Mistakes expats make in Puerto Rico

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

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.

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.

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! 

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!!!!!

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!!

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.