DonnaR
American expat in Puerto Rico
Forum posts
49
Contacts
3
About me
American, Married
Lives in Humacao
Registration: 22 August 2016
Rental in Palmas del Mar
Hi there! Try the link below, it's for one of the realtors in Palmas del mar. You could also try calling the other realtors in Palmas and asking about rentals. http://www.casillasrealty.com/For_Rent/page_2263033.html Read More
ISLA language school by DonnaR
Hi all! I found an old thread about language learning options but decided to make one about this school only... My goals are to improve my Spanish so that I can eventually work in my field (healthcare) in Puerto Rico. Living in Palmas Del Mar ...
The week at the school was definitely helpful! I do recommend it. I would say that going for several weeks is the way to go though. They give you a test and then put you in a class at your fluency level. I ended up in a class with people that have ... Read More
ISLA language school by DonnaR
Hi all! I found an old thread about language learning options but decided to make one about this school only... My goals are to improve my Spanish so that I can eventually work in my field (healthcare) in Puerto Rico. Living in Palmas Del Mar ...
Good to hear! I'm hoping to take more classes in the fall when it isn't as busy too! Read More
ISLA language school
Hi all! I found an old thread about language learning options but decided to make one about this school only... My goals are to improve my Spanish so that I can eventually work in my field (healthcare) in Puerto Rico. Living in Palmas Del Mar ... Read More
Thoughts about these Locations by MnMExplorers
Hello Everyone, I'm continuing to narrow down my choices of places to live in Puerto Rico. We Started with the East side, and now, I'm looking at specific buildings / communities. I understand that units are rented by the individual ...
Haha yes I think sometimes they say "ocean view" but only if you climb to the roof and use a ladder 馃槀馃槀. Yes, some areas in Palmas are very expensive but I'd encourage you to take look anyways! I've seen some ... Read More
Thoughts about these Locations by MnMExplorers
Hello Everyone, I'm continuing to narrow down my choices of places to live in Puerto Rico. We Started with the East side, and now, I'm looking at specific buildings / communities. I understand that units are rented by the individual ...
Tierra Del Sol is right down the road from Palmas Del Mar where I live. I've never been there but I drive past it on my way to the puma station :). It is right next to a little complex with a subway, a juice place, hairdresser, and vet office. ... Read More
Moving to PR by IowatoPR
Hello! Moving from Iowa to Puerto Rico this fall. My husband and I are beginning our search in the Dorado area, but I would love any other there recommendations for safe, fun and a sense of community. I speak polite Spanish and like to stay ...
Yes, as Rey said- lots of people use golf carts to get around in Palmas :). There are two golf courses in Palmas as well as an equestrian center. There is a small market in the Plaza where you can pick up some groceries and essentials but to get ... Read More
Moving to PR by IowatoPR
Hello! Moving from Iowa to Puerto Rico this fall. My husband and I are beginning our search in the Dorado area, but I would love any other there recommendations for safe, fun and a sense of community. I speak polite Spanish and like to stay ...
Hello! :) Is your husband's job in the San Juan area or can he work from anywhere? My husband and I moved here for his job last fall and we are very happy in Palmas Del Mar in Humacao. You can definitely get by living here with minimal ... Read More
Prenatal care and L&D by Justpeachyy
Has anyone had prenatal care for a pregnancy here or given birth here? I know people have baby's everyday on the island here and it's fine. But I'm finding routine tests that were done with my first pregnancy aren't done here. ...
Congratulations!!! I'd really appreciate any specifics on what makes you say that or things to watch out for if you feel up to it sometime :) Enjoy your new addition!!! Read More
Anyone want to start a Facebook group? by Karenqc
So...we have a handful of Rincon FB pages (the main one with 10k+!!) but nothing island wide. I'm noticing more and more of you gringos moving over here and thought maybe we should produce something. I can help maintain it, but I don't want ...
Please add me! Just sent a request and message. -Donna Read More
Prenatal care and L&D by Justpeachyy
Has anyone had prenatal care for a pregnancy here or given birth here? I know people have baby's everyday on the island here and it's fine. But I'm finding routine tests that were done with my first pregnancy aren't done here. ...
