Elcalipocho
American looking for information about Puerto Rico
Forum posts
61
Contacts
1
About me
American
Lives in Aguadilla, Aguadilla
Speaks Spanish
Registration: 09 August 2017
Traveling to SJ airport
With the quarantine still in effect.. Does anyone know what its like flying into SJ airport? Is it 鈥榥ormal鈥� or are there any extra screenings/restrictions when arriving? My goal is to get as quickly as possible to my home in Aguadilla Read More
Looking for feedback on the Aguada area by kaford
Greetings! Hope you are all safe and sound after the recent "shake up" ;) I am a professional woman in my forties looking to relocate to PR very soon. I am interested in purchasing a property in Barrio-Guaniquilla, Aguada. I am ...
Aguada is a nice area, although I prefer Aguadilla due to the location and more shopping and amenities. I am guessing both Aguada and Aguadilla will be next on expats list since Rincon is expensive. Read More
Earthquake in PR this AM by Sitka
Just getting reports of damage from a 5.8 earthquake on the south side of the island. Saw photos of some cement houses that were heavily damaged. We felt the shake early AM.
I was vacationing in Aguadilla the entire time. Which is opposite of the epicenter but we could still feel them!! It was a pretty wild experience, especially coming from a Californian that lived 10 years in the bay are where I never felt anything ... Read More
Electricity/Internet in Rincon by Austin-Rincon
Hi expat community. My husband, kids and I are planning a move to Rinc贸n in Jan/early February. My husband and I can work remotely from anywhere, but I just want to check on the electrical/internet reliability in Rincon. I鈥檝e read ...
As others have mentioned, you can also look into Aguada, Aguadilla, and Isabela. I have a home in Aguadilla and love it there. Overall the pace of life is slower and more laid back in PR compared to the mainland. I also like Aguadilla鈥檚 ... Read More
Who fishes, and what do you catch? Do you have a boat?
I hear people fishing for snapper 鈥榗hio鈥�, smaller grouper 鈥榤ero鈥�, mahi, and various types of tuna. Read More
Possibly moving to Aguadilla, what鈥檚 it like there? by CloudyMentos
Greetings! Way new to 天美麻豆 and this forum, but have a number of questions about life in Aguadilla. I might move there for work, won鈥檛 know if I can for a few weeks, and we were hoping for San Juan because they have a major airport, ...
Aguadilla is nice smaller town with things to do depending on what you are looking for. I own a house there and spend several weeks a year there, a couple of my friends spend half the year there. Mon-Weds it can be quiet, and there are no big ... Read More
Furniture stores that deliver? by annabfalter
Hi, Has anyone had experience with furniture stores that deliver to the Guanica area on the main island? I am looking for a futon and a couple of beds, but we don't currently have a vehicle capable of hauling these items. I know there are ...
I鈥檝e bought from Sears in Mayaguez... and home depot, there were no problems and there was ample communication to coordinate deliveries. I鈥檒l be shopping at Berrios soon as well. Read More
Puerto Rico vs. Expat Havens in the Americas by seoulguy
I have read the posts, and I can see that many are a reflection of (let's face it) the increasing bad to shockingly bad behavior worldwide. This puts would-be expats in an awkward position, perhaps having to make the best choice among the many ...
I have two groups of retired friends that spend 6 months out of the year in Isabela/Aguadilla area and the other 6 months in California. They enjoy their time in PR so much they would spend even more time there, but they have family in California, ... Read More
Speeding ticket and the points system by cram1
So I just received a speeding ticket traveling on PR-66 from Fajardo to SJ. The officer said he clocked me going 79 mph in a 65. I am trying to figure out how to pay it. Doing to little research it seems I have to go to a "Colecture" or ...
I got a speeding ticket last week outside of Isabela. They said I was going 65 in 50 zone, but the speed limit on hwy 2 is confusing since there is no speed limit postings, and parts of it have stop light intersections. Anyways how do I take care of ... Read More
Exorbitant Contruction Materials Price by Elcalipocho
Has anyone been quoted/charged exorbitant contruction material prices after the hurricane? Materials like zinc and metal tubing? Had some friends replace patio covers destroyed after the hurricane... prices were ridiculous.. Like 3 times the price ...
