Puerto Rico
Lightweight suits are advised for business meetings. Knowledge of Spanish (the official language) is very useful, although English is widely spoken; most people in the tourist industry and the greater metropolitan areas are bilingual. Office hours are 0900-1800 Monday to Friday while government office hours are 0830-1630 Monday to Friday.
Crime in Puerto Rico is relatively low. Visitors should have a heightened level of vigilance when traveling in areas they are not familiar with. Petty crime in Puerto Rico not a major problem, however visitors should be on the lookout for pickpockets and petty thieves in and around tourist attractions.
Although the recent general strikes have ended, there are continued tensions. Foreigners should take care to avoid large groups and demonstrations that may turn violent with little or no warning.
San Juan has modern hotels and there is similar lodging in Ponce. Paradores (Government-sponsored inns) are less modern, but of a good standard.
Telephone: IDD service is available. Country code: 1 787. Outgoing international code: 011. Services are modern with fax services, cellular and Internet services available throughout the island.
Electricity is 120 volts AC, 60Hz.
110 volts AC, 60Hz.
A,B
Puerto Rico (and especially San Juan) abounds with good restaurants, catering for all tastes from Spanish to Chinese, French, Greek and Italian. The island cuisine is Spanish-based, with rice and beans as the staple diet. National specialties
• Paella.
• Chicken dishes.
• Black bean soup.
• Sancocho (beef stew).
• Jueyes (land crabs).
• Pan de agua (native bread). National drink
• Barrilito and Don Q (Rum).Tipping:
Generally 15 to 20 per cent if not included
on the bill.Nightlife
Puerto Rico’s nightlife is abundant and varied. The streets are lively in the evening. Many shops are open late, and the visitor can sit in the squares of old San Juan and indulge in people-watching. A recommended walk is down La Princesa Promenade, lined with antique street lamps. Meeting places include a Bogart-style cigar bar and cocktail bars. Hotels provide some of the entertainment, but there are also different types of clubs, both modern and more mainstream. Many Puerto Ricans favor traditional Latin dance clubs with large dance floors, which often have live bands playing salsa and merengue music. Puerto Ricans are passionate about their nightlife, and often dress up. Casinos are intimate and friendly, generally opening at noon and closing at around 0400 daily. Hotel casinos are open to guests and non-guests alike.
