TRAVEL TIPS

Communications

Internet

Internet access in Puerto Rico is as widespread as it is on the U.S. mainland. You can expect rooms in large hotels or resorts to have plug-in Ethernet access or Wi-Fi—or, more likely, both. Many hotels also have business centers; these may be quite sophisticated or merely a computer terminal or two for guest use. In smaller B&Bs and inns, Wi-Fi is occasionally limited to common areas only, but this is the exception rather than the rule. If it’s important to you, call ahead to double-check that the hotel you want to stay in can meet your needs. Wi-Fi is also available in many chain restaurants, including Burger King and Starbucks, as well as some local cafés.

Phones

All Puerto Rican phone numbers consist of a three-digit area code and a seven-digit local number, just like those in the United States. Puerto Rico's area codes are 787 and 939. Toll-free numbers, with the prefixes 800, 888, or 877, are widely used in Puerto Rico, and most can be accessed from North America. By the same token, you can also access most North American toll-free numbers from the island.

Most major American cell-phone companies consider Puerto Rico as part of regular nationwide calling, so it’s unlikely that those with U.S. calling plans will incur roaming charges during a visit. Nevertheless, it’s always best to call your provider to confirm before you travel. Companies that offer service in Puerto Rico include AT&T, Claro, T-Mobile, and Sprint.

Note that calling from a hotel is almost always expensive; hotels usually add huge surcharges to all calls, particularly international ones. Locally purchased calling cards can help keep costs to a minimum.

Contacts

AT&T . 800/331–0500; www.att.com.

Claro. 866/981--2355; www.claropr.com.

Sprint International Access. 800/877–8000; www.sprint.com .

Calling Cards

Phone cards are widely available in shops, supermarkets, and drugstores, as well as from the local phone company, Claro.

Information

Ring Cards. 866/981–2355; www.clarotodo.com.

Cellular Abroad. Cellular Abroad rents and sells phones, SIM cards, and Mi-Fi hot spots that work in many countries. 800/287–5072; www.cellularabroad.com.

Mobal. Mobal rents and sells cell phones, SIM cards, and Mi-Fi devices that will operate in more than 190 countries. Per-call rates vary throughout the world. 888/888–9162; www.mobal.com.

PlanetFone. PlanetFone rents cell phones, but the per-minute rates are expensive. 888/988–4777; www.planetfone.com.

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