Kim Melendez
@melendezki
American expat in Puerto Rico
Forum posts
121
Contacts
13
About me
American
Lives in Rio Grande
Speaks English, some Spanish
Registration: 24 May 2015
IVU Taxes & Short Term Rental Houses by melendezki
Is a vacation home in Puerto Rico, with a NAICS Code of 721199, required to pay 10.5% IVU taxes to the Hacienda Department and 1% to the appropriate municipality, in addition to 7% to the Tourism Company?
Funny Rey! From what I heard about your cooking, you may have to charge them to eat! Hee hee. Read More
IVU Taxes & Short Term Rental Houses by melendezki
Is a vacation home in Puerto Rico, with a NAICS Code of 721199, required to pay 10.5% IVU taxes to the Hacienda Department and 1% to the appropriate municipality, in addition to 7% to the Tourism Company?
Our CPA very specifically asked if we provided any prepared food to our guests, which we do not. We have a welcome basket at check in with packaged coffees, creams, pastries or local bread. I think the serving of prepared foods is the ... Read More
IVU Taxes & Short Term Rental Houses by melendezki
Is a vacation home in Puerto Rico, with a NAICS Code of 721199, required to pay 10.5% IVU taxes to the Hacienda Department and 1% to the appropriate municipality, in addition to 7% to the Tourism Company?
I will share with you our experience in the hopes that you do not need to go through the stress and anxiety we did, trying to finagle our way around the island government to conduct a legitimate business of a vacation rental house. We ... Read More
Buying house in Puerto Rico by EDA RAM
Hello, I would like to look at a few places / houses on the East Coast of the Island. No kids, just husband and wife, looking for house. Thank you
Shoot, we're flying out tomorrow for a week in Michigan and both houses are full. My advice to you is take your time! Don't rush buying. There are many many adjustments in the transition between the States and the island and how things are ... Read More
IVU Taxes & Short Term Rental Houses by melendezki
Is a vacation home in Puerto Rico, with a NAICS Code of 721199, required to pay 10.5% IVU taxes to the Hacienda Department and 1% to the appropriate municipality, in addition to 7% to the Tourism Company?
Our CPA is telling us if you generate income in Puerto Rico, it must be reported to the Hacienda, regardless of where you live or bank, or where the payor is from. So far, from what we have learned is that a vacation rental house is exempt from ... Read More
Power outage by Gary
Since 3:30 PM or so. Now, that's nothing new you'd say. Well, it depends. "Normally" this happens when there's rain and/or wind but today nothing of that, the power went just out of the blue. Nice weather, some clouds, no ...
Ours went out at 1 a.m. and didn't come back on until 11 a.m. Guests in our vacation house report that the El Yunque area is out and that a transformer was hit by lightning last night. Read More
IVU Taxes & Short Term Rental Houses by melendezki
Is a vacation home in Puerto Rico, with a NAICS Code of 721199, required to pay 10.5% IVU taxes to the Hacienda Department and 1% to the appropriate municipality, in addition to 7% to the Tourism Company?
Our vacation house is registered with the Hacienda Dept. and classified as a "other services of accommodation" code. This code is used by the IRS and governments in North America to track types of businesses created and in existence. A ... Read More
IVU Taxes & Short Term Rental Houses by melendezki
Is a vacation home in Puerto Rico, with a NAICS Code of 721199, required to pay 10.5% IVU taxes to the Hacienda Department and 1% to the appropriate municipality, in addition to 7% to the Tourism Company?
Thanks. I am hoping there are others on this site that have vacation homes and have encountered this issue. Read More
IVU Taxes & Short Term Rental Houses
Is a vacation home in Puerto Rico, with a NAICS Code of 721199, required to pay 10.5% IVU taxes to the Hacienda Department and 1% to the appropriate municipality, in addition to 7% to the Tourism Company? Read More
Looking for single Home to Rent by afbr2000
Looking for 3+bedoom/2 full bath single home to rent. Preferred in a gated community in Dorado, Bayamon, Ocean park or possibly Humacao. 2 adults and 2 small dogs. Need to start lease or month to month contract June 01, 2017.
This is the very reason I want to add a "casita" to our property ... for longer term renters that need a furnished place to land until they find something they like, or snow birds, etc. 2018 if all goes as planned :) Read More
Planning my trip down there
I agree with all of the suggestions already provided. The later the better ... November or early December ... the weather gets a lot cooler. Read More
Trash Pickup by ReyP
The government of Guayanilla is proposing selling trash bags 30 Gallon ones) at $2 dollars each. They would have a bar code to ensure that the bags are authorized. Other towns may decide to emulate them due to the simplicity of the process. If ...
We recycle and take it to a center in Palmer. I can't see selling bags making any kind of improvement to the trash on the sides of the road and in parking lots. Now if the municipalities PAID for trash by the pound, and were reimbursed by the ... Read More
Could use some help locating a possible stay. by olddawgsrule
I can not lock this down on any map I have.. #206 Calle C La Roca Fajardo It's stated as walking distance to Seven Seas Beach & Bio-Bay. Does anyone have a map that I can see this on? Does anyone know the location?
