Puerto Rico Customs And Etiquette

Though many Puerto Ricans have spent time in the US, most retain a more Latin American sense of customs and etiquette. Puerto Ricans are generally very polite and friendly to travelers who treat them with similar respect. Most go out of their way to welcome foreigners.

Greetings. The common greetings in Puerto Rico are buenos días (good morning; used anytime before lunch), buenas tardes (good afternoon; before dinner), and buenas noches (good night; after dinner). It is polite to begin every conversation, in a personal or professional setting, with these phrases. Female friends often greet each other with a peck on the cheek or a quick hug. Sometimes men shake hands with women in a business situation, but the standard greeting between a man and a woman is a quick kiss on the cheek.

Mealtime. Unless otherwise stated, Puerto Rican restaurants expect customers to come in and seat themselves. However, American chains in Puerto Rico (Chili’s, Pizzeria Uno’s, Denny’s) generally ask that customers wait to be seated. Most waiters say buen provecho (enjoy your meal) when they deliver food. It is polite to say buen provecho to anyone already eating when you enter a restaurant that is not too crowded, especially smaller Puerto Rican establishments. Waitstaff expect a 15% tip for sit-down service (20% for good service in a city), but it is unnecessary to tip at most panaderías. Customers sitting down and eating at any restaurant (even a panadería) should pay after they eat, unless a sign says otherwise.

Timing. Puerto Ricans, especially those outside San Juan have a much more laid-back sense of time than most Europeans and North Americans. Things get done when they get done. Restaurants, bars, and clubs in Puerto Rico do not maintain strict closing hours. Most will stay open as long as people are still around, even if this means staying open until 8am. On the flip side, if an establishment is empty, it will likely close early. Smaller establishments, even museums and stores, frequently change opening hours and will close if someone who’s supposed to work happens to be sick or unavailable. Maintain some patience and a sense of humor, and you will appreciate Puerto Rican culture in its full authenticity.

Churches. It is respectful to wear pants or a skirt and cover your shoulders when visiting Catholic churches in Puerto Rico. Church workers and worshippers also appreciate quiet voices.