Karma7553
American expat in the Virgin Islands
Forum posts
51
Contacts
7
About me
American
Lives in Charlotte Amalie, Saint Thomas
Speaks English, Spanish,Russian, German, Chinese, French.
Registration: 28 October 2016
Building Homes in PR by Live2sparkle
I have seen a few posts from people who have built a house or will build a house on the island. Rey, I know you have a beautiful lot that you posted a photo of. And a few others, whose names escape me at the moment, have mentioned building. I am ...
Is any one supprised!! Bottom line on building here permits forget it you won’t live to see it if you don’t run outta money first. Contractors …..ugh yeah 10 years haven’t met one yet that isn’t trying to “get ... Read More
Building Homes in PR by Live2sparkle
I have seen a few posts from people who have built a house or will build a house on the island. Rey, I know you have a beautiful lot that you posted a photo of. And a few others, whose names escape me at the moment, have mentioned building. I am ...
Tony, what exactly is your “ beginning process” I assume building in PR? Read More
Question about moving with firearms and Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2020 by Olivia PR
Hello, I'm a new member. My husband and I are planning to move to PR in a couple of months. We have been trying to find information regarding bringing lawfully possessed firearms to Puerto Rico and the Arms Act of 2020 (PRAA) but there has ...
I would suggest calling Noel Torres Rosado in Arecibo PR 787-878-8400 Read More
Question about moving with firearms and Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2020 by Olivia PR
Hello, I'm a new member. My husband and I are planning to move to PR in a couple of months. We have been trying to find information regarding bringing lawfully possessed firearms to Puerto Rico and the Arms Act of 2020 (PRAA) but there has ...
I hope this helps, In PR when your asking questions about anything legally you can expect to get various opinions and usually wrong info. Although PR laws may be available online, always always always confirm with a local attorney. and anything and ... Read More
Question about moving with firearms and Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2020 by Olivia PR
Hello, I'm a new member. My husband and I are planning to move to PR in a couple of months. We have been trying to find information regarding bringing lawfully possessed firearms to Puerto Rico and the Arms Act of 2020 (PRAA) but there has ...
Puerto rico law is not clear…. for a reason. there laws are flexible dep on who you are. There is savings in bringing your own ammo thats worth what the potential penalty would be with authorities here. even if airlines allow it to cone it ... Read More
Loiza safety by JF214
I saw.a very nice looking apartment in Loiza in what looks like a decent area. But when I google I find forums with people saying it's unsafe. Does anybody who has actually spent time in Loiza have an opinion on this?
@fincanuevacreacionIf you're simply interested in a firearm for cats, iguana's etc. I would strongly recommend a brand called Gamo. look online you can purchase without a license. These pellet rifles are extremely accurate and effective. some in the ... Read More
Pros and cons of moving to PR with kids by Allison04
Hi! My husband and I are considering a move to PR in the summer. We have two kids ages 7 and 10. I was wondering if anyone had any feedback/advice on the pros and cons of moving to PR with kids. My biggest concerns are the schools, safety and ...
@Deedee40589Unfortunately for various reason the majority of the criminal activity here in PR goes unreported to the outside world. I assume it's the negative impact on tourism. Tourist go missing here all the time with no real investigation. It's ... Read More
Loiza safety by JF214
I saw.a very nice looking apartment in Loiza in what looks like a decent area. But when I google I find forums with people saying it's unsafe. Does anybody who has actually spent time in Loiza have an opinion on this?
If you are currently in Pr, please please stay prepared, last weekend 3 killers was lose, police say they was looking for them (LOL) On Dec. 8,2023 I woke to one of these killers trying to steal my vehicle, he was armed. I shot a warning shot at 50 ... Read More
4 Months Living in Puerto Rico...This is what I have learned so far by hct408
I wrote a post a couple months ago detailing my thoughts on Puerto Rico after having lived here for three weeks. We are now four months into our stay here and I have more to add. I guess, I want to point out that I think of expats who live here as ...
If you are currently in Pr, please please stay prepared, last weekend 3 killers was lose, police say they was looking for them (LOL) On Dec. 8,2023 I woke to one of these killers trying to steal my vehicle, he was armed. I shot a warning shot at 50 ... Read More
Pros and cons of moving to PR with kids by Allison04
Hi! My husband and I are considering a move to PR in the summer. We have two kids ages 7 and 10. I was wondering if anyone had any feedback/advice on the pros and cons of moving to PR with kids. My biggest concerns are the schools, safety and ...
If you are currently in Pr, please please stay prepared, last weekend 3 killers was lose, police say they was looking for them (LOL) On Dec. 8,2023 I woke to one of these killers trying to steal my vehicle, he was armed. I shot a warning shot at 50 ... Read More
Question about moving with firearms and Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2020 by Olivia PR
Hello, I'm a new member. My husband and I are planning to move to PR in a couple of months. We have been trying to find information regarding bringing lawfully possessed firearms to Puerto Rico and the Arms Act of 2020 (PRAA) but there has ...
