Money

1. Currency Exchange

The official currency of Puerto Rico is the United States Dollar (USD). One unit of The United States Dollar is further sub divided into 100 cents. Tourists visiting the place can easily exchange currency at all major cities such as Ponce or San Juan. Currency can also be exchanged at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport and all major hotels and resorts. However, you may find some difficulty in the same in case you plan to visit certain rural areas. The Unites States Dollar (USD) is the unit of currency, which is divided into 100 cents. However, it is often referred to as peso in Puerto Rico. Tourists can withdraw cash from the numerous ATM's present all over the country. Apart from currency, most places in Puerto Rico also accept credit cards and travelers' checks.

2. What A Dollar Will Buy You

Milk 2.11pints $1.05

Butter 1.10lbs. $4.00

Eggs 12 (large) $2.50

Bread 2.20lbs. $1.50

Cornflakes (pack) 13.23oz. $2.75

Coffee 4.41oz. $4.00

Tea bags (pack 25) $2.50

Coca Cola 2.11pints $0.80

Mineral water (still) 2.11pints $1.30

Orange juice 2.11pints $1.75

Spinach 2.20lbs. $7.00

Oranges 2.20lbs. $1.65

Apples 2.20lbs. $2.90

Bananas 2.20lbs. $3.10

Pears 2.20lbs. $4.90

Grapes 2.20lbs. $3.00

Peas (can) 8.82oz. $0.70

Beans (can) 8.82oz. $0.70

Pineapple (can) 17.63oz. $1.20

Sausages 2.20lbs. $7.70

Cigarettes (20 pack) $5.60

Soap (bar) 5.29oz. $1.00

Toothpaste 4.24oz. $2.80

Deodorant 1.69oz. $3.00

Aspirin (100 tablets) $6.30

3. Telecommunications

Puerto Rico has an advanced and developed telecommunication infrastructure. In case you wish to make local calls, you can use a number of coin-operated phones that can be found all over the island. Local mobile phone operators use CDMA networks that may not tend be compatible with GSM phones. Major hotels and resorts also provide international calling facilities. However, tourist may prefer using calling cards, as they tend to be more practical and cost effective.

A 30-unit card will cost you around $14 while the 60-unit card is bound to cost you around $28. Calling cards are the most convenient way of making calls while visiting Puerto Rico. Calling cards can be purchased from most drugstores and gift shops present on the island.

4. Cab Fares

Taxis in Puerto Rico are available at airports, hotels, resorts and prime tourist destinations. Rates are generally fixed in tourism zones and are usually posted in the cab itself. Outside the specific zones, taxis operate on meters and can be hired by the hour.

The fares fixed for tourist destinations are:

From the Airport to Isla Verde - $10.00

From the Airport to Pier Area in Old San Juan - $19.00

From the Airport to Condado / Miramar - $14.00

From Piers to Plaza Las Américas Shopping Mall - $14.00

From Piers to Old San Juan - $7.00

From Piers to Plaza Carolina Shopping Mall - $24.00

From Piers 1, 4, 6 & Navy Frontier to El Morro - $6.00

From Piers to Condado / Miramar - $12.00

From Panamerican Piers to El Morro - $10.00

From Piers to Isla Verde - $19.00

A $0.50 charge is levied for each piece of luggage and an additional charge of $1 is levied on every piece in excess of three pieces. An initial charge of $1.75 is levied on flagging down a taxi in any area outside the specified tourist zones.

5. Currency Exchange Rates

Currency Exchange Rates

1 USD ZAR = 6.02 EUR = 0.79 CAD = 1.12 AUD = 1.32 GBP = 0.55 NZD = 1.57

6. Taxes

A specified amount of local tax is incorporated in all purchases made by tourists in Puerto Rico. Normal hotels in Puerto Rico charge a 9% hotel tax while hotels with casinos charge an 11% tax. Most hotels in Puerto Rico also include a 10% service charge in the bill. While booking a room, you are expected to inquire about these extra charges. Airports in Puerto Rico do not charge any airport departure tax.

7. Tipping

Tipping in Puerto Rica is similar to the tipping practices in the United States. Major hotels, restaurants and nightclubs generally include a service charge in the final bill. However, if no service charge is included, the standard rate for tipping is 10 to 15% of the total bill amount. Porters carrying your baggage at airports or hotels should be given $1 per bag.