Destination Guidebook for San Juan, Puerto Rico
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As a territory of the U.S., Puerto Rico has relatively few legal and trade barriers for businesses based in North America. On the other hand, its culture is different from that of the mainland U.S., and the territory's relationship with the U.S. (the colonial ruler, to some Puerto Ricans) also requires business travelers to tread carefully.
Appointments—Be on time for appointments, but your Puerto Rican counterpart may be less punctual. It's not absolutely necessary to have your business card translated, but a two-sided card, one side in Spanish, one in English, will be appreciated.
Personal Introductions—A handshake, often accompanied by a brief nod, is the common form of greeting. After you've met a person for the first time and share a mutual friendship or business relationship, it is acceptable to give and receive one quick kiss on the cheek as a more personal greeting; this is expected among close friends and family members. Maintain direct eye contact, but don't do so too intently. If you speak Spanish, do so. If you do not, you should learn a few phrases well and use them. Last names with the appropriate Spanish title are used. If your acquaintance has a professional title, you will learn it when introduced; if not, senor (male), senora (married female) and senorita (unmarried female) are appropriate. The title and the person's last name should be used until you are instructed otherwise. Note that it is typical for Puerto Ricans to have two surnames, one from their father and one from their mother. The father's surname will be given first during the introduction, and that's the name that is used to address or speak of the person. Thus, "Senor Ricardo Ortiz Franco" would be addressed as "Senor Ortiz."
Negotiating—Relationships are important in business matters. Expect to spend some time getting to know your hosts and letting them become acquainted with you through extended social conversation. Remain warm and friendly, but with a formal, businesslike demeanor. High-pressure tactics are to be avoided at all costs. Decisions will be made based not only on the merits of the transaction but also on an intuition regarding your integrity as a representative of your company.
Body Language—Puerto Ricans tend to stand close to one another during conversation. They tend to smile easily and are often eager conversationalists. Expect a lot of gesturing during discussions.
Gift Giving—Gift giving is not expected in business situations. Gifts are usually opened upon receipt.
Conversation—Remember that although Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the U.S., the people tend to identify themselves as Puerto Ricans first and U.S. citizens second. They are very proud of their distinctive culture and history. On the other hand, Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, and you can offend them by indicating otherwise. In general, there are varying attitudes toward the island's relationship with the U.S. It's wise to avoid the topic until your host makes his or her views clear. Sports are a good topic (baseball and boxing especially), as are Puerto Rican culture, music, food and history. | Personal Safety | Top  |
As with most cities, San Juan has its share of crime, but law-enforcement officials work hard—and with measurable success—to chip away at violent-crime rates. In areas that travelers are likely to visit, including Old San Juan, there's a visible police presence. An area to especially steer clear of at night (and even during the day) is the small neighborhood between the northern city wall and the coast, known as La Perla. It will be easily identifiable when you see old cemetery site markers and disheveled houses; it is a closed private community. Don't walk the streets of Santurce or Rio Piedras alone after dark. Those two sectors of San Juan are bustling with cafes, discount stores and boutiques during the day, but be wary at night.
Use common sense and take the usual precautions: Do not walk alone at night, especially on beaches or in other deserted areas, and if something looks suspicious, steer clear. Don't carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive or expensive-looking jewelry. If you are unsure about parking your car in a certain neighborhood, it's best to pay to park in a marked lot supervised by a guard. Never leave your vehicle running or unlocked.
For more information, contact your country's travel-advisory agency. It is important for all travelers—especially those not accustomed to the strong rays of the Caribbean sun—to always wear sunscreen; even when it's overcast, the rays are still potent and can leave a mean sunburn. Remember to always reapply. A wide-brim hat is also strongly suggested.
Although the drinking water is considered safe, hotels provide bottled or purified water to their guests, and many residents do not drink water from the tap.
Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, which are most prevalent during the rainy season (July-December). The majority of the dengue cases have been outside popular tourist areas, and the Puerto Rico Department of Health fumigates popular public areas. Take precautions against insect bites by using insect repellent that contains deet.