Sitka, I鈥檝e been waiting for one custom made window since March. The guy said they are struggling to get the materials to make it.. Little frustrating Read More
Exorbitant Contruction Materials Price by Elcalipocho
Has anyone been quoted/charged exorbitant contruction material prices after the hurricane? Materials like zinc and metal tubing? Had some friends replace patio covers destroyed after the hurricane... prices were ridiculous.. Like 3 times the price ...
Was talking to some other suppliers contractors today, they said there is a lot more supplies and materials now , so it sounds like the excuse by some to increase prices is just an excuse. Read More
Exorbitant Contruction Materials Price by Elcalipocho
Has anyone been quoted/charged exorbitant contruction material prices after the hurricane? Materials like zinc and metal tubing? Had some friends replace patio covers destroyed after the hurricane... prices were ridiculous.. Like 3 times the price ...
Makes we wonder how long they鈥檒l use 鈥楳aria鈥� as an excuse to charge more for everything. Read More
Time Is Here To Buy by mrtibbs
Hello all, So the time is upon us to buy and we will be in Puerto Rico (our home away from home) in a couple of weeks to start looking at properties. Initially, we were going to make a cash purchase but have decided it'd be wiser for our ...
I own a vacation home in Aguadilla, and several of my friends do as well. I really love the area, and the geographic location. It seems the city鈥檚 location on the bay protects it from the more rough currents and wind compared to Isabela and ... Read More
Exorbitant Contruction Materials Price
Has anyone been quoted/charged exorbitant contruction material prices after the hurricane? Materials like zinc and metal tubing? Had some friends replace patio covers destroyed after the hurricane... prices were ridiculous.. Like 3 times the price ... Read More
Looking for Reputable Licensed Electrician and Plumber by Jcherry
I am in Puerto Rico looking for a property to purchase and found a property but it is distressed and needs a lot of work. For one it needs new electricity wiring and a new roof. Major work. A project of this magnitude would be a task in the ...
Where you located at in PR? There are reputable and dependable contractors, some licensed or unlicensed. References work best in any situation. Read More
How to deal on property by annabfalter
We are again looking at properties in the southwest. Many of them seem to be way overpriced based on location and condition. Is there any way to look up sales information on comparable properties that have recently sold? I don鈥檛 want to ...
Like others have mentioned including Larry comp prices are a little hard to come by. There are still lots of cash transactions taking place where people just need to unload property quickly. Myself and several of my friends all purchased ... Read More
Question about selling in mainland by ReyP
I have most of my logistics all lined up for a move to Puerto Rico with the exception that I still need to sell my place. In a couple of months we plan to put my place in the market and once it sells, head to PR. My fear is that scenario could ...
Rey, I double checked with my real estate expert friend. The time they have to back out is referred to as the contingency period typically 10 days on a 30 day escrow. Usually the deal breakers are financing falls through or some defects were ... Read More
Tips on Buying a Home Cash Down by mrtibbs
Hello all, We are looking to buy a turn key modest home in Isabela or Aguadilla. There is a lot of useful information on this Forum. However, I know that the rules are different in terms of house hunting in Puerto Rico as opposed to the states. Our ...
As people have mentioned get your own lawyer to review title independently and the deed seller鈥檚 lawyer will prepare and hire a contractor or professional to inspect the home. Puerto Rico weather can be tough on homes over the long run ... Read More
Question about selling in mainland by ReyP
I have most of my logistics all lined up for a move to Puerto Rico with the exception that I still need to sell my place. In a couple of months we plan to put my place in the market and once it sells, head to PR. My fear is that scenario could ...
Rey, Typical escrows are 30-60 days. I think by the time you packed and moved out etc.. , that would be past the point of no return for the buyer to backout. As people mentioned there can be a non-refundable deposit which releases after X days. Then ... 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 ...
Tibbs, I have two groups of friends from California that spend 6 months out of the year in Aguadilla. They are retired and love being here. As far as buying a house, get a lawyer to represent your side, and pay a contractor or professional to do ... 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 ...
Got to Aguadilla this week, life seems mostly back to normal here with businesses opens , streets cleaned, etc.. Driving through the area you鈥檒l see the ocassional damaged building or dangling power pole. Crashboat beach is about half the ... 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 ...
Most of the city of Aguadilla had the power turned on back in December, although some parts of the city may still be without. I鈥檒l be heading there in the next week or so. 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 ...
