Puerto Rico is a comparatively secure vacation spot with a decrease crime price than many different areas of the USA. It is likely one of the most secure Caribbean islands.
A lot of the violent gun crime in Puerto Rico is expounded to drug trafficking and gang exercise, which not often impacts guests.
Examine additionally: Greatest seashores in Puerto Rico for 2023
Vacationer scams in Puerto Rico to keep away from
As with every in style vacationer vacation spot, Puerto Rico has sadly been the location of varied scams and schemes aimed toward making the most of unsuspecting guests. Listed here are a few of the commonest vacationer scams to be careful for:
Pretend taxi drivers: Some scammers pose as taxi drivers and prey on vacationers who’re unfamiliar with the realm. They could overcharge for rides or take passengers on unnecessarily lengthy routes to extend the fare. At all times be sure that the taxi you’re entering into is licensed and clearly marked with the taxi firm’s title and cellphone quantity.
Timeshare shows: Some resorts and trip rental corporations provide freebies or deeply discounted costs for attending a timeshare presentation. Nevertheless, these shows might be high-pressure and final for much longer than marketed. Earlier than attending any presentation, analysis the corporate and browse critiques from earlier attendees.
Road distributors: Whereas many road distributors in Puerto Rico are authentic, some might promote counterfeit items or overcharge for souvenirs. It’s at all times a good suggestion to barter costs and be sure you’re getting what you paid for earlier than making a purchase order.
Cash-changing scams: When exchanging forex, make sure to take action at a good financial institution or alternate workplace. Some scammers might provide to vary cash on the road, however they might provide you with pretend payments or use sleight of hand to take a few of your cash.
Rental scams: Be cautious of renting autos or lodging from unlicensed or unknown corporations. At all times analysis the corporate and browse critiques earlier than making a reserving, and remember to totally examine the rental earlier than handing over any cash.
“Useful” locals: Some scammers might pose as pleasant locals who provide to indicate you round or aid you along with your baggage. They could then demand fee for his or her companies or steal your belongings when you’re distracted. It’s greatest to politely decline any unsolicited assist and be cautious of strangers.
LATEST UPDATES / NEWS from PUERTO RICO:
July 19 – A Maryland teenager was shot and killed whereas on trip in Puerto Rico
In line with officers, Tommy Grays, also referred to as Trey, his uncle and stepfather have been all shot on the seaside at La Isla Resort.
In line with NBC4, authorities declare that the killing was the results of a “focused capturing,” and so they declare that it occurred throughout an argument.
As reported by a number of media shops, together with NBC4, Fox5DC and CBS Baltimore, Carlos Aníbal Rosado Martnez, 23, has been arrested and is charged with homicide and tried homicide, in addition to firearms crimes.
Might 12 – Puerto Rico has seen a 50 p.c enhance in worldwide site visitors this 12 months
For the reason that summer season of 2020, when the island seized the chance to capitalize on the dearth of a passport requirement to usher in a brand new period of tourism, Puerto Rico has been one of many fastest-growing destinations within the Caribbean.
In actual fact, the island has seen a speedy enhance in tourism numbers in 2023, persevering with a pattern that exhibits no indicators of slowing down.
Luis Munoz Marin Worldwide Airport, San Juan’s principal airport, had a scorching month in Might with passenger site visitors up 15.5 p.c to 1,089,726.
Because of new and expanded routes from international locations comparable to Mexico and Spain, there was a exceptional 50 p.c enhance in worldwide site visitors.
Home site visitors additionally elevated by 12.6%, with San Juan recording a complete of 4,952,566 passengers this 12 months.
Might 4 – Three individuals lifeless and two injured after a capturing in Puerto Rico
Officers say a shooting within the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico has left three individuals lifeless and two injured.
In line with authorities, the killings occurred at a nook retailer within the southern coastal metropolis of Guayama.
The 2 injured victims have been taken to a hospital, however police stated they didn’t understand how they have been doing.
It was unclear what triggered the capturing. No different particulars have been initially out there.
There have been 140 murders reported on the island of three.2 million to this point this 12 months, in contrast with 171 in the identical interval final 12 months.
