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A complete Puerto Rico packing list: 2024 essentials checklist
Stef fell in love with Puerto Rico through her recent summer adventures. She’s learned what truly makes a difference when packing for this tropical paradise. In this article, Stef shares packing tips and a checklist to help you prepare for everything from beach days to city explorations.
🎵 Ay ay ay Puerto Rico 🎵
What better theme song for your upcoming adventure than the Puerto Rico gem from Vaya Con Dios?
While its catchy chorus settles into your mind, let’s start thinking about what we need to be settling into your suitcase: what to pack for Puerto Rico!
In this article, I share my personal Puerto Rico packing list with you, based on what I wish I knew before visiting the country, and what I’ve learned after my trip to San Juan.
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Puerto Rico travel checklist
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What to know before packing for Puerto Rico
I found great discounts on flights to Puerto Rico in early September a few years ago and my partner and I decided to book the trip on a whim—without thinking it through.
The research came afterward and wow we were stressed about obtaining a visa in time for our departure!
The only things on my mind before buying our tickets were the countless things to do in Puerto Rico and how to fit every activity into our 2-week itinerary.
Every other worry—visa or no visa, the best season to visit in, language barrier, and local currency—came in just seconds after the ticket purchase.
Looking back, these are the things I wish I had known before booking my trip so I could prepare accordingly and stress-free:
Travel documents to enter Puerto Rico
Before booking your trip to The Isla del Encanto, make sure you check whether you need a visa, passport, or just an ID to enter the country.
Puerto Rico is a territory in the United States, which means travelers from the mainland U.S. can visit without a passport or visa.
If you travel from Alaska, Hawaii, or other U.S. territories, you will need a valid passport to visit Puerto Rico.
Residents from other countries than the US and Canada will need a visa to enter Puerto Rico.
Generally, these are the documents you’ll need when traveling to Puerto Rico:
- Passport
- Credit card
- Valid photo ID
- Driver’s license
- Travel insurance
Puerto Rico climate
Puerto Rico is home to an endless summer, with temperatures averaging 70°F (21°C) to 90°F (32°C) throughout the year, except in areas with higher elevation where temperatures can go as low as 61°F (16°C).
Although hot and humid all year round, Puerto Rico experiences a few slightly cooler months during the dry season.
From December to April, the island is at its peak season, with hot, humid, and sunny weather almost every day.
The temperatures are a bit lower during this time of year, but still beach-perfect, with the lowest being 70°F (21°C).
The wet season runs from April through to November. During this time of year, rainfall is more frequent, afternoon thunderstorms happen almost every day, and temperatures get as high as 89°F (31.6°C).
Even though the wet season is characterized by heavy downpours, chances are the south of the island will be sunny even during island-wide rainfall.
Although, you can still enjoy some beach time by the Caribbean coastline when visiting during the wet season—that’s what we did!
We enjoyed the less-crowded season but we were not thoroughly prepared for the amount of rain that followed us around.
Thankfully, a local tour guide told us to go south whenever we want to catch some sun.
Fun Fact: Thanks to the island’s topography, the south-side (on the Caribbean coastline) typically sees less rain than the northern Atlantic coast!
Official currency
The official currency in Puerto Rico is the US dollar. This means no currency exchange fees for US travelers.
Make sure to bring some cash along with you for shopping at locally-owned smaller shops, buying your lunch from food vendors on the streets, and tipping service providers who assist you along the way.
Puerto Rico’s language
Knowing Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, I assumed everyone would speak English. While that’s true to some extent—locals in tourist areas can communicate in English—Spanish is Puerto Rico’s first language.
That wasn’t the greatest news for me, as my Spanish is quite limited, and besides “el niño come una manzana” I don’t know much else—thanks, Duo Lingo!
Next time I visit, I’ll make sure to bring a travel guide to Puerto Rico with some common phrases and useful words in Spanish so I can get around even in less touristy areas and get to impress some locals.
Below you can find my updated packing list. It features items I had with me and were useful, and items I wish I had brought with me. Let’s start with the essentials!
Essential things to bring to Puerto Rico
Now you know what to expect in terms of weather, currency, and legal requirements, you can start thinking about what to pack for Puerto Rico.
I’ll help you figure it out by giving you my personal Puerto Rico packing list, updated after my eight-day vacation on the island.
It includes everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay—from clothing and electronics to activity-specific items and toiletries.
Clothing, footwear, and accessories
Puerto Rico’s beautiful weather calls for summer clothing and sun-protective accessories all year round. Depending on the season, you may want to throw some rain gear into your luggage too.