I personally would not attempt to ship ammo to PR. Typically carriers such as FedEx/UPS can ship, however i am not certain about it being allowed as cargo on aircraft. You may want to contact FedEx/UPS to make sure.Laws are sketchy here and can be ... Read More
Question about moving with firearms and Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2020 by Olivia PR
Hello, I'm a new member. My husband and I are planning to move to PR in a couple of months. We have been trying to find information regarding bringing lawfully possessed firearms to Puerto Rico and the Arms Act of 2020 (PRAA) but there has ...
Sorry wonhardworker, I did understand your question about the $100.00?please repeat Read More
Transitioning help needed by jillmedina
We are struggling trying to get anyone to answer any of the phone numbers we have been given and hoping to somewhat group all of the questions in one post here: 1) how did you ship your household good here from the mainland and what was the cost? ...
You purchased land....I assume to build a home at some point? That will be a nightmare.Sorry to say it simply will be. Various reasons all together. Drivers license recommend you keep your license active from the states if you can.mine I do online ... Read More
Looking for a bank account that can be set up from the states by jillmedina
I am trying to establish a bank account in PR that would allow us to have visa and most importantly ATH access. Has anyone been able to set up an account while being physically in the states? We will not be on the island for apx 2 more months.
I'm pretty certain you will only be able to do that in person.You can try and call a few banks like banco popular, first bank etc. And check .I've only been able to set accounts in other islands by phone and alotta documents on a few other ... Read More
Wife is new to PR for Medical School in Caguas by GuestPoster14788
Hello all, Happy to be a member. We just arrived this week! My wife will be attending the PA program at the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine on Caguas. I will be coming back and forth from Austin, Texas to the island every 6 weeks or so. We ...
Dont buy from a private individual.If you do it has to be inspected and if any parts numbers don't match such as a fender the confiscate the vehicle on the spot.So your out of your cash all together. They use black book pricing here not Kelly ... Read More
Can anyone get legal council? We cant'! by AMoose
I was wondering if anyone has been able to find lawyers or legal advisers who are willing to help expats. Me and my partner have had little to no success finding lawyers who are willing to help us on any legal matter, especially the tough issue ...
I'm gringo and get prejudice for other reasons. Signs such as no trespassing etc. Do not work here. Forget approaching the law....there not going to help you. If anything will make it worse. What ended my several situations is obtaining a gun ... Read More
Police took our car license plate by Justpeachyy
We were pulled over for an expired marbete and were issued three tickets all for the same thing that goes along with the marbete. They also took our liscence plate. They're holding on to the plate for 3 days then sending it to CESCO so ...
My truck was at a shop in aguada having engine work done...9 months later after taking him to daco he was trying to extort additional money from me before releasing the vehicle. Daco awarded me my truck so the day i pick it up from the mechanic he ... Read More
Building Homes in PR by Live2sparkle
I have seen a few posts from people who have built a house or will build a house on the island. Rey, I know you have a beautiful lot that you posted a photo of. And a few others, whose names escape me at the moment, have mentioned building. I am ...
I would Strongly suggest finding a existing or a rehab house. The process of building here in p.r could me a nightmare as well as a money pit. I have purchased several rehab house here and repaired them mostly by myself. If you only focused on The ... Read More
Question about moving with firearms and Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2020 by Olivia PR
Hello, I'm a new member. My husband and I are planning to move to PR in a couple of months. We have been trying to find information regarding bringing lawfully possessed firearms to Puerto Rico and the Arms Act of 2020 (PRAA) but there has ...
Oh I forgot you do have to have a PR permit.I got mine in 2017 after naria. Then there was 2 types a concealed and a home protection permit.the concealed then was like $1,000 you had to go before a judge and physically bring 3 witness. The home ... Read More
Question about moving with firearms and Puerto Rico Arms Act of 2020 by Olivia PR
Hello, I'm a new member. My husband and I are planning to move to PR in a couple of months. We have been trying to find information regarding bringing lawfully possessed firearms to Puerto Rico and the Arms Act of 2020 (PRAA) but there has ...
Simple....you can send any firarm through USPS .however it has to be shipped to a licensed dealer in p.r. Notify a dealer here in PR that you will be sending them firearms.once they receive they contact you and register the firearms in the PR ... Read More
Unemployment,stimulis and tax return by Karma7553
Wow what a nightmare, I filled for unemployment in april, 1st and have not received a dime. My stimulis was just received like a week ago and my wife still has not received hers. The gov. Here originally said I would not be getting a refund however ...