GoogleMap works pretty well on the island. If they send you a location pin, you should be able to get to it. Street addresses here are not reliable, accurate, or non-existent. Getting to your destination while the sun is still up is recommended, ... Read More
Are you happy in Puerto Rico? by Priscilla
Hello everyone! According to the 2016 UN World Happiness Survey, Denmark, Switzerland and Iceland are the happiest countries on earth. How about you? Are you happy in Puerto Rico? Do you feel happier today in your host country than before in ...
I have to put myself back into vacation mode and appreciate the wonderful things about the island. My husband can bring me back to Earth by getting me to the beach to sea glass hunt, or walk a rainforest trail, swim in a river water pool, then go ... Read More
Are you happy in Puerto Rico? by Priscilla
Hello everyone! According to the 2016 UN World Happiness Survey, Denmark, Switzerland and Iceland are the happiest countries on earth. How about you? Are you happy in Puerto Rico? Do you feel happier today in your host country than before in ...
It gets old feeling like you're the only one who wants better for the island...if they don't know it already by now, why paint a target on yourself. They look at you like you have a third eye on your forehead if you get frustrated. Sam's ... Read More
Where are Rincon and Surrounding Expats? by ReyP
Seems the west side of the island has abandoned the site. Several new members have been asking questions that are best answered by those living currently in the west. A lot of active members are no longer coming to the site it seems.
Love Maricao and Sabana Grande and Yauco! PR128 is my favorite road on the entire island. It's absolutely a road trip adventure with many curves and mountain climbing to spectacular views, lakes and rivers, and road side produce stands with ... Read More
Are you happy in Puerto Rico? by Priscilla
Hello everyone! According to the 2016 UN World Happiness Survey, Denmark, Switzerland and Iceland are the happiest countries on earth. How about you? Are you happy in Puerto Rico? Do you feel happier today in your host country than before in ...
You are right, in the U.S., people will raise holy hell if something is wrong. Here, it's just a passiveness, a not give a crap whether you like it or not, and unapologetically to boot!!!! Pretty soon the customer just learns to accept ... Read More
Are you happy in Puerto Rico? by Priscilla
Hello everyone! According to the 2016 UN World Happiness Survey, Denmark, Switzerland and Iceland are the happiest countries on earth. How about you? Are you happy in Puerto Rico? Do you feel happier today in your host country than before in ...
Another example of poor customer service...and also Walmart related. I used the bathroom in the Canovanas Walmart and there was no soap nor paper towels. There was a sign that says if you would not rate the maintenance of this bathroom a 10, ... Read More
Where are Rincon and Surrounding Expats? by ReyP
Seems the west side of the island has abandoned the site. Several new members have been asking questions that are best answered by those living currently in the west. A lot of active members are no longer coming to the site it seems.
I like to visit the western side of the island because the sunshine is more predictable than on our east side rainforest mountain. I also like to drive up into the mountains and see the beautiful countryside with cattle and fields of crops. I agree ... Read More
Are you happy in Puerto Rico? by Priscilla
Hello everyone! According to the 2016 UN World Happiness Survey, Denmark, Switzerland and Iceland are the happiest countries on earth. How about you? Are you happy in Puerto Rico? Do you feel happier today in your host country than before in ...
Customer service is seriously lacking in every aspect of daily life here. I have learned to let it go because I cannot change it and being snotty in return just makes it worse. I have observed that many people here do not multi-task and have no ... Read More
rental car damage insurance by timjoe48
hi all, i plan to rent a car for anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks during my upcoming visit to PR...i notice the vendors, such as charlie car rentals and othes, offer "rental car damage insurance" that's pretty expensive, something like $260 a month...is ...
Agree on the driving advice! Don't jump green lights, people run red lights all the time! Cold red lights! 4 way stops just mean everyone goes and it becomes a big mixing bowl. Taxis are aggressive, steer clear of them. We were purposefully ... Read More
3 Weeks in Puerto Rico, this is what I have learned... by hct408
Okay, so we have been in Puerto Rico for three weeks now, and there are a number of things I have learned. These may be helpful for people who are on their way here in the future. In no particular order: 1) It is true, drivers here are ...
The driving is aggressive and unlawful by many on the island. If they enforced the laws, they wouldn't be in such bad economic crisis and maybe the dangerous drivers would learn respect. With the no fault insurance for accidents up to $4000, ... Read More
Grumpy today by ReyP
Shoveling snow today, back hurts and you guys are working on your tan. I'll get my revenge and make it snow in PR as soon as I get my weather making machine finished. I want a piece of Lechón!
It's been rainy in Rio Grande, but mostly at night. December weather on the island is perfect...not too hot or cold. AC has been off all month. In terms of seasons down here, I would say it's the "white gringa on the beach burning to ... Read More
Culebra visit....advice please
It is accurate that you should get to the terminal in Fajardo to purchase tickets for the ferry to Culebra that early. The ferry is not always reliable or on time, and has been known to be sold out. Another option is to take a small plane over ... Read More
Coffee in PR - Tours and farm info? by Sitka
We love Puerto Rico coffee. I think it is great, in fact, just poured a cup of Yaucano for my AM fix. Anyone here have experience or knowledge of PR coffee plantations or farms? We would love to explore some of the PR farms and buy great ...
