Puerto Rico Everyday Life

Maps | Print View

EVERYDAY LIFE

Conversion Table

Legislation was signed in 1993 to give equal status to English and Spanish as the official languages of Puerto Rico, so most Puerto Ricans speak English, and most business dealings are handled in English. However, some knowledge of Puerto Rico’s first national language, Spanish, will be very useful to foreign nationals residing on the island, and particularly to impress upon your new neighbours that you are interested in learning their culture. Thus, foreign nationals would be wise to have a firm grasp on the English language, with some knowledge of Spanish, to forge good business relationships and friendships with the nationals of Puerto Rico.

Media
Whilst Puerto Rico generally receives many of the same publications that mainland America receives, there are several local daily newspapers. The San Juan Star is Puerto Rico’s English-language newspaper, which is published every morning. El Vocero and El Nuevo Dîa are two Spanish-language dailies.

Since there are over 1,500 daily newspapers published in the United States, foreign nationals can expect to see a wide variety of English-language publications in Puerto Rico. The newspapers with the highest circulation include the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Miami Herald and the New York Times.

Magazines also abound in Puerto Rico. Because of such wide diversity, the biggest problem facing Puerto Rico residents is choosing which magazine, out of the hundreds, to buy. Aside from some of the more common English-language magazines like Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Gentleman Quarterly (GQ), Newsweek, People and Time, local weeklies and monthlies are also available.

Foreign nationals should be able to obtain international magazines and newspapers in Puerto Rico without too much difficulty. The Financial Times, The Guardian, the International Herald Tribune and Le Monde Daily are available, as are numerous others, in newspaper kiosks and in a variety of stores, such as supermarkets, convenient stores and smoke shops.

Television
Puerto Rico residents are able to receive American television programmes through cable usage. Unmatched anywhere else in the world, American television offers an overwhelming amount of English-language programmes. Four major English-language networks, which include ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC have affiliated stations which broadcast on different channels 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Many local and public broadcast stations, including WAPA, WIPR, WKAQ, WMTJ and TELE ONCE are available in each town and also broadcast 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Numerous other channels can be obtained through cable use, including several international programmes specifically designed for certain regions of the globe. These channels usually offer different foreign-language programmes at specific times throughout the day.

There are three types of television standards used in the world – NTSC, PAL and SECAM, – and there are various subtypes of the last two as well. SECAM is used widely in Eastern Europe as well as many countries of central Asia and Africa; its subtypes include G, H, K (UHF) and I, K1, L, M, N (VHF). PAL, too, is used through a wide area, touching every continent where television is watched; the most common PAL subtypes are B, G and H. NTSC is used throughout the Americas and in countries scattered throughout the world; there is only one type -- NTSC M.

Sometimes common use of standards overlap, and different types and/or subtypes are used within the same countries. However, none of these types and subtypes are compatible, requiring that people living in certain countries use only those that accept the local frequencies. Some televisions are made to accept a range of television standards. Although they can be quite expensive, it may be worth the cost for those who move abroad frequently.

FAST FACT:
Puerto Rico uses the NTSC M type televisions.

Cable Television
Cable television is practically a necessity in Puerto Rico because the isolation of the island often makes clear visual reception unattainable without cable installation. In addition, without cable installation, the number of channels you receive will be limited to channels 2 to 13, and if they are available, may be full of static and shadows.

Cable television, however, provides access to over 60 channels including many international-language programmes. Popular foreign broadcasts and news programmes can be found on a wide variety of cable channels. Cable distributors in your area may offer specialised stations that broadcast specific material, like movie channels such as Home Box Office (HBO), The Movie Channel (TMC) and Cinemax (MAX). Stations broadcasting entertainment, health, news, weather, and various sports stations are also available.

To receive cable television, you must contact a local cable company and ask for a subscription to their service. Your local cable company should provide you with a list of programming options from which to choose. Once you decide on the package that best suits your wants and needs, you must set up a date for installation. After installation, you will then receive an itemised bill each month. Basic cable costs approximately US $15 to US $30 per month, but subscribing to additional channels, which is generally done, costs extra.

Cable companies will provide you with all the necessary equipment, however, if your home is not already cable accessible, wire installation may take weeks. Usually, your estate agent or relocation professional will provide you with telephone numbers and services used in your particular area. However, a local telephone book is also a good source.

