What Currency Do They Use in Puerto Rico: An Insider’s Guide

By Steve Dez •  Updated: 02/04/24 •  10 min read

Table of Contents



If you’ve ever wondered, “What currency do they use in Puerto Rico?”, the answer is straightforward – it’s the U.S. Dollar.

Delving into the island’s historical background, we see a transition from Spanish Peso to the current U.S. Dollar.

Currency denominations are just like those we use on the mainland, varying from pennies up to 100-dollar bills.

Despite using dollars, many Puerto Ricans still colloquially refer to their currency as “Peso”.

For non-American visitors needing Currency Exchange, it’s convenient as major currencies can easily be exchanged for US Dollars.

The U.S. Dollar has universal acceptance and offers great convenience in Puerto Rico, making financial transactions seamless for locals and tourists alike.


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1. The Official Currency of Puerto Rico: The U.S. Dollar

Puerto Rico, a commonwealth of the United States, uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency. This is quite handy for American visitors since there is no need for a currency exchange.

2. Historical Background: From Spanish Peso to U.S. Dollar

In understanding the Puerto Rican financial system, we need to delve a bit into history. Back when Puerto Rico was under Spanish rule, the Spanish peso was used as currency. However, after 1898 when the island was ceded to the U.S following the Spanish-American war, they adopted the US Dollar as their official currency.

3.Currency Denominations in Puerto Rico

The US dollar comes in varying notes including $100, $50, $20, $10, $5 and $1 bills. These can be conveniently used all over the island in any transactions you may need.

4.Use of The Term “Peso” by Puerto Ricans

You might hear locals referring to dollars as “pesos”. Don’t be confused – it’s just a holdover from historical times under Spanish rule.

5.Currency Exchange for Non-American Visitors

If you’re a non-American visitor, don’t fret about currency exchange. The U.S Dollar is the legal tender in Puerto Rico, which means it’s accepted everywhere on the island. So upon arrival, there’s no need to find a currency exchange – you can use your home country’s currency to get U.S Dollars at any local bank or ATM.

6. Universal Acceptance and Convenience of The U.S. Dollar In Puerto Rico

The great convenience when traveling to Puerto Rico is that regardless of where you go on the island, whether it’s a bustling city or a rural countryside, the US dollar is universally accepted making it convenient and easy for tourists!

what currency do they use in puerto rico


When planning your trip, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the island’s economy. Though you might wonder, why is Puerto Rico so expensive, it’s worth noting that despite being a U.S. territory, many factors contribute to the varying cost of living and travel expenses here. For a detailed breakdown of costs during your stay, visit Why is Puerto Rico so expensive? .

If you are wondering how much is a vacation to Puerto Rico, various elements need to be considered such as flight costs, accommodation rates and recreational activities’ fees among others. Get reliable information on expected expenditure by visiting How much does a vacation to Puerto Rico cost?.

One cannot speak about money in Puerto Rico without touching on its tourism industry. You might ask yourself, why do tourists visit Puerto Rico?. The answer lies in its remarkable combination of stunning beaches, historic landmarks and vibrant culture that attract visitors from around the globe. To find out more about what draws people to this stunning paradise stop by at Why do tourists visit Puerto Rico? .

For those planning on moving here permanently or temporarily may ask themselves: can you use Venmo in Puerto Rico or other popular digital transfer platforms? To get all necessary responses related to banking concerns like these check out Can you use Venmo in Puerto Rico? .

For those unfamiliar, one may ask: can you use Uber in Puerto Rico? Convenient transportation is crucial whether you’re a resident or tourist. For comprehensive details about using share riding services like Uber visit Can you use Uber in Puerto Rico?.

Food lovers might be interested to explore the best Puerto Rican food joints. Whether it’s in Chicago or Old San Juan, get a list of must-try restaurants featuring the most mouth-watering local cuisine by visiting either Best Puerto Rican food in Chicago or Best Puerto Rican food in Old San Juan.

My Personal Take about What currency do they use in Puerto Rico?

Hey there, my friend!

I’m Steve, and I’ve spent years diving into the intriguing depth that is travel to Puerto Rico. As a seasoned seeker of Puerto Rican adventure, I just penned a niftily informatic piece titled, ‘What Currency Do They Use in Puerto Rico: An Insider\’s Guide‘. It’s my earnest endeavor to share my expertise about what currency do they use in Puerto Rico so you glide smoothly through any commercial interaction during your stay.

Now that I think about it, local nuances often shape our travel experiences far more than we expect. And trust me, knowing the ins and outs of the currency will work wonders for both your budgeting and haggling skills! In any case, these subtle details can add up to compose an authentic storyline for your wanderlust-filled escapade.

Words of Advice – let this knowledge put you at ease, turning possible hiccups into joyful little ‘aha’ moments as you explore. Like a fine condiment enhances taste; let my insider expertise elevate every splendid second of your grand jog around Puerto Rico! See yourself already there, exchanging wide-eyed smiles with friendly locals while effortlessly navigating commerce on this rather breath-taking island!<

 
 
 
 
 
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Frequently Asked Questions about What currency do they use in Puerto Rico?

Before you go…

3 Main Takeaways:

1. Puerto Rico uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency, just like the rest of the United States. So, no need to worry about converting your money when you visit this beautiful island! All transactions can be made with good ol’ greenbacks.

2. Fun fact: Puerto Ricans sometimes call the U.S. dollar “peso,” which harkens back to their history under Spanish rule when they used the Spanish peso as their currency. But ever since 1898, when Puerto Rico became part of the U.S., it’s been all about that American dollar.

3. Here’s a relief for non-American visitors: you don’t need any other currency to shop or dine in Puerto Rico! The U.S. dollar is universally accepted across the island, so feel free to flash those bills without worrying about exchanging your money upon arrival. It’s one less thing to stress about during your vacation!

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Steve Dez

Also known as Richport, is a Puerto Rican creator and writer. He grew up in the island and always had a passion for writing, he wrote his first play at the age of 12 and has been creating content ever since. He's now a well-known blogger and creative who writes posts, songs and poetry that showcase his love for his roots, blending traditional stories with modern themes always with some adobo and boricua flavors in the mix.

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