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Money Matters

Puerto Rico, which is a commonwealth of the United States, uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency. Prices for most items are stable and comparable to those in the States, and that includes restaurants and hotel rates. As in many places, city prices tend to be higher than those in rural areas, but you're not going to go broke staying in the city: soft drinks or a cup of coffee run about $1; a local beer in a bar, $2.75; museum admission, $2.

ATMs

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs; known here as ATHs) are readily available and reliable in the cities; many are attached to banks, but you can also find them in gas stations, drug stores, supermarkets, and larger hotels. Just about every casino has one -- the better to keep people in the game -- but these can carry large surcharges, so check before you withdraw money. ATMs are found less frequently in rural areas, but there is usually at least one in even the smallest village. Look to local banks, such as Banco Popular.