San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico, is one of the oldest cities of European colonists in America, second only to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. There are several historic buildings in San Juan; the most notable are Fort San Felipe del Morro and Fort San Cristobál and La Fortaleza, the oldest administrative building in America, which continues to be used today.
Warnings & Dangers in San Juan
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
San Juan is not the safest place for travelers, but you can avoid most of the troubles if you use common sense and take precautions.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
Public transport is not well developed. Traffic on the roads can be hectic and unsafe. Pickpockets are common on buses. Use only licensed taxi services.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM
Pickpocketing happens just like everywhere else - in the area of train stations, in the main squares, and in places where tourists gather. Always keep track of your belongings, do not leave your wallet and phone unattended.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
The city is at risk of earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, precipitation, and flooding. Check the weather conditions before your trip here.
MUGGING RISK : HIGH
In the suburbs of San Juan, local gangs' showdowns take place; during these showdowns, there are shootings and kidnappings. Avoid these areas and don't get involved with drugs.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW
The risk of terrorism is low in San Juan. The global risk of terrorist attacks in public areas exists worldwide, so tourists should be vigilant.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
Fraud is commonly associated with street vendors offering counterfeit goods to tourists. Don't buy them even if the price is very attractive. Also, only withdraw money from ATMs at banks with cameras to avoid skimming your card.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM
Women traveling alone in San Juan should avoid late-night walks and be very discreet on the city streets. Heightened precautions won't hurt.
How Safe Is San Juan for Tourists?
San Juan is not a safe city to travel to.
The crime index here is at a high level.
The main problems are related to drug trafficking, corruption, and attacks.
Despite the high crime rate, the tourist spots of this city are quite safe.
Most tourist areas such as Old Town, Condado, and Isla Verde are generally very safe.
There is a noticeable police force in the Old Town around the clock. However, the slums of La Perla near the Old Town are dangerous and should be avoided.
Violent crimes and attacks against people are common in these places.
Often these attacks are carried out by people under the influence of drugs or people in search of a new dose.
Avoid all communication with strangers, especially if they ask for or offer help.
Use caution when cycling in the city as the roads are often crowded, and some are unpaved. Be sure to pay attention to the carriageway you are driving on and traffic.
Similar caution should be exercised by pedestrians in Old San Juan. Although traffic is usually slower, the streets are narrow, and the sidewalks are very narrow, sometimes crowded, and sometimes there are travel hazards.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit San Juan?
Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States and thus, a visa is not required for citizens of the United States. We suggest a passport valid for 6 months past the entry date.
Which Currency Is Used in San Juan?
The United States dollar is the official currency of Puerto Rico. It is divided into 100 cents.
How's the Weather like in San Juan?
In San Juan, the summers are hot, the winters are cold, and it is dry and mostly clear year-round. The best time to visit Puerto Rico is from mid-April to June.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in San Juan?
Luis Muñoz Marin Carolina International Airport is a co-located airport located in Carolina, five kilometers southeast of the capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan. The largest commercial airport in Puerto Rico.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.
What Are Some Things to Do in San Juan?
San Juan is the capital and largest city of Puerto Rico, located on the Atlantic coast. Near the town is the wide Isla Verde Beach, where numerous bars, nightclubs, and casinos are located. Cobbled Old San Juan is known for its colorful Spanish colonial buildings, the huge fortresses of El Morro and La Fortaleza, which offer stunning ocean views, and the Paseo de la Princesa promenade.
Is the Water in San Juan Safe to Drink?
Tap water is not drinkable in San Juan. You should buy bottled water or boil tap water.
Is Uber Safe in San Juan?
There is an Uber taxi in the city; you can call a taxi from your smartphone application. The fare will depend on the time of day, and the distance traveled.