If you’re planning to stay only on the Caribbean Coast, basking in the sun and chilling in the shade of palm trees, you’ll need shorts, t-shirts, and flowy dresses both during the summer and winter time.
Here’s what clothing items, footwear, and accessories I have on my list of Puerto Rico travel essentials and what you should too.
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- Tank tops
- Cover-ups
- Swimsuits
- Sundresses
- Water shoes
- Light sweater
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Lightweight pants or capris
- Lightweight scarf or sarong
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Casual dresses or collared shirts
- Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
Electronics
As much as we romanticize disconnecting from the world, traveling to a foreign country is so much more convenient with an internet connection.
While in Puerto Rico, I liked having the convenience of pulling up my phone to look up a local restaurant, Google our next adventure, and search for random facts that popped up in my mind while sunbathing—without having to consider roaming expenses.
To have this flexibility, consider buying a eSIM card for Puerto Rico and enjoy high-speed mobile data without hidden costs.
My electronics Puerto Rico packing list also includes:
- eSIM
- Headphones
- Bluetooth speaker
- Waterproof camera
- Waterproof phone case
- Travel adapter/power plug adapter
Beach Gear
I grew up and currently live by the sea. I’ve been comfortable in beach gear since I was two! In this department, I was more than prepared.
I packed everything we needed for a sunburn-free, cozy beach vacation.
These are the things to bring to Puerto Rico if you’re planning to sink your days away into the warm sands of tropical paradise:
- Cooler bag
- Sunglasses
- Beach towel
- Beach blanket
- Beach umbrella
- Daypack or backpack
- Reusable shopping bag
- Sun-protective clothing
- Insulated, reusable water bottle
- Snorkeling gear (also available for rent locally)
Toiletries
When packing for Puerto Rico, don’t forget to make a list of your toiletries! Even though most of these are a no-brainer, it’s easy to forget your SPF lip balm in the midst of the packing chaos.
Take it from me—I have sun-burned lips in all my vacation photos.
Here’s what toiletries to bring to Puerto Rico:
- Q-tips
- Wet wipes
- Deodorant
- Moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Insect repellent
- Lip balm with SPF
- Body wash or soap
- Hairbrush or comb
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Personal medications
- Motion sickness tablets
- Razor and shaving cream
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Makeup and makeup remover
- Aloe vera gel or after-sun soothing lotion
To this core list of Puerto Rico travel essentials, you can add activity-specific items to be prepared for your adventures.
What to pack for Puerto Rico based on activities
On top of what you’d normally pack for international travel, you’ll want to customize your packing list according to your plans.
To be prepared for anything Puerto Rico throws at you, make sure you plan your activities ahead as much as possible—at least the more adventurous ones.
I learned this the hard way while taking a spontaneous kayak tour without proper prep beforehand.
No dry bag for valuables and no change of dry clothes meant wet cash and an uncomfortable walk back to our accommodation after my kayak went upside-down.
When thinking about what to bring to Puerto Rico, stir your itinerary into your decision-making process.
Beach and water activities
It’s safe to say I spent around 80% of my vacation days in the water, in one form or another. And, how could I not?
Puerto Rico is a breathtaking oasis of water adventures, with endless fun opportunities—from thrilling flyboarding above the ocean and sliding on smooth rocks in natural waterfalls to kayaking through mangrove forests and surfing the swirling turquoise waves. We did it all, and you could too!
Here’s what to pack for Puerto Rico if you’re planning to do what I did and only leave the water when it’s time to reapply sun protection:
- Water shoes
- Bathing suit
- Waterproof camera
- Waterproof band-aids
- Waterproof phone case
- Waterproof bag for wet gear
- Sun-protective, long-sleeved shirt
- Dry bag to keep documents and cash safe
- Small first aid kit (for minor scrapes and injuries)
Nature excursions
The tropical island is no short of natural beauty—with lush rainforests hugging the white sandy beaches, fairytale-like waterfalls, and crystal clear blue waters.
You want to see it all, I know, I did too. These are the things to bring to Puerto Rico for lovely trips in nature:
- Sun hat
- Bug spray
- Headlamp
- Binoculars
- Portable fan
- Light rain coat
- Running shoes
- Mosquito repellent
- Quick-dry workout clothes
- Physical map or GPS device
- Portable charger/power bank
- Hiking shoes or hiking sandals
- Energy bars and electrolyte drinks
City exploration
I’d love to tell you that we ventured past San Juan and Ponce, but we were hesitant to stray away from the touristy areas.