Satellite Television
Satellite television is yet another choice for individuals seeking more television options. Satellite television broadcasts programmes from all over the world, with some systems offering over 100 channels. Satellite television is obtained through subscription to a particular service, with many companies providing a satellite dish, service and any necessary equipment. However, some companies require that you purchase a dish separately, and only provide you with the service.

If you are considering obtaining satellite service, be sure to check with your provider if network channels (channels 2 to 13) are available. Many satellite companies require that you obtain basic cable or a standard antenna to receive network programming. The cable hook-up would be additional to your satellite television fees. You may want to research several companies before choosing a particular service. Satellite cable may cost you approximately US $20 to US $30 per month, but if the equipment is included in the cost, expect higher monthly bills.

Radio
Puerto Rico radio is similar to Puerto Rico television, providing many different stations and options from which to choose. There are numerous radio stations offering all kinds of broadcasting throughout the day and night, so you can listen to a wide variety of music, news, religious programmes and talk radio. There are several foreign-language stations available, but you will find that most are English or Spanish-language stations.

The AM radio stations tend to be geared more toward talk radio, in which public discussions take place. Popular talk-radio stations include 1030 AM and 1560 AM. 1030 AM broadcasts local and international news in English, as well as talk shows, music and sometimes major sports events. Newstalk is broadcast on 1560 AM, which is an English-language station also offering news and talk shows.

In contrast, FM stations tend to focus around various genres of music and entertainment programmes. Fiercely competitive radio stations market towards various age groups. Simply span the FM dial and you will surely find something of interest on any of Puerto Rico’s numerous stations. Traditionally, radio stations begin at the left of the dial, at 88 FM and span through the far right of the dial at 107.9 FM. Music programmes range from jazz to hard rock; heavy metal to classical; oldies to hip-hop; and Hispanic to Christian. You may be able to tune into the BBC World Service on the 49-metre short-wave band.

Telephones
Puerto Rico has a modern and reliable telephone service which is based on the US telephone system. Almost every house in Puerto Rico, regardless of what type, will come equipped with a telephone line. However, you may have to provide the actual telephone equipment for each room in which you wish to have a telephone available. Telephones may be rented from AT&T, but most people simply buy a telephone from a local electronics store.

FAST FACT:
In 1996, the area code in Puerto Rico was changed from 809 to 787, so to dial a number in Puerto Rico from somewhere in the United States, you must dial 1, 787 and the seven-digit telephone number. For calls to Puerto Rico from elsewhere in the world, you must dial 001, 787 and the seven-digit telephone number.

It is not difficult to obtain telephone service in Puerto Rico. Once you have established a residence, call the local telephone company and ask them to start your service. Simply look in the local telephone directory or ask a friend or colleague to provide you with a reliable telephone company and be prepared to provide the operator with the following information when you call:

-Complete name and address
-A deposit for all new service is generally required. You must send the company the proper amount before installation. This deposit will be returned to you in the form of a credit after a specified time elapses.
-You will be given a list of telephone options. There are several different services available for your convenience. These services will be explained to you in detail, but be sure you understand each option before you decide to choose it.
-You will also have to decide on who will be your long-distance service carrier. Many options will be available to you, so you may wish to gather all information regarding each long-distance company before you call for service. AT&T, ITT, MCI and Sprint are the largest long-distance telephone carriers in the United States, but be sure to choose the service that will best suit your needs.
-Lastly, you will have to set up a date that you would like your telephone service to start.

Once you choose the type of telephone service that will best suit your needs, the telephone company will provide you with a telephone number and you will receive a dial tone. Each month you will receive an itemised phone bill detailing the costs of all requested services and all the calls you have made during the month.

Telephone Directories
Once your telephone service has been installed, local telephone directories will be delivered to your home. These include the blue, white and yellow pages, with only the blue pages printed in English. These directories provide information and listings of individuals and services that can be found in that particular region.

Public Telephones
Public telephones are located on virtually every street corner in Puerto Rico, and can also found at gas stations, in convenience stores, restaurants, bus stations and numerous other locations. All Puerto Rico public telephones will accept nickels (US$0.05), dimes (US$0.10) and quarters (US$0.25).

Public telephones come equipped with instructional information displayed on the front of the telephone. You must deposit approximately US$0.35 for a local call to enable a conversation for about three minutes. Once your three-minute limit has been used, you may keep talking as long as you put more money in. If you do not add more money, you may be cut off or interrupted by the operator. If you hang up without adding more money, the operator will ring back and ask for more money. However, if you are no longer standing by the phone, the person you called will be billed. If you are unsure of the cost of a call, simply dial the number and the operator will notify you of the precise amount needed to make the call.