April 18 – 63 individuals charged with drug trafficking in Puerto Rico
A six-count indictment handed down by a federal grand jury within the District of Puerto Rico accuses 63 individuals of trafficking medication within the Puerto Rican metropolis of San Germán. The investigation was carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Safety Investigations (HSI), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB) Mayagüez Strike Pressure. With the help of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the USA Marshals Service (USMS), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the United Nations, indictments and arrests have been accomplished. These investigations and arrests are a part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Process Pressure (OCDETF) program.
“This case is a primary instance of profitable drug interdiction operations that consequence from collaborative work between federal and state businesses,” stated W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Lawyer for the District of Puerto Rico. “We will take away wrongdoers from the streets and produce stability and peace to our communities once we collectively apply our sources, personnel, and operational experience to bear in opposition to intensive organized crime networks.”
Why go to Puerto Rico?
With its Caribbean common temperature of 80 levels, alongside blue skies, seashores, and colourful landscapes, no one would query touring to Puerto Rico. Listed here are, 3 extra causes to do it.
1. Previous San Juan
The colourful neighborhood paved with distinctive blue stones affords a myriad of eating places, bars, and out of doors cafes amidst an space stuffed with historical past and tradition.
2. Santurce
The suitable place for these into music and artwork. Santurce is roofed with murals, bars, and cafes. Greatest for individuals touring on a funds.
3. Vieques
Dwelling to a few of the most lovely seashores within the Caribbean, in addition to the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. Benefit from the seaside whereas recognizing semi-wild horses passing by.
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March 16 – A 30-year previous girl went to PR to have a good time birthday however by no means got here again
A Henrico mom remains to be searching for information after studying that her daughter left for a visit to Puerto Rico in February however by no means returned.
Within the early morning hours of Feb. 25, Oneisha Simone Shearin, 30, was discovered lifeless in her lodge toilet in San Juan.
“I fell to my knees. That is the worst feeling I’ve have ever felt in my life,” stated Maggie Watkins, Shearin’s mom.
For many who liked Shearin, the lengthy weekend journey to have a good time a buddy’s birthday became a nightmare.
Greater than three weeks after her dying, Watkins defined that she is simply concerned about studying how her daughter handed.
February 23 – Police: Boy amongst 3 killed at Puerto Rico birthday celebration
On Monday night time, a bunch of armed people fired shots at a birthday celebration within the northern Puerto Rican city of Cataño, ensuing within the deaths of three people, together with a 4-year-old baby.
The assault additionally left two different kids, aged 9 and 10, injured. The incident occurred at a public housing complicated. The police reported that two males have been killed on the spot, whereas the younger baby handed away at a hospital the next day.
Authorities have confirmed that the kid was not associated to the boys. The police suspect that the capturing was associated to drug trafficking. No arrests have been made up to now.
February 22 – Puerto Rico’s Artisans Are Celebrated in New Tourism Marketing campaign
Discover Puerto Rico, the island’s vacation spot advertising and marketing group, has simply released the second installment of its Dwell Boricua marketing campaign, which options movies spotlighting native craftsmen and designers. They make gadgets in Puerto Rico Sunshine, a shade developed by the group in collaboration with the Pantone Shade Institute.
The present advertising and marketing effort is a departure from the marketing campaign’s preliminary part, which was largely centered on traveler experiences on the island.
“Our newest marketing campaign was constructed out of seeing this variation in individuals desirous to have extra connection to the locations they have been visiting apart from the standard ‘fly and flop’ trip,” stated Uncover Puerto Rico’s Chief Advertising and marketing Officer Leah Chandler.
February 8 – 3 American vacationers have been stabbed in Puerto Rico after being warned to cease filming in a well-liked neighborhood
After being instructed to stop filming within the La Perla neighborhood, three American vacationers have been attacked in Puerto Rico early on Monday, in response to authorities.
The incident broke out within the well-known neighborhood the place one of many vacationers, Carlos Sanchez Brown, 39, of South Carolina, began filming a hamburger cart however was warned by some locals to cease and go away the realm.
In line with city commissioner José Juan Garcia, Brown was accompanied by Wallace Florence, 37, additionally from South Carolina, and Jackson Tremayne, 38, from Georgia.
An individual with a knife attacked Brown within the left forearm because the victims approached Imperial Road close to the Museum of Artwork and Historical past. They then stabbed Tremayne six instances, hanging him within the left facet of the chest, higher left a part of the stomach, left arm and again.
