San Juan Puerto Rico Facts - Fun & Interesting facts

San Juan Puerto Rico > About San Juan Puerto Rico > Facts about San Juan, Puerto Rico

Pronunciation: “Sahn Hwahn, Pwer-toh ree-koh”

Formal Name: Municipio de la Ciudad Capital San Juan Bautista (Municipality of the Capital City, Saint John the Baptist).

Where is the Capital City of San Juan?: San Juan is located on the north-east coast of Puerto Rico bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the north side.

Subdivisions of San Juan: The municipality of San Juan (like a county in the U.S.) is divided into 18 districts (barrios), which are further divided into communities/ neighborhoods (sub-barrios).

Electric: Current is 110 volts AC, same as the United States

Drinking “Tap” Water: San Juan Puerto Rico Tap Water, and around most of the island, is “city water” and safe to drink, tastes good, and meets the same requirements set by the EPA for the United States. The Puerto Rico Water Company, Autoridad de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (AAA), uses the latest technology to filter and purify drinking water for San Juan and other towns throughout Puerto Rico. For water quality information, visit their website at acueductospr.com. As in the U.S., if a business or home uses well water (rural areas only), they are responsible for monitoring its quality and safety.

T.V. & Internet: Television and Internet access are available via satellite or cable companies as in the United States.

History: San Juan was founded by Spanish colonists in 1521, who called it Ciudad de Puerto Rico (“Rich Port City”).

Land Area: 76.93 sq. miles (199.2 km²)

Language: Spanish & English are the official languages in Puerto Rico. Spanish is preferred, but most locals, especially in tourist areas, speak English.

Puerto Rico & The United States Flags

Puerto Rico Flag: The current flag of Puerto Rico was officially adopted in 1922. The red stripes are symbolic of the “blood” that nourishes the three branches of its government; Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary.

Mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico:

Hon. Carmen Yulín Cruz Soto
Address: P.O. Box 4355, San Juan, P.R. 00901-4355
Telephone: (787) 724-7171 Fax (787) 725-5674

City Hall (Alcaldia) Office: (787) 724-7171

Population: Population is 395,326 according to the 2010 US Census.

Temperature: Average of 81 degrees F. See our Weather page for more information.

Time Zone: AST (Atlantic Standard Time) = Eastern U.S. Daylight Savings Time (EDT)

Typography: San Juan is mostly flat, with coastal areas facing the Atlantic Ocean and the San Juan Bay.

San Juan Zip Codes & Area Codes

Puerto Rico Zip Codes & Area Codes

Money Matters in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Currency: U.S.A. Dollar (dolar, peso)

Banks – You’ll find local banks throughout the city with ATH’s (in U.S. called ATM’s) that function on U.S networks. Banco Popular, Scotiabank, Doral, Santander, & FirstBank ATH machines are most frequently available.

Methods of Payment – Cash, VISA, MasterCard, and ATH (debit cards) are the most commonly accepted methods of payment. American Express, Discover, and Diners Club are not as commonly accepted in Puerto Rico.