Mistakes expats make in Puerto Rico

By the way, I been know to come down rather negative about PR from time to time. It is because I don't want some members to think PR is heaven on earth. While it may be for some, it may be hell for others, specially if they were forced to come.

If one does not ask and does not search the previous answers, it is hard to fully prepare them, we can not read their mind to determine what is critical to them.

Technically US citizens who move here are no expats since we're a US territory.
Maybe that's why many think moving here is similar to moving to another state.

Not researching enough is one of the biggest mistakes.

We all have to see where we're coming from. When people can't tolerate a difference in opinion is where one runs in to trouble. My feelings aren't hurt no need to apologize. I can be respectful of differences and move on. If there's something I can contribute to I definitely will like I have been. 👍

Justpeachyy wrote:

We all have to see where we're coming from. When people can't tolerate a difference in opinion is where one runs in to trouble. My feelings aren't hurt no need to apologize. I can be respectful of differences and move on. If there's something I can contribute to I definitely will like I have been. 👍

Please do contribute

Lol ReyP true. I was asked once when going on vacation to PR how long it would tske me to cross the bridge and were serious about it too.

Lsantana wrote:

Lol ReyP true. I was asked once when going on vacation to PR how long it would tske me to cross the bridge and were serious about it too.

It is such a shame what little they know about the world.

For everyone, we have gotten out of subject here, this post is about what mistakes Expats make when they move to PR.

This post is not supposed to be about what is positive or negative with Puerto Rico.

Obviously not seeing the negatives is a mistake, just like not property understanding the positives.

Nothing wrong in pointing the negatives, but to stay on subject, the conversation should be about how Expats fail to take the issues under consideration and why they are surprised by them.

We can not yet read an expat mind, we are working on  it, so in the mean time asking questions and weighing the answers is a good start.

One answer should lead to another question and the cycle should repeat over and over until one has enough info to make a decision. Every person situation is different, canned answers will not work for most, the more we understand your specific needs the more to the point the answer can be.
Rey

Is this still where we point out usual mistakes people do when relocating to PR?? 

247realestatepr wrote:

Is this still where we point out usual mistakes people do when relocating to PR?? 

Yes, that's the subject of the thread.

Another recent lesson learned since we moved back to the island is that you need your security card, not laminated for most government and id requirement is lots of places. It is different in the island and just have to get used to carrying it around. Hadn't used mine in 10 yrs.

Yup, specially the issue with lamination

Thanks... I know was helping Rey P on his post!

Yes.  SSN card is necessary - I had to get one here for car registration.

We need a 'pleasant surprises you find as an expat to PR' because I've only been here two weeks and have had several! Starting with finding a vegetarian (soy) Philly cheesesteak at a fast food restaurant! I couldn't get that even in philly! Or should I call this, the mistake I made was assuming it'd be difficult to find vegetarian food in Puerto Rico?!?

Lots of vegan in PR, specially in the west. Vegetarian dishes are available in a lot of restaurants. Me I am a raving carnivore

Yes I kinda expected to find some restaurants, particularly in San Juan or Rincon area, but never dreamed a regular fast food takeout (El Meson)  would have several specifically vegetarian items on the menu.  Where I'm from other than Taco Bell (lol) you're just SOL as far as the fast food market goes.   This is great!

I have been working with Expats on the Island as well as one myself for almost 20 years.

Biggest mistake across the board is "questioning" the local culture as to "WHY" it is the way it is.   Learning about the culture when relocating or relocated by a company... adapting and respecting it is the key.

You would not want a person coming to your home and asking why you behave the way you do or do business a certain way, etc.

Education is key and then respecting it!
Embrace the differences and enjoy the Island life!
Lynn Stravecky

Journeyandbeyond wrote:

I have been working with Expats on the Island as well as one myself for almost 20 years.

Biggest mistake across the board is "questioning" the local culture as to "WHY" it is the way it is.   Learning about the culture when relocating or relocated by a company... adapting and respecting it is the key.

You would not want a person coming to your home and asking why you behave the way you do or do business a certain way, etc.

