When traveling to a new destination, there are certain things we tend to check in advance—currency, language, and maybe even local tipping customs:
- Learning the social and cultural norms of a country before you visit, so you don’t look like a jerk
- The unwritten rules of different countries per their residents
- International dress codes
- “Do’s and don’ts” when getting cash for international travel
Planning for Puerto Rico: What I Checked—And What I Missed
We recently took a Caribbean cruise departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Since we were only staying for two nights before our departure, I didn’t do much research ahead of time. I booked a hotel, planned a tour of Old San Juan, and knew that because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, we wouldn’t need to exchange currency—U.S. dollars and credit cards are widely accepted.
To get around, I assumed we’d use rideshare apps, as we only needed a few rides.
A Surprise at the Airport
After landing and picking up our luggage, we headed to the designated rideshare area. As usual, I compared prices between Uber and Lyft, but when I opened the Lyft app, I wasn’t expecting what would happen next.
Lyft doesn’t operate in Puerto Rico.
If I wanted to use a rideshare service, my only option was Uber.
According to the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport website, Uber is the only rideshare company operating in Puerto Rico. There are designated pickup areas at:
- Terminal A
- Terminals B and C, columns 16-19
Alternatives to Uber: What Are Your Options?
If you don’t want to use Uber, your alternatives include taxis or hiring a black car service. Taxis are available at the airport and throughout San Juan, though you may need to negotiate fares or confirm pricing in advance since they don’t always use meters. Private car services offer a more premium experience, but they’ll cost significantly more than a standard Uber ride.
Our Uber Experience in San Juan
Fortunately, Uber prices in San Juan were reasonable. Our airport ride to the hotel near the convention center cost $25, which was higher than usual due to multiple flight arrivals. However, our ride from the cruise port back to the airport was only $15.
One thing I noticed—something I haven’t encountered often—was that before each ride, we had to give the driver a PIN before they could begin the trip. I assume this is a security measure to confirm that drivers pick up the correct passengers. It’s a small but important detail that first-time Uber users in Puerto Rico should know.
Lesson Learned: Always Check Rideshare Availability
From now on, I’ll always check which rideshare services operate in a destination before arriving. I don’t want any more surprises when trying to book a ride, only to find out my preferred service isn’t available. While this wasn’t a major inconvenience, it could have been if we had relied on Lyft as our primary form of transportation.
This experience was a good reminder that even when traveling to a U.S. territory, assumptions can lead to unexpected hurdles. The same goes for other essential travel logistics—whether it’s knowing which payment options are accepted, understanding local tipping practices, or figuring out how to get from point A to point B without hassle. A little preparation can go a long way in making your travels smoother, and I’ll keep this lesson in mind for future trips.
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