We recently went to Sandra Farms in Adjuntas (www.sandrafarms.com) and had a great time. Owners, Israel and Sandra, are very nice and we learned a lot about the coffee making process and had a great cup of 100% Puerto Rican coffee. Read More
Adapting to the climate in Puerto Rico by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Adjusting to new climatic conditions is key in any expatriation process. Moving to Puerto Rico is no exception. What are the climate characteristics of Puerto Rico? How does the local weather impact your daily life, mood or ...
We made the move from Michigan to PR at the end of August 2015 and I am melting like Frosty the Snowman in the heat and humidity here. I have dropped two pant sizes, but I also have a different lifestyle here. In Michigan, we would practically ... Read More
Expand your social circle in Puerto Rico by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Moving to Puerto Rico means leaving one's family and friends behind. Creating a circle of friends or joining an existing one should therefore be paramount in order to fight loneliness in your host country. But how can one ...
Ocean Park and Punta Las Marias are also pretty nice places you may want to check out. Read More
Poverty levels by ReyP
While the overall poverty level in PR is around 45%, the numbers are different from town to town. I was pleasantly surprise that Ceiba for example has a poverty level of only 38%. Check out this list, see what the numbers show for your town ...
My doctor at Auxilio Mutuo takes ONLY cash, many material providers for the construction of our home only accepted cash, it's going to take a while for that to change. The government has bounced checks and defaulted on its bills ... who can ... Read More
Insects/bugs by TravelingJ
Ok, I know that it is the Caribbean and that there are bugs (duh). I know there are mosquitos.....but what other little critters are prevalent on the island? We spend a lot of time in Costa Rica.....just wondering if the bug situation is the same. ...
I tell my husband that the bugs here are what sci-fi movies are made of. I'm a real sissy when it comes to creepy crawly creatures. My first purchase when I knew I was going to live here was long rubber boots. Luckily, I don't have the ... Read More
Debt relief package passed by ReyP
Based on my understanding the debt relief package for PR has passed congress and is waiting on Obama signature to become law. He is likely to sign it sometime today. Likely he will name also the 7 members of the board. In the list of first action ...
Many changes in the future for PR. I am an eternal optimist by nature, so I have to say that things can only get better (how can they get worse). No one is going to like big brother stepping in and asserting his power, but the island hasn't been ... Read More
Poverty levels by ReyP
While the overall poverty level in PR is around 45%, the numbers are different from town to town. I was pleasantly surprise that Ceiba for example has a poverty level of only 38%. Check out this list, see what the numbers show for your town ...
Rio Grande has the same, 38%. The numbers in the report are from 6 years ago though, so I suspect the numbers have increased since then. Hopefully things will turn around and move in a better direction. Read More
In retrospect, would you move again to Puerto Rico? by Christine
Hi all, If you had to look back on your expat experience in Puerto Rico, would you heartily say "lets do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? Would you do ...
Questions: If you had to look back on your expat experience in Puerto Rico, would you heartily say "let’s do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? ... Read More
Veni, vidi, visito'
We have a guest room in Rio Grande, close to the El Yunque National Forest, Luquillo Beach, and 20 easy miles to SJU. The guest room would be on the second floor and sleeps two. We would be willing to trade equal time for equal accommodations in ... Read More
Gathering of new friends
So sorry we couldn't make it! I brought back a nasty flu bug from Michigan last week! Read More
Potential move, economy & work concerns by purplesugar
HI everyone. I am new to this forum and this is my first post. I am born and raised in Minnesota and still live here now. My SO and I are interested in making a big life change in a few years: moving far, far away! After researching dozens of ...
I moved here 8 months ago and am taking it one year at a time. My husband is Puerto Rican, so he's home. I, on the other hand, am still adjusting and not making any commitments yet. It's a different lifestyle than the states in many ways. ... Read More
Lets have FUN on a Budget by ReyP
In my previous post “Making it on a budget in PR”, the chain of posts was oriented toward allaying the fears of new comers on what it would take to move and live in Puerto Rico. Some would call it “Survive”, and complained ...
I love that area over there! There's a food truck just off 3 and 967 that serves homemade sancocho only on Fridays. You can get a nice size container of it with a side of rice for $5.00! It is so filling, I can split it between two meals. ... Read More
Lets have FUN on a Budget by ReyP
In my previous post “Making it on a budget in PR”, the chain of posts was oriented toward allaying the fears of new comers on what it would take to move and live in Puerto Rico. Some would call it “Survive”, and complained ...
Apparently the tourists went into an area that was marked as off limits because of mud slides and treacherous conditions. When they called for help, they were told to stay put until assistance arrived. They must have gave up waiting or disregarded ... Read More
Lets have FUN on a Budget by ReyP
In my previous post “Making it on a budget in PR”, the chain of posts was oriented toward allaying the fears of new comers on what it would take to move and live in Puerto Rico. Some would call it “Survive”, and complained ...