Ambulances have been dispatched to move Tremayne and Brown to a close-by hospital, however in response to authorities, Florence refused medical consideration. There was no quick phrase on the victims’ situation.
January 22 – Puerto Rico experiences 42 deaths associated to COVID-19 in a single day
In the present day, January 22, Puerto Rico has recorded 42 coronavirus-related deaths, in response to a preliminary report carried out by the Division of Well being. That’s the best variety of each day fatalities for the reason that starting of the pandemic.
16 of the circumstances weren’t vaccinated in any respect, 19 circumstances had obtained two programs of the vaccine, and seven had obtained a booster shot. Nevertheless, they’d all suffered from underlying well being circumstances.
The excellent news is that hospitalizations have dropped right down to 791, of which 103 are linked to synthetic air flow.
Updated, the COVID-19 positivity price in Puerto Rico is 27.01%, which means that 27 of each 100 exams consequence constructive.
Supply: El Nuevo Día
December 14 – New restrictions for worldwide vacationers visiting Puerto Rico
Together with different international locations world wide, Puerto Rico has tightened its entry restrictions as a result of worry of the brand new Omicron variant.
As of December 6, all worldwide guests should current a unfavorable check consequence taken not more than 24 hours earlier than departure.
Additionally, at the least 100 arriving passengers are examined randomly at Luis Muñoz Marín Worldwide Airport daily. The variety of random exams might fluctuate relying on the positivity price, the incidence of the virus, and the entire variety of each day arrivals.
Supply: El Nuevo Día
November 8 – Puerto Rico to require vaccination from schoolchildren
Puerto Rico would require kids aged 5 or older to get vaccinated to attend college, stated the governor final week.
The coronavirus vaccine has simply been accredited for these aged between 5 and 11. There shall be exceptions, after all. However the objective is to get at the least 95% of this age group vaccinated.
The choice comes as Puerto Rico turns into essentially the most vaccinated place in the entire of the U.S. and its territories. Greater than 80% of these aged 12 or older have obtained the complete sequence of photographs. Whereas 87% of 12-to 15-year-olds are already getting the vaccine.
Supply: The Hill
September 24 – Puerto Rico faraway from Chicago journey advisory record
Together with California, Puerto Rico has been faraway from the Chicago journey advisory record. Subsequently, vacationers arriving from there are now not beneficial to get examined earlier than and after their journey.
The states have been taken off the record after each day new COVID-19 infections had dropped under 15 per 100,000 individuals for 2 consecutive weeks. On Tuesday, September 22, California reported 13.6 each day new circumstances, whereas Puerto Rico had solely 9.4 each day new infections per 100,000 individuals.
In the intervening time, California and Puerto Rico are the one states which aren’t on the record, whereas Washington D.C. and Connecticut have been added again to the journey advisory.
Supply: Travel and Leisure
September 3 – CDC provides Puerto Rico to the ‘very excessive threat of COVID-19 record.’
On August 30, the CDC added 7 extra international locations to the ‘very excessive threat of COVID-19 record,’ together with Puerto Rico. The CDC recommends avoiding visiting these international locations, and anybody who should journey there must be totally vaccinated.
To assist stop the virus from spreading, Puerto Rico adopted the announcement with additional native restrictions. Since September 2, alcohol gross sales and consuming, celebrations, and public occasions are banned between midnight and 5 am.
A masks mandate had already been in place in all indoor areas. However the brand new restrictions require face coverings additionally outdoors if there’s a crowd of fifty individuals and extra.
August 19 – Puerto Rico to make sure clients’ security by requiring hospitality staff to be totally vaccinated from August 23
Puerto Rico is just not taking any possibilities concerning the protection of its guests. Beginning August 23, all hospitality staff shall be obligated to bear a vaccine certificates to be allowed within the work space.
The brand new Government Order (EO-2021-063) consists of “all theaters, cinemas, coliseums, conference facilities, actions facilities, eating places, and locations the place meals or drinks are served comparable to bars, kiosks, sport bars, quick meals, meals courts, and cafeterias.”
Up to now, the federal government has not introduced that vacationers or clients may also have to adjust to the rule.
Supply: The National Law Review
