Quick answer
The US dollar. Puerto Rico is a US territory, so the currency is the same as in the 50 states. US visitors do not need to exchange money. International visitors exchange into USD at a bank, airport desk or ATM.
- Cash and major cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) work almost everywhere. Some small spots set a card minimum.
- Venmo and Cash App are uncommon. Puerto Rico’s everyday P2P app is ATH Móvil (by Evertec).
- IVU sales tax is 11.5% on most goods and services (see our IVU calculator).
- Locals also call the dollar a “dólar,” a nickel a “vellón,” and a penny a “chavo.”
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?
What currency does Puerto Rico use?
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.
You can on Puerto Rico’s status in our article Is Puerto Rico Part of the US?
Venmo and Cash App are uncommon on the island. The local person-to-person payment app is ATH Móvil, run by Evertec and tied to Puerto Rico bank accounts. Visitors usually stick to cards and cash.
Sales tax (IVU) is 11.5% on most goods and services. Use our IVU calculator to see what you will pay.
Does Puerto Rico have their own currency?
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.
How much is the U.S. dollar 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?
What is a dollar called in Puerto Rico?
The Spanish word is dólar. You will also hear everyday nicknames for coins:
- Vellón — a 5-cent coin (nickel). Confirmed by the Real Academia Española as Puerto Rican usage.
- Chavo — a cent (penny); chavos is also used for money in general. Also listed by the RAE for Puerto Rico.
Older slang for quarters and dimes varies by town and generation, so do not count on one word. Most people in tourist areas also speak English when you pay.
Before you book, skim our 30 travel tips.
Final thoughts
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.
Frequently asked questions
What currency does Puerto Rico use?
The US dollar (USD). Puerto Rico is a US territory, so there is no separate island currency.
Do I need to exchange money for Puerto Rico?
Not if you already use dollars. International visitors should get USD before arrival or withdraw from an ATM on the island.
Do businesses in Puerto Rico take credit cards?
Most do — Visa, Mastercard and American Express are widely accepted. Carry some cash for small shops, food trucks and tips.
Does Puerto Rico have Venmo or Cash App?
Rarely. The local P2P payment app is ATH Móvil. Visitors usually pay with cards or cash.
What is the sales tax in Puerto Rico?
IVU is 11.5% on most goods and services. Hotels and some tourist services may add other fees.
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 (2022-12-27). Reviewed and updated October 2026: facts were checked against the sources above.