Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Telephone
Cell Phones
The good news for American travelers is that all major US cell phone carriers provide ser-
vice in Puerto Rico, and travelers do not have to suffer high international calling rates.
The island is small and the upside of the towers that mar the tops of the central mountains
is that coverage is generally very good, especially on the coast. For US travelers, making
calls with a cell phone is exactly like being at home. Foreign travelers who are going to
be in Puerto Rico for an extended period should look into getting a prepaid cellular phone,
widely available from kiosks in shopping malls and ubiquitous cell-phone stores.
From Hotels
Hotels hike up the price of local calls by almost 200%, and long-distance rates are raised
between 100% and 200%. Many hotels (especially the more expensive ones) add a service
charge of between 50¢ and $1 for each local call made from a room phone, and also add
hefty surcharges for long-distance calls. Public pay phones, which can be found in most
lobbies, are always cheaper.
Phone Codes
All phone numbers within Puerto Rico consist of a three-digit area code (787) followed by
a seven-digit local number. If you are calling locally, just dial the seven-digit number.
» To call the island from the US, dial 1 + 787 + the seven-digit number. Call the island
from any other overseas destination the same way, after dialing the appropriate code for an
international line in your country.
» For directory assistance on the island, dial 411.
» For US directory assistance outside Puerto Rico, dial 1 + the three-digit area code of
the place you want to call + 555-1212. For example, to obtain directory assistance for a
toll-free number, dial 1-800-555-1212 or 1-888-555-1212.
» If you need Puerto Rican directory assistance while you're outside the country, dial
1-787-555-1212.
» The 800, 866 and 888 area codes are designated for toll-free numbers within Puerto Rico,
the US and sometimes Canada as well. These calls are free.
