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Puerto Rico

US vibes, Caribbean soul

Curated by travelers, verified by locals

Heads up

Puerto Rico is a US territory, so your American phone plan, apps, and dollars all work here. No passport needed for US citizens. That said, the island has its own local flavor when it comes to apps and payments. ATH Movil is the payment app everyone uses, from food trucks to freelancers. Uber and Lyft both operate in the San Juan metro area, but coverage thins out once you head into the mountains or the south coast. Spanish is the dominant language, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas. The Tren Urbano light rail covers a stretch of the metro area and is handy for avoiding San Juan traffic. Download offline maps for the interior and the islands of Vieques and Culebra, where connectivity can be weak.

10 apps6 essentialCaribbean

Last updated: March 2026

Uber

Essential

Widely available in San Juan, Condado, and the metro area. Also serves Luis Munoz Marin International Airport with a designated pickup zone.

Pro tip: Uber is reliable in metro San Juan, but once you head to Rincon, Ponce, or the mountains, availability drops sharply. Rent a car for road trips outside the city.

Lyft

Nice to have

Operates alongside Uber in the San Juan metro area. Good to have as a backup for comparing prices and availability.

Pro tip: Check both Uber and Lyft before booking. During weekend nights in Condado and Old San Juan, one often has shorter wait times than the other.

Uber Eats

Essential

Strong restaurant selection across metro San Juan, including local spots and chains. Delivers to most neighborhoods in the metro area.

Pro tip: Search for "criollo" or "comida tipica" to find authentic Puerto Rican restaurants. Many local favorites are on the platform alongside the usual chains.

DoorDash

Nice to have

Available in the San Juan metro area with a growing selection of restaurants. Useful alternative to Uber Eats with different restaurant partnerships.

ATH Movil

Essential

Puerto Rico's universal payment app. Nearly every business, food truck, market vendor, and freelancer accepts it. Locals use it the way the mainland uses Venmo, but it also works at retail stores.

Pro tip: Link a US bank account or debit card to set up ATH Movil before you arrive. At farmers markets, roadside kiosks, and small restaurants, it is often the only cashless option.

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Need data to use these apps? Get an eSIM before you go.