Gary
@Gary
Dutch expat in Puerto Rico
Forum posts
1845
Contacts
6
About me
Dutch
Lives in Juncos
Speaks Dutch, German, English, Spanish
Registration: 09 April 2006
Streaming TV by PattiAnn
I’ve always been able to stream tv from my provider in CT (Comcast) usung their app to sling box . Just the other day it all stopped and I’m being told I cannot stream outside of mainland. This seems to be true with HUlu; direct tv now, ...
It's not so straight-forward, I'm afraid. In order to make the VPN work for the TV you would need to install it in your main router. Not every router is suitable and installing it might be a ... Read More
Six Months Post Maria by mrtibbs
Would you all please share your location and how recovery has been post hurricane Maria in the area you live? I think it would be very helpful for those of us stateside looking to move with knowing the level of towns affected from a personal ...
One power surge is enough to kill unprotected devices. Better be safe than sorry. ;) Read More
PREPA / AEE Draft Financial plan by ReyP
Looks like PREPA will be raising the KWH to 30 cents with in the next 5 years if the PROMESA board approves their financial plan. ...
One way or another, now is the time to seriously look into alternatives. One of my neighbors is about to go off-grid with solar panels and a windmill. He may need to run a generator a couple of days per month but his system looks pretty good. Read More
PREPA / AEE Draft Financial plan by ReyP
Looks like PREPA will be raising the KWH to 30 cents with in the next 5 years if the PROMESA board approves their financial plan. ...
Now, obviously there is a certified fiscal plan for fiscal years 2017 - 2026 which includes a 21 cent per kWh target rate by 2023. I hope the 'junta' will keep that one in place... Read More
PREPA / AEE Draft Financial plan by ReyP
Looks like PREPA will be raising the KWH to 30 cents with in the next 5 years if the PROMESA board approves their financial plan. ...
Here's the graph from page 30 where it is shown how the rate is built. 4 to 5 cts per kWh to pay off the debt (of which it is unclear why it's there and where the money went). http://i67.tinypic.com/ilav4j.png Read More
PREPA / AEE Draft Financial plan by ReyP
Looks like PREPA will be raising the KWH to 30 cents with in the next 5 years if the PROMESA board approves their financial plan. ...
I just read that, Warner. Here's the graph from page 28 It shows that they want to charge up to 36 cts for a kWh in 2021 http://i64.tinypic.com/14xp4qo.png Read More
PREPA / AEE Draft Financial plan by ReyP
Looks like PREPA will be raising the KWH to 30 cents with in the next 5 years if the PROMESA board approves their financial plan. ...
I didn't read the plan yet but if they are also are really going to improve the grid it might be worth it. Somehow I have a feeling that I'm only dreaming and that I'll wake up to the same crappy grid and a 50% higher bill. Read More
Six Months Post Maria by mrtibbs
Would you all please share your location and how recovery has been post hurricane Maria in the area you live? I think it would be very helpful for those of us stateside looking to move with knowing the level of towns affected from a personal ...
That has been happening all over the place, yes. When the power goes and is reconnected again, a surge can damage equipment. Microwaves, fridges and freezers, computers, you name it. A neighbor lost a microwave oven, I lost a (brand new, six-port) ... Read More
Six Months Post Maria by mrtibbs
Would you all please share your location and how recovery has been post hurricane Maria in the area you live? I think it would be very helpful for those of us stateside looking to move with knowing the level of towns affected from a personal ...
To be honest, other than the repaired road in Toa Alta, there's not a lot of repair visible. Debris have been cleaned, there are plenty of blue roofs (but no new roofs), the water is gone from flooded roads, nature is bouncing back. Now, I know ... Read More
Amazon - IVU by Gary
According to what we read in the newspapers, Amazon will start to add IVU to all purchases from Puerto Rico, starting 4-1. (I hope it's a april's fool joke but I'm afraid it is true).
I understand that most people who are leaving don't do this because of taxes but simply because they don't find a (good paying) job here on the island. Now, since most of them seem to be people who have some form of higher education it is a ... Read More
Amazon - IVU by Gary
According to what we read in the newspapers, Amazon will start to add IVU to all purchases from Puerto Rico, starting 4-1. (I hope it's a april's fool joke but I'm afraid it is true).
