Puerto Rico Currency and Credit Cards

As the official currency of Puerto Rico, the U.S. dollar is often called the peso

Plentiful Pesos

As a commonwealth of the United States, Puerto Rico uses the U.S. dollar. Some of the larger hotels in San Juan will reluctantly accept Canadian currency, but visitors from Canada are advised to convert cash to be safe. The dollar is often referred to as the "peso" in Puerto Rico, so don't be confused if a vendor gives you a total in pesos rather than dollars.

For those traveling to Puerto Rico from other parts of the world, it's a good idea to exchange at least enough money for airport incidentals and transportation to your hotel before you leave home, so you won't have to worry about exchanging money or whether your currency will be accepted when trying to get settled. Once you're on the island, however, currency exchange can be arranged through many institutions in Puerto Rico, including:

Exchange Counter
 Services & Location
 Telephone Number
Banco Popular Foreign currency exchange: any branch

International division: second floor, 1500 Ponce de León
 787-723-0077
Caribbean Foreign Exchange 201B Tetuan, Old San Juan 787-722-8222
Thomas Cook Foreign Exchange International Airport, Isla Verde

Popular Center Building, Hato Rey
 787-791-1960
787-791-2233
787-754-2228
Scotia Bank of Puerto Rico Any branch (Canadian conversion only)
 787-758-8989
Western Union cable money transfer: all Pueblo supermarkets 800-325-4046

Banking hours are generally from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

While cash is the main form of currency, all major credit cards are widely accepted: American Express, Visa, Diner's Club, Discover, Master Card, and other bank credit cards.

Automatic teller machines are the easiest way to get cash while you're away from home. Look at the back of your bank card to see which network you're on, then call or check online for ATM locations at your destination. The Cirrus network is worldwide, and any debit card endorsed by a major credit card is almost universally accepted. You may also get cash advances on your credit card at an ATM, provided that you've set up the system and have a personal identification number to use for such applications. No matter where you travel in Puerto Rico, an ATM will not be hard to find.

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