If you need medical assistance, the majority of the island's hospitals and clinics are just as competent as those in the U.S., and virtually all doctors and medical professionals speak English. Ashford Presbyterian Community Hospital is located at 1451 Ashford Ave., in the hub of the Condado tourist sector. This hospital offers various general and specialized medical services, a 24-hour emergency room and a separate pediatric emergency room (phone 787-721-2160; http://www.presbypr.com). Pavia Hospital is located at 1462 Prof. Augusto Rodriguez Ave., close to the Luis A. Ferre Performing Arts Center in Santurce (phone 787-727-6060; http://www.paviahospitalsanturce.com). San Jorge Childrens' Hospital, located at 258 Calle San Jorge in Santurce, has a 24-hour emergency room (phone 787-727-1000; http://65.36.184.133/English/hospital.asp).
In a medical emergency, dial 911.
For the latest information, contact your country's health-advisory agency. | Disabled Advisory | Top |
San Juan is not considered an accessible city for disabled visitors. Someone in a wheelchair will find it difficult to navigate many businesses, sidewalks and tourist areas. Recent improvements have been made, however, especially at hotels, restaurants and malls. But in the city, expect narrow sidewalks, nonexistent ramps, cars parked on sidewalks and uneven cobblestoned streets. New facilities are required by law to install wheelchair ramps.
Island beaches provide services for people with special needs, including the Mar Accesible (Accessible Beach) program at Monserrate Beach in Luquillo. Assistance is provided from the parking lot to the beach gazebos and from the gazebos to the water, where floating devices are offered. The service is free and is offered Wednesday-Sunday 8:30 am-5 pm. Phone 787-889-4329 or 787-889-5871.
The Office of the Ombudsman for Persons with Disabilities (OPPI) publishes Turismo Accesible (Accessible Tourism), which lists various hotels, recreation sites, restaurants and car rental companies that meet the needs of people with disabilities. Phone 787-725-2333, or toll-free 800-981-2333. http://www.oppi.gobierno.pr.
The Metropolitan Bus Authority, known as the AMA (its Spanish acronym), does provide special transportation services for the disabled under its Programa Llame y Viaje (call and travel program), known as paratransit in the U.S. Fees US$1.50-$2.50 for one way, and the service is provided in the San Juan metro area daily 5 am-10 pm. You must be enrolled in the paratransit program of your home state and present evidence to receive a 20-day pass to use the Llame y Viaje service. Call in advance to submit evidence by fax and make arrangements. (Note: Calls for the service must be made Monday-Saturday, 7:30 am-4 pm.) Phone 787-294-0500, ext. 599, or toll-free 800-981-0097. http://www.dtop.gov.pr/ama/llameyviaje.htm.
Care Vacations of Caribbean provides rental equipment for people with special needs and delivers to locations in the San Juan metro area. Open Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm, Saturday 8 am-1 pm. Trujillo Alto Expressway, Barrio Las Cuevas, Trujillo Alto, San Juan. Phone 787-761-8870 or toll-free 877-661-6496. http://www.localpull.com/listings/CareVacationsofCaribbean.aspx. | Dos & Don'ts | Top |
Do know that the ATM is referred to as ATH ( a toda hora, meaning at all hours).
Don't take your eyes off the road or tailgate, as locals tend not to use turn signals.
Do wait a second or two when you're at a red light and it turns green—many Puerto Ricans tend to run red lights.
Don't pull back when someone tries to give you a kiss upon meeting. It is the customary greeting among Puerto Ricans.
Do fly a kite on the greens leading up to San Felipe El Morro fort if time and weather conditions permit.
Don't be caught unaware of the fact that Puerto Rico is a territory of the U.S. as opposed to a foreign country; Puerto Ricans are offended by U.S. visitors' ignorance of the island's commonwealth relationship.
Do know that many Puerto Ricans are bilingual and tend to switch frequently between Spanish and English.
Don't take the public bus transportation schedule too seriously as punctuality is not common in Puerto Rico. Though signs state a waiting time of 15-20 minutes, more likely the wait will average 30-45 minutes for the popular ride between Condado and Old San Juan.
Do know that most Puerto Rican dining establishments are rather laid-back (fast food is better described as just food—so be patient).
Don't try to leave Puerto Rico with any local fruits such as mangoes, papayas or plantains stuffed in your suitcase. Your luggage will not pass through USDA inspection at the airport.
Do know that if you rent a scooter or ride a motorcycle, Puerto Rican law requires that drivers and passengers wear a helmet and a reflective belt.
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Editor's Choice of Luxury, Deluxe, and Value priced hotels in San Juan, Puerto Rico:
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