@wpotvin
American expat in Puerto Rico
Forum
87 posts
Contacts
5
About me
American
Lives in Río Grande, Rio Grande
Registration: 23 April 2014
Activity
Is it normal to request my soc sec # for a building permit? by garciahanner
Preparations have started for construction of an addition to a home I own in Puerto Rico. The plans are done and I was sent an information sheet to complete for the permits. I am concerned that a request is being made for my social security ...
There is a 10% withholding tax on any services provided in PR, including professional services such as plumbers, carpenters, lawyers, etc. Your client will withhold the 10% on your invoice if he follows the rules and pays his taxes; otherwise, he ... Read More
I could use a Spanish speaking assistant by VegHead
Hello forum, Ziggy here! I'm in my mid 40's. I'm planning to move down mid August. I'm flying down from the Illinois on the 17th. I would like to secure a rental home for my first year or 6 months. I'm divorced, so it's just me and my cat. I'd ...
Welcome to PR. We have been here for 15 years on and off and don't speak Spanish, so an assistant is helpful, though not a must. Expect to pay $10 - $15 an hour. What area are you looking to live in? The cost will vary substantially based on ... Read More
Fuel Generator or Solar Panels? by techdispatch
This is the question that has kept me awake many nights. At our age, we just don't want to be uncomfortable. We have survived the journey of human life to live as older and hopefully wiser people. After pondering for 10 months we finally made the ...
The solar decision has two elements - the panels and the battery. The short answer is to get the panels but get a diesel generator rather than batteries. Solar companies give away more or less panels and make their margin on the batteries. A good ... Read More
How to pick up our shipped car from San Juan Port? by liuyi9509
Hi I researched everywhere but I couldn't find answer for this. We are using https://www.puertoricocartransport.com to ship our car from states. It is door to port service that we need to drive it home ourselves from port when it arrives. However, ...
My experience: At the port, you get a temporary registration. Then you get it inspected at any inspection center. Many service stations have an inspection service. The inspection is pretty quick and easy. Then you take the documents to the DMV. ... Read More
create a language school in PR by lizzy7
I am French mothertongue and I speak ENglish Spanieh Italian and Portuguese. I am a language teacher and translator in pharmacutics. I would like to create a language school in PR. Where would be the best place ?what sort of visa should I ask for? ...
You need to consult with a good immigration lawyer in PR. US immigration law which applies in PR is very complicated and you need to start with a good lawyer who works with business clients, not only individuals. San Juan is where you would ... Read More
DOT service dog form by Ladymcredfoot4
We are possibly moving to vieques for husbands job, the new problem we are encountering is we have a service dog, so obviously through the planning and researching I find out that we have to have a dot form for him to fly. Alright, awesome I'll fill ...
It depends on the airline you are flying. You need to fill out and submit the form to the airline at least 48 hours before your flight. Emotional support dogs no longer fly based on that form and must meet additional requirements. Jet Blue has ... Read More
Would love to talk to someone about moving to PR by ElizabethPR
Hi all,I am planning to move to Puerto Rico in about 2 years. I need to finish some course work in the US and learn Spanish. I am looking at Ponce to move to. I have so many questions and would love to talk to someone who is already living there and ...
I don't know how much time you have spent in PR, but I would recommend coming down and trying a few places before you decide on a spot. Ponce has a lot of beautiful architecture, though a lot was damaged in the recent quakes. It is also a pretty ... Read More
The cost of Living in Puerto Rico in 2023 by Mickael
Hello everyone, As every year, we invite you to share your experience on the evolution of the cost of living in the region or city where you live in order to answer future requests for information from new members of the site who would like to ...
Rio Mar is in the middle of the tourist region, so rents sub $500 are rare. A lot depends on the level of accommodation you are looking for. You may find a small house in need of some "fixing" not far in some of the "Urbanizations" not far from ... Read More
Accessing live U.S TV shows by saysme
Does anyone know a way to access a live stateside TV lineup? Liberty's "English-language channel lineup" is a joke. I have been streaming stateside TV using an Apple TV but I cannot get 'live' channels. I can only record what I think I might want to ...
I go back and forth between NY and PR. I have used Dish for about 10 years in PR. I get the same US programming on Dish in PR that I get on my regular cable service in NY. The service comes with the Hopper, a DVR box that allows you to record and ... Read More
Need Assistance Finding a Lot Loan by Byron Miguel
Hello all!I received orders last week to move to PR in June. This is a permanent position. I flew down from the states yesterday in search of a lot to build on and found one available in a gated community in Dorado. It has utility connections ...
I question why you selected Dorado as a place to buy. If your base is near there, then that's fine. If it is in San Juan, you might re-think. Dorado has become the place of choice for the tax refugees settling in PR. That's great, except the town ... Read More
Tuition prices or recommendations for private schools by hollyweinstein14
Hi there,My name is Holly and my family and I are moving to the San Juan area in June. We have 3 kiddos and 1, 3, and 9. We have lived abroad in Bangkok as well so we are fairly familiar with some expat related challenges. We currently homeschool ...
The local schools are not great. A handful of private schools teach in English and are well-rated. I don't know tuition prices other than our neighbors who use one complain about the cost. Where you will be living will make a difference, of ... Read More
The cost of Living in Puerto Rico in 2023 by Mickael
Hello everyone, As every year, we invite you to share your experience on the evolution of the cost of living in the region or city where you live in order to answer future requests for information from new members of the site who would like to ...
There is a big difference in costs between living locally and the expectations of living as an expat. Many costs are high and comparable to those in the northeast US. Food, energy, and transport fall into these categories. Housing is totally ... Read More
Lost iPhone...Service with AT&T by jillmedina
I lost my iphone and have service with AT&T from the states, anyone have any luck getting replacement iPhones with AT&T on the island? I am in Rio Grande and cannot seem to find a AT&T mobile store here (even though according to AT&T ...
Liberty, the local cable company in PR recently bought out AT&T. They are working with AT&T and servicing AT&T customers. Read More
Solar with battery systems for home by robertomartinezsr
Hello all:I am looking for any recommendations on a solar panel / battery company in Puerto Rico. I purchased a home in July and would like to move off the grid as much as possible, with solar and battery configuration, to power home in the event ...
I just had a system put in by Power Solar. I was very happy with the work and service. A few suggestions.I had an existing diesel generator at a vacation house I rent out, and they installed the panels to work with my backup generator without any ... Read More
How much would it be to ship a car to the island by fredicastro
thank you for the warm welcome. Well, my name is Ivette and I am in the process of moving back to 🇵🇷 after 35 years. I left Bayamon when I joined the Army in 1986. And now, my 3 children are adults with homes, careers, and families ...
@senthilbala Doing it yourself usually will save you a good deal of money. The prices of cars, new or used, in PR reflect the import tax and shipping cost that all cars arriving on the island pay. So they are more expensive here. Buying a car on ... Read More