Wondering how to pay for metro and bus rides in Puerto Rico - cash only, or do cards work too?
I thought Puerto Rico’s system worked well. From Old San Juan, I caught an AMA bus to Sagrado Corazón, then hopped on the Tren Urbano to Bayamón. I used the Tarjeta Inteligente for both, and the reload machine happily accepted my Visa debit. It was smooth, and the fares were cheap. Even though some smaller bus routes asked for exact cash, I liked the metro-bus integration. ATMs from Santander and FirstBank were everywhere, so topping up was simple. Definitely more convenient than I expected.
Puerto Rico’s buses can be confusing. From Isla Verde, I tried catching an AMA bus into San Juan and only had a $10 bill from a FirstBank ATM. The driver refused it, saying exact change only. I didn’t know about the Tarjeta Inteligente until later at Sagrado Corazón station. Tren Urbano was fine since I could pay with my Visa at the machine, but buses felt outdated. If you’re coming as a tourist, get the smart card right away or risk carrying pockets of small bills.
When I stayed at Nomada Urban Beach Hostel in San Juan, I used the Tren Urbano daily to Río Piedras. At the station machines, I paid with my Mastercard and loaded a Tarjeta Inteligente. For AMA buses around Condado, I noticed locals tapping the same card. Once, I only had a $20 bill for a bus ride, and the driver told me exact change only. I had to run to a Banco Popular ATM to break it. So yes, cards work at metro machines, but buses are strict with cash or card passes.
San Juan has the Tren Urbano metro plus AMA buses. At Sagrado Corazón station, I bought a $2 fare using the Tarjeta Inteligente (smart card), which you load with cash or a card at machines. AMA buses also accept the same card, though if you’re in Santurce or Isla Verde, some drivers still take exact cash in US dollars. Visa and Mastercard work at the kiosks, but not directly on buses. Banco Popular and FirstBank ATMs are common, so withdrawing dollars is easy if needed.