Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Left
Umbrella sun protection
Center
Beware of pickpockets
Right
Local police
Security and Health
!
Emergencies
Juan's Condado and Isla
Verde beaches. Stay alert
when walking along the
back streets of San Juan
and the area around Old
San Juan's cemetery and
La Perla district. There is
scant regard for traffic
regulations, so be sure
to drive carefully.
Rican men. Usually it
takes the form of
harmless, though
sometimes vulgar,
comments. Avoid
remote beaches and
walking alone at night.
(
Prescription
In an emergency,
dial 911 for fire, police,
or medical assistance.
Hotels can also arrange
for a doctor in an emer-
gency. Major disasters,
such as hurricanes and
floods, are handled by
Puerto Rico Emergency
Management Agency.
@
Health Services
Medicines
It is always a good idea
to bring along enough
prescription medications
to last the duration of
your stay. Still, pharmacies
are ubiquitous in Puerto
Rico and there should be
no problem getting refills
should the need arise.
)
Water and Food
%
Harassment
Many visitors may
experience some level
of harassment in tourist
areas, from touts offering
services or selling trin-
kets. Rudeness rarely
produces a satisfactory
outcome - a firm “no”
should suffice. Should
you wish to lodge a
formal complaint, call
1800 866 7827.
Local health standards
are comparable with
those of the US main-
land. There are doctors
and hospitals in all cities,
and clinics in smaller
towns. Many large hotels
have nurses on staff. Your
hotel may also be able to
recommend an English-
speaking doctor. Invest in
insurance for travel, as
fees for medical services
can be high. Most US
health-insurance plans
are accepted.
£
Pickpockets
Hygiene
Tap water is said to be
safe to drink, but try to
stick to bottled water.
Food hygiene is generally
good, but avoid food that
has been in the sun or
stood too long on a
buffet counter.
^
Police
Tourist police patrol
Old San Juan, as well as
Condado and Isla Verde.
Every town has a local
police station. Be aware
that low-ranking offices
may not have English-
speaking staff.
Plenty of tourists get
lulled into a false sense
of security and are
victims of pickpocketing
or opportunistic snatch-
and-grab theft. Avoid
wearing jewelry in public,
keep wallets in a secure
pouch, and keep your
valuables in a hotel safe.
$
Personal Safety
Directory
Emergencies
• Police: 787 343 2020
• Puerto Rico
Emergency
Management Agency:
787 729 7637
Hospitals
• Ashford Presbyterian
Community Hospital,
San Juan: Map X1-X2;
787 721 2160
• Perea Hospital,
Mayagüez: Map B4;
787 834 0101
• Dr. Pila Hospital,
Ponce: Map F5;
787 848 5600
&
Sunstroke
The tropical sun is
intense, so make sure
you use sunscreen with
a high UV factor, plus a
hat, sunglasses, and
long-sleeved shirts.
Avoid the midday sun.
See a doctor if, after sun
exposure, you feel nause-
ous, dizzy, or chilled.
The US State
Department issues no
special travel advisories
for Puerto Rico, where
violent crime against
tourists is extremely rare.
However, muggings have
occurred at night on San
*
Women Travelers
Women can receive a
fair amount of unwanted
attention from Puerto
108
