Yes, Puerto Rico is a safe place to visit, however there is a risk of natural disasters – such as earthquakes and hurricanes. Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located approximately 1,000 miles southeast of Miami. If thieves see your vehicle empty of potential treasures, they will likely move on. Been in Ponce, many small towns, and the rural areas with not a problem. The Puerto Rico Trench has produced earthquakes greater than magnitude 8.0 and is considered capable of … 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. The 3.5 million residents of the Unites States’ largest territory will soon be able to better exercise their Second Amendment rights. This is a major safety hazard. We are currently in Ocean Park in San Juan. Puerto Rico is in chaos, and some worry continued instability is a major threat Demonstrators march against Gov. © 2021 Smarter Travel Media LLC. Find out how to stay healthy on your vacation in Puerto Rico. 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. But I have been in many of the places frequented by locals and never even had a dirty look thrown my way. LGBTQ Puerto Ricans have the same legal protections as heterosexual locals and same-sex marriage was legalized in 2015. I have NO problems going anywhere in PR, any more than I have in any big city in the mainland, unless it's Chicago or Detroit. Old San Juan is populated with enough police to make sure your stay is a safe one. 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. Rich history and culture, exceptional food, pristine beaches, majestic mountains, relaxation, adventure — … Educate yourself about what to expect before visiting Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States of America. Even if you butcher the language, making an effort will still go a long way. Duh... 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. 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. That’s just basic common sense. Hello everyone, It’s better to go to the bathrooms before heading in, but if you have to go, you will have to pay for it. Yes, Puerto Rico is a safe place to visit, however there … The Puerto Rico Trench: Implications for Plate Tectonics and Earthquake and Tsunami Hazards. Hurricanes However, locals report if you are there during daylight hours, you're generally safe. While Zika causes very mild symptoms, if any, in most people who become infected, women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the immediate future are in danger. I’m in Puerto Rico right now with family (wife and kids). Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico in Fall 2017, tragically killing countless American citizens and destroying much of the island’s infrastructure. Les visiteurs doivent se méfier de certains des dangers communs dans ce pays. Old San Juan especially in the daytime is VERY colorful, Very Clean to the extreme. Some may experience verbal harassment. 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. Always carry your valid personal ID with you. Travel may increase the chances of getting and spreading COVID-19 and why only essential travel is being encouraged at this time. 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 … According to most statistics, there are approximately 250 violent crimes a year in San Juan. Wherever inequality and high population density occur, crime generally follows. Driving in a foreign country is almost guaranteed to be different from driving around your hometown. You're not used to the surroundings, you're probably not driving your own car, and the road signs - if there are any - are most likely in another language. La Perla of course just seemed like any other city area where you dont go. Is Puerto Rico Safe for Solo Travelers? Tips on San Juan Warnings or Dangers – Stay Safe! That said, if you do happen to be stopped by local police, don't attempt to bribe them. Despite recent law enforcement crackdowns, it remains one of the most dangerous places in Puerto Rico. The populations of the Island and of my hometown are about the same and there's a roughly equal number of murders. Practice common sense anywhere you go. Most of the sharks that spend their time in the waters off the coast of Rincón are nurse sharks, which are smaller, docile and generally hide in … Keep your car door locked and valuables out of sight while traveling. Aguadilla seems to have the poorest areas in some neighborhoods. Puerto Rico is considered to be one of the most LGBTQ friendly destinations in the Caribbean, with the capital San Juan having an established and lively gay scene, particularly around Santurce and Condado Beach. 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. Here are our top travel safety tips to know before you go. I was in Old San Juan, San Juan and the north east part of the island. They will ask you if your car insurance covers Puerto Rico and not just the 50 states. @ffjsb and anyone putting any faith in ffjsb’s opinion. Gangs are a problem in these areas, and activities linked to the drug trade often take place. Can you drink the tap water, and what about vaccinations before you go? 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! What you need to know in this situation is that your car insurance isn’t driver based—it’s driver- and vehicle-based. Sign up for our free newsletter. My advice is to never completely trust anyone or let your guard down. