Safety in Puerto Rico
Dec 9th, 2008, 02:22 PM
#1
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Safety in Puerto Rico
Please don't take this post in the wrong way. I am interested in visiting Puerto Rico. My husband, a retired federal agent, had a colleague who worked in PR in the late 90's and told him stories of PR being unsafe, such as the beach resorts near San Juan having armed guards on the beaches. I'm interested in any feedback on safety as a tourist, keeping in mind that you always have to be aware of street crime, pickpockets and such. We have lived in/near big cities and are used to being aware of our surroundings. Thanks in advance.
Dec 9th, 2008, 03:18 PM
#2
I would not walk the public beaches at night. Also, there are very good neighborhoods and some very bad ones right next to each other so you do have to be careful. Take taxis to restaurants and back to the hotel at night.
We went spring 2007. We stayed at the Caribe Hilton who have their own private beach area. We took taxis to restaurants. We walked all around San Juan during the day.
If you ask around at the hotel, they will show you where to avoid. I don't think it is a place you have to be afraid of going to, but be smart about wandering aimlessly as you would anywhere. Most islands today are not as safe as we all like to think they are.
We went spring 2007. We stayed at the Caribe Hilton who have their own private beach area. We took taxis to restaurants. We walked all around San Juan during the day.
If you ask around at the hotel, they will show you where to avoid. I don't think it is a place you have to be afraid of going to, but be smart about wandering aimlessly as you would anywhere. Most islands today are not as safe as we all like to think they are.
Dec 9th, 2008, 04:38 PM
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We have lived in PR for 5 years now and have never felt "unsafe" at any point in time.
The "armed guard" stories are more likely police. We do have a large police presence primarily to keep things safe for tourism. Unfortunately, when tourists see that many police, they often feel uneasy.
Like any place in the world, we do have crime. Typically, crime here is targeted within the "drug" world, not at tourists.
Use common sense as you would anywhere and you'll be fine.
The "armed guard" stories are more likely police. We do have a large police presence primarily to keep things safe for tourism. Unfortunately, when tourists see that many police, they often feel uneasy.
Like any place in the world, we do have crime. Typically, crime here is targeted within the "drug" world, not at tourists.
Use common sense as you would anywhere and you'll be fine.
Dec 21st, 2008, 03:53 PM
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Please see my other posts, thinking of going alone or with my 11 year old son. I have traveled alot, and tend to forget safety (not a good thing) since I too am an agent. Funny how one can get comfortable. Having said that, I would like a mom and pop place to stay where I would be forced to speak spanish and also be able to eat good food. Safety is important, as I will be with my son or alone. I am 42 and can run 
but prefer to walk while on vacation. Thanks so much for any suggestions.
but prefer to walk while on vacation. Thanks so much for any suggestions. 