Many telephone companies offer calling cards, which are similar to credit cards. When you place a call at any public or private telephone, you may charge it to your card. You will be billed monthly for all the calls you charge on the card. Some calling cards are prepaid, so no billing is involved. Prepaid cards are invalid after the specific time allotted is used. These cards can be purchased at convenient stores and are great for emergency situations. Prepaid cards are available for US $5, US $10 and US $20.

Mobile and Cellular Telephones
Portable telephones, such as mobile or cellular phones, are used by many individuals in Puerto Rico. Aside from offering convenience, mobile phones may be a necessity for individuals with busy schedules or for the business traveller. Cellular phones are also practical for emergency purposes. These mobile phones can be purchased in shopping centres and stores specialising in tele- communications. You must subscribe to a mobile or cellular phone service much like a local telephone company.

Important Telephone Numbers
Ambulance 343-2222
Emergencies 911
Fire Department 343-2330
Police 343-2020

Postal Services
The Postal System in Puerto Rico offers numerous services to the general public. The postal system in Puerto Rico and throughout the United States is quite efficient and dependable, but be prepared for long queues at most offices. The average visit to the post office may include a long duration--be sure to allot enough time for the task.

Based on the US postal system, and using US postage, sending a letter from Puerto Rico currently costs US$0.33 to mail, but postage may soon increase. Airmail service is available, with postcards and aerogrammes costing US$0.50, and letters costing US$0.60 for the first one-half ounce. Priority mail services for time-sensitive packages is also available at a cost of US$3.20. Obtaining money orders, stamps, mail supplies and certified mail is available at every post office in the major cities of Puerto Rico. Public telephones and fax machines are available in some offices.

FAST FACT:
In Puerto Rico and throughout the United States, envelopes must include both the sender's and receiver's addresses. Addresses must include name, street, city or town and state, and postal code--usually this information is printed using four lines. The sender's address may be written in the top, left-hand corner or on the back of the envelope, whilst the receiver's address must be written in the middle front of the envelope.

You may receive mail via a post office box (poste restante), but this service is not recommended or reliable. If you choose to receive mail poste restante in Puerto Rico, ask friends and family to address letters to your town's main post office. All poste restante mail must be addressed with your name at the top, c/o General Delivery, and the address of the local post office with the postal code.

Poste restante mail can be collected at the window in the general office, but you will need your passport or some type of photo identification to collect your mail. Poste restante mail will only kept for ten days, so you may want to check regularly.

Most post offices are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some offices are open on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and many offer early morning hours as well as extended evening hours.

Entertainment
Like most tropical islands, Puerto Rico offers a wealth of outdoor activities that enable both visitors and locals to take advantage of the warm, sunny climate. In addition to the miles and miles of white sandy beaches, the Island has numerous parks, golf courses, mountains and even a rain forest. Some activities include tennis, scuba diving, horseback riding and deep-sea fishing. For more specific information about outdoor activities, contact the Puerto Rico Tourism Company in San Juan, Tel: [787] 721-2400; [800] 223-6530.

San Juan has a number of bars and night-clubs that attract people after hours. Nightlife includes everything from performing arts venues to casinos and discos. Check local listings for current show schedules and special attractions.

Cultural Highlights
San Juan has an impressive history that dates back to the Spanish conquistadors, and today visitors can tour many well-preserved buildings and fortifications from this era. La Fortaleza, the Fortress, stands in the historic part of the city known as Old San Juan. Built by the Spanish in 1540, La Fortaleza is open to visitors Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tours are given in English every hour, and in Spanish every half hour. Two other forts, El Morro and San Cristobal, were built within this seven-block area because it sits strategically on a peninsula overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. All of the forts can be toured.

The esplanade of the original capital city has recently been restored to its 19th-century condition so visitors may enjoy a leisurely stroll or do some shopping there. Also, numerous churches in the area, including Iglesia De San Jose, the second oldest church in the western hemisphere, still offer Sunday services.

FAST FACT:
Founded in 1521, Old San Juan is America's oldest city.

To see examples of traditional Island art, visit La Princesa. Also the headquarters of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, La Princesa can be visited Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to noon, and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Another area of interest in Old San Juan is the Museum of Art and History. Known locally as Museo De Arte E Historia De San Juan, it is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.

