Currency of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico uses the United States dollar (USD) as its official currency. Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, it operates within the U.S. monetary system and follows policies set by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

Locally, the dollar is often referred to as the "peso", reflecting the island's Spanish heritage.

All major credit cards are widely accepted across Puerto Rico, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Digital payments like Apple Pay and contactless cards are also common in cities and tourist areas.

US Dollar (USD)

The U.S. dollar is divided into 100 cents (¢).

The denominations of coins and banknotes are as follows:

Coins

• 1¢ – Centavo or Chavito (Penny)
• 5¢ – Vellón or Ficha (Nickel)
• 10¢ – Dime
• 25¢ – Peseta (Quarter)
• 50¢ – Half dollar (rarely seen)
• $1 coin – Occasionally circulated

Bills in Circulation

• $1
• $5
• $10
• $20
• $50
• $100

On July 14, 1969, the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve Board announced that they would immediately stop distributing currency in denominations of $500, $1,000, $5,000 and $10,000. Production of these denominations stopped during World War II. Their main purpose was for bank transfer payments.

Currency Exchange

If you are traveling from the mainland United States, no currency exchange is needed.

International visitors can exchange currency at:

• Major banks
• Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport
• Authorized exchange offices

Banking hours are 9am to 3:30pm.

Check the current currency rates a reliable currency converter such as XE or your bank's official website.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards & Digital Payments

Puerto Rico operates just like the mainland U.S.:

• Credit & debit cards widely accepted
• Contactless payment common
• ATMs available island-wide
• U.S. visitors do not incur foreign transaction fees

Cash is useful in:

• Small towns
• Food kiosks
• Rural areas
• Street vendors

Taxes & Tipping

Sales Tax (IVU)

Puerto Rico has a combined sales tax rate of 11.5% (10.5% state + 1% municipal).

This is one of the highest sales tax rates in the United States.

Tipping

Tipping customs are similar to the mainland U.S.:

• 15–20% at restaurants
• 18–20% often included at hotels or large groups
• Taxi drivers: 10–15%

Read about other travel tips.

Cost of Living

Puerto Rico imports many goods, which can make certain items more expensive than on the mainland U.S.

• Groceries may be slightly higher in cost
• Dining and local food options can be affordable
• Resort areas tend to have higher pricing

Also read: The Real Cost of Living in Puerto Rico - 2025 Edition

Budget Travel Tips

It is absolutely possible to visit Puerto Rico on a budget.

• Eat at local bakeries and "chinchorros"
• Use public beaches (most are free)
• Travel outside peak season (December–April)
• Book accommodations early

Additional Resources

• Puerto Rico's Monetary History