Traveling to Puerto Rico? Here's What You Need to Know Before You Go

Cellular Connectivity: One of the first things I assumed was that my phone would work seamlessly since Puerto Rico is a US territory. However, I was shocked to find out that my phone had no internet access, making navigation a challenging task. So, remember to check your cellular plan or consider purchasing a local SIM card for data connectivity.

Parking in Old San Juan: Old San Juan is incredibly picturesque, and you'll definitely want to explore it. However, parking can be a major hassle, and I ended up with a hefty $250 parking ticket. Be cautious where you park your car and be prepared to pay for parking in this area.

Hotel Hassles: My hotel experiences in Puerto Rico left much to be desired. Using a third-party agency to book accommodations, I was told conflicting information about my room, which led to overcharges and refunds that I'm still trying to resolve. Always double-check your reservations directly with the hotels to avoid such issues.

Last-Minute Accommodation Crisis: In one instance, my cousin and I arrived at a hotel we had booked, only to be told that there were no available rooms, despite our confirmed reservation. This resulted in a last-minute scramble to find alternative accommodation, and we ended up staying in a hostel. Ensure you have a backup plan or confirmations before reaching your destination.

Gas Stations: Gas station experiences in Puerto Rico can differ from the mainland US. I prepaid for gas, but when the car didn't use the full amount I paid for, I had trouble getting the excess refunded. Language barriers may contribute to misunderstandings, so clarify payment procedures at gas stations to avoid unexpected charges.