True.. Now, it doesn't look like we have much of a choice when Amazon is is going to charge IVU (other than look for alternative online sources.) Read More
Amazon - IVU by Gary
According to what we read in the newspapers, Amazon will start to add IVU to all purchases from Puerto Rico, starting 4-1. (I hope it's a april's fool joke but I'm afraid it is true).
I do have Prime and I intend to keep it. To be fair, PR needs the tax income and officially, buyers from anything online already should report this at Hacienda and pay the IVU. Now, that this didn't work should not surprise anybody. ;) I ... Read More
Amazon - IVU
According to what we read in the newspapers, Amazon will start to add IVU to all purchases from Puerto Rico, starting 4-1. (I hope it's a april's fool joke but I'm afraid it is true). Read More
Six Months Post Maria by mrtibbs
Would you all please share your location and how recovery has been post hurricane Maria in the area you live? I think it would be very helpful for those of us stateside looking to move with knowing the level of towns affected from a personal ...
Back to the subject, six months after Maria. David Begnaud from CBS, who has been reporting about the recovery efforts a lot, returned to the island for the six months anniversary. Here's his first report: ... Read More
Six Months Post Maria by mrtibbs
Would you all please share your location and how recovery has been post hurricane Maria in the area you live? I think it would be very helpful for those of us stateside looking to move with knowing the level of towns affected from a personal ...
Tuesday will be six months. :) Electricity is still a problem, mainly in rural areas but also in some parts of the metro area. When people have power they will suffer blackouts every now and then. Here's the latest infographic of the ... Read More
A Different Perspective of Living In PR by chrishamrick103
Hey everyone, it's been a long time! I spent about 22K moving my family of 5 to the island in December 2016. We had an awful experience overall and one morning, something just told me to leave the island and I did.... then the hurricanes hit. ...
Not to be mean or so but it helps a lot over there if you're German.... ;) My then-wife was German so I didn't have a lot of problems. Same here, my now-wife is PuertoRican. For anything involving government or other sort of official stuff ... Read More
Wifi and Internet connections for working. by jclifton309
Really interested in relocating to PR for a while to see if it could possibly be our future home. We both work 100% online with a need for a constant internet connection. Has the infrastructure of the island got to the point where there is at ...
I don't know where you would plan to live but I have a recommendation for an internet provider: Aeronet http://aeronetpr.com/ They mainly work with business customers but also do installations in private homes. The site is in English, they ... Read More
Electricity!! by Gary
Totally unexpected we got reconnected today! An electrician who lives in the area and a friend who has a lift truck fixed some little things that the US crews didn't get to do before they were pulled out. Next they put in the breaker/switch and ...
Thanks! No I don't know but I will try to find out for you. Read More
Electricity!!
Totally unexpected we got reconnected today! An electrician who lives in the area and a friend who has a lift truck fixed some little things that the US crews didn't get to do before they were pulled out. Next they put in the breaker/switch and ... Read More
Moving to PR in April & Can't Decide Where To Live. by edenkaate
So my boyfriend and I are moving in April, and plan to be in PR next week to look at places with a realtor. We found great listings but can't decide which area is best to live. We've narrowed it down between 3 areas: Isla Verde, San ...
Yes, it's safe there. It's a gated community. Nothing to do there, really. There's a shopping mall at the other side of the expressway but that one is still not fully recovered from Maria. There are a couple of restaurants and a cinema ... Read More
New to Puerto Rico - How to meet people? by mealemany
Hello! I'm from Texas and I just moved to Puerto Rico (Condado area), and I'm looking to meet new people. Are there groups/organizations/volunteering/etc that are available here in San Juan area to meet new people? I searched on meetup.com ...