Any updates? How are things going for you? I hope you are doing well! Read More
I'm moving to Puerto Rico! Please help! by daniellagrace
Hello! Thank you so much for your website. I found it by googling 鈥渓iving in Puerto Rico鈥�. I am a 28 year old woman from New York, looking to move to to PR. I am looking for a change of scenery. Somewhere nice, safe, and an integrated ...
Hmmm I assumed she meant communities with lots of amenities within walkable distance since she does not drive but I guess it could be something else? Read More
Preparing to purchase beach home by Psych2
Hi, I am heading to Luquillo Beach for 4 months to relax, enjoy the culture and hopefully to locate a beach house for purchase. This will be my 3rd visit to Puerto Rico. Question: What are the most important questions and concerns about purchasing ...
Beach erosion is a big issue here, some condo buildings look about ready to join the ocean! Read More
I'm moving to Puerto Rico! Please help! by daniellagrace
Hello! Thank you so much for your website. I found it by googling 鈥渓iving in Puerto Rico鈥�. I am a 28 year old woman from New York, looking to move to to PR. I am looking for a change of scenery. Somewhere nice, safe, and an integrated ...
Welcome :) I moved to Puerto Rico last fall from the states, I'm your age and I am vegetarian. There are a few health food type stores on the island but what you might want to do is either grow some of your own veggies or go to the farmers ... 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?
http://caribbeanbusiness.com/airbnb-to-collect-room-tax-in-puerto-rico-for-government/ Just saw this article on Caribbean Business website, looks like things with Airbnb might be changing so that Airbnb will directly pull the 7% instead of hosts ... Read More
Concentration of Expats by Aharkness
For those who have been there for a while... where/ what area would you say is the largest concentration of expats living in PR? Thank you!
Rey, The Plaza Suites hotel is converted condos but very nicely done and they had everything we needed...clean, good AC, nice pool, parking, close to restaurants. They offered us drinks at checkin :D. It was also cheaper than the Wyndham at the ... Read More
Concentration of Expats by Aharkness
For those who have been there for a while... where/ what area would you say is the largest concentration of expats living in PR? Thank you!
The main hotel in Palmas is a Wyndham, we stayed there a couple times while house hunting and it's alright but I don't love it. It's incredibly loud when they have live music or karaoke in the lobby. :) We like the newer Plaza Suites ... Read More
Concentration of Expats by Aharkness
For those who have been there for a while... where/ what area would you say is the largest concentration of expats living in PR? Thank you!
Palmas Del Mar in Humacao also has quite a few! Read More
Register to Vote
https://www.google.com.pr/amp/s/puertoriconewcomer.wordpress.com/2015/03/21/voting-in-puerto-rico-where-can-you-go-to-vote-or-register-to-vote-in-puerto-rico-for-elections/amp/?client=safari This link has info on voter registration, if you scroll ... Read More
General questions- Looking into move from Michigan to Puerto Rico by Andrea42905
Hi everyone- My name is Andrea and my husband and I are looking into moving to PR in the near future with our three kids, ages 5, 3, and almost 1. A few questions (well, more like a million, but I'll start with a few): 1. Has anyone taken ...
You are welcome! The legal call will give you a lot of good info. Make sure you ask for specifics on time allowed in the states (like Rey mentioned). For Act 22, we have to be physically in PR half of the year, of the remaining time though only 3 ... Read More
General questions- Looking into move from Michigan to Puerto Rico by Andrea42905
Hi everyone- My name is Andrea and my husband and I are looking into moving to PR in the near future with our three kids, ages 5, 3, and almost 1. A few questions (well, more like a million, but I'll start with a few): 1. Has anyone taken ...
Hi Andrea! My husband and I moved to Humacao, PR a couple months ago. He works from home under Act 22, the individual side of the acts. Palmas de Mar is an area you should probably look into - lots of English spoken and a k-12 academy. ... Read More
Flights from Europe? by frogrock
Hello my Puerto Rico Buddies, Remember the good old days when you went to a travel agent to book a trip? Internet is great, but sometimes it is very annoying. I need some advice from those who might know. Do you know which airlines fly directly ...
Not sure about the countries you listed but Norwegian has direct flights to London from San Juan a couple of times a week (prices are pretty good too!) Read More
New members of the Puerto Rico forum, introduce yourself here 聳 1st quarter of 2017 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Puerto Rico forum? Don聮t 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 ...