Gary, Sorry to hear your struggles with getting power. My area of Aguadilla got power at the end of Dec finally. I鈥檝e heard lots of things like there are 鈥榯housands of lineman coming鈥� to continue repairs to the grid and there are ... 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 ...
Sitka, Thanks for the message. I hope your trip goes smoothly and hopefully you get to enjoy yourself a little while you are working on your place. Once I get place fixed up. Besides staying for vacations, I plan to occasionally telecommute from ... 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 ...
Mrkpytn, Good luck with your ventures. The plans for your place in Ponce sound really cool. Btw, I think you mentioned that you farmed in PR as well? If so, what crops did you grow? I鈥檝e heard the land and weather in PR can support various ... 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 ...
Word coming out of Aguadilla is most of the town has water, and power was recently restored to downtown. My concrete house faired fine. Wood houses near me were destroyed, and lots of metal roofs gone. Crash boat beach obliterated , where like ... Read More
We're OK! by Gary
Short update - I don't have time to read. Right now at a client who has internet and I have a ton of emails to take care of. Trying to get the business running again... We made it through the storm OK. Minimal damage to the house, we lost two ...
From what I've heard talking to my friends in Aguadilla, and through social media, they have not 'seen' much help from the federal government or their presence. No doubt there are fema and federal folks there , especially at Ramey air ... Read More
We're OK! by Gary
Short update - I don't have time to read. Right now at a client who has internet and I have a ton of emails to take care of. Trying to get the business running again... We made it through the storm OK. Minimal damage to the house, we lost two ...
Gary ..glad to hear you and some of the other folks are OK. The latest I heard from Aguadilla was that FEMA was slow to get to the west side. But gas is becoming more available and more stores are open. But people can only take $200 cash from the ... Read More
Puerto Rican debt? by Mrkpytn
Has anyone else heard that President Trump mentioning that the debt does not have to be paid?
Either way , its doubtful that PR can realistically pay back that debt, and especially now after hurricane Maria destroying so many homes and businesses and an increasing exodus. Read More
New storms brewing in the Atlantic by Gary
[img]https://www.foryourpics.com/images/2017/09/14/two_9-14.png[/img] 5 day tropical weather outlook. Too early to say where they will go and how strong they will be. Yup, the most active weeks of the season aren't over yet.
The word coming out of Aguadilla is the downtown area was flooded, then the water receded and people went back to their homes and businesses and have started the cleanup. Most of the damage in the area was to the wooden houses, trees, and utility ... Read More
Emergency evacuation by ReyP
Quebradillas, Moca, and Isabela are being evacuated, they think that Lake Guajataca lake is about to give out. If it does, no cement structure is going to survive the rush of water.
Here is a video ... Pretty scary looking like something out of a disaster movie. https://www.instagram.com/p/BZXRS_Bg9ol/ Read More
So who is ready for Maria ! by dugtx1
Prediction CAT 3 South West direct and across the island . Could be theoretically worse than Irma....
Seems like the tail lingered longer and thrashed the westside with lots of rain/wind with less force but longer duration? Read More
So who is ready for Maria ! by dugtx1
Prediction CAT 3 South West direct and across the island . Could be theoretically worse than Irma....
Still little info about Aguadilla/Isabela/Rincon. A few reports mention the coastal low areas were flooded. Sad to see all the destruction... across the entire island. I can see a huge exodus from the island, especially from the severly flooded ... Read More
New storms brewing in the Atlantic by Gary
[img]https://www.foryourpics.com/images/2017/09/14/two_9-14.png[/img] 5 day tropical weather outlook. Too early to say where they will go and how strong they will be. Yup, the most active weeks of the season aren't over yet.
We are still in the dark about Aguadilla area because no cell service or power. And very little in the news or social media compared to other area. Fingers crossed Read More
New storms brewing in the Atlantic by Gary
[img]https://www.foryourpics.com/images/2017/09/14/two_9-14.png[/img] 5 day tropical weather outlook. Too early to say where they will go and how strong they will be. Yup, the most active weeks of the season aren't over yet.