Maybe the newcomers club of San Juan is something for you? http://www.newcomerspr.com/ Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
Also, make sure that: - the house is hurricane proof - you have an alternative to generate electricity - there are cisterns Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
Here's the latest in the power soap opera. https://www.foryourpics.com/images/2018/02/17/prepa1.png https://www.foryourpics.com/images/2018/02/17/prepa2.png https://www.foryourpics.com/images/2018/02/17/prepa3c75f4.png Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
It's all a matter of what you are willing to accept and balance it with why you want to live here (or anywhere for that matter). Everybody has different reasons to move here and everybody has different limits of what is acceptable. For some ... Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
One way or another, they have yet another reason to not do their job: providing electricity.. :mad: Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
Wonderful, just wonderful... One the US linemen told me that they (and a lot of other contractors) might leave the island next week. There seem to be problems with the contract that Fluor has and if they don't find a solution this week Fluor ... Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
I know... We can handle 10 more days. :) Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
Positive development in our neck of the woods: https://www.foryourpics.com/images/2018/02/12/power_pole.jpg Read More
Puerto Rican Citizenship? by Nicole312
Hi, If you were born in Puerto Rico and have a Puerto Rican birth certificate, but live in the states, are you considered a Puerto Rican citizen in Puerto Rico? Would you still have to physically reside in Puerto Rico for a set amount of time to ...
The easiest way to get citizenship of another country would be to marry a citizen of that country. ;) Read More
WHAT WHAT??? Electric bill almost $600.00 by Journeyandbeyond
Does anybody know or have had a problem with receiving an electric bill that is HIGH for time after Maria? I am told to not pay and wait till next cycle. Nobody answers AEE call either. Thanks! Lynn
No power, no bill.. :mad: Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
Yeah, that was Ramos, the PREPA executive director who was finally fired by Rosello, too late, of course. Puerto Rico does it better... Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
I didn't read that one before, thanks for the link. So "San Juan" is screwing up, why am I not surprised.... Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
While at the USACE site, this is interesting, too: http://www.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/News-Release-Article-View/Article/1414384/usace-opens-two-additional-material-distribution-points-in-puerto-rico/ Obviously there's a surge in ... Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
Interesting.. Do you have a link? Still, with 50,000 temporary roofs installed the USACE reports that this is close to 75% of the approved requests. That means that something like 18,000 (and not 30,000 as I wrote earlier) homes are waiting for ... Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
Meanwhile around 450,000 (or more) customers of PREPA are still without electricity. :mad: Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
The work to the grid is done by US contractor companies, I don't know if FEMA or PREPA contracted them. The USACE is dsitibuting materials (too little, too slow). PREPA is still in charge. No rebuilt section can be powered up before a PREPA ... Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
With all due respect, as far as I understand you're not in PR, right? I don't want to go on with the blame game but FEMA deserves a lot of critisim. Talk to common people here on the island, the people that are living from 1000 dollars or ... Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
Good analysis, Rey. And the future isn't too bright for those who have to rely on AEE (or whoever is buying it in part). I hope your expectation that things will get better after 5-7 years pans out. The problem with solar is that a complete ... Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
About the improved/new power grid: http://www.elp.com/articles/2017/12/new-york-other-officials-plan-stronger-power-grid-for-puerto-rico.html The estimated cost would be $17.6 billion. Nobody knows where that money should be found. Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
http://www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2018/01/23/puerto-rico-oxfam-abby-maxman http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/puerto-rico-awaits-foreclosure-wave-moratoriums-expire-52569496 Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
What was reported? That PR would get a new grid? Please provide link if you have one. Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
Nope, and don't expect it anytime soon either. Right now they're struggling to repair the old crappy grid and have like two third done, maybe even less. (why trust their numbers, they have been misleading us with % power generation, making ... Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
To top it off they cut off the water supply AGAIN, yesterday. :mad: P.S. add the AAA or PRASA management to my above list of idiots... Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
Yes I saw those articles, and I think that PREPA or AEE management is a corrupt, inept and criminal bunch, so are (most if not all) politicicans of whichever party in San Juan. I also think that we don't get enough help from the federal ... Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
I'm not blaming this on anybody in particular. I'm just more than fed up with all this... Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
Back to electricity, I just talked with a supervisor of an US based crew of linemen who told me there's a shortage of material. Poles, transformers, wire, you name it. They are planning to connect our area but without materials that's not ... Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
I won't get into a political discussion but PR does not get the help it needs (and that, sir, is a fact!) Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eX9F255WJ7riKq7cYQJSrD3XHoJ8Z7QB/view https://theintercept.com/2018/01/18/puerto-rico-trump-administration-tells-its-too-rich-for-aid-money/ https://thinkprogress.org/trump-aid-funding-puerto-rico-d7f8a28114fd/ Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
Yeah, we're second class citizens... Read More
PREPA on the auction block by Sitka
Well...it's about time, it looks like they have finally admitted defeat. The news media is reporting that the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority is going to be sold to the private sector. I think it is a good move and can only be ...
