Facts for the Traveler
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- Health Precautions, Warnings & Medical Care for Travelers - Medical Assistance in Vieques, Travel warnings, and more.
- Travel Safety - Tips on staying safe during your vacation in Vieques. Following you will find some practical information you will find useful when planning your Vieques vacation and during your stay.
Practical Information
Alcohol & Drugs
Puerto Rico’s drinking age is 18. Alcohol is sold in restaurants, bars, and food markets around the island. Illegal Blood Alcohol Level is .08%. It is illegal to drink out of a bottle in the streets of many cities. Narcotics are illegal in Puerto Rico, and it is strictly enforced.ATM's
Locations:Dress in Puerto Rico and Vieques
We know that you are going to Vieques and Puerto Rico to have fun and relax. Dress is Puerto Rican Culture however is not as relaxed.Casual wear is accepted everywhere, swimsuits are acceptable at the beach, but if you go into a place such as the Post Office, government office or shopping I recommend that you wear shorts and a tank top over your swimsuit. I warn you that some clerks and business attendands may refuse to give you service unless you are dressed appropiately according to their standards.So please do enjoy the beach in your swimsuit but when it comes to walking around town, again, please wear clothes over them.Evening Wear - Most Puerto Ricans tend to dress up a bit at night when going out dancing or out for dinner. In most restaurants at the Malecon in Esperanza in Vieques you will probably be ok by wearing shorts and a t-shirt, but if you are considering to dine at some of the more up-scale restaurants you may want to show off your nicer pieces of clothing.
Emergency Services
- Police Station. Location: Rte 200km0.2, at Rte.997 Isabel Segunda (787) 741-2020 or (741-2121) Open 24 Hours
- Fire Department: (787)741-2111 Note: There is no police station in the town of Esperanza
Driving in Isla de Vieques
A driving permit is not required to drive in Vieques. Foreigners can use their driver’s permit for up to 120 days.Health Services in Isla de Vieques
- Health Center (Centro de Salud de Familia)
Location: south of Isabel Segunda on Hwy 997 Hours: Clinic is open Mon-Fri 7:00am-3:30pm, Emergency Room, open 24 HoursBe advised that the Health Center in Vieques is not equipped to take care of many medical emergencies and treatment necessary. At times you may have to go to the mainisland of Puerto Rico in order to get treatment. If you have any medical concerns of there is a possibility that you may need medical attention during your stay in Vieques, it is advised that you contact your doctor and the Health Center in Vieques before you travel.
Pharmacy
- Farmacia Antonio. (787) 741-8397 Location: Calle Benitez Guzman, across the street from the Town Hall, Isabel Segunda.
- Isla Nena Pharmacy. Location: Calle Muñoz Rivera, Isabel Segunda Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-7pm, Sat 8am-6:00pm, Sun 11:00am-3:00pm
Holidays in Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico
- Jan 1 - New Year's Day
- Jan. 6 - Three Kings Day "El Dìa de Reyes"
- Jan. 8 - Eugenio María de Hostos Day
- Third Mon. in Jan. - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Third Mon. in Feb. - Presidents' Day -
- Mar. 22 - Emancipation Day
- April 16 - Jose De Diego Day
- April - Palm Sunday
- April - Good Friday
- April - Easter Sunday
- Last Mon. of May - Memorial Day
- June 24 - San Juan Day
- July 4 - Independence Day
- July 17 - Luis Muñoz Rivera Day
- July 25 - Constitution Day
- July 27 - José Celso Barbosa Day
- Aug. 12 - Ponce de Leon Day
- First Mon. in Sept. - Labor Day
- Second Mon. in Oct. - Columbus Day
- Nov. 11 - Veterans' Day
- Nov. 19 - Puerto Rico Discovery Day
- Nov. 25 - Thanksgiving Day
- December 24 - 25 - Christmas
Internet Access in Isla de Vieques
- Most hotels are offering free WIFI as well as some vacation rentals.
- Museo de Esperanza (Esperanza Museum). Location: Calle Flamboyan 138, Esperanza (741-8850)
Laundromat in Isla de Vieques
-Familia Rìos. Location: Calle Benítez Castaño (787)438-1846. Self-serve washers and dryers. Change and detergent available on site. Call for prices. Hours: Sun-Mon and Wed-Fri 6:00am-7:00pm, and Sat 6:00am-5:00pm.Money Matters in Vieques
- Currency in Puerto Rico is US Dollars
- Credits Cards are widely accepted, the most recognized are Master Card, Visa and American Express. In smaller shops Discover, American Express and Diner’s Club are less recognized. Some small town shops will only accept cash.
- Traveler’s Checks are widely accepted at restaurants, stores and major hotels. American Express and Visa are the most recognized brands of traveler’s checks in Puerto Rico. Always have a photo ID, and never sign them until you are ready to use them. If they are lost or stolen, contact the company that issued them, it may be wise to contact the police, some of the companies that issue them may require a police report.
- ATMs are widely available throughout Puerto Rico. Both Vieques and Culebra have ATM's. See below under Practical Information for location. It is wise to carry enough cash to at least get you through the first day of your stay-- about 100 Dollars.
- Tipping 15-20% is customary to Staff at Restaurants and Cab Drivers. Tip is usually not included in the bill in restaurants. It is optional to tip carros publicos (public transportation) about 10%. It is not necessary to tip on businesses where you pick up your food at the counter.
Phone Services in Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico
Area Code for Vieques is 787. For information, dial 511. Use a calling card if you want to call home. It is the best and most inexpensive way to stay in touch with your loved ones at home.Planning to use your cell phone in Vieques? Most cell phones will work in Vieques, make sure you have roaming services enabled. Some remote beach areas have very poor reception.
Call your wireless provider for questions on toll-charges and service area availability before you travel.
Postal Services in Isla de Vieques
Tourist Information in Isla de Vieques
Tourist Office: Location: Right across from the Plaza, Isabel Segunda in the Town Hall (Casa Alcaldia) Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am-4:00pm
Telephone Number: (787) 741-080
Please visit the Tourist Office, smiling, helpful ladies are there waiting for you in order to help you plan a great stay and answer your questions. Special Offers at Hotels, Villas, Guest House, Rentals, Airline Tickets | About Isla Vieques, Puerto Rico | Accommodations on the island | Airline Ticket Specials PR| Attractions in Isla de Vieques | Dining in Vieques |
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