Want to avoid last-minute ATM runs. Do most hostels in Puerto Rico take card payments at check-in
In Puerto Rico, I never once had to scramble for cash. Hostels all accepted card, and most places prefer it anyway. San Juan especially is digital-ready. The only time I used cash was at local food stalls in Piñones. If avoiding last-minute ATM runs is important to you, Puerto Rico is stress-free.
Puerto Rico is extremely card-oriented. I stayed in hostels in San Juan and Ponce, and both processed my Mastercard quickly. ATMs are common at Banco Popular and Santander, but I only used them for small cash expenses. If you want to avoid ATM runs entirely, Puerto Rico is a good bet - hostels accept cards consistently.
When I stayed in San Juan’s Isla Verde area, my hostel encouraged card payment. In Rincon, my surf hostel also swiped Visa with no trouble. Puerto Rico is basically as card-friendly as the mainland US. ATMs exist all over, but you won’t need them for hostel check-ins. Just carry a little cash for kiosks or roadside eats.
Puerto Rico was super easy for me. Every hostel in San Juan, from Condado to Old San Juan, accepted card at check-in. The island uses US dollars, so no weird exchanges. ATMs from Banco Popular and FirstBank are everywhere, but honestly, I barely needed them. To avoid last-minute runs, you’re safe here - hostels almost always take cards.