I believe she has weakened slightly to Cat-4 , and entered the island on the south eastern side, showing a northern path exiting possibly east of arceibo ... Read More
New storms brewing in the Atlantic by Gary
[img]https://www.foryourpics.com/images/2017/09/14/two_9-14.png[/img] 5 day tropical weather outlook. Too early to say where they will go and how strong they will be. Yup, the most active weeks of the season aren't over yet.
Sitka & Gary, Hoping everything works out ok for you guys... Read More
New storms brewing in the Atlantic by Gary
[img]https://www.foryourpics.com/images/2017/09/14/two_9-14.png[/img] 5 day tropical weather outlook. Too early to say where they will go and how strong they will be. Yup, the most active weeks of the season aren't over yet.
Raven and Gary, Thanks for the replies. Seems like the concrete structures will be ok short of a major landslide. Gary - you are right on the changes in direction. Seemed like Irma was gonna destroy Tampa but luckily changed course Read More
New storms brewing in the Atlantic by Gary
[img]https://www.foryourpics.com/images/2017/09/14/two_9-14.png[/img] 5 day tropical weather outlook. Too early to say where they will go and how strong they will be. Yup, the most active weeks of the season aren't over yet.
Thoughts on how the western side is gonna feel this? Read More
New storms brewing in the Atlantic by Gary
[img]https://www.foryourpics.com/images/2017/09/14/two_9-14.png[/img] 5 day tropical weather outlook. Too early to say where they will go and how strong they will be. Yup, the most active weeks of the season aren't over yet.
Gary, Thanks for the reply, I'll keep this in mind. I am still in California. Was planning to visit this week to kick off some remodeling until Maria came along. My house is empty with things sealed up the best as possible and some neighbors ... Read More
New storms brewing in the Atlantic by Gary
[img]https://www.foryourpics.com/images/2017/09/14/two_9-14.png[/img] 5 day tropical weather outlook. Too early to say where they will go and how strong they will be. Yup, the most active weeks of the season aren't over yet.
Another tense 48 hours waiting :/ . So even with this power concrete houses like mine stand a chance? I am several hundred feet above the ocean looking west next to other houses. My island friends say yes... but hard not to worry. Read More
New storms brewing in the Atlantic by Gary
[img]https://www.foryourpics.com/images/2017/09/14/two_9-14.png[/img] 5 day tropical weather outlook. Too early to say where they will go and how strong they will be. Yup, the most active weeks of the season aren't over yet.
USCG: So the latest is almost an Irma like path? This shows deep red on the east coast again? https://mobile.twitter.com/NWSSanJuan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.weather.gov%2Fsju%2F Read More
Nag about Spanish by ReyP
Yesterday's event is a great example why is extremely important to learn Spanish. Lots of expats had no real time news, and were unable to determine on their own what to do next. I and other members published some of the shelters and typed in ...
Obviously taking some kind of class or tutoring is the best way start to learning Spanish. Then watching Spanish movies with English subtitles helps and listening to Spanish music. Along with reading the newspaper. Read More
Your Electricity... On Yet..?? by JohnnyNight
Humacao off where I'm at.. Sorry...:) I stuck out the outage a few months ago but I guess I lost my "trooper" mentality since then... In hotel now... One thing I did get a while ago for my phone were a couple battery packs and a ...
'One thing I did get a while ago for my phone were a couple battery packs and a solar charger...' What brand solar power charger do you have? Talked to people in Aguadilla, they say no power or water in the entire area.. I am supposed to ... Read More
Nag about Spanish by ReyP
Yesterday's event is a great example why is extremely important to learn Spanish. Lots of expats had no real time news, and were unable to determine on their own what to do next. I and other members published some of the shelters and typed in ...
