimming parallel to the shore until you get out of the current. Things to keep in mind: Masks are still required at events with more . They might not be the cheapest places, but definitely worth the stay make sure to check them out! Visitors can enjoy either the Caribbean side or the Pacific side of Costa . If you're looking for more relaxing, beautiful beaches, pick Luquillo, a charming and safe coastal town on the northeastern coast. Travel advice and advisories for Puerto Rico The information present in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing, however, the world is a changeable place, now more than ever. Puerto Rico is safe to visit right now. Starting March 10, 2022, travelers no longer need to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result to travel to Puerto Rico if they are arriving on a domestic flight from the U.S. mainland. If you rent a vehicle, make sure that you purchase solid rental insurance to have full peace of mind whilst on the road. This will also help you communicate to the driver that you aren't ripe to be scammed. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Hurricanes do hit Puerto Rico and unfortunately, when they hit, they really hit. But then again, its important to use your common sense here too and to help out even more, here are our pro tips for food safety in Puerto Rico. )However, there are some ways to prepare for the possibility! in the United States, albeit having a tainted reputation for high homicide and gun crime rates. Flip flops are usually reserved for the beach or super casual situations, such as trips to kiosks and beachside restaurants, or riverside walks. Yes, wed definitely consider Puerto Rico as safe to visit as long as you use your common travel sense.
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