A 20kW full solar system with battery banks is at least $30k. That's a %^%$@# lot of money.. Assuming you would pay $250/month to PREPA that's 10 years break even, assuming you don't need to finance. Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
You should check how the solar has been installed. I found out, during the aftermath of Maria, that in many houses with solar panels but without battery banks to store the generated power, you can't use the solar generated power AT ALL during ... Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
I heard and read about storm "Friedrike" that was pretty bad, right? Lots of damage but no outages in The Netherlands and Germany. ;) Read More
Four months after Maria
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ... Read More
Cost of living 2018 in Puerto Rico by Priscilla
Hello everyone, As per our annual tradition, we invite you to share your experiences and tell us more about the average prices of products and services in your town/city/area, so that we have updated information regarding cost of living and ...
Warner, this thread is started every year by the Expat.com staff an it provides good info to people who are thinking of moving here. Check the "cost of living' section: https://www.expat.com/forum/245-22-cost-of-living-in-puerto-rico.html ... Read More
WHAT WHAT??? Electric bill almost $600.00 by Journeyandbeyond
Does anybody know or have had a problem with receiving an electric bill that is HIGH for time after Maria? I am told to not pay and wait till next cycle. Nobody answers AEE call either. Thanks! Lynn
Interesting article. Whatever political agenda may be behind this, it's not helping the people of PR.. Related to this is what the team leader of the US linemen crew that started working on the power lines in my neck of the woods told me. He ... Read More
WHAT WHAT??? Electric bill almost $600.00 by Journeyandbeyond
Does anybody know or have had a problem with receiving an electric bill that is HIGH for time after Maria? I am told to not pay and wait till next cycle. Nobody answers AEE call either. Thanks! Lynn
Not if you install a transfer switch the way it should be done. Read More
P.R. A.M. - P.M. by londonpride
Wasn't sure where to post this since there are several different active threads about issues ante-maria & post-maria. A.M. and P.M. have taken on an additional meaning since 9/20. So I started this thread. The moderator from Expat can ...
I personally don't know too much about the new tax law but when I google "new tax law effect on puerto rico" I see mainly articles that state that it's going to be bad for PR. Only one link on the first result page states that a ... Read More
WHAT WHAT??? Electric bill almost $600.00 by Journeyandbeyond
Does anybody know or have had a problem with receiving an electric bill that is HIGH for time after Maria? I am told to not pay and wait till next cycle. Nobody answers AEE call either. Thanks! Lynn
Unless you have one of them "modern" electronic meters that they installed here. No power -> no display. I wonder what that one will show when they reconnect us after 4 months or more... (nope, no power yet...) Read More
P.R. A.M. - P.M. by londonpride
Wasn't sure where to post this since there are several different active threads about issues ante-maria & post-maria. A.M. and P.M. have taken on an additional meaning since 9/20. So I started this thread. The moderator from Expat can ...
This shows clearly how much the DC lawmakers care about PR. Hint: not a lot.. Things are going to take a while folksYou got that right. If there's no structural change and some sort of assistance coming to the island it's gonna take ... Read More
Cost of living 2018 in Puerto Rico by Priscilla
Hello everyone, As per our annual tradition, we invite you to share your experiences and tell us more about the average prices of products and services in your town/city/area, so that we have updated information regarding cost of living and ...
I don't think the prices reported in previous thread changed a lot. Right now, still in hurricane aftermath mode, some groceries and fresh produce are more expensive but that will come back to normal, more or less (I hope). I noticed that ... Read More
How have you all fared through the storm and the rebuilding process by Texas Jeff
we have a great opportunity to move to PR soon. due to the commute distance, Ponce looks like a better choice than San Juan. Thoughts about Ponce ? Hoping all of you fare well during the recent and ongoing challenges.
