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Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island with a difference.

Monday, May 12, 2008 4:46 PM CDT

Puerto Rico has the pristine beaches, tropical climate, crystal-blue sea and coconut palms characteristic of its counterparts, but along with its unmistakable Spanish colonial heritage, the island is today part of the United States Commonwealth, meaning it has a first world infrastructure mixed in with its traditional Latin American culture.

Hamburgers are as endemic as island dishes like 'sancocho', and freeways connect shantytowns to strips of high-rise beachfront hotels. The second thing that makes Puerto Rico different to other Caribbean holiday Meccas is that it remains largely undeveloped, except for the coastal region around its capital city, San Juan. The island is edged with some magnificent beaches featuring coral reefs, most uncommercialised and easily reached from the capital and its large resort hotels because the island is small and compact.

Exploring Puerto Rico, both around its coast and the interior, is a delight. Roads are excellent and there are numerous interesting attractions and unrivalled experiences, from the world's largest radio telescope to the magical experience of swimming at night amongst tiny phosphorescent creatures on the offshore island of Vieques.

Historically Puerto Rico, like many other Caribbean islands, was originally inhabited by Taino Indians until the arrival of Christopher Columbus and the instigation of Spanish rule and settlement. The island's capital and larger towns have preserved their Spanish heritage as 'old quarter' tourist attractions, full of charm and interest. Puerto Rico is a hybrid of old and new which makes it an intriguing destination, rather than just another tropical island paradise.

Basics

Time: Local time is GMT -4.

Electricity: Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin flat attachment plugs are in use.

Money: The United States Dollar (USD) is the unit of currency, which is divided into 100 cents. It is often referred to as the 'peso' in Puerto Rico. ATMs and bureaux de change are freely available and all major credit cards and travellers cheques are generally accepted. Banking hours are 9am to 3.30pm.

Currency Exchange Rates

US$ 1= US$ 1.00 £ 0.51 C$ 1.00 A$ 1.14 R 6.89 EUR 0.68 NZ$ 1.30

Note: This is not updated daily and should be used as a guide only.

Language: Spanish and English are the official languages of Puerto Rico.

Entry Requirements for Americans: There is no immigration control for United States citizens arriving from the United States. However, US citizens arriving in Puerto Rico from Central or South American countries, or from Caribbean islands, require proof of United States citizenship or a birth certificate; those arriving from elsewhere should have a United States passport.

Health: There are no vaccination certificates required for travel to Puerto Rico, but travellers are advised to be up to date with routine vaccinations. Cases of dengue fever occur annually and mosquito protection measures are essential. It is best to drink bottled water to avoid stomach upsets. Thoroughly wash or peel produce you buy in markets before eating it. Medical services are good but can be expensive; medical insurance is advised.

Tipping: Some restaurants and hotels automatically add a 10 to 17% service charge to the bill, if not a 15% tip is expected. Taxi drivers and bar staff also expect tips.

Safety: Visits to Puerto Rico are usually trouble-free but travellers should take sensible precautions to avoid petty theft.

Business: Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory although the resemblance is closer to Latin America. English is understood by many on the island, but Spanish may also be the language in which business is conducted. Dress codes will vary according to different sectors, but suits are favoured on very formal occasions. Shaking hands is common for both men and women. Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken at lunch.

Communications: The international access code for Puerto Rico is +1 787 and +1 939. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom). The outgoing code is not needed for calling the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean. Mobile phones work throughout the island and local operators use CDMA networks that are not compatible with GSM phones, as used outside North America. Internet cafes are available in most towns and resorts.

Duty Free: Puerto Rico's customs regulations are the same as those for the United States. Visitors over 21 may bring in the following items without paying duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 2kg of tobacco; 1 litre of alcohol; and gifts valued up to US$100. There is a long list of restricted and prohibited items which may not be imported or imported only under license, ranging from fireworks and matches to pre-Columbian sculpture and Cuban cigars. If in doubt consult your nearest US Embassy for advice. Any merchandise from embargoed countries (Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Serbia and Montenegro and the Sudan) may not be brought onto US soil.

Activities

Golf

A links-lover's paradise, Puerto Rico is home to more than 20 golf courses, of which almost all could be considered championship-level courses. Puerto Rico's luxury resorts offer some of the best golf courses on the island. The Westin Río Mar Beach Resort and Country Club near San Juan features two world-class oceanside courses. Northwest of San Juan is the Hyatt Regency Cerromar Beach Resort & Casino and Hyatt Dorado Beach Resort & Casino featuring four Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed courses and arguably the best golfing to be found on the island. The Wyndham El Conquistador Resort and Country Club and the Palmas Del Mar Resort & Villas in Humacao also offer two of the most breathtaking courses in the Caribbean.

Scuba diving

Scuba diving and snorkelling, for beginners and experts alike, is the reason why Puerto Rico is often called the Caribbean's best kept underwater secret. Off the southwest coast, from the village of La Parguera to the city of Ponce, lie some of the island's most extraordinary dive sites, including the Black Wall, home of the Caribbean's rarely seen black coral. Another noteworthy spot is Isla Mona, off the west coast of Puerto Rico, known as the Galapagos of the Caribbean. It is home to sea turtles, dolphins and various species of rare marine life. Scuba Diving Magazine readers voted Puerto Rico one of the top five destinations for shore diving in 2006, and the island was in the top 20 for overall diving. For visitors looking to get close to the water, but not necessarily submerged in it, Puerto Rico offers various other water sports such as world-class surfing, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking and deep-sea fishing.