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Money & duty free for Puerto Rico

Currency information: 

US Dollar (USD; symbol US$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of US$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents. There is no other currency used on the island. Note that many businesses will not have change for large bills; it is advised to carry smaller bills and coins to avoid needing change.

Credit cards: 

All international credit cards, and many leading debit cards are accepted. Be aware that your credit card or banking institution may impose a fee for international use of your card; ask your institution about this fee prior to your travels should you have questions.

ATM: 

All major ATM services are available across the island, even in small towns. Note that ATMs in Puerto Rico are called ATHs (A Toda Hora- literally, ‘at all hours’). You will have the choice of English or Spanish when making your transaction. Be sure to pay attention to the local fee imposed for use of cards not affiliated with the ATM's bank. Also, be aware that many Puerto Rican ATMs/ATHs are programmed to ask for a donation for local charities; you can opt out of this request at the end of your transaction. The major banks on the island include Banco Popular, Citibank, Doral, Santander, and Westernbank. Banks often have ATMs/ATHs and even small branches located inside grocery stores. Use the typical precautions you would use at home when withdrawing money from an ATM in Puerto Rico.

Travellers cheques: 

Traveller’s cheques are increasingly not accepted as a form of payment, especially outside the capital and especially by small businesses. If used at all, US Dollar cheques are preferred. If you intend to use traveller’s cheques, you are advised to call ahead to businesses to ensure they accept this form of payment. Credit cards or cash are strongly preferred by the majority of merchants.

Banking hours: 

Mon-Fri 0900-1530. Hours may vary. Note that banks are closed on all US holidays, as well as local holidays.

Currency restriction: 

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts in excess of US$10,000 or equivalent should be declared at customs.

Currency exchange: 

You can exchange foreign currency at banks and at major hotels, though it is best to arrive with US Dollars and avoid exchange altogether. Currency exchange booths, or bureaux de change (cambio) are not common in Puerto Rico. There is not even a bureau de change at the international airport in San Juan.

Puerto Rico duty free

In general duty free regulations are the same for Puerto Rico as for the USA. The following goods may be imported by visitors over 21 years of age into Puerto Rico without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 2kg of smoking tobacco or proportionate amounts of each.
• 1L of alcoholic beverage.
• Gifts or articles up to a value of US$100.
(a) Items should not be gift-wrapped, and should be available for customs inspection. (b) For information about the importation of pets, refer to the brochure Pets, Wildlife - US Customs, available at US embassies and consulates. (c) Further information on US customs regulations is available online (www.cbp.gov).

Note: Gold coins, medals and bullion, formerly prohibited, may be brought into Puerto Rico, except from embargoed countries.

Banned imports: 

The following are either banned or may only be imported under licence:
(a) Narcotics and dangerous drugs, unless for medical purposes (doctor's certificate required).
(b) Absinthe, biological materials, some seeds, fruits and plants (including endangered species of plants and vegetables and their products).
(c) Firearms and ammunition (with some exceptions - consult the Customs website).
(d) Hazardous articles (fireworks, toxic materials), including matches and match books (unless packed tightly in a closed container).
(e) Meat and poultry products - fresh, dried or canned.
(f) Any fish (unless certified as disease free) or their eggs, unless canned, pickled or smoked.
(g) Dairy products and eggs.
(h) Cuban cigars, brought from any country.
(i) Wildlife and endangered species, including crustaceans, molluscs, eggs, game and hunting trophies and crafted articles of any part thereof.
(j) Dog and cat fur. (k) Some art and artefacts.
(l) Imports from Iran and leather souvenirs from Haiti (eg drums).
(m) Some automobiles.
(n) More than one article (limited to once every 30 days) displaying a counterfeit or confusingly similar logo to trademarked and copyrighted articles.
(o) Merchandise from embargoed countries: Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, and Sudan; information materials (pamphlets, books, tapes, films and recordings) are permitted. Items of archaeological, historical religious or scientific importance that are illegally removed from specific locations in Iraq.

Banned exports: 

All visitors leaving Puerto Rico are required to send their checked luggage through US Food and Drug Administration screening, which scans for animals, fruits, vegetables, and current prohibited items by X-ray.

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