If the rest of your house is concrete/cinder blocks the soil shoud hold it. A local builder (no contractor company) could charge less than $3000. Read More
WHAT WHAT??? Electric bill almost $600.00 by Journeyandbeyond
Does anybody know or have had a problem with receiving an electric bill that is HIGH for time after Maria? I am told to not pay and wait till next cycle. Nobody answers AEE call either. Thanks! Lynn
My advice would be not to pay but take the bill and go the "your" AEE office. Bring a local friend or relative if your Spanish isn't good enough to talk about this. They will (have to) adjust the bill to a reasonable amount. I've ... Read More
P.R. A.M. - P.M. by londonpride
Wasn't sure where to post this since there are several different active threads about issues ante-maria & post-maria. A.M. and P.M. have taken on an additional meaning since 9/20. So I started this thread. The moderator from Expat can ...
Forget about the number of people that left the island as there seem to be different opinions about that and a 'hard' number is hard to get. What about the operation "Blue Roof" (temporary fixing roofs of houses with a blue ... Read More
P.R. A.M. - P.M. by londonpride
Wasn't sure where to post this since there are several different active threads about issues ante-maria & post-maria. A.M. and P.M. have taken on an additional meaning since 9/20. So I started this thread. The moderator from Expat can ...
Today, 109 days after Maria, 45% of the PREPA customers still are without electricity. Since October 3rd 307,000 people from PR arrived in Florida. Estimates are that around half a million people left after the hurricane and are now somewhere in ... Read More
Sat phone by Billclin
Any advice on the best one to invest in that work the best for the island
I don't think you'd need a sat phone unless you are planning to stay somewhere in a remote part in the middle of the island. Cell service has been restored to at least 90% of normal with AT&T almost up to 100% of the pre-hurricane ... Read More
Seeking a new job by Vyshakh717
Looking for a. new job experienced in plastic tube .Manufacturing ,compression molding
That's very difficult. Unless you have very special skills or a close family member who would be eligible to "sponsor" you it's impossible to get a work permit or a green card. The "easiest" way is getting married to an ... Read More
WHAT WHAT??? Electric bill almost $600.00 by Journeyandbeyond
Does anybody know or have had a problem with receiving an electric bill that is HIGH for time after Maria? I am told to not pay and wait till next cycle. Nobody answers AEE call either. Thanks! Lynn
Good plan, Rey! Whenever I have some money to invest it will go into solar panels. But tormenteras are on top of list. The plywood panels did their job but when I saw one of the neighbors installing his metal storm panels without any effort ... Read More
WHAT WHAT??? Electric bill almost $600.00 by Journeyandbeyond
Does anybody know or have had a problem with receiving an electric bill that is HIGH for time after Maria? I am told to not pay and wait till next cycle. Nobody answers AEE call either. Thanks! Lynn
Sitka, I'd almost say: of course not. Thing is, they don't give a Sh!t. We have reported problems, even got a ticket number and nothing has been done for more than two years. It almost looks like reporting and complaining only makes things ... Read More
WHAT WHAT??? Electric bill almost $600.00 by Journeyandbeyond
Does anybody know or have had a problem with receiving an electric bill that is HIGH for time after Maria? I am told to not pay and wait till next cycle. Nobody answers AEE call either. Thanks! Lynn
I wouldn't be surprised at all if it were true. It sure looks like PR is running out of money on all sides to pay for restoring the power and other efforts to get the island up and running again. If there's no help coming from DC we're ... Read More
Seeking a new job by Vyshakh717
Looking for a. new job experienced in plastic tube .Manufacturing ,compression molding
Rey, there are a couple of plastic manufacturing plants in PR, but like you said, little change on any job on the island. Especially if you don't speak Spanish and don't have a green card.. Read More
How have you all fared through the storm and the rebuilding process by Texas Jeff
we have a great opportunity to move to PR soon. due to the commute distance, Ponce looks like a better choice than San Juan. Thoughts about Ponce ? Hoping all of you fare well during the recent and ongoing challenges.
