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If thieves see your vehicle empty of potential treasures, they will likely move on. Always park your car in a well-lit location at night.Ĭarjackings can sometimes occur, so avoid driving at night where possible, particularly through known crime hotspots. Car theft in Puerto RicoĬar theft is a significant issue in Puerto Rico, so take any valuables out of your car, leaving it as empty as possible. Should you have an emergency, call 911 as you would in the US. Stick to the neighborhoods of Old San Juan, Isla Verde, Miramar and Condado at night, where there are regular police patrols. Other spots to avoid at night are the neighborhoods of La Perla (next to Old City) and parts of Puerta de Tierra. Pinones, Parque de la Palomas and Santruce are also safe to visit during the day. However, locals report if you are there during daylight hours, you're generally safe. 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. Louis Lloren Torres, a caserio in San Juan is where a lot of the city's crime takes place. Gangs are a problem in these areas, and activities linked to the drug trade often take place. Many travelers advise avoiding public housing areas, known in Puerto Rico as caserio, identifiable by their cement facades and apartment-like balconies. Always carry your valid personal ID with you. That said, if you do happen to be stopped by local police, don't attempt to bribe them. Police outside of major tourist areas might not speak English, and while many locals are bilingual, Spanish is still the dominant language. If you become a victim of crime, being able to communicate to the police is important. Even if you butcher the language, making an effort will still go a long way. Tip: Learn some basic Spanish to make your trip just that bit easier, especially when you aren't in the urban centers. Puerto Rico has a high homicide rate however this usually affects those involved in gang activity, the drug trade or both. 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. Avoid wandering alone at night in particular near the beach areas where there is an increased risk of being robbed. 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). Travelers will be most affected by petty crime, such as pickpocketing or robbery. Don't leave your valuables or belongings unattended and only take what you need out with you. That said, Puerto Rico has a lower crime rate than many major US cities. Wherever inequality and high population density occur, crime generally follows. 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. 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.Īnother hot tip: Don't do drugs.
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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. This work assists in recovering the country's economy, as tourism is the number one source of employment for locals. 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. 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. The island has largely recovered from the impact of Hurricane Maria, which hit Puerto Rico in September 2017. Yes, Puerto Rico is a safe place to visit, however there is a risk of natural disasters – such as earthquakes and hurricanes. Here are our top travel safety tips to know before you go. 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. Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States of America. Shares Facebook Twitter Photo © iStock/dennisvdwĬoronavirus (COVID-19) in Puerto Rico: Read the latest travel alerts to find out how COVID-19 restrictions may affect you. Please note that not all content is translated or available to residents of all countries. By telling us your country of residence we are able to provide you with the most relevant travel insurance information.