Quick answer
- Currency: U.S. dollar (USD).
- From the mainland: no foreign-exchange step.
- Tax: standard IVU is often 11.5% at checkout — IVU calculator.
The short answer
Puerto Rico uses the United States dollar. Prices, ATMs and card networks quote USD. Visitors from the U.S. mainland already hold the local currency; others should exchange into USD before or after arrival.
Cards, cash and IVU
Major cards work in cities and tourist areas; carry some cash for kiosks, ferries and small towns. Shelf prices often exclude IVU, which is added at the register. Run the numbers on our IVU calculator or estimate a tip with the tip calculator.
Budget tools
Trip cost calculator · All calculators · Shops directory · Services · Add your business.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to change money for Puerto Rico?
If you already use U.S. dollars, no. Other currencies should be exchanged into USD.
Is the Puerto Rican peso used?
No. Day-to-day commerce uses the U.S. dollar.
Is sales tax included in menu prices?
Often not; IVU is commonly added at the register.
Sources we checked
Checked in October 2026. Where a fact could not be confirmed against a primary source, we removed it or said so.
Originally published on PuertoRico.com (2026-10-29). Reviewed and updated October 2026: facts were checked against the sources above.