Education is key and then respecting it!
Embrace the differences and enjoy the Island life!
Lynn Stravecky

I truly agree! Also, serve yourself of extra patience. Everything in a "process" in the island. I went to transfer the boat title on my name, you even have to get a $5 letter from hacienda to prove if you are paying taxes in the island! What does getting a tittle change have to do with your taxes? But it's the "process", of course they won't tell you this until you are at the DNR office and after you wait in line.

I guess that's why beer was invented! 

Completely agree!

Journeyandbeyond wrote:

I have been working with Expats on the Island as well as one myself for almost 20 years.

Biggest mistake across the board is "questioning" the local culture as to "WHY" it is the way it is.   Learning about the culture when relocating or relocated by a company... adapting and respecting it is the key.

You would not want a person coming to your home and asking why you behave the way you do or do business a certain way, etc.

Education is key and then respecting it!
Embrace the differences and enjoy the Island life!
Lynn Stravecky

STRONGLY DISAGREE.  I have no respect for the notoriously bad customer service on the island that is part of the culture.  No one should have respect for that.  It doesn't deserve respect.  It's not good for tourism, it's not good for those who live here, and it's not good for improving PR.

bonu wrote:

STRONGLY DISAGREE.  I have no respect for the notoriously bad customer service on the island that is part of the culture.  No one should have respect for that.  It doesn't deserve respect.  It's not good for tourism, it's not good for those who live here, and it's not good for improving PR.

I agree with you Bonu, The problem in my mind is the management of the business or agency. They should be promoting and ENFORCING a customer satisfaction agenda. Workers negative to a customer satisfaction agenda should be fired and replaced with people that are looking for a job and that are willing to be customer focus.

But .... Until management puts its foot down, and demand customer focus, nothing will change. Customers, including Expats should ask for the manager and give them a piece of their mind then follow that with a letter writing campaign to the management in the headquarter even if that means the US.

All is well in their minds until complains start coming in, recording the issues and putting them in Facebook will probably help them change. Humble them!!!!!

Reminds me of when my wife wanted to complain to the manager about an insanely rude employee. She asked the employee for the manager, to which the employee responded that she WAS the manager!

Ask for the manager of the manager and likely be told he/she is not in today.

ReyP,
This is not limited to government agencies and big companies.  The notorious horrible customer service, such as not responding promptly to emails - if at all, is widespread.  It has infected low educated people and highly educated people, such as CPA's.  It's in large firms and small ones such as realtors with no employees.  It happens whether you have met the person in person or not.  I know from firsthand experience trying to give these people my money.   

You can't compete in a global economy, and win, when an overwhelmingly majority of Puerto Ricans are too busy, too lazy, too uncaring, or for whatever reason, don't promptly respond to emails as they should.

Respecting how Puerto Ricans like Salsa or Mofongo is one thing.  Respecting the part of culture that holds Puerto Rico back is misguided.

There is a simple answer, beat them at their game. Start a company, provide great service, take their customers. One day they will wake up but you are by then unbeatable.

In NY, it is common to pay for parking also here at hospitals. When I had my two sons my husband received a free parking pass during my stay at the hospital. That was the only exception and prior to that we were paying for parking whenever I had an appointment at the hospital. This was in Bronxville (beautiful town!) in Westchester County outside of NYC, by the way.

ReyP wrote:

By the way, I been know to come down rather negative about PR from time to time. It is because I don't want some members to think PR is heaven on earth. While it may be for some, it may be hell for others, specially if they were forced to come.

If one does not ask and does not search the previous answers, it is hard to fully prepare them, we can not read their mind to determine what is critical to them.

The negatives are more important than the positives when researching a new place to live, in my opinion.  Every place you move to has the good and bad.  I want to know what stinks about PR so I know what I'm getting into. 

As far as Customer Service issues... I found the same CS issues when living in Spain.  They are usually rude and unhelpful, and it's "never their department".  Seville, Spain just got their first Costco and my family there is constantly in awe of the amazing customer service they provide.  Good for Costco... others need to follow that example!!