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. A new bill aims to establish Puerto Rico as a state by 2021. and it’s an offense to have open alcoholic beverages in public. However, to … Police outside of major tourist areas might not speak English, and while many locals are bilingual, Spanish is still the dominant language. We are in a residential neighborhood. While it will be mostly harmless, it’s best to ignore it. You will need a valid ID to purchase alcohol from bars, restaurants, stores etc. Volcanic activity is frequent along the island arc southeast from Puerto Rico to the coast of South America. Dont live in fear, just be aware and vigilant. I lived in Guayama years back. 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. Les temps forts de la programmation culturelle Porto Rico : festivals, fêtes folkloriques et événements festifs, jours fériés. 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. If you wouldn't visit Chicago because of the crime than don't go to Puerto Rico. There really isn't a reason to be out in the inner city at night. And while there are many all-inclusive Puerto Rico resorts, hundreds of Puerto Rico beaches worth visiting, and a plethora of unique things to do in Puerto Rico, the islands are not without their warnings and dangers. Go up the hill to see the Cross and the Castle. Many travelers advise avoiding public housing areas, known in Puerto Rico as caserio, identifiable by their cement facades and apartment-like balconies. Porto Rico est fortement touché par le virus Zika, transmis par piqûres de moustiques-tigres. The Email address or Password is incorrect, World Nomads Contributor - Tue, 29 Sep 2020. read about lockdowns and border restrictions. I have walked every street in Old San Juan, and much of the city from Old San Juan to Condado, with zero problems. Crime is a characteristic of all humans all over the world. Malgré ses belles plages et temps chaud, Puerto Rico est pas toujours le paradis qu'il semble être. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Isla Verde, Condado, Old San Juan are all safe areas in my opinion. Use common sense and you will absolutely love PR. Seriously, I'm so glad I didn't read any of this nonsense before I moved here a few months ago. 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. On December 11, Puerto Rico Gov. Puerto Rico Passport Requirements: Do I Need a Passport to Go to Puerto Rico. 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). San Juan is no more dangerous than any other metropolitan city. So to everyone, travel to where you may but never go astray and have a great day! Use your head people, if a place looks shady and you have a bad feeling leave and dont wear flashy things. Why do you think people left Detroit?? If you're coming here on vacation there is no reason to worry. Bars on the windows... Well, PR is warm, and many people leave their windows open for circulation. Dangers Puerto Rico Puerto Rico est une belle nation insulaire dans les Caraïbes. 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. The second largest city in Portugal has a lot to offer when it comes to commerce, education, sports, entertainment and culture. I lived in NY my entire life and have experienced danger there, even in front of my own house as well. 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. High crime rate yet I've never experienced any danger. Btw, this message is for "ffjsb" whoade tge first comment on this thread. For those who are not aware, Old San Juan is an Island and one can see Puerto Rico from its southern shore. I think what everyone is forgetting is that common sense plays an important role in your safety. So unless you have a special “rental car insurance” add-on, your car insurance will not cover your rental anyway. Old San Juan is very safe and entertaining but it’s filled with tourists. Travel Smarter! But the island itself is pure heaven. As Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, that status does provide the country with local autonomy and the ability to fly its own flag. and not once have felt unsafe. Car rental agencies in Puerto Rico may attempt to swindle you. Tip: Learn some basic Spanish to make your trip just that bit easier, especially when you aren't in the urban centers. 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. Car theft is a significant issue in Puerto Rico, so take any valuables out of your car, leaving it as empty as possible. The beaches, the rainforests, nature will definitely not disappoint you. There is crime everywhere. Carjackings can sometimes occur, so avoid driving at night where possible, particularly through known crime hotspots. Read the latest travel alerts to find out how COVID-19 restrictions may affect you. This work assists in recovering the country's economy, as tourism is the number one source of employment for locals. I've felt more fear living in Europe. One of our favorite places back home is St Louis. I wouldn't be caught dead in a city like those two, but I feel perfectly safe in PR. Car Insurance Scams in Puerto Rico. For the latest travel warnings and alerts around the world, read about lockdowns and border restrictions. 