My whole family loved this place and we are looking forward to coming back many more times. So be cautious and respect those rules and watch your back. Crime is a characteristic of all humans all over the world. It isn't difficult to spot, as it is decrepit and quite run-down. The blood alcohol limit in Puerto Rico is 0.08 however it's best to walk or grab a taxi if you plan to have a few drinks. While it will be mostly harmless, it’s best to ignore it. If you're doing it right you'll be exhausted by dark and ready to head back to your hotel anyways and won't have to worry about the shit that goes on at night in the inner city. Btw, this message is for "ffjsb" whoade tge first comment on this thread. Hurricanes The Perla, which I grew up avoiding, has actually been improving, drove thru it with my mother and we were treated very well, now been hearing that a new restaurant opened and have also been seeing tourist venturing down its winding streets. Hello everyone, The view is breathtaking if you have a person you love and want them to see something beautiful by your side this is the place to do it once I get the chance god willing I'm taking my family I really want them to see this I think my wife is going to cry cause I won't stop talking about this place and when she sees it she will also know what I mean and so will you if you go. So to everyone, travel to where you may but never go astray and have a great day! Puerto Rico is pretty safe for women travelers if you exercise some simple safety precautions and use your common sense as you would back home such as not leaving your valuables unattended and not wandering around poorly lit areas at night. They will ask you if your car insurance covers Puerto Rico and not just the 50 states. I have walked every street in Old San Juan, and much of the city from Old San Juan to Condado, with zero problems. Wherever inequality and high population density occur, crime generally follows. LGBTQ Puerto Ricans have the same legal protections as heterosexual locals and same-sex marriage was legalized in 2015. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about Puerto Rico warnings and dangers. Travelers will be most affected by petty crime, such as pickpocketing or robbery. Drink driving is also a major offense in Puerto Rico which can result in financial penalties and potentially jail time. Here are our top travel safety tips to know before you go. Some may experience verbal harassment. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. Avoid wandering alone at night in particular near the beach areas where there is an increased risk of being robbed. If you become a victim of crime, being able to communicate to the police is important. I recommend carrying some kind of self defense object. Isla Verde, Condado, Old San Juan are all safe areas in my opinion. February 2019 is my first visit to Puerto Rico. Stick to the neighborhoods of Old San Juan, Isla Verde, Miramar and Condado at night, where there are regular police patrols. Millions of travelers visit Puerto Rico each year, with the majority having a trouble-free experience, but, as you would anywhere, use your common sense. Their art culture is EXTREMELY Excellent world quality like Santa Fe NM in its beautiful tropical way. Old San Juan is very safe and entertaining but it’s filled with tourists. Volcanic activity is frequent along the island arc southeast from Puerto Rico to the coast of South America. However, your credit card may. Various governments have changed their travel warnings to restrict travel during this time. In California my vehicle was broken into twice in a two week period and my house robbed. When you surf at Maria’s Beach in Rincón, Puerto Rico, you aren’t all that likely to encounter a shark, at least a deadly Great White. USGS says there is currently no threat of tsunami — though some municipalities along the southern coast began evacuating out of fear, according to … I'll be going back in July, and I anticipate another great time. However, locals report if you are there during daylight hours, you're generally safe. Even if you butcher the language, making an effort will still go a long way. I am a Marketing Coach and Consultant! Find out how to stay healthy on your vacation in Puerto Rico. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Puerto Rico is categorized Level 4 due to the high level of COVID-19 cases on the Island. Police outside of major tourist areas might not speak English, and while many locals are bilingual, Spanish is still the dominant language. Use common sense and you will absolutely love PR. Don't not visit the island, I had a blast and am going back in 3 weeks but more so to the west side of the island like Rincon etc. Dont live in fear, just be aware and vigilant. Puerto Rico has a high homicide rate however this usually affects those involved in gang activity, the drug trade or both. It has a little appearance of Tucson and Green Valley AZ with delightful neighborhoods. I wouldn't be caught dead in a city like those two, but I feel perfectly safe in PR. What you need to know in this situation is that your car insurance isn’t driver based—it’s driver- and vehicle-based. You’ll likely also be removed from the site. Just about everyone you will get to know and trust is really down to earth and friendly. L’infection se répand rapidement sur l’île. Driving in a foreign country is almost guaranteed to be different from driving around your hometown. I’m in Puerto Rico right now with family (wife and kids). Be the first to discover secret destinations, travel hacks, and more. As a