FAST FACT:
Many of the museums in Old San Juan are closed for lunch between 11:45 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Within metropolitan San Juan there are several other museums featuring history, science, anthropology and art. The Bacardi rum plant is also open to show visitors how the Island produces its world-famous beverage.

Local Cuisine
It may come as a surprise that Puerto Rican food is generally not hot and spicy, but tends to be more sweet and salty. Like most Caribbean countries, Puerto Rican cuisine has roots in Spain. However, complex mixtures of herbs and spices give the country's food unique and distinctive flavours.

Sofrito and adobo are the essences of Puerto Rican food. Sofrito is a sauce made from recao and cilantro leaves, sweet chili peppers, onions, garlic and oil. It is the basic foundation for many dishes and gives the area's rice, stews and soups their bright yellow colour. Adobo, made by crushing together peppercorns, garlic, salt, oregano and lime juice, is a seasoning applied to most meats before cooking. Ripe plantains (green bananas), pumpkin, sweet potato, mango, pineapple, rice, pork and fresh seafood are all common ingredients in Puerto Rican dishes.

Some typical dishes include rice and beans, stewed meats, roast pork shoulder and chicken with rice. Mofongo, mashed plantains seasoned with garlic and filled with pork, shellfish and other meats, is also very popular on the island. Plantains are prepared in a variety of ways and commonly served as side dishes. For dessert, expect to find fresh local fruits heavily used. Many restaurants serve varieties of flan (custard), desserts made from coconut milk, guava jelly with white cheese and a traditional pumpkin cake. Fritters are also a local speciality.

FAST FACT:
Rum (rón), Puerto Rico's national drink, is available in four categories: Light or silver rum has the most subtle flavour and is usually mixed with juices; Gold or dark rum has more body and a mellow taste; Black rum is best enjoyed on the rocks to fully appreciate its full body and smooth flavour; Premium or speciality rum is aged and blended with cognac or spiced for unique flavour twists.

Tipping
Tipping is expected in Puerto Rico. Fifteen percent is the standard tip for restaurant servers, but the quality of service may make that amount more or less. In bars, 10 percent is standard, while taxi drivers, hair dressers and other service providers usually receive 10-15 percent. Some hotels add a 10 percent service charge to the bill, but if they don't tips are expected for services rendered. Hotel and airport porters generally receive US $1 per bag.

Shopping
The streets of Old San Juan, especially Calle San Francisco and Calle del Cristo, are crowded with shops that sell both native handcrafts and international goods. While international goods, especially jewellery, are quite plentiful, they are not considered good bargains. Therefore, it is wiser to look for local arts and crafts when shopping in this district. Wooden carvings, ceramics, musical instruments, lace, masks, straw-work and carved religious idols known locally as santos (saints) are some Puerto Rican specialities. The National Centre for Popular Arts on Calle del Cristo street offers all of these crafts, as does Plazoleta del Puerto on Calle Marina, across from pier three.

Because rum is the national drink it is also a popular purchase and a good bargain. Some of the best hand-rolled cigars can be found in San Juan's bus station complex. For fresh tropical produce visit the traditional-style Public Market in Rio Piedras, open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Clothing stores, electronics, cosmetics and other goods can be found in the large shopping malls of metropolitan San Juan. Plaza Las Americas, in the Hato Rey district, is the largest and most modern mall. It contains about 200 stores, including many American department store chains like Macy's and Sears. The Plaza Carolina in Carolina, Plaza del Carmen in Caguas, Plaza del Caribe in Ponce and Rio Hondo in Levittown are other commercial centres that offer many stores with wide selections of goods at reasonable prices.

FAST FACT:
American citizens do not have to pay duty on items purchased in Puerto Rico because it is a United States commonwealth.

Supermarkets are not hard to find in Puerto Rico. There are a variety of modern stores to choose from, and most stock quality items such as gourmet foods, bottled water, health foods and fresh dairy products. Supermercados Grande is one of many local chains, and boasts 30 locations throughout the island.

Pets
The climate in Puerto Rico is suitable for dogs and cats, and with pet supplies, treatment and medication readily available, importing a pet should cause no unforeseen problems. However, city dwellers should be advised that the lack of space in apartments may result in tight quarters for big animals. In addition, some housing developments may prohibit pets. Be sure to verify with your landlord that pets are allowed.

Veterinarians
Ponce Animal Hospital
186 Emilo Fagot Avenue
Ponce, Puerto Rico 00731
Tel: [787] 842-4269
Fax: [787] 842-4266