At Ralph's, you can get a large sectioned styrofoam container FULL of food (two meats, rice and beans, and a side of tostones or maduros) for $8.00. We go to the Ralph's in Rio Grande, next to the TJ Maxx on PR3, but we have ate at the ... Read More
Lets have FUN on a Budget by ReyP
In my previous post “Making it on a budget in PR”, the chain of posts was oriented toward allaying the fears of new comers on what it would take to move and live in Puerto Rico. Some would call it “Survive”, and complained ...
Sure! We're learning our way around the 28,000 acres! :) The last time I was up there, we only planned on a nice Sunday walk in the mountains and packed four bottles of water. We wound up on the El Yunque Trail and went all the way to the ... Read More
Lets have FUN on a Budget by ReyP
In my previous post “Making it on a budget in PR”, the chain of posts was oriented toward allaying the fears of new comers on what it would take to move and live in Puerto Rico. Some would call it “Survive”, and complained ...
We go to the beaches to walk and scrounge for seaglass and driftwood needed for Pinterest-inspired projects, we go for hikes up through the jungle of the El Yunque, we "get lost" on roads that we have never been on before (with plenty of ... Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Puerto Rico by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to Puerto Rico? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
Bear66 covered many of my sentiments about the adjustment process. It really lies within yourself ... how you react to different ways of things being done. I moved here six months ago. I like it here much better than when I first arrived, and I ... Read More
Expat forum for airfair. by dianec333
I just checked it twice for pricing. Over $450 for a one stop from Miami to San Juan. On internet, spirit air was $148 no stops. What site is Ex pat using that is so expensive?
Southwest Air usually has some good prices but they don't come up in flight search websites like Travelocity, etc., you need to check their flights directly on their website. They also don't fly animals, at least they didn't when we ... Read More
Negative feedback regarding move to PR by smithcgc
I'm planning a move to Spain or PR in a year. Im looking to perfect my Spanish and experience some city/in town living. Currently I'm leaning towards Spain because I get so many negative comments regarding life in PR, uch as, the crime is ...
I made the move to PR from Michigan at the end of August '15. If you had asked me my opinion in September or October, I am afraid I would have also offered negative feedback. I was adjusting to "the way things are done here on the ... Read More
Reasonable Housing in Puerto Rico by tonie064
Special Kev, I am posting on here since the moderator asked that we discuss health issues on that post. We were extremely lucky to find this house and it was not by chance. We had been researching houses for about 1 year from New ...
On our mountain, there is a story of a feud between two neighbors. One neighbor planted a pumpkin and let the vine grow to great lengths, so much so, that it crept into the neighbor's yard. The neighbor picked the "calabaza" on his ... Read More
In Puerto Rico why are most realtors so lazy they dont respond by bonu
In PR, why are most of the realtors/real estate agents so lazy that they dont call back or email back? How do they expect to sell a property when they dont assist a buyer AT ALL? If you are a seller, why are you paying a commission to a realtor who ...
If you are already on the island, it is my suggestion that you drive around in areas where you think you could live, and look for signs that say "Se Vende." Get the phone number, if it's provided on the sign, but better yet, knock on ... Read More
Puerto Rican Christmas by Schuttzie
I just read an article that is very heartwarming about what some traditions were like PR at Christmas time. http://www.elboricua.com/pr_christmas.html
This is my first year as a resident of PR, as opposed to a visiting vacationer. I think I am going to be in "spectator mode" this season, because I am still learning the language and customs. There are two large churches at the bottom of ... Read More
Moving Soon / Must take to PR list? by Sitka
We are starting to pack for our move to PR. This will be the first of several trips back and forth over the next few years. The airline allows two checked bags (50lbs each) plus a carry on. We are starting to pack for the first trip and will ...
The plastic totes are more expensive on the front end, but they hold up a ton better than cardboard boxes. We used Gorilla tape instead of duct tape because it was a lot stronger, and we wrapped it all the way around the tote from both directions ... Read More
New members of Puerto Rico forum, introduce yourself here 4th quarter of 2015 by Julien
Newbie on Puerto Rico forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your expat ...
Welcome! We are looking forward to meeting up with you and your husband at the flea market in Sabana Grande in December! Read More
Moving Soon / Must take to PR list? by Sitka
We are starting to pack for our move to PR. This will be the first of several trips back and forth over the next few years. The airline allows two checked bags (50lbs each) plus a carry on. We are starting to pack for the first trip and will ...
We moved to PR 3 months ago. We shipped plastic totes through the US Postal Service by regular mail (there are already many posts suggesting this is the best way to send to the island), and it worked out fine for us. If I were to pack again for ... Read More
Shopping for new furniture by Sitka
When we arrive in North Central PR next Jan , will be in the market for some basic home furnishings, e.g. bed, mattress, table & chairs, refrigerator, etc. I may be able to haul most items by car, but some larger will need to be delivered ...
