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Payment methods in Puerto Rico

Priscilla

Hello everyone,

Once you’re settled in Puerto Rico, you will need to make some basic purchases, like groceries or pay bills. Hence, it is essential to know the payment methods available in your host country.

Which are the most common payment methods in Puerto Rico? Why would you prefer some forms over others?

Does the amount of money or the type of paid services (groceries, bills, rent, etc.) determine the choice of payment methods?

Are there any apps at your disposal which make the payment process easier in Puerto Rico?

Can certain foreign currencies be used to make payments?

Have your habits in terms of payment methods changed since moving to Puerto Rico?

Thanks for sharing your experience,

Priscilla

See also

Living in Puerto Rico: the expat guideBanks in Puerto RicoAdvertising Agencies in Puerto RicoRecommendations for a Mortgage Lender for a 2nd home in Puerto RicoConstruction loan to build house in Puerto RicoIssues with Autoridad de Acueductos Y Alcantarillados (AAA)Best lender for a land loan
ReyP

Most common is cash, ATM/ATH and finally credit card. Very few people use those apps, but some do, same for digital coins, very very few use them

GuestPoster9999

Hi Priscilla, I use cash, debit cards, and for my landlord a check.  My habits have changed in a sense that the landlord does not have a website to accept electronic payments.  I ordered checks online without a problem.  The first month's payment was done with a money order from the U.S.

I did have an incident where I went to do eyelash extensions and the lady did not accept debit or credit cards...she only had ath movil.  ATH movil did not work on my phone because my provider is Cricket.  However, she had Paypal and I was able to pay that way.  I suggest if you go to a smaller business you ask ahead what payments they accept.

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Sitka

My CC seems to work fine.  Cash can sometimes get a little better deal.