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. 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. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. Chances of finding a job are better in the tourist areas. Don't leave your valuables or belongings unattended and only take what you need out with you. 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. Security guards will call you out and bring you down. The most well-known safety risk of traveling to Puerto Rico is probably its proximity to hurricanes. In California my vehicle was broken into twice in a two week period and my house robbed. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. My whole family loved this place and we are looking forward to coming back many more times. However, it’s important to be respectful and discreet as the country is still conservative due to the influence of the Catholic Church. February 2019 is my first visit to Puerto Rico. However, your credit card may. Is Puerto Rico safe to visit? 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… With that said, you can have a wonderful time in Puerto Rico, enjoy Old San Juan, El Morro, Condado, take guided tours around the island and swim in the beautiful Atlantic ocean! So be cautious and respect those rules and watch your back. Porto Warnings and Dangers. Dont miss the tropical forest of El Yunque with its pools of water and high views. In general, the US Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is a safe, welcoming island in the Caribbean with great beaches, historic sites, shopping and restaurants. largely recovered from the impact of Hurricane Maria, a string of large earthquakes struck Puerto Rico. Just think of it this way; "It's a different ball.park with different rules." By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Many locations will try to force you into purchasing their insurance. Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Puerto Rico. Car rental agencies in Puerto Rico may attempt to swindle you. Puerta de tierrra is becoming an extremely expensive neighborhood, with few restaurants opening up. Should you have an emergency, call 911 as you would in the US. Enjoy your stay. Strong earthquake in Puerto Rico causes one death, eight injuries Temblor is the latest in the past 10 days to shake the U.S. island territory. Be the first to discover secret destinations, travel hacks, and more. I’m of course vigilant of my surroundings when in unknown areas. In January 2020, a string of large earthquakes struck Puerto Rico and caused severe damage throughout the country, leading the Governor Vázquez Garced to declare a state of emergency and activate the National Guard. 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. Uri ten Brink, Chief Scientist U.S. Geological Survey. There are just two bathrooms in El Morro. I am a Marketing Coach and Consultant! Jobs. 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. Museums, shopping, clubs, bars, restaurants, CVS, Walgreens, fast food, one tends to forget they are in the Caribbean. Just about everyone you will get to know and trust is really down to earth and friendly. 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!!! Puerto Rico is no less safe for solo travelers than any other … I'll be going back in July, and I anticipate another great time. I recently moved to Puerto Rico on Jan 1st, 2017, and overall the experience has been awesome. Puerto Rico Things To Do – Attractions & Must See, Puerto Rico Nightlife – Clubs, Bars & Nightlife Tips. Namely, like in the rest of Puerto Rico, there is the presence of the mosquito-borne Zika virus. 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. Many Puerto Ricans are angry. With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance. I am a native Chicagoan and it was quite an adventure and challenge at the same time. Always park your car in a well-lit location at night. Drugs are a major problem here. To understand how this may impact cover under your policy, please go to our FAQs and select your country of residence. The economy is poor because people are creating that reality. L’infection se répand rapidement sur l’île. There are a few sketchy homeless people and alcoholics like in any big city. View election results for the 2020 Puerto Rico primary as the United States begins the process to elect the next president. 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. All the locals we have met have been very friendly. 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. 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. Its downtown is very nice like Albuquerque NM with a subhumid climate similiar to parts of Eastern Brasil. Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Puerto Rico: Read the latest travel alerts to find out how COVID-19 restrictions may affect you. Louis Lloren Torres, a caserio in San Juan is where a lot of the city's crime takes place. The island has largely recovered from the impact of Hurricane Maria, which hit Puerto Rico in September 2017. Contact us for full details. Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about Puerto Rico warnings and dangers. Mayaguez is fairly modern with many good stores. They will ask you if your car insurance covers Puerto Rico and not just the 50 states.