Yup, that's on my bucket list, too. Read More
How have you all fared through the storm and the rebuilding process by Texas Jeff
we have a great opportunity to move to PR soon. due to the commute distance, Ponce looks like a better choice than San Juan. Thoughts about Ponce ? Hoping all of you fare well during the recent and ongoing challenges.
Tell me about it.. Around 300,000 or so, many to FL. We know a lot that went. We decided to stay, at least until next summer. I started on online project with my (Dutch) daughter, focused on clients over there. If that goes where we hope it will, I ... Read More
How have you all fared through the storm and the rebuilding process by Texas Jeff
we have a great opportunity to move to PR soon. due to the commute distance, Ponce looks like a better choice than San Juan. Thoughts about Ponce ? Hoping all of you fare well during the recent and ongoing challenges.
That's true as well.:D I'm hoping we can stay and won't be forced to leave. Sixteen years here and still happy. Read More
How have you all fared through the storm and the rebuilding process by Texas Jeff
we have a great opportunity to move to PR soon. due to the commute distance, Ponce looks like a better choice than San Juan. Thoughts about Ponce ? Hoping all of you fare well during the recent and ongoing challenges.
Same here.. Water is there, on and off. Same goes for internet. More than disappointed with the federal "help". It's painfully clear that we're second class citizens and that not too many in DC care. Read More
WHAT WHAT??? Electric bill almost $600.00 by Journeyandbeyond
Does anybody know or have had a problem with receiving an electric bill that is HIGH for time after Maria? I am told to not pay and wait till next cycle. Nobody answers AEE call either. Thanks! Lynn
Rosello (the governor) has been saying that nobody will have to pay for electricity that was not delivered. Do you have power now? If not, don't pay. What can they do, cut you off? If you do have power, take a pic of the meter so you have proof ... Read More
Taxes information on PR by sontek
My wife and I have been looking into moving to Puerto Rico and finally found the perfect school for our two sons and are ready to move to the island. We have some questions related to taxes though and I was told to ask you! 1. My wife works for a ...
I would recommend to find a CPA or tax lawyer to consult with, preferably before you make your final decision to move or not. Read More
Tracking Recovery Efforts by seoulguy
PBS Nov 13 2017 "WASHINGTON — Puerto Rico’s governor on Monday asked the federal government for [b]$94.4 billion [/b]as the island struggles to recover from the damage inflicted by Hurricane Maria, with much of the U.S. territory ...
Don't tell me you're surprised. :D Read More
Tracking Recovery Efforts by seoulguy
PBS Nov 13 2017 "WASHINGTON — Puerto Rico’s governor on Monday asked the federal government for [b]$94.4 billion [/b]as the island struggles to recover from the damage inflicted by Hurricane Maria, with much of the U.S. territory ...
A FEMA inspector was here and we might get some $$ for damage to the house. We were told that money to generate our own electricity is not part of their budget or so. Meanwhile, tomorrow three months after the hurricane, still no electricity in ... Read More
Health Insurance Reality Check by CatsMeow83
I am looking at health insurance options on the Island, and have found some very helpful info in some older threads, particularly from ReyP. As I understand, the most popular options for mainland "expats" are coverage through either ...
Yup, but like with many other things, who is enforcing this? Read More
Grain alcohol in Puerto Rico? by joysarnelli
Does anyone know if grain alcohol is sold in Puerto Rico, and if so, where can i buy it? When we lived in NY we were able to drive to NJ and purchase a brand called Everclear, 95% alcohol by volume (190 proof). The airlines classify it as a ...
So you're telling me I'm not reasonable? :D I don't drink a lot at all, no matter what it is, but I like a good Pitorro (like the one my neighbor makes) every now and then. A couple of shots don't give me a headache. ;) Read More
Tracking Recovery Efforts by seoulguy
PBS Nov 13 2017 "WASHINGTON — Puerto Rico’s governor on Monday asked the federal government for [b]$94.4 billion [/b]as the island struggles to recover from the damage inflicted by Hurricane Maria, with much of the U.S. territory ...