Update on my unemployment filing nightmare. After months and daily callings to many many many given office numbers.Also calling the F.B.I. many times due to the fact a large portion owed to me was federal money. And pressuring the dept. Of labor on ... Read More
Building Homes in PR by Live2sparkle
I have seen a few posts from people who have built a house or will build a house on the island. Rey, I know you have a beautiful lot that you posted a photo of. And a few others, whose names escape me at the moment, have mentioned building. I am ...
I hear your pain from so so many people trying to build here and get hijacked! So bad I am thinking about getting back in the contracting business to help people like yourself. I had a disaster reconstruction business in the states for over 30 years ... Read More
Building Homes in PR by Live2sparkle
I have seen a few posts from people who have built a house or will build a house on the island. Rey, I know you have a beautiful lot that you posted a photo of. And a few others, whose names escape me at the moment, have mentioned building. I am ...
7 months......sorry to say your just in the beginning of your nightmare. The plan here is to drag every project out as well as soak you financially. You are seriously better off looking for a repo or a house for sale in the area. Trust me I been ... Read More
Unemployment,stimulis and tax return
Wow what a nightmare, I filled for unemployment in april, 1st and have not received a dime. My stimulis was just received like a week ago and my wife still has not received hers. The gov. Here originally said I would not be getting a refund however ... Read More
Building Homes in PR by Live2sparkle
I have seen a few posts from people who have built a house or will build a house on the island. Rey, I know you have a beautiful lot that you posted a photo of. And a few others, whose names escape me at the moment, have mentioned building. I am ...
DO NOT BUILD !!!. For endless reasons.First you may never live to see the permit approved to build or you would simply run out of money lining everyone's pockets. Secondly good luck finding a contractor that's not going soak you because your ... Read More
Accommodation in Puerto Rico: scams you should look out for by Bhavna
Hi, Committing to renting or buying accommodation when youre new to or have not moved to Puerto Rico just yet is always a stressful endeavour. Would you like to help us in putting together a handbook of what to look out for when house hunting in ...
Never exchange any money for rent .purchase ANYTHING.Until you actually see LEGAL ownership if the house you ar3 interested in here in P.r.Oldest scam in the book try and sell you something they don't own. Best approach is foreclosures and if ... Read More
Legal services in Puerto Rico
MAKE SURE! you get the legal service cost in writting.The attorneys here are no differant than most if the people.I had one in isabella area that tried charging me $250 for simply reading a one page document. Read More
Successes in your career in Puerto Rico by Priscilla
Hello, Becoming an expat means starting over in a new country, and a lot of times that also means starting over in your career as well. How have your skills and experiences evolved since moving to Puerto Rico? What does being successful ...
I moved to p.r. 2 years ago, sold a very succesful business of 28 years there.Having been a visitor here for 11 years I kinda knew what to expect in some ways. I have applied for more than 80 jobs here and not even one interview.Its obvious locals ... Read More
Alaskan family of five moves to Puerto Rico. by williamusps
For pictures and more information check our blog site at *** Day One: Well, we are here, it was a really long day. We arrived at 2:00 am and rented a mini van. That was fun putting everything in it. Kids were great. We drove around all night going ...
I've read some of your post and would like to offer some help please email me at *** and I would love to share some info to make your move less painfull. Read More
Recognition of foreign qualifications in Puerto Rico
No my business license was not recognized by puerto Rico when I moved.they want you to basically pay there fees to keep a license here. Makes no sense since they claim to be part of the u.s.The same applies to gun permits I've had a permit in ... Read More
garage business ideas? by fruitfly
Does anyone have an idea for a garage business here? I live up the hill 5 miles west of Mayaguez. I have a big empty detached concrete garage that is 1800 sq ft. just crying to generate revenue. It was previously a T-shirt printing business. It ...
I would consider looking into a general store idea. If your in a residential area they seem to do very well . Read More
Arriving in San Juan in January... looking for realtors and used cars by miminich
Hey folks! I've been following this forum quite a bit---thanks to everyone for asking thoughtful questions and posting such great answers. My girlfriend and I are going to pull the trigger---we'll land in San Juan on Jan. 18. We have ...
Oh great can you give me his info. My house is in arecibo Read More
Arriving in San Juan in January... looking for realtors and used cars by miminich
Hey folks! I've been following this forum quite a bit---thanks to everyone for asking thoughtful questions and posting such great answers. My girlfriend and I are going to pull the trigger---we'll land in San Juan on Jan. 18. We have ...
Anyone know a reasonable electrician ??? Thought I had one he said he was a general contractor and gave me a estimate for repairs of $2,400 which was a deciding factor in me buying the house I bought in december. Now he brings in who he calls a ... Read More
Buying a car from clasificados by Karma7553
I just bought a car from a kid on clasificados not knowing that the dmv requires the seller to actually go with you to transfer all the paper work. .not sure how im gonna get it in my name at this point any suggestions.
