Puerto Rico🇵🇷
Puerto Rico is a beautiful Caribbean island situated in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. Puerto Rico is only 3 hours from Miami and is an unincorporated territory of the United States. The relationship with the United States is complex and can be characterized as a resume debate on the island's political status. Puerto Rico is renowned for its diverse culture and phenomenal natural beauty. El Morro, a 16th-century citadel that offers great views across the sea, and Culebra Island, known for its stunning beaches and coral reefs, stand testament to this. The El Yunque National Forest houses diverse flora and fauna and breathtaking waterfalls.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid walking alone in isolated areas or at night, especially in the cities with higher crime rates.
- Avoid swimming alone at beaches with strong currents. It's also best to avoid remote beaches without lifeguards.
- Avoid consuming alcohol in excess or using drugs as this can leave you vulnerable to theft and assault.
- Avoid disrespecting cultural traditions and customs.
- Avoid hiking alone in El Yunque National Forest, always go with a guide and stay on the marked paths.
- Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight in a parked car.
- Avoid visiting rural areas during hurricane season and pay attention to local weather forecasts.
- Avoid engaging in political discussions related to Puerto Rico's status. It's seen as a sensitive topic.
- Avoid handling wildlife, as some species may be protected by law.
- Avoid getting involved in gambling; it's associated with crimes.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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According to 2021 reports, Puerto Rico has a high crime rate, especially in major cities such as San Juan, Ponce, and Carolina. The most common crimes include theft, carjacking, and other petty crimes. Armed robberies do occur, especially in urban areas and public beaches. It's advised to be cautious, especially in the nightlife.
Terrorism 💣
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Puerto Rico has a low risk of terrorism with no recent history of terror attacks, and its prevention measures are strong thanks to its close association with the United States.
War ⚔️
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There is no history of war in Puerto Rico. Its status as a territory of the United States involves it in larger international conflicts to some extent, but there hasn't been direct warfare on the island.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Puerto Rico is prone to hurricanes from June to November. It's crucial to check local weather reports before traveling. The island also experiences occasional earthquakes. The most significant recent earthquake was the 6.4 magnitude quake in January 2020, which caused extensive damage in the southwest region.
Medical Care 🏥
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Medical facilities are widely available and offer quality health care. However, services can be limited in rural areas. It's recommended to have health insurance that covers medical expenses in Puerto Rico.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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Tap water in Puerto Rico is safe to drink thanks to measures put into place by the Puerto Rico Aqueducts and Sewers Authority, which complies with federal and local health standards. However, the quality might vary in remote areas.
Disease Burden 🤒
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The main diseases in Puerto Rico are non-communicable diseases like heart diseases and diabetes. Dengue fever and Zika virus are also concerns due to mosquitoes, particularly for pregnant women.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption is a significant concern in Puerto Rico. In recent years, a number of high-profile corruption cases involve public officials, including the 2019 scandal involving former Governor Ricardo Rosselló.
Safety for Women ♀️
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While generally safe for women, incidents of sexual assault and harassment have been reported. Women should maintain a high level of vigilance, especially in crowded areas and during the festive season.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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While Puerto Rico is generally LGBTQ+ friendly and acceptive, there have been reports of discrimination and violence, especially in rural and conservative areas. San Juan, however, is known to have a vibrant queer community.
Censorship 📺
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Freedom of press and speech is a constitutional right, and censorship is generally not an issue. However, journalists often report being obstructed while reporting controversial issues.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transportation is widely available, especially in larger cities. However, services can be limited in rural areas. It's considered safe to use, although delays and cancellations can happen. There were no significant incidents reported recently.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
While Puerto Rico is generally safe for tourists, it has a high crime rate, particularly in larger cities, so precautions should be taken. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night and when using public transport. Due to the risk of dengue and Zika, use mosquito repellent and appropriate clothing. Always monitor the weather forecasts during hurricane season and take caution when swimming due to strong currents.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
As an unincorporated territory of the United States, there are no embassies in Puerto Rico. However, countries may have consulates or use their embassies in the USA to deal with matters involving Puerto Rico.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A and B, rabies, measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, varicella, and influenza. Note, dengue and Zika are spread by mosquitoes, but no vaccine exists for them.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
There are several dangerous animals such as the Puerto Rican racer and the Culebra Island giant anole. Jellyfish and urchins can present hazards for beachgoers and scuba divers. Also, mosquitoes in Puerto Rico can carry diseases like Zika, Dengue, or Chikungunya.
🛂 Visa Requirements
As a territory of the USA, Puerto Rico follows the same visa policies. This means that visitors from countries under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days.
💲 Currency
The currency of Puerto Rico is the United States Dollar (USD). ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are often accepted in hotels, restaurants, and stores.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted in Puerto Rico with American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Discover all in use. It is advised, however, to carry some cash as smaller vendors may not accept credit cards.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Working in Puerto Rico requires valid U.S work authorization, so it's not possible for most travelers. However, volunteering opportunities may be available.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of living in Puerto Rico is lower compared to the mainland United States, but it is higher than in many other Caribbean countries. Accommodation, food, and transportation are relatively affordable. However, imported items can be relatively expensive.