He might be right there. Unless a boatload of money is coming our way and if it's NOT given to local politicians to spend, it will take forever. I won't be around to see it, I guess. Read More
P.R. A.M. - P.M. by londonpride
Wasn't sure where to post this since there are several different active threads about issues ante-maria & post-maria. A.M. and P.M. have taken on an additional meaning since 9/20. So I started this thread. The moderator from Expat can ...
Because the (political) will isn't there, neither is the money - it is a very costly operation. It's the same thing in many areas in the USA and many other countries. Setting up the electrical system in a good way (cables in the ground, ... Read More
P.R. A.M. - P.M. by londonpride
Wasn't sure where to post this since there are several different active threads about issues ante-maria & post-maria. A.M. and P.M. have taken on an additional meaning since 9/20. So I started this thread. The moderator from Expat can ...
I admire your optimism but to be completely honest I don't see how PR is going to end up better than before. It's not only the damage of the hurricane, there's also the mega debt for which there's no solution in sight. Because of all ... Read More
P.R. A.M. - P.M. by londonpride
Wasn't sure where to post this since there are several different active threads about issues ante-maria & post-maria. A.M. and P.M. have taken on an additional meaning since 9/20. So I started this thread. The moderator from Expat can ...
Yeah, I was a little sarcastic but after 10 weeks I'm slowly getting tired of all this. Something positive is that today a team from the municipality Juncos arrived with a heavy excavator. They've been working on our property and will be ... Read More
P.R. A.M. - P.M. by londonpride
Wasn't sure where to post this since there are several different active threads about issues ante-maria & post-maria. A.M. and P.M. have taken on an additional meaning since 9/20. So I started this thread. The moderator from Expat can ...
Yeah, made me feel really good... :/ Read More
Tracking Recovery Efforts by seoulguy
PBS Nov 13 2017 "WASHINGTON — Puerto Rico’s governor on Monday asked the federal government for [b]$94.4 billion [/b]as the island struggles to recover from the damage inflicted by Hurricane Maria, with much of the U.S. territory ...
I read yesterday that FEMA has around 4,000 home inspectors active. More than 1 million filed for disaster assistance and most of those need a visit from an inspector. [sarcasm mode on]I guess by the time FEMA is finally going to transfer money the ... Read More
P.R. A.M. - P.M. by londonpride
Wasn't sure where to post this since there are several different active threads about issues ante-maria & post-maria. A.M. and P.M. have taken on an additional meaning since 9/20. So I started this thread. The moderator from Expat can ...
It's still two steps forward, one backward. We had water for a week and then it was disconnected again. I guess something with the generator that runs the pumps. Meanwhile it's back after almost a week. No sign of power being restored in ... Read More
Our experience here during Maria and the aftermath by Siobhan_Nolan
Hi all, I hope everyone who lives here on the island is ok post maria and recovering. I've written about our experiences here on my blog - it may provide an in sight for anyone wondering about facilities, services available or those thinking ...
I think it was in Villa Pesquera in Isabela. Since it's practically on the beach I wouldn't be surprised to learn that there was a lot of damage there... Read More
Grain alcohol in Puerto Rico? by joysarnelli
Does anyone know if grain alcohol is sold in Puerto Rico, and if so, where can i buy it? When we lived in NY we were able to drive to NJ and purchase a brand called Everclear, 95% alcohol by volume (190 proof). The airlines classify it as a ...
One of my neighbors makes a great Pitorro. Every now and then we buy a bottle or we go over for a couple of shots. Better than the watering hole! :D Read More
Where do you recommend I start? by TriciaOhio
Hi everyone! I am new here and can see that this is the place to get started on the Forum. I am just beginning to explore the possibility of a permanent home in PR. I was born, raised, and currently living in North Central Ohio -- and at ...
I don't want to burst your bubble but even under normal circumstances reliable internet and good fresh food are sort of scarce. Now there are areas where you might have better conditions, Rey mentioned them (Condado, gated communities in Dorado, ... Read More
P.R. A.M. - P.M. by londonpride
Wasn't sure where to post this since there are several different active threads about issues ante-maria & post-maria. A.M. and P.M. have taken on an additional meaning since 9/20. So I started this thread. The moderator from Expat can ...