Thankfully after many hours at dtop and the lawyer and piles of papers and stamps .inspection etc. Finally get the car in my name. Wont make that mistake again. Read More
Arriving in San Juan in January... looking for realtors and used cars by miminich
Hey folks! I've been following this forum quite a bit---thanks to everyone for asking thoughtful questions and posting such great answers. My girlfriend and I are going to pull the trigger---we'll land in San Juan on Jan. 18. We have ...
Going great except my girlfriends been sick most of the time weve been here with chickenguayna I believe no antibiotics for it and can last weeks or even months.wear plenty of repellant when outdoors.theres alotta of adjusting your body may go ... Read More
Arriving in San Juan in January... looking for realtors and used cars by miminich
Hey folks! I've been following this forum quite a bit---thanks to everyone for asking thoughtful questions and posting such great answers. My girlfriend and I are going to pull the trigger---we'll land in San Juan on Jan. 18. We have ...
Yes the electrical looked a little suspect so im having a trusted contractor in the area rewire the whole house and apartment. I installed solar myself at a home I owned and my bill went from $190 a month to about $35 . I plan on installling it here ... Read More
Arriving in San Juan in January... looking for realtors and used cars by miminich
Hey folks! I've been following this forum quite a bit---thanks to everyone for asking thoughtful questions and posting such great answers. My girlfriend and I are going to pull the trigger---we'll land in San Juan on Jan. 18. We have ...
I have 11 years as a tourist here and just moved here.one mistake I made was buying a car from a guy on clasificados. Was a nightmare.I sid not know he needed to go to whats called dtop or dmv with me to sign over the title. Also make sure what is ... Read More
Arriving in San Juan in January... looking for realtors and used cars by miminich
Hey folks! I've been following this forum quite a bit---thanks to everyone for asking thoughtful questions and posting such great answers. My girlfriend and I are going to pull the trigger---we'll land in San Juan on Jan. 18. We have ...
Renting initially is a good idea I believe ....thats what we are doing until we located a home. We tried flying back and forth the past year and look ....but you really need to be here I believe to house hunt. We found a nice building at a dead end ... Read More
Arriving in San Juan in January... looking for realtors and used cars by miminich
Hey folks! I've been following this forum quite a bit---thanks to everyone for asking thoughtful questions and posting such great answers. My girlfriend and I are going to pull the trigger---we'll land in San Juan on Jan. 18. We have ...
Thanks and you are sooo right.ive looked at literally hundreds of houses on the island and have seen plenty of crazy stuff done to homes. Luckily I have a construction family background and some knowledge. The house didnt need much the electrical ... Read More
Arriving in San Juan in January... looking for realtors and used cars by miminich
Hey folks! I've been following this forum quite a bit---thanks to everyone for asking thoughtful questions and posting such great answers. My girlfriend and I are going to pull the trigger---we'll land in San Juan on Jan. 18. We have ...
Ive gone through dozens of agents in my search ...not real motivated as they are in the states from my experiance.however the one I did find helpful finally is named dasnell 7874733773. Has been great and bilangual if you dont speek spanish. Give ... Read More
Arriving in San Juan in January... looking for realtors and used cars by miminich
Hey folks! I've been following this forum quite a bit---thanks to everyone for asking thoughtful questions and posting such great answers. My girlfriend and I are going to pull the trigger---we'll land in San Juan on Jan. 18. We have ...
Nan, Me and my girlfriend arrived here oct.this year and had been reseaching homes and coming back and forth for a year to look at homes. We found a fannie mae foreclosure near arecibo three bedroom two baths with a detached apartment.near a nursing ... Read More
Antibiotics without a script by Karma7553
Just moved to pr last month and my gf has became sick and needs antibiotic does anyone know if I can get a antbiotic over the counter at one of the smaller pharmacies or will she need to see a dr. First?
Thanks everyone for your input.im sorry the only thing I did not mention was my x wife is a dr. In the states and while in medical school a I studied with her and became fairly educated in meds and pharmocoligy is how I knew what meds where needed ... Read More
Huracanes by ReyP
Well we were lucky we did not get hit, Haiti was hit bad, now it looks like Florida is next in line. Hope everyone is fine, if you have anyone in Florida ask them to play safe. Several Puerto Ricans that moved to Florida are a little worried about ...
Im looking at buying a house right on the water in arecibo soon.but one concern is all the sewage from the house im interested in as well as all the neighbors sewage runs into the ocean. Everyone says it's been that way for years. If I do buy im ... Read More
Antibiotics without a script
Just moved to pr last month and my gf has became sick and needs antibiotic does anyone know if I can get a antbiotic over the counter at one of the smaller pharmacies or will she need to see a dr. First? Read More
Buying a car from clasificados
I just bought a car from a kid on clasificados not knowing that the dmv requires the seller to actually go with you to transfer all the paper work. .not sure how im gonna get it in my name at this point any suggestions. Read More