We bought our mattresses from Sam's Club, stove and refrigerator from Home Depot with delivery, and a nice sectional couch on Craigslist with free delivery. Read More
2 week Recon Mission to Puerto Rico (Act 20 and lifestyle questions) by DJGlobal
Hi All: I am an attorney living in Houston, TX with a very successful local and international practice. I am married and we have 2 small kids ( ages 5 & 7)[Implicit in my reading of your responses is that everyone is considering safety as ...
I have been living here in Rio Grande (East side of PR) now for two months. I have been vacationing to the island for the past 23 years with my husband who was born and raised on the island. Two weeks before moving here, I retired from my 35 year ... Read More
Get together in Luquillo Oct 27 by ReyP
I have been organising a get together for members of the Forum at the Brass Cactus at 5 pm on Oct 27. We currently have about 8 people showing up. Since I do not know who else would like to join us, or is close enough to attend, I am making this an ...
Ha! Get the party started! Looking forward to meeting you tonight!! Read More
Drought in Puerto Rico by NomadLawyer
My in-laws are telling me that the drought in PR is really bad. It was bad when I was there back in the summer of 2014 and we nearly had to live with rationing. My in-laws who live in the SJ metro area suffering through water rationing now and it ...
Finally, a whole rainy day today -- the first since arriving 8/31. And the nights are cooling down enough that we can have the windows open, no air conditioning on, and the coqui are singing their hearts out. This is the Puerto Rico that I have ... Read More
need furniture buying suggestions by dumplingmx
My husband and I are moving to the San Juan area soon. The condo we are renting for 6 months is only partially furnished, so we will be needing some living room furniture (the condo has beds and a small dining table/chairs). The problem is that we ...
There is a furniture liquidators warehouse that we stumbled upon today in Carolina , just East of Maderera Donestevez in Carolina. It's nothing fancy but they have all kinds of furniture for sale at reasonable prices and are willing to ... Read More
In PR, why do most of the houses not have enclosed garages? by csmi
In PR, why do most of the houses have carports instead of enclosed garages? It cant be only because there is no snow, because even in Florida most houses where they also don't get snow, Florida houses have garages.
Our laundry room is also located in the open garage, with rejas (iron bars ) to lock down at night. As others have commented, the open garage is a great place to entertain in the shade or rain, and also to play dominoes. Read More
Silly question about shopping :) by Jolo84
Hi all, Forgive me for my silly random questions but does Puerto Rico do Black Friday? Also do people coupon there? Just little random things I like to do... Thanks in advance!!
I thought when I retired that I would now get to enjoy shopping in less busy stores at times when most others are working ... ha! not here! We went to Walmart in Carolina at 10:30 a.m. on a Tuesday and couldn't find a parking spot! Maybe in ... Read More
Get together in Luquillo Oct 27 by ReyP
I have been organising a get together for members of the Forum at the Brass Cactus at 5 pm on Oct 27. We currently have about 8 people showing up. Since I do not know who else would like to join us, or is close enough to attend, I am making this an ...
We will see you there! Looking forward to meeting you and other expats!! Read More
What is the cost for a notary to notarize a document in PR? by csmi
What is the cost for a notary to notarize a document in PR? I am looking for a cheap provider. Please give name, address, and phone along with cost if you have it. The document is already constructed. It is a simple 1 page that needs notarized.
Frogrock is right. We had a discharge of mortgage that needed notarized. I am a notary in Michigan and thought that it would be a simple process. Of course, with Puerto Rico, NOTHING is simple! You need to hire an attorney to notarize the ... Read More
T-Mobile, AT&T, or Sprint? by ReyP
I Currently have a verizon account in the states. I plan to get out of my current contract and keep the current Iphone 6, which will mean paying a lot. How is coverage and Speed for the above carriers? How much do you pay for 1 or two phones with ...
We use Sprint and have not had any problems with service or hot spot. Because our house is concrete, we get the best service outside on the patio though. Not a bad place to take care of business anyway. Read More
What do you like the most in Puerto Rico? by Christine
Hi, Living abroad, expats discover and enjoy a new environment. What do you like the most in Puerto Rico? What seduced you when settling and living here? Share with us your favorite part of living in Puerto Rico and the reason why you ...
What do I love about the island? 1. The people, which is a good thing because I'm married to a Borinquen. 2. The weather. Even the rain here is friendly. 3. The food. Even though a lot of it is salty or fried, if it's authentic it's ... Read More
Looking for Glass Replacement for Pictures by melendezki
A few pictures that we shipped arrived with broken glass and we cannot find anyone that can replace the glass. We live in Rio Grande, but can travel anywhere on the island.
Sorry! I did not mean to sound ungrateful for your time, effort, and comments. After attempting to call more than 15 cristalerias yesterday, I made contact with someone from Quality Glass in Rio Piedras. And in the meantime, we have determined ... Read More
So you got a part time place, now what?
We have an awesome local contractor in the Rio Grande / Guzman Abajo area. He is honest and dependable. His name is Bermis but he goes by Monia. He is currently constructing our second story addition, but has been our property manager for the ... Read More
Looking for Glass Replacement for Pictures by melendezki
A few pictures that we shipped arrived with broken glass and we cannot find anyone that can replace the glass. We live in Rio Grande, but can travel anywhere on the island.
