Safety

San Juan, Mayagüez, and Ponce, like most other big cities, have their share of crime, so guard your wallet or purse in markets, on buses, and in other crowded areas. Avoid beaches at night, when muggings have been known to occur even in Condado and Isla Verde. Don't leave anything unattended on the beach. If you must keep valuables in your vehicle, put them in the trunk. Always lock your car. The exception is at the beaches of Vieques, where rental-car agencies advise you to leave the car unlocked so thieves don't break the windows to search for valuables. (This happens extremely rarely, but it does happen.)

We recommend that women carry only a handbag that closes completely and wear it bandolier-style (over one shoulder and across your chest). Open-style bags and those allowed to dangle from one shoulder are prime targets for pickpockets and purse snatchers. Avoid walking anywhere alone at night.