Travel arrangement suggestions
Airline Information The San Juan airport in Puerto Rico is a major Caribbean transportation hub. The following is a partial listing of Airlines that fly into Luis Munoz Marin International Airport.
Engenio Maria de Hostos Airport in Mayaguez is 6 miles from the condo and is another choice, however will be more costly as an alternative desination.
Air Canada, Air France, Air Jamica, Air St. Thomas, ALM, American Airlines/American Eagle, British Airways, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Flamenco Airways, Iberia, Northwest Airlines, TWA, United Airlines, US Airways.
Car Rental Information The following Car Rental Agencies can be found in the San Juan Airport:
Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz,L & M Car Rental, National Car Rental, Thrifty Car Rental, Tropical Car Rental and Wheelchair Gateway.
Arriving at San Juan you will want to rent a car for the 2 1/2 hour drive west to Rincon. Major car rental companies service the San Juan area and additional information can be found on the Travel Information page. When you pick up your car from the airport in San Juan they will always give you a map. You will be going West on toll highway 22 which turns into Hwy 2. Stay on Hwy 2 until you see the signs for Rincon.
Secure parking under the condo is available.
I will mail you complete directions when I send you the keys to the condo along with phone numbers of local contact people for assistance while staying.
There is not a phone in the condo. There are bars on the beach and they have pay phones. Be sure you have a phone calling card and you can call the US for the same rates as in the US.
The kitchen is completely furnished with all the necessary items. There are linens on all the queen size beds, towels in the bathrooms and kitchen and even a washer and dryer if needed. Beach towels, beach chairs, sand toys and some snorkel equipment is available.
There is great fruit for sale by the roadside and a grocery store just down 115 a few more blocks after Outlaw Steak House. The Black Eagle Restaurant has good food. A lot of great fish and they do a good plantain I think you will like, fried like a potatoe chip or french fry. Pina Colatas are great everywhere. The tropical jazz bar not far from our place has good food and drinks.
Boats and divers will take you out diving from the marina near Black Eagle. You can snorkel from the beach by the lighthouse. Bring your snorkel stuff you can walk out and snorkel best by the Steps Beach some what close to the lighthouse
There are lots of things to do. ENJOY!
AIRPORTS
The best choice of airports is San Juan Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, however Eugenio Maria de Hostos Airport in Mayaguez is another option. The condo is a 2 1/2 hour drive from San Juan through breath taking beautiful countryside. It's an excellent way to get to see a bit of the Island.
Banks, Currency, Credit Cards:
Puerto Rican banks can be found which follow the regulations of US institutions. Banking hours are Monday thru Friday 8:30 - 2:30 and ATM machines (Called ATH in PR) can be readily found and accept many US cards. The currency is the US Dollar. All Major credit cards are accepted such as American Express, Carte Blanche, Diner's Club, Discovery, MasterCard and Visa.
CLIMATE
Puerto Rico enjoys a tropical climate. Temperatures average 82 degrees throughout the year and the trade winds provide constant breezes.
CUSTOMS AND DOCUMENTS
As a US Commonwealth with US citizenship, Puerto Rico presents no immigration problems for visiting US citizens. It's still a good idea to bring a valid US passport and ID. There are generally no customs duties on items bought in Puerto Rico and taken to the mainland US. Fruits and live plants are prohibited by law from entering the US with some exceptions,
DRESS
Casual, sporty attire is worn at island resorts and hotels, while dress tends to be a bit more conservative for shopping in the streets. Puerto Ricans enjoy dressing up, particularly at the finer restaurants and night clubs and at concert halls.
DRINKING WATER
Puerto Rico's water is safe to drink, although many residents prefer bottled water.
DRIVING
As in the US it is on the right hand side of the road. Distances are marked in kilometers and speed limits are set in miles per hour. A valid US driver's license is legal to use.
ELECTRICITY
Voltage (110 volts, 60 cycles a.c.) is the same as in the US.
GAMBLING
Casinos are located in many of the large hotels around the island. Most are open at noon and close at 4am daily. Dress is usually informal, although slacks and a collared shirt are preferable for men in the evening. Only those 21 and older are permitted.
LANGUAGE
Puerto Rico's official languages are Spanish and English. English is spoken in the tourism area.
POPULATION
The island's population is 3.7 million, approximately half of whom live in the San Juan metropolitan area.
POSTAL SERVICES
US Post Office branches are located in all island cities. Rates and services are the same as in the US.
RELIGION
Most religious denominations have English services on the weekends.
SAFETY
For the most part, common sense is all you need to be safe in Puerto Rico.
SHOPPING
Stores in Puerto Rico generally follow 9-6 Monday thru Saturday. Shopping malls are open 9-9
SIZE
One hundred ten miles long and 35 miles wide, Puerto Rico rises 4,390 feet at its highest point (Cerro de Punta) along its Central Mountain Range.
TELEPHONE
Virtually all the services provided in the US are available. AT&T, Sprint and other companies are widely available. There is NO phone in the condo, but pay phones are available.
TELEVISION & RADIO
Puerto Rico has several local television stations, but also receives all major English language stations from the US via cable. The condo is complete with a TV/VCR and there is a video rental just down the road.
TIME OF DAY
Puerto Rico is on Atlantic Standard time which is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
TIPPING
Tipping practices are similar to those found in the US. Suggested tipping is 15-17%.
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Last update: 7/20/04
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