Ummmmmmm ... six out of the six numbers I tried from this listing indicated the phone numbers were no longer in service, including the Master Frames in Carolina. Read More
Looking for Glass Replacement for Pictures by melendezki
A few pictures that we shipped arrived with broken glass and we cannot find anyone that can replace the glass. We live in Rio Grande, but can travel anywhere on the island.
Believe me, I do not have any problem living with what's available on the island ... my post was asking for help finding it, after looking for it in the logical places. I know I am not the only one that would need picture glass replaced, and I ... Read More
Looking for Glass Replacement for Pictures by melendezki
A few pictures that we shipped arrived with broken glass and we cannot find anyone that can replace the glass. We live in Rio Grande, but can travel anywhere on the island.
Home Depot does not cut glass. Neither does National. I need a Michael's over here! :| The pictures that need glass replaced are not regularly sized, and I don't want the cheap glass ... I want the no-glare stuff. I'm asking the ... Read More
Satelite Dish TV reception by ReyP
For those of you using some form of Dish Antenna TV service, how is reception and what about bad weather affecting the signal? In the US there is a lot of advertisement about crappy signal when there is bad weather
No problems so far. I have not streamed any movies yet though. Been too busy painting, unpacking, cleaning, etc., and too tired at night to stay awake for a movie! I am happy with the wi-fi service throughout the house though. Once the second ... Read More
Satelite Dish TV reception by ReyP
For those of you using some form of Dish Antenna TV service, how is reception and what about bad weather affecting the signal? In the US there is a lot of advertisement about crappy signal when there is bad weather
It's Cosotnet. See cosotnet.com. It is satellite. So far, so good with service and customer service. Staff bilingual. Read More
Fabric and craft store in PR by Paet Burcham
I am wondering if fabric shops like JoAnn Fabrics and etc. are to be found in PR? Also craft stores such as Michael's. Any info would be appreciated. We will be living in the west of PR.
I am thrilled to say that I stumbled upon a fantastic fabric store today in Bayamon called American Plastics & Fabrics: http://en.infopaginas.com/b/bayamon/american-plastics-and-fabrics-5 Salesman Gilbert was very helpful in assisting us ... Read More
Looking for Glass Replacement for Pictures by melendezki
A few pictures that we shipped arrived with broken glass and we cannot find anyone that can replace the glass. We live in Rio Grande, but can travel anywhere on the island.
Thank you! It was suggested at a ferreteria that I needed to find a cristaleria :) Read More
successful first week! by Wonderer
Hi all, We have officially spent our first week as residents of PR. It's going so smoothly I can't believe it. We are staying in Luquillo for the month while we search for a long-term Rental. We bought a used SUV and lucked out on price, ...
So good to hear your first week went well and you jumped over a few hurdles without any problems! Congrats, neighbor! Read More
Best ways to safely transport pets to and fro Puerto Rico by DeborahMarchant
Hello What are some of the best ways to safely transport pets to and fro PR? Any great suggestions? Most commercial and major airlines won't fly animals when the temperature is above 85 degrees.This is because while their cargo hold is ...
We flew United Airlines from Chicago to SJU on 8/31 with our 19 lb. beagle corgi mix ("Domino"). Domino's arrival in SJU by United's Pet Safe was excellent. We and other passengers cheered when we witnessed him being the first ... Read More
Satelite Dish TV reception by ReyP
For those of you using some form of Dish Antenna TV service, how is reception and what about bad weather affecting the signal? In the US there is a lot of advertisement about crappy signal when there is bad weather
Update: DirectTV has been excellent since we arrived on the island on 8/31. They did need to move the dish to the top of the newly constructed second story. We have not had any problems with service or reception. Internet: We waited for over a ... Read More
Looking for Glass Replacement for Pictures
A few pictures that we shipped arrived with broken glass and we cannot find anyone that can replace the glass. We live in Rio Grande, but can travel anywhere on the island. Read More
What is it with all these people from Africa contacting me? by ReyP
In the last 2 weeks I have received like 8 different contact requests mostly from African countries of people that want to come to the US. None say in their profile that they want to come to PR. I keep rejecting them. Any of you have the same ...
Yes, me too. Just one man from Africa but no connection to PR. I also rejected the request. Read More
Oh The Nerves by travelgurl
I move to San Juan in just 10 days. I am sending some boxes ahead, even though I was never able to activate a PO Box. Luckily, I ended up speaking with the Post Master in a station about the difficulty and he explained the issues and said send ...
Yes, timing is the dicey part. We started unloading in April for our move the end of August. The guest room furniture went first, which opened up space to start piles of what to take, sell, keep in the attic, or give to family. We have had a ... Read More
Oh The Nerves by travelgurl
I move to San Juan in just 10 days. I am sending some boxes ahead, even though I was never able to activate a PO Box. Luckily, I ended up speaking with the Post Master in a station about the difficulty and he explained the issues and said send ...