Only 79 in Humacao today!! Time to get out the blankets! Read More
Medical Exodus - Measures by ReyP
The new governor has a proposal to stop the exodus that will need to be voted on by the senate and house of representatives in PR. About 2,422 doctors have left the island in the last 12 years or 347 annually. This has caused the lengtening of time ...
Great, thanks! Sounds like Act20/22 for doctors! 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.聽 They also took our liscence plate. They're holding on to the plate聽 for 3 days then sending it to CESCO so ...
Picking up your car and getting it registered and inspected is quite a process. You have to go a couple places to pay fees before you can get your vehicle, and I do not think you can get your inspection and marbete at the port. Several people have ... Read More
Medical Exodus - Measures by ReyP
The new governor has a proposal to stop the exodus that will need to be voted on by the senate and house of representatives in PR. About 2,422 doctors have left the island in the last 12 years or 347 annually. This has caused the lengtening of time ...
Very interesting! I found a brief mention of this in an article in NuevoDia, do you have a link to where you found this more detailed information? Thanks!! 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.聽 They also took our liscence plate. They're holding on to the plate聽 for 3 days then sending it to CESCO so ...
We went to the one in Humacao that said they had a machine for RealID and we made sure to check the box for Real ID on the forms we filled out for our licenses... We just paid whatever they told us to pay when we were there. But our licenses say ... 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.聽 They also took our liscence plate. They're holding on to the plate聽 for 3 days then sending it to CESCO so ...
Just a thought- when we got my car inspected recently after importing it we went to a PUMA station and seriously- they did not even look at the car! The man just plugged the info from my registration and Colorado driver's license into a computer ... Read More
Health insurance PR and in states? by DonnaR
Hi everyone! Thank you for all of the great information here :) Can anybody offer some advice on what health insurance might work well both in PR and when visiting in the states? Does anyone here receive health care in both places? What works ...
Yes, it looks like Triple S is the BCBS arm in Puerto Rico Read More
Health insurance PR and in states? by DonnaR
Hi everyone! Thank you for all of the great information here :) Can anybody offer some advice on what health insurance might work well both in PR and when visiting in the states? Does anyone here receive health care in both places? What works ...
Thanks!! Interesting! I had BCBS in Colorado, not federal though. I know I can't just keep it since I have moved, but I wonder if I should try talking to the BCBS rep instead of Triple S? I'll see what they suggest. Donna Read More
Health insurance PR and in states? by DonnaR
Hi everyone! Thank you for all of the great information here :) Can anybody offer some advice on what health insurance might work well both in PR and when visiting in the states? Does anyone here receive health care in both places? What works ...
Update: I talked to someone from Cigna global expat insurance. The plans sounded great but apparently they require you to list an address outside the US (some regulations they have to comply with??) which means your Puerto Rico address does not ... Read More
I love Puerto Rico but just feel very isolated and lonely by tpritty
Hi everyone, I've lived in Guaynabo for a year now. I love Puerto Rico but just feel very isolated and lonely, more so because of my nonexistent Spanish speaking skills. I'm a social butterfly, so my inability to communicate adequately has ...
Where do you volunteer? Sounds like a great way to spend time and practice Spanish Read More
I love Puerto Rico but just feel very isolated and lonely by tpritty
Hi everyone, I've lived in Guaynabo for a year now. I love Puerto Rico but just feel very isolated and lonely, more so because of my nonexistent Spanish speaking skills. I'm a social butterfly, so my inability to communicate adequately has ...
Frogrock, where do you volunteer? Sounds like a great way to spend time and learn too! Read More
My experience importing my car and getting a license by DonnaR
Hi all!! Just want to share some things we learned during the last few weeks regarding shipping our car from Colorado, registering it in PR, and obtaining PR licenses. THANK YOU to all you folks who have written about the experience of ...
Thanks, Gary! We are really enjoying it here so far. We had originally planned to sell both our cars and buy one here but then started looking at prices for something similar to what we had in the states. WAY more expensive. We would have taken ... Read More
My experience importing my car and getting a license by DonnaR
Hi all!! Just want to share some things we learned during the last few weeks regarding shipping our car from Colorado, registering it in PR, and obtaining PR licenses. THANK YOU to all you folks who have written about the experience of ...