commonwealth of the United States, Puerto Rico is one of the easiest tropical destinations for American travelers to reach: The simple Puerto Rico passport requirements mean that the islands are open to every American citizen. Puerto Rico knows that the most important commerce for their island is the tourist dollar from people that visit from all over the world. In general, the US Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is a safe, welcoming island in the Caribbean with great beaches, historic sites, shopping and restaurants. I respect everyones opinion im Puerto Rican, and until 2014 I hadn't been in my island for 13 years, I loved it I was suppose to only be there for 3 weeks and ended up staying for 7 months a lot of people say don't spend money here and all kinds of crazy shyt but truth is there's no safe place to visit in the world nowadays and you'd be robbing yourself if you decide not to visit, I stay in San Lorenzo Puerto Rico when I go and there's a place called "El Gravero" its a place to go and enjoy yourself on Sundays if you have a 4x4 jeep or atv , basically anything fun with wheel in this place is freaking fun, and then there's "El Cerro de Nandy" this is a place you can only make it up if you have a jeep and also they have a army truck that an bring you up with your family and has the craziest high altitude views, I'm still struck about how beautiful the view is and on certain parts of the year they have a helicopter ride up there and all year long there is a Mexican restaurant up there that cooks great. This work assists in recovering the country's economy, as tourism is the number one source of employment for locals. Duh... Car rental agencies in Puerto Rico may attempt to swindle you. Of course, paying to use the bathroom in locations outside of the United States is common place, but many people do not expect to do so in Puerto Rico. Its downtown is very nice like Albuquerque NM with a subhumid climate similiar to parts of Eastern Brasil. I am a tough person and know how to take care of myself along with my street starts from Chicago. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. I lived in Guayama years back. I am a native Chicagoan and it was quite an adventure and challenge at the same time. Many Puerto Ricans are angry. The worst thing that's happened to me in PR is slow service in a restaurant and the traffic. Another hot tip: Don't do drugs. My advice is to never completely trust anyone or let your guard down. A new bill aims to establish Puerto Rico as a state by 2021. Go up the hill to see the Cross and the Castle. and not once have felt unsafe. Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico in Fall 2017, tragically killing countless American citizens and destroying much of the island’s infrastructure. Puerto Rico is as safe and unsafe as any other state in the Union, true areas to avoid are there, however, overall it is an extremely safe destination. All the locals we have met have been very friendly. We are in a residential neighborhood. Keep your car door locked and valuables out of sight while traveling. Puerto Rico Passport Requirements: Do I Need a Passport to Go to Puerto Rico. There is crime everywhere. Gangs are a problem in these areas, and activities linked to the drug trade often take place. Beautiful San Juan, Puerto Rico is growing in popularity as a tourist destination because of its interesting architecture and overall charm. Like use your head people. Why are a lot of people leaving?? and it’s an offense to have open alcoholic beverages in public. They will ask you if your car insurance covers Puerto Rico and not just the 50 states. Purchased a condo two years ago in the heart of Old San Juan, and have to say it is an extremely safe place, though must say, have never seen so many Anglo Americans roaming the streets as con artist, pretending to have missed their flights or boats and are in need of assistance, don't believe them!!! There really isn't a reason to be out in the inner city at night. However, it’s important to be respectful and discreet as the country is still conservative due to the influence of the Catholic Church. If thieves see your vehicle empty of potential treasures, they will likely move on. The economy is poor because people are creating that reality. Louis Lloren Torres, a caserio in San Juan is where a lot of the city's crime takes place. Is Puerto Rico Safe for Solo Travelers? Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Puerto Rico: Read the latest travel alerts to find out how COVID-19 restrictions may affect you. Find out how coronavirus (COVID-19) may affect your travel plans. Malgré ses belles plages et temps chaud, Puerto Rico est pas toujours le paradis qu'il semble être. I’m of course vigilant of my surroundings when in unknown areas. Despite recent law enforcement crackdowns, it remains one of the most dangerous places in Puerto Rico. For the latest travel warnings and alerts around the world, read about lockdowns and border restrictions. In 2016, the FBI Uniform Crime Report shows Puerto Rico … To understand how this may impact cover under your policy, please go to our FAQs and select your country of residence. @ffjsb and anyone putting any faith in ffjsb’s opinion. Tip: Learn some basic Spanish to make your trip just that bit easier, especially when you aren't in the urban centers. If you wouldn't visit Chicago because of the crime than don't go to Puerto Rico. But the island itself is pure heaven. We have had absolutely no problems. The risk of theft should be your biggest concern here, so be careful with your