Thanks for the heads up. It is in the budget, but it's still going to bite. Our custom made cornhole yard game, painted the Puerto Rican flag, is going to cost to get to the island, but it's not getting left behind or given away. Read More
Oh The Nerves by travelgurl
I move to San Juan in just 10 days. I am sending some boxes ahead, even though I was never able to activate a PO Box. Luckily, I ended up speaking with the Post Master in a station about the difficulty and he explained the issues and said send ...
We are moving to the island on 8/31 and are starting to feel the pressure and excitement! Plastic totes numbered and duct taped are held in the garage, to be shipped to our post office box two weeks before we leave. Our dog, Domino, is spending ... Read More
Visiting PR July 11 by ReyP
Hi guys and gals, I am leaving early tomorrow (Saturday) morning to the Isla Del Encanto, I will be mostly in the Fajardo area, Juncos and Las Piedras areas. I plan meeting some of you in Fajardo for lunch on Sunday. I may take also a trip to ...
I know how you feel! I gave a four month notice at work, and this is my LAST FOUR WEEKS working, and most days now feels like a prison sentence! But I created a huge long list and notebook of everything that needs to be done before we go, and that ... Read More
Visiting PR July 11 by ReyP
Hi guys and gals, I am leaving early tomorrow (Saturday) morning to the Isla Del Encanto, I will be mostly in the Fajardo area, Juncos and Las Piedras areas. I plan meeting some of you in Fajardo for lunch on Sunday. I may take also a trip to ...
Congratulations! The house, location, property, and outbuildings look great! The kitchen is exactly what we have in mind for our second story, the set up is very same, even the open upper shelves! It's nice to put a face with a name also! ... Read More
Puerto Rican cuisine by Priscilla
Hi, When living abroad, tasting the local cuisine is part of discovering the country. What is your favorite food in Puerto Rico? What is the local speciality? Share with us the local tastes of Puerto Rico and why not your best ...
Yes, that would be fun. Let us know when you're on the island! Read More
Puerto Rican cuisine by Priscilla
Hi, When living abroad, tasting the local cuisine is part of discovering the country. What is your favorite food in Puerto Rico? What is the local speciality? Share with us the local tastes of Puerto Rico and why not your best ...
Hector wants to know if you guys had these foods growing up: 1. Malta with beaten egg yolk? 2. Marrota (corn cereal)? 3. Horchata? Read More
Puerto Rican cuisine by Priscilla
Hi, When living abroad, tasting the local cuisine is part of discovering the country. What is your favorite food in Puerto Rico? What is the local speciality? Share with us the local tastes of Puerto Rico and why not your best ...
That's where my husband gets this habit! He's always dropping something in his hot cocoa or hot coffee, like cheese or peanut butter. Or boils fresh ginger root in milk? Read More
Puerto Rican cuisine by Priscilla
Hi, When living abroad, tasting the local cuisine is part of discovering the country. What is your favorite food in Puerto Rico? What is the local speciality? Share with us the local tastes of Puerto Rico and why not your best ...
Lets not forget Bistec Ensebollao with Rice, Beans, and some Maduros Ensebollao, we drop the D from Ensebollado. Or thin slice of steak cooked with lots of onions. How about Pan de Agua, with Mortadella, and a liberal amount of nice salty butter for ... Read More
Satelite Dish TV reception by ReyP
For those of you using some form of Dish Antenna TV service, how is reception and what about bad weather affecting the signal? In the US there is a lot of advertisement about crappy signal when there is bad weather
Update: Direct TV technician showed up as promised today and installed the cable. Thank goodness for our wonderful local cleaning lady, Millie. She arranged her schedule so she could be there for the technician, she replaced our empty propane ... Read More
Luquillo Kioskos by Jolo84
Has anyone been to the Luquillo Kiosks lately? A friend of mine just came from PR and i suggested that she go there because as a child we would go every weekend. She came back and said how dirty and run down it is now. We're going back in ...
I will have to try them. I haven't met an alcapurria I didn't like. The Metropol in Fajardo has some killer lobster mofongo. Read More
Puerto Rico's Sovereign Debt Crisis by NomadLawyer
Well, Gov. Garcia Padilla has [url=http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/06/29/business/dealbook/puerto-ricos-governor-says-islands-debts-are-not-payable.html?referrer=]admitted[/url]what many of us have known for sometime: Puerto Rico cannot pay its debt ...
It's all good. They're 4000 miles away from the island and only listening to the latest news. I heard St. Croix is terrible compared to PR anyway. Read More
Puerto Rico's Sovereign Debt Crisis by NomadLawyer
Well, Gov. Garcia Padilla has [url=http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/06/29/business/dealbook/puerto-ricos-governor-says-islands-debts-are-not-payable.html?referrer=]admitted[/url]what many of us have known for sometime: Puerto Rico cannot pay its debt ...
Well, "in light of the financial problems there at this time", we just lost a tourist, potential ex-pat, scheduled to stay in our house the entire month of May 2016. They will now be looking in St. Croix. Read More
Satelite Dish TV reception by ReyP
For those of you using some form of Dish Antenna TV service, how is reception and what about bad weather affecting the signal? In the US there is a lot of advertisement about crappy signal when there is bad weather
I will update you on my experience with Direct TV. So far, so good. The technician called to schedule installation today (within 24 hours of setting up service), and will be there tomorrow! Read More
Puerto Rican cuisine by Priscilla
Hi, When living abroad, tasting the local cuisine is part of discovering the country. What is your favorite food in Puerto Rico? What is the local speciality? Share with us the local tastes of Puerto Rico and why not your best ...