No power here, either but we have the generator. We run it a couple of hours in the morning and then from like 5 PM to 10. We cook on propane so that's no problem. Water came back last Tuesday but we still buy drinking water from a ... Read More
P.R. A.M. - P.M. by londonpride
Wasn't sure where to post this since there are several different active threads about issues ante-maria & post-maria. A.M. and P.M. have taken on an additional meaning since 9/20. So I started this thread. The moderator from Expat can ...
Two months after Maria today. More than 50% of the island is still without power. Around 90% has water but it's not safe for consumption. Boiling order. What if you have an electric range? Read More
Our experience here during Maria and the aftermath by Siobhan_Nolan
Hi all, I hope everyone who lives here on the island is ok post maria and recovering. I've written about our experiences here on my blog - it may provide an in sight for anyone wondering about facilities, services available or those thinking ...
Try this: https://highsandlowsofexpatlife.com -- no login needed. Read More
P.R. A.M. - P.M. by londonpride
Wasn't sure where to post this since there are several different active threads about issues ante-maria & post-maria. A.M. and P.M. have taken on an additional meaning since 9/20. So I started this thread. The moderator from Expat can ...
I pay $60/month for this. No static IP (but I get by with a paid account at NoIP.com) Read More
P.R. A.M. - P.M. by londonpride
Wasn't sure where to post this since there are several different active threads about issues ante-maria & post-maria. A.M. and P.M. have taken on an additional meaning since 9/20. So I started this thread. The moderator from Expat can ...
Mosquito coils are not available on the island - we get them (5 times more expensive than normal) from Amazon. We also use (rechargeable) battery powered fans at night (no generator at night) to chase them away. Then I fixed some of the screens and ... Read More
P.R. A.M. - P.M. by londonpride
Wasn't sure where to post this since there are several different active threads about issues ante-maria & post-maria. A.M. and P.M. have taken on an additional meaning since 9/20. So I started this thread. The moderator from Expat can ...
Microwave to the next tower, fiber from there. 25-30 Mbps down, 10-15 up In our neck of the woods the only wired option is a crappy telephone cable and Claro won't guarantee more than 2 Mbps. Read More
our hurricane maria experience by davidtx
(pictures and videos on my [url=http://www.blackandgoldcoast.com/hurricane-maria-experience-puerto-rico/]blog[/url]) Visiting family in San Antonio this August we happened to be in town as Hurricane Harvey slammed into the Texas coast. Water ...
It's estimated that already 150,000 left to live and work in the mainland and more are going. Our daughter is planning leave, f.i. She lost her job in a hotel. After the storm she was contacted by FEMA (she was somehow in federal records ... Read More
our hurricane maria experience by davidtx
(pictures and videos on my [url=http://www.blackandgoldcoast.com/hurricane-maria-experience-puerto-rico/]blog[/url]) Visiting family in San Antonio this August we happened to be in town as Hurricane Harvey slammed into the Texas coast. Water ...
It's estimated that already 150,000 left to live and work in the mainland and more are going. Our daughter is planning leave, f.i. She lost her job in a hotel. After the storm she was contacted by FEMA (she was somehow in federal records ... Read More
P.R. A.M. - P.M. by londonpride
Wasn't sure where to post this since there are several different active threads about issues ante-maria & post-maria. A.M. and P.M. have taken on an additional meaning since 9/20. So I started this thread. The moderator from Expat can ...
Just got a call from my internet provider that they restored power to their equipment on the towers where they have their antennas and routers. They bought and installed solar panels and batteries - good move! Today a tech will come and check the ... Read More
P.R. A.M. - P.M. by londonpride
Wasn't sure where to post this since there are several different active threads about issues ante-maria & post-maria. A.M. and P.M. have taken on an additional meaning since 9/20. So I started this thread. The moderator from Expat can ...
Generator power and internet from my AT&T hot spot that I bought after Maria. In the first weeks after the storm I was always running around with a laptop and trying to find a place with wifi. After I got that hot spot I could be found a lot ... Read More