Claro que si , y tambien para conocer gente local!! Read More
Tracking Irma by Sitka
This new storm track is making me concerned. PR may be in the path - currently a cat 2, but predicted to grow. Best keep a close eye on this one for the next week or so. :o http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at1+shtml/145426.shtml?cone
Aguadilla area fared well I heard. So what's next Hurricane Jose?? I hear its moved to category 2 and will get near PR . Read More
Tracking Irma by Sitka
This new storm track is making me concerned. PR may be in the path - currently a cat 2, but predicted to grow. Best keep a close eye on this one for the next week or so. :o http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at1+shtml/145426.shtml?cone
Thanks again Rey for the info. House has older metal shutters and two doors facing towards the ocean... I am actually in California right now monitoring the situation. Plan to go back in a couple weeks to start doing some updates with the ... Read More
Tracking Irma by Sitka
This new storm track is making me concerned. PR may be in the path - currently a cat 2, but predicted to grow. Best keep a close eye on this one for the next week or so. :o http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at1+shtml/145426.shtml?cone
Thanks to the replies on my question about Aguadilla. My friends say our concrete houses on high ground should be fine. But I am still antsy. Talked to a couple people by phone there, they are getting ready. I am hearing conflicting things. That ... Read More
Tracking Irma by Sitka
This new storm track is making me concerned. PR may be in the path - currently a cat 2, but predicted to grow. Best keep a close eye on this one for the next week or so. :o http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at1+shtml/145426.shtml?cone
Any thoughts on how this will impact Aguadilla area? My house is in a neighborhood with other houses on hill with a view of the ocean. Its cement and I am in the process of doing some work. Read More
Quantitative Modeler Job in San Juan by if_nyc
I'm moving to Condado with my husband in early 2018. I'm a quantitative modeler in an investment bank in NYC. Any similar jobs available in San Juan area? I'm not expecting to make the same salary as in NYC but would like to know whether ...
Yes I believe so, the Act 20/22 is what attracted John Paulson and some of the other investors to look at PR. Read More
Quantitative Modeler Job in San Juan by if_nyc
I'm moving to Condado with my husband in early 2018. I'm a quantitative modeler in an investment bank in NYC. Any similar jobs available in San Juan area? I'm not expecting to make the same salary as in NYC but would like to know whether ...
Off the top of my head don't know the names of hedge funds, although John Paulson is the biggest hedge fund manager's name that has some presence here. Maybe only a handful but a google search is a good start. Read More
Quantitative Modeler Job in San Juan by if_nyc
I'm moving to Condado with my husband in early 2018. I'm a quantitative modeler in an investment bank in NYC. Any similar jobs available in San Juan area? I'm not expecting to make the same salary as in NYC but would like to know whether ...
You might have a couple of options: * Work remotely as a contractor for a mainland firm. Your skillset is highly desirable and they may be willing to give you a flexible arrangement. * Banco Popular or Santander may havd some regional offices. I ... Read More
Wild Hog in Aguadilla by ReyP
A couple of wild hogs in some part of Aguadilla are terrorizing the Urbanizacion, not sure how they end up in PR. None of the goverment agencies want to deal with them. In another neighborhood there would be a nice roast pig block party, no sure ...
Slightly off topic, but what kind of local/nativewood is suitable for grilling or lechon? My friends bbq in PR but use gas. I want to build a wood burning brasa at my house, but not sure about the wood. Read More
Doing Business in Puerto Rico by Severinguiton
Hi everyone, I'm currently writing an article about the main paradise islands where to start a tech business. I was thinking of Puerto Rico, as it ranks high at the Global Entrepreneurship and Development Index : http://thegedi.org/tool/ But ...
Startups need a relatively small amount of people to get going, some of which would consider locating to PR under the right circumstances. AWS does not need to be located on the island to develop apps or run them. Read More
Doing Business in Puerto Rico by Severinguiton
Hi everyone, I'm currently writing an article about the main paradise islands where to start a tech business. I was thinking of Puerto Rico, as it ranks high at the Global Entrepreneurship and Development Index : http://thegedi.org/tool/ But ...
I think Puerto Rico is worth a mention, if you are talking about tech entreprenuers, and considering the island's proximity to the USA (NY/FL) and being a territory are positives along with Act 20/22. No doubt challenges remain and the path ... Read More
New members of the Puerto Rico forum, introduce yourselves here 聳 June to December 2017 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Puerto Rico forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you聽;) 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 ...
Thanks for the welcome Mrkpytn and Rey. That is cool you are going to move permanently to the island. I've talked to some of my investor friends about their thoughts on the tax advantages of PR. I'll just be coming for 1-2 week vacations ... Read More
New members of the Puerto Rico forum, introduce yourselves here 聳 June to December 2017 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Puerto Rico forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you聽;) 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 ...
Hola , I am a mixed Mexican/Caucasian from Northern California in my mid 40s. Been visiting Aguadilla area the past few years and love the island. Discovered the area through friends who are from there originally. Loved it so much I purchased a ... Read More