Transportation - Puerto Rico - page 560

Driver's License
Any valid driver's license can be used to rent and operate a car or scooter in Puerto Rico.
If you stay longer than 90 days, residency laws say you have to get a Puerto Rican license.
Fuel & Spare Parts
Esso, Shell, Texaco and other major oil companies maintain gas stations across the island.
In rural areas, stations usually close on Sunday. Almost everywhere on the island, gas sta-
tions generally stay open until about 7pm. At the time of research gas prices were about
10¢ per gallon lower than in the continental US, which is remarkably inexpensive by inter-
national standards. You can use credit cards for fuel purchases in all but rural areas. Don't
let your tank go dry, though, because the next station could be a long way up the road.
Garages aren't as readily available, so you should always take a spare tire and a jack with
you, and carry some water in case the engine overheats.
Itineraries that Won't Require a Car
» Staying in San Juan The hassles of traffic, parking and navigating the maze of thor-
oughfares make using a car in the city a challenge, to say the least.
» VisitingonlyCulebraorVieques If you are staying only on the islands, the best way to
get there is via público or inexpensive interisland flight. Considering the time and hassle,
the latter of these is a better option.
Insurance
Liability insurance is required in Puerto Rico, as in most US states. Insurance against dam-
age to the car, called Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), is
usually optional, but will often require you to pay for the first $100 or $500. Some credit-
card companies cover car rentals, so extra coverage may not be needed. Always take some
insurance - accidents happen far too easily. Most rental agencies prohibit taking a car to
Culebra or Vieques.
Road Conditions & Hazards
» Puerto Rico has more cars per square mile than any other place on earth - twice as many
as Los Angeles County - so expect traffic jams.