Next time, we’ve promised ourselves that we would explore more and experience the authentic life of Puerto Rico.
Even though we had a more conventional trip, it was not short of urban exploration—especially on rainy days when the beach wasn’t an option.
Here’s what to bring to Puerto Rico if you’re planning to get lost in the island’s cities and towns:
- Sunscreen
- Fanny pack
- Travel umbrella
- Hat and sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Lightweight backpack
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light rain jacket and umbrella
- Guidebook with local recommendations
Nightlife and dining out
If the full days of fun and wander won’t get the best of you and you’ll still be up for a party, Puerto Rico’s buzzing nightlife will give you the most memorable nights out.
From entire nightlife-dedicated districts crowded with trendy clubs, bars, and lounges to street parties, live music restaurants, and concerts, you’ll find events to spark your excitement.
My favorite night activity was definitely the street party in La Placita de Santurce, a farmer’s market by day that transforms into a full-on festival at night.
Here’s what to pack for Puerto Rico if you’re planning to take advantage of its lively nightlife or go out to romantic dinners in nice restaurants:
- Stylish shoes
- Dressy outfits
- Comfortable flats
- Evening bag or clutch
- Travel-sized grooming products
- Accessories (such as jewelry and belts)
Essential Puerto Rico packing list tips
Before you zip up your bags, there are a few things to double-check. Have you packed the right shoes? What about weather-appropriate outfits? And bug spray—will you need it?
Here are a few more packing tips to ensure you’ll be comfy, cozy, and connected during your trip to Puerto Rico.
Choose comfortable footwear
As much as I like the idea of shopping for vacation outfits, when it comes to shoes, it’s best to stick to your tried, true, and tested pairs.
A tropical vacation is definitely not the right time or place to test new footwear at the expense of your well-being.
Sure, bring that fancy new pair of sandals for a few Instagram photos, but after your photoshoot, opt for comfortable shoes that will keep your feet blister-free while exploring the wonders of Puerto Rico.
Don’t forget insect repellent
Bugs weren’t an issue for most of our trip, except for some sand fleas on the beach.
That all changed when we went kayaking through the mangroves, and any exposed skin became an appetizing snack for the mosquitoes.
If you’re planning to visit the mangrove forests, drench yourself in insect repellent and bring some itch cream with you.
Pack lightweight clothing
The humidity makes the temperatures feel much hotter than they actually register on thermometers.
Don’t be fooled by your weather app displaying cozy temperatures and think you’d be comfortable wearing anything other than lightweight clothing.
Bring clothes made from breathable fabrics that dry quickly and allow the breeze to cool your skin underneath.
Buy an eSIM for flexible internet access
Having learned from previous trips that roaming is a no-go for traveling outside my home country, I rented a Pocket WiFi device.
Although less expensive than relying on roaming for an internet connection, my Pocket WiFi device was an inconvenience. It was just another thing to carry around and keep track of.
Now that I recently upgraded to an eSIM-compatible mobile phone, there’s no question about it: next time I’m off to the Island of Enchantment, I’m adding an eSIM for Puerto Rico to my packing list.
An eSIM takes no space in my carry on and it doesn’t require me to change SIMs (I can never find that little SIM ejector tool to save my life 🙄). The costs of eSIMs are also unchallenged!
With Holalfly’s eSIM for Puerto Rico, for example, plans start from $27 USD for five days of unlimited, high-speed mobile internet.
This means you’ll pay as little as $5.40 per day to stay connected 24/7 while on your merry way to explore Puerto Rico’s wonders.
Need cellular internet on your next trip?
Use the code MYESIMNOW5 and get a Holafly data eSIM with a 5% discount.
Wrapping up your Puerto Rico packing list
There you have it! A complete overview of what to pack for Puerto Rico so you’ll be ready to hop on a kayak and paddle your way into the sunset, sip a Margarita by the shore, or dance your worries away during a party to remember.
Don’t forget to look for the best SIM card for Puerto Rico before your flight! You will need mobile data to look for the next event, book tomorrow’s adventure, or that secret, remote beach you heard the locals whispering about!
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Living in Romania's only coastal city, Constanta, Stefania Manea has been in the content marketing space for 9 years. She discovered her passion for writing while studying Maritime Engineering, which led her to switch her career path and join the marketing industry. Since then, she has relentlessly written copy and content for renowned brands in the B2B SaaS landscape, including MarkUp.io, Toggl, MarineTraffic, Route4Me, and Insense. She values creativity, loves horror novels, and occasionally believes in ghosts!