belongings – don't be flashy with jewelry, cash, phones or cameras. By the end of the 19 th century, the U.S. had also started to acquire an overseas empire—purchasing Alaska in 1867, annexing Hawaii in 1898, and taking sovereignty over Puerto Rico… Porto Warnings and Dangers. Dangers Puerto Rico Puerto Rico est une belle nation insulaire dans les Caraïbes. Seriously, I'm so glad I didn't read any of this nonsense before I moved here a few months ago. However, when it comes to criminal matters and the legal system, it’s the same as the US mainland. There are just two bathrooms in El Morro. Many locations will try to force you into purchasing their insurance. I moved to Ocean Park between San Juan and Condado. Now back to Puerto Rico, lovely people, weather, beaches, but I totally agree with the author of the article -- you need to be careful about where you go and what you do! La Perla of course just seemed like any other city area where you dont go. Uri ten Brink, Chief Scientist U.S. Geological Survey. The truth is, it's been decades since a storm or hurricane caused the kind of damage that gives hurricane season such a bad reputation. Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States of America. Ponce is a great delight with the south suburbs excellent for retirees. Puerto Rico is a place where the Old World is mashed up with the new on an island that is small in size but offers an immense bounty of one-of-a-kind experiences. The island has largely recovered from the impact of Hurricane Maria, which hit Puerto Rico in September 2017. Puerto Rico's murder rate averages four times the murder rate of the United States as a whole. Just think of it this way; "It's a different ball.park with different rules." If you plan to have a night out, always walk with someone else, in a group or grab a licensed taxi (white taxis with the lit up roof sign). largely recovered from the impact of Hurricane Maria, a string of large earthquakes struck Puerto Rico. If you're coming here on vacation there is no reason to worry. Car Insurance Scams in Puerto Rico. Travel around during the day and see everything you want to see. La Perla is only a couple of blocks long, with a few crappy bars and run down houses, so there's no real reason to stroll down there, but I wouldn't even worry about that in the daytime. Because of the Jones Act, foreign ships inbound with goods from Central and South America, Western Europe, and Africa cannot stop in Puerto Rico, offload Puerto Rico-bound goods, load mainland-bound Puerto Rico-manufactured goods, and continue to U.S. ports. Coronavirus (COVID-19) and travel: The situation around the world is changing dramatically. So unless you have a special “rental car insurance” add-on, your car insurance will not cover your rental anyway. Is it safe to go to Puerto Rico right now? The legal drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18, whereas in the United States it’s 21; making the country a popular destination for college students from the US on spring break. There are a few sketchy homeless people and alcoholics like in any big city. Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, and the Dominican Republic do not have active volcanoes; however, they are at risk from earthquakes and tsunamis. The Email address or Password is incorrect, World Nomads Contributor - Tue, 29 Sep 2020. read about lockdowns and border restrictions. I went to PR 3 years ago and it was fine and never felt like I was in danger. While you can roam through most of the grounds, you are not allowed to climb the stairs or walk around the top of the castle. Les temps forts de la programmation culturelle Porto Rico : festivals, fêtes folkloriques et événements festifs, jours fériés. Puerto Rico Things To Do – Attractions & Must See, Puerto Rico Nightlife – Clubs, Bars & Nightlife Tips. Yes, Puerto Rico is a safe place to visit, however there … My wife read a lot of this junk and was worried sick. Practice common sense anywhere you go. You will need a valid ID to purchase alcohol from bars, restaurants, stores etc. Can you drink the tap water, and what about vaccinations before you go? We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. To some this might come as a shock. Today i was walking a block away from my home when a white van with two guys speaking spanish pulled up and signal me to get in. While there is nothing wrong with having additional car insurance, it may not be necessary, so don’t feel obligated into buying it if you’re already covered through your credit card. The Island is highly developed, though the roads have pot holes, many street lights are still in the dark since hurricane Maria, overall, it's pretty cleaned up and normalish. High crime rate yet I've never experienced any danger. That’s just basic common sense. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. I lived in NY my entire life and have experienced danger there, even in front of my own house as well. Why do you think people left Detroit?? Pinones, Parque de la Palomas and Santruce are also safe to visit during the day. The 3.5 million residents of the Unites States’ largest territory will soon be able to better exercise their Second Amendment rights. The most well-known safety risk of traveling to Puerto Rico is probably its proximity to hurricanes. Travel Smarter! Drone laws in Puerto Rico are the same as in the United States, and there are a few rules to know before you fly such as registering your drone with the FAA and not flying close to people, crowded areas and events. Chances of finding a job are better in the tourist areas. It’s better to go to the bathrooms before heading in, but if you have to go, you will have to pay for it. Keep it locked up in the safe back at your accommodation if you're going out at night – it's not worth losing your cards or valuables. Twenty-five years after Puerto Rico made headlines by sending its National Guard to patrol urban neighborhoods, the island is still one of the most dangerous places in … On December 11, Puerto Rico Gov. There was no need to make negative comments about Chicago or Detroit...the last being a struggling city whose trying to make it in today's trying time. Car rental agencies in Puerto Rico may attempt to swindle you. Ricardo Rosselló in San Juan, Puerto Rico… Its depth is comparable to the deep trenches in the Pacific Ocean. Should you have an emergency, call 911 as you would in the US. However, to … Tips on San Juan Warnings or Dangers – Stay Safe! We are currently in Ocean Park in San Juan. Porto Rico est fortement touché par le virus Zika, transmis par piqûres de moustiques-tigres. Puerto Rico is “an island sitting in the middle of an ocean … a very big ocean,” as President Donald Trump said on September 26, making Hurricane Maria more distant than … But, just like in Chicago, most of the crimes will occur in low-rent areas that are pretty easy to avoid if you aren't trying to document island poverty. Throughout our trip we have only encountered one bad person and he was a white guy from Ohio who likes to treat people like crap. You can buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world. I was in Old San Juan, San Juan and the north east part of the island. Many travelers advise avoiding public housing areas, known in Puerto Rico as caserio, identifiable by their cement facades and apartment-like balconies. Aguadilla seems to have the poorest areas in some neighborhoods. As to Puerto Rico, have walked from Old San Juan to the tip of Isla Verde and never felt unsafe and the walk for an architectural buff is quiet interesting in which the American vs Spanish architecture mix. They blame the government for the nearly 3,000 deaths linked to Hurricane Maria, a Category 4 storm that hit the … Car theft is a significant issue in Puerto Rico, so take any valuables out of your car, leaving it as empty as possible. What can I do to prevent bug bites? I'm from Chicago and to look at Puerto Rico's crime rate, I'd say I feel right at home there. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. Obviously there are places where you shouldn't be by yourself after dark. The Puerto Rican government put a lot of resources into tourism initiatives to encourage travelers to visit the island nation following Hurricane Maria, and will no doubt do the same following the earthquake damage in early 2020. Carjackings can sometimes occur, so avoid driving at night where possible, particularly through known crime hotspots. Please note that not all content is translated or available to residents of all countries. San Juan is no more dangerous than any other metropolitan city. The West coast of the Island is just outright beautiful and safe, Aguadilla, Isabela, Aguada, Anasco all offer great beaches, however, Rincon with surfing beaches is a cute town, with fun things to do and overall extremely safe. Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located approximately 1,000 miles southeast of Miami. The Puerto Rico Trench: Implications for Plate Tectonics and Earthquake and Tsunami Hazards. Puerto Rico is no less safe for solo travelers than any other … Read the latest travel alerts to find out how COVID-19 restrictions may affect you. © 2021 Smarter Travel Media LLC. Educate yourself about what to expect before visiting Puerto Rico. I mean every city in the world has dangerous areas but to say not to visit b/c of one or two bad areas good lord. The local beaches are pretty safe during the day, just keep an eye on your belongings and don't bring anything you're not prepared to have stolen while having a swim. There are 3.3 million people living in Puerto Rico, and most of the population live in the capital city, San Juan, and other larger towns, which are made up of different cultures and social classes. Puerta de tierrra is becoming an extremely expensive neighborhood, with few restaurants opening up. I leave my Jeep in some pretty quiet places while I surf before dawn 4-5 days a week. It is not nice to try to say something about one place bu putting down other places like Chicago or Detroit....was you said is not nice, Chicago is a great city...yes it can be dangerous just like Puerto Rico or any other city or county if your in the wrong place at the wrong time or your not using common sense or pay attention to advice and rules. If you don’t know how to navigate a wonderful city like Chicago and make a comment like you did your opinion on basically anything is useless. Yes this can happen anywhere but the truth is you do need to always be careful. It's away from the safe, popular spots in San Juan, so travelers may get more than they bargain for if they end up there at night looking for recreational drugs. But I have been in many of the places frequented by locals and never even had a dirty look thrown my way. 2. Bars on the windows... Well, PR is warm, and many people leave their windows open for circulation. With the first few days I was warned to avoid a sections that was crime-infested. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Old San Juan especially in the daytime is VERY colorful, Very Clean to the extreme. With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance.