Puerto Rico uses the same currency as the rest of the United States; the US dollar.
Traveling between Puerto Rico and the states is incredibly easy since there’s no money exchange involved.
While the money is the same, costs can vary greatly between the island and the states.
In this article, I will cover everything that you need to know about money in Puerto Rico:
– What currency does Puerto Rico use?
– Does Puerto Rico have their own currency?
– How much is the U.S. dollar in Puerto Rico?
– What is a Dollar called in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico uses the US dollar.
Because of the island’s status as a commonwealth, the money used here is the exact same as the one used across the 50 U.S. states.
For non-American visitors, it’s important to know this currency comes in paper bills of $100, $50, 20, $10, $5, and $1. Coins can be worth ¢1, ¢5, ¢10, or ¢25 cents.
All businesses accept cash, and most accept major cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express).
Some might require a purchase minimum to run the transaction, so check each spot individually.
Unlike the US, most local spots don’t accept money transaction apps (such as Cashapp, Venmo, Zelle). PayPal is your best bet with apps.
You can read more on Puerto Rico’s status in our article Is Puerto Rico Part of the US?
Puerto Rico does not have its own currency, only the U.S. dollar.
For international travelers, most banks and airports have designated offices to exchange all currencies for the U.S. dollar.
When planning a vacation, this won’t matter much.
Plane or cruise tickets, hotel reservations, and rental vehicles can all be arranged and paid for beforehand to simplify the process.
Once you’re here, carrying cards, and a small amount of cash is the best option.
You can learn more about reserving these details with our articles on Renting a Car in Puerto Rico, and the 50 Best Vacation Rentals in Puerto Rico.
The U.S. dollar is worth the same in Puerto Rico as in the other 50 states.
Do keep in mind your dollar may not stretch as far, since prices in Puerto Rico are generally higher than in the mainland U.S.
Food is usually at a higher cost than in the 48 continuous states, since most of it has to be imported.
Farmers’ markets in Puerto Rico have great local foods at good prices.
For international visitors, exchange rates can vary so make sure to check before booking your trip.
If you want a better idea of how much it can cost to visit, check out our article How Much Does It Cost To Go To Puerto Rico For Vacation?
The literal translation is “dólar”, but locals also refer to them as “pesos” (bucks).
Quarters are “pesetas”, dimes are “fichas”, nickels are “vellones”, and pennies are “chavitos”.
Most people do speak English, so ordering and paying should be easy for anyone visiting.
Before you book your trip, take a look at our article 30 Travel Tips & Things to Know Before Traveling to Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico uses the US dollar (USD) as their only currency.
This makes planning vacations almost effortless for US citizens and international visitors alike.
If you are looking for fun activities, then check out our article 45 Best Things To Do In Puerto Rico.
If you need some travel inspiration, then read our article How To Spend A Week In Puerto Rico (7-Day Itinerary).
Finally, if you need help deciding where to stay, then read our article Where To Stay In Puerto Rico – 13 Best Places & Areas.
Writer at PuertoRico.com. I am a writer, editor, and freelancer. I was born and raised in San Germán, Puerto Rico, where I experienced the best landscapes, local eateries, and shops the region has to offer. Sharing the rich culture and history of Puerto Rico’s Southwest gives me the perfect reason to keep exploring!
