No U.S. Passport Required
U.S. citizens do not require
a passport to travel between the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
U.S. Dollars Accepted
The currency of Puerto Rico is the U.S. dollar
making purchases on the island hassle free.
Just a Short Hop Away
Arrive in Puerto Rico in as little as 2 1/2
hours by commercial air from major U.S. cities.
Warm Caribbean Climate
Average temperature of
83F (22.7C) in the winter and 85F (29.4C) in the summer.
Also
Both Spanish and English are the official languages. Mail is sent through
the US Postal Service at the same rates as on the mainland.
Geography
Puerto Rico is 100 long by 35 miles
wide and as a result of its geographical position in the center of the arc of
the Antilles, Puerto Rico is essentially a
crossroads of Hispanic and Anglo cultures. Despite its very diverse influx of
cultures, Puerto Rico has been a part of the United States since 1898 and Puerto
Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917.
History
Since the first humans came ashore
thousands of years ago, the island that is now known as Puerto Rico has sheltered Indians, Spaniards,
Africans and Anglos. The Spaniards had the earliest and greatest influence to
the Island at their arrival in 1493. During
their 400-year tenure the Spaniards laid the bedrock of the language and
culture. They built cities and towns, fortresses and churches, lighthouses and
roadways. They brought slaves from Africa to work in the fields, who, in turn, contributed the
spice of their culture, enriching the language, music and diets.
Culture
Close to 4 million people live on
the "Island of Enchantment," with more than a million in
the greater San Juan metropolitan area alone. It is a
vibrant, modern, bilingual, multicultural society, one that has been molded by
Spanish, African, Indian and U.S. influences. Residents of Puerto Rico have much in common with their
fellow Americans in the continental United States, yet they retain a decidedly
Hispanic heritage.
Climate
The climate is as close
to perfect as it can get, averaging 83°F (22.7°C) in the winter and 85°F
(29.4°C) in the summer. In other words, it's always summer! The trade winds
cool the coastal towns and the temperature decreases as you go up into the
higher mountains.
Puerto Rico is in the Atlantic Time Zone, but
does not observe Daylight Savings Time. The island uses standard U.S. electric current. European
appliances require an adapter.
Currency
There are no customs
duties on articles bought in Puerto Rico and taken to the U.S. mainland. Major credit
cards are accepted at most businesses, and ATMs connected to major US and international
networks are easy to find.
Business hours are similar to those
on the mainland, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM weekdays (the siesta has pretty
much disappeared). Most stores are open Saturdays, and all of the larger towns
have shopping malls that are open evenings and Sundays.
Charming Inns, Exciting
Resorts
Puerto Rico features a wide range
of accommodations. Escape to a secluded small inn or paradores, or relax at one
of the world class resorts along Isla Verde featuring hot night clubs and cool
casinos.
From: http://www.gotopuertorico.com/