You have all helped me a great deal!! I hope I can help someone in return :) Read More
My experience importing my car and getting a license by DonnaR
Hi all!! Just want to share some things we learned during the last few weeks regarding shipping our car from Colorado, registering it in PR, and obtaining PR licenses. THANK YOU to all you folks who have written about the experience of ...
Hola Jose! Yes, I think passport is definitely easiest way to go for DTOP! :) I never used my birth certificate or SSC for anything in Colorado and I don't like carrying them around with me. I hope you and your wife and Smokey have a ... Read More
My experience importing my car and getting a license by DonnaR
Hi all!! Just want to share some things we learned during the last few weeks regarding shipping our car from Colorado, registering it in PR, and obtaining PR licenses. THANK YOU to all you folks who have written about the experience of ...
Not yet!! We are going to get ourselves one for Christmas I think! :D Read More
My experience importing my car and getting a license by DonnaR
Hi all!! Just want to share some things we learned during the last few weeks regarding shipping our car from Colorado, registering it in PR, and obtaining PR licenses. THANK YOU to all you folks who have written about the experience of ...
Thanks for asking! We are really enjoying it here! Practicing our Spanish a lot and eating lots of mofongo :) Once we are more settled in our place we will be able to venture more outside Palmas. We haven't been many places outside of Humacao ... Read More
My experience importing my car and getting a license by DonnaR
Hi all!! Just want to share some things we learned during the last few weeks regarding shipping our car from Colorado, registering it in PR, and obtaining PR licenses. THANK YOU to all you folks who have written about the experience of ...
They used the foto that they took at DTOP, not at the doctor place but they asked for and kept the one from that place. Not sure why. I think if you don't have passport you would need birth certificate and social security card. I had to use ... Read More
My experience importing my car and getting a license
Hi all!! Just want to share some things we learned during the last few weeks regarding shipping our car from Colorado, registering it in PR, and obtaining PR licenses. THANK YOU to all you folks who have written about the experience of ... Read More
Health insurance PR and in states? by DonnaR
Hi everyone! Thank you for all of the great information here :) Can anybody offer some advice on what health insurance might work well both in PR and when visiting in the states? Does anyone here receive health care in both places? What works ...
Thanks Rey! I will call them tomorrow and see what I find out. Donna Read More
Health insurance PR and in states? by DonnaR
Hi everyone! Thank you for all of the great information here :) Can anybody offer some advice on what health insurance might work well both in PR and when visiting in the states? Does anyone here receive health care in both places? What works ...
Thanks for asking!! We had a great trip (although it coincided with the blackout so we ended up not doing several things that we had planned on). We did find a place! We will be living in Palmas :) Read More
Health insurance PR and in states?
Hi everyone! Thank you for all of the great information here :) Can anybody offer some advice on what health insurance might work well both in PR and when visiting in the states? Does anyone here receive health care in both places? What works ... Read More
New members of the Puerto Rico forum, introduce yourself here 聳 3rd quarter of 2016 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Puerto Rico forum? Don聮t 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 ...
Haha thank you!! I appreciate the offer! I'll pm you :) Read More
New members of the Puerto Rico forum, introduce yourself here 聳 3rd quarter of 2016 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Puerto Rico forum? Don聮t 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 ...
Hopefully you are going somewhere fun :) Are there any specific neighborhoods in Palmas that you'd recommend we check out or stay away from? We are hoping to be close to the beach :) Do you know a real estate agent that you would recommend we ... Read More
New members of the Puerto Rico forum, introduce yourself here 聳 3rd quarter of 2016 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Puerto Rico forum? Don聮t 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 ...
Cool! We'll be there mid September for 2 weeks! Read More
New members of the Puerto Rico forum, introduce yourself here 聳 3rd quarter of 2016 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Puerto Rico forum? Don聮t 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 ...
Thank you!! That's good information, getting around with a golf cart sounds nice to me. Interesting to hear about the currents too! Read More
New members of the Puerto Rico forum, introduce yourself here 聳 3rd quarter of 2016 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Puerto Rico forum? Don聮t 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 ...
Hello all! My husband and I are moving to PR in a few months. No kids, no pets - but we've fostered dogs through a local shelter and would like to do so again. We visited for a few weeks last summer and loved the feel, the food, the beaches, ... Read More