We are planning a visit late August for our "fact finding mission"... I hope we can get a feel for the area and culture in a week to see if we want to move ourselves and dogs there to rent for a couple of years.   We don't have a lot of opportunity to travel together so this is a "do or die" mission for both of us.

I lived in Spain for half my life... I understand slowness, incompetence, ("Island time" even though it's not an island) and culture differences.  I am currently living in a tiny town in southwest Colorado.  We can't even get someone to come repair our refrigerator!   I had a flooring guy say "See you between 10-11:00 on Saturday" and never show or call!  And this is American, Baby!!!

I think you really really have to go to a new place with your mind wide open.  My husband is super laid back... if we are waiting for 30 minutes for our dinner to be served he just orders another beer.  I'm a little bit more high strung but that's the Italian, Spanish, Russian genes... can't get away from that.

I am hoping that I will find PR a comfortable place where we can build a life for the next few years, if not permanently, which is an option.

Any advice on what to visit or do while we are there for a week would be appreciated.  I am going to create a new post with a question I have.

Do you know what part of the island you want to live? SJ or somewhere far away from the city? I would plan a day or 2 in SJ and then get a car and explore different parts of the island. If you want to be near the water, spend a night on the north coast somewhere, then another in rincon, then cabo rojo, on to la paguera, ponce, humacoa, fajardo, luquillo, and back to SJ. If you want the mountains, then try the ruta panoramica...The island has so much to offer!

suzanne12345 wrote:

Do you know what part of the island you want to live? SJ or somewhere far away from the city? I would plan a day or 2 in SJ and then get a car and explore different parts of the island. If you want to be near the water, spend a night on the north coast somewhere, then another in rincon, then cabo rojo, on to la paguera, ponce, humacoa, fajardo, luquillo, and back to SJ. If you want the mountains, then try the ruta panoramica...The island has so much to offer!

We are thinking around the Dorado area although I am open to surrounding areas.  We have a comfortable rental budget.  I'm not sure how much traveling around we will be able to do as my husband has some meetings to attend while we are there.

We are looking for a gated community with security close to shopping and restaurants to rent.

Frankly - it has been my experience that SOME gringos/expats tend to disrespect other gringos (me) more than MOST of the locals do.....so don't fool yourself by thinking that SOME locals do not like or want expats in P.R. due to their own personal prejudicial feelings...as that fact has also been my experience.  No culture (or person) is immune from SOME that hate....even Puerto Rico's.

First of all, you are not expats... This is the USA. AS LONG AS you act and speak and consider yourselves "the other" then you will be. Yes, we will never be considered "real" Puerto Ricans but we can be good neighbors and be nosotros rather than ex anything.

There are "area experts" and relocation specialists,  like myself, who do this for a living.

There are "area experts" and relocation specialists,  like myself, who do this for a living.

Never say never, what you do not expect could happen.

Since we are posting on "expat.com" using the term "expat" is appropriate in my opinion.
Yes - Puerto Rico is indeed factually a U.S territory (whether one likes it being so or not) but it also is culturally, socially, topologically very different than the States.....thus the expat sensation and/or feeling in being there/here. Whether or not one expresses, considers or feels they are an "expat" is personally subjective and also personally appropriate. Feel / express as you want ...and be open to how others do so as well.

We're moving WHERE? has always made that point to the point of driving me and several others bananas. His level of insistence on being right is incredible.

Don't let him get you going, I think he enjoys it.

Since we are posting on "expat.com" using the term "expat" is appropriate in my opinion.
Yes - Puerto Rico is indeed factually a U.S territory (whether one likes it being so or not) but it also is culturally, socially, topologically very different than the States.....thus the expat sensation and/or feeling in being there/here. Whether or not one expresses, considers or feels they are an "expat" is personally subjective and also personally appropriate.  Always feel / express as you will but remember be open to how others do so as well.

Thanks Rey.
EVERYONE should be entitled to think that they are correct and obtusely share their opinions...whether they are devoid of personal reasonable cognitive ability ...or are self-aware of such. Even me. Lol