We 💘 a good pastele. It took me a while to acquire a taste for them because of their gooey texture, but I love a good one. When we go to Hector's hometown, we may stop and pick up a dozen from someone who has put a sign up in the yard. ... Read More
Satelite Dish TV reception by ReyP
For those of you using some form of Dish Antenna TV service, how is reception and what about bad weather affecting the signal? In the US there is a lot of advertisement about crappy signal when there is bad weather
I set up service to our house in Rio Grande today through Direct TV. They offer different levels of channels and require a 2 year contract. I spoke with Pablo Vargas @ 787-268-8545 and his English was great. I had to be transferred a few times to ... Read More
Why leave the mainland by ReyP
I am starting this topic because I think it would allow people to understand why somebody in the mainland who is already settle in place would want to move to an island that has a very large poverty rate, more crime, unreliable electric service, ...
Hector left the island in the '70s as a 19 year old busboy working for $3.00 a week in the Condado. His brother and cousin went to Michigan first, found employment immediately, and called him to make the move. After working 40 years, 30 of ... Read More
Satelite Dish TV reception by ReyP
For those of you using some form of Dish Antenna TV service, how is reception and what about bad weather affecting the signal? In the US there is a lot of advertisement about crappy signal when there is bad weather
It looks like you stumped everyone with your question. I am curious about satellite dish service as well. We have a dish through Direct TV and use the prepaid cards from Walgreen's when we are there on vacation, but once we get over there ... Read More
notes from the big move by davidtx
(links and photos on our website) Three weeks ago today we all piled into our Honda CR-V in Texas and today I am writing this from our semi-furnished condo in Puerto Rico. So much has happened between then and now that it’s hard to know ...
Welcome to the island! And thanks for the information. What arrangements for cable and internet have you made? Read More
Why leave the mainland by ReyP
I am starting this topic because I think it would allow people to understand why somebody in the mainland who is already settle in place would want to move to an island that has a very large poverty rate, more crime, unreliable electric service, ...
Rey, following your heart back to the island and replacing the cold crappy winters with year round friendly weather will likely lengthen your time in this world, or at least take10 years off your attitude and disposition by being somewhere you want ... Read More
Why leave the mainland by ReyP
I am starting this topic because I think it would allow people to understand why somebody in the mainland who is already settle in place would want to move to an island that has a very large poverty rate, more crime, unreliable electric service, ...
Rey, following your heart back to the island and replacing the cold crappy winters with year round friendly weather will likely lengthen your time in this world, or at least take10 years off your attitude and disposition by being somewhere you want ... Read More
Furnishing a house by conriz
Hi all, my group of friends and I are moving down to Rincón for 7 months in october and our house isn't coming fully furnished, and we'll need to buy things like beds, couches, kitchen supplies. Obviously only being down there for 7 ...
We have had fun finding furnishings all over the island from Craigslist. There are people leaving the island all the time that can't justify shipping the stuff, so they are willing to let it go for a great price... a "fire sale." ... Read More
Anyone having 2nd thoughts? by Jolo84
My parents and friends think I'm crazy for still wanting to move to the Caribbean after all that's going on with the economy. The way I see it, the way the US is going with all the shootings, threats, kidnappings, etc, we are not safe ...
Exactly! It has taken me the last five years to get to that way of thinking, to be willing to give up my job and retire with my husband. It just seemed so overwhelmingly drastic, and yet a dream we have talked about for years... but there comes a ... Read More
Cell Phone by travelgurl
I am trying to work out a new cell phone carrier before I move next month. I am currently on Verizon and have no desire to deal with Claro (they are trying to force that). I am trying to decide between Sprint and AT&T. I have heard that ...
We have been with Sprint for at least 10 years and have not had many problems with service in PR. Since we are preparing to move to PR next month, we went to our local Sprint store in Grand Rapids, Michigan last weekend and made arrangements for ... Read More
Puerto Rican cuisine by Priscilla
Hi, When living abroad, tasting the local cuisine is part of discovering the country. What is your favorite food in Puerto Rico? What is the local speciality? Share with us the local tastes of Puerto Rico and why not your best ...
Maybe it will be different when we start living there full-time next month, but while vacationing there, we have to have our "Pinone's Fix" too -- at least the pinchos and bacaloaitos. Oh, and at least one dulce de coco sold on the ... Read More
Squatter's Inn by melendezki
This is my pet name for the abandoned house up the mountain from our property that I want to investigate as soon as we get there next month. The house has been abandoned for 7-10 years. We were able to gain access to the interior of the house in ...
Thanks! This is music to my ears because I love the place and it's just a walk up the mountain from our current house. The current owner's voicemail message still identifies him, and I ran a skip trace report on him and he is still alive. ... Read More