The information you've been given here is partially incorrect. From Verizon's FAQ on Puerto Rico:

"Most of Puerto Rico is included in the Nationwide and America’s Choice Coverage Areas. If you roam out of the Nationwide or America’s Choice coverage area, you will be charged $.69 per minute. Please use your device's banner as an indicator of your roaming status. Click here to view the approximate coverage areas."

So as long as your current plan says "America's Choice" or "Nationwide" in the description, you have normal coverage in most of P.R. In fact, the network you'll be using was built and maintained by Verizon for many, many years. You still have regular coverage there.

The 69 cents per minute is a generic inside the US roaming price that's been used for years, even though most price plans (at least, since 2005) haven't charged for in-country roaming.

http://businessportals.verizonwireless.com/internati ... »