Relocating to PR - questions (Juncos)

seanp wrote:

I'm considering relocating on an assigment with my company for a few years to PR (work in juncos). Would not speaking spanish be an issue outside of work?

It depends where you're going to spend you free time. You can get along without Spanish anywhere - there's always someone around who speaks English and who is willing to help.

seanp wrote:

where should i live? palmas del par? I'm single and no family.

Palmas del Mar is nice and quiet. There are a couple of restarants and pubs; also a marina and nice beaches. Although there are permanent residents I always have the feeling it's a vacation resort when I'm there. It could be nice to live for a couple of years, though. At least you'll get a good quality apartment and the security of a gated community. 
If you're looking for more action, consider living in Condado, Ocean Park or even Old San Juan. You would have more commute time but then again because most of the rush hour traffic is going the other way, you shouldn't have a lot of traffic jams.

Another two places to consider could be Canóvanas and Rio Grande on the north coast. You'd have an easy drive to Juncos through the mountains (road 185 - I take it a lot to avoid jams on the express way when I go into the metro area). From Canóvanas and/or Rio Grande San Juan is close.

Thanks Gary, for the insightful information. I will have to wait and see where the corporate housing will be.

additionally, would I have to get a new driver's license? any other things I have to get if I will be there for about 2 years?

Thanks,

Suresh

seanp wrote:

additionally, would I have to get a new driver's license? any other things I have to get if I will be there for about 2 years?

Yes, you will need to get a PR driver's license. You might be able to exchange your CA license for a PR license. On the other hand, taking the exam is no biggie. The theoretical exam can be done in English. After you pass it you have take the practical exam. For that you need to bring a car. (and somebody with a PR license to drive you to the DTOP - that's how the DMV is called here)
There's a DTOP in Humacao - the municipality where Palmas del Mar is located.

I don't think you would anything else. Since PR is a US territory you don't need a passport or visa. You'd have to pay local taxes over your income. I assume your employer will take care of a medical plan.

I wouldn't recommend to have your car shipped to here. You would have to pay transport and on top of that (hefty) taxes over here. It's better to sell your car in LA and buy one here (unless it's all being paid for by your employer - I don't know how good your expat package is )

thanks again. I will keep that in mind.