Skip Beltz
@dolt201
American expat in Puerto Rico
Forum posts
53
Contacts
5
About me
American
Lives in naguabo
Speaks English and a little Spanish
Registration: 14 September 2011
How can I get into Hot Water? by Sitka
Hi We need to install a hot water heater in our place for shower, sinks, DW, etc.. What is recommended by folks in the know?? I know electric rates are sky high and most likely going up. Propane is an option, (is natural gas available anywhere ...
A couple of options: Solar: You will find this is cost effective as the electric rates will go up and the grid is unreliable. If you go solar, put up enough panels to cover more than just the hot H2O, it will be more cost effective. The downside is ... Read More
Best way to get personal "stuff" to PR by suzanne12345
We are moving in a month from VA to PR. We will be renting a furnished apartment. As I get ready to leave (plus husband and 3 teen daughters) it is clear we will need to ship some stuff. UPS is expensive, PODs are too big and very expensive as well. ...
Try UPack, http://www.upack.com/movers. We used them and it went flawlessly at a reasonable cost. Read More
New members of the Puerto Rico forum, introduce yourself here 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 on ...
You are soon smart to rent first. That's what we did and we never regretted doing it. Lots of luck Skip Read More
Umm should I be scared? by LainB215
Hi my name is Alaina...I'm 31 and I am from the suburbs of Philadelphia. I apologize for this long post but I need some help =/ I have been to PR only 3 times, I just returned from my last visit a few weeks ago. I was there when hurricane ...
Absolutely! I'm sure we will be here for some time, the housing market being what it is. Cheers! Read More
Umm should I be scared? by LainB215
Hi my name is Alaina...I'm 31 and I am from the suburbs of Philadelphia. I apologize for this long post but I need some help =/ I have been to PR only 3 times, I just returned from my last visit a few weeks ago. I was there when hurricane ...
Hi Schuttzie, Thanks for the good wishes. We just got to the point where the extra costs and inconveniences overcame the beauty and great weather. It will probably take us years to sell so we'll be here a while! Skip Read More
Umm should I be scared? by LainB215
Hi my name is Alaina...I'm 31 and I am from the suburbs of Philadelphia. I apologize for this long post but I need some help =/ I have been to PR only 3 times, I just returned from my last visit a few weeks ago. I was there when hurricane ...
I need to give you a lot of credit for overlooking your desire to move to PR and examining reality. Not many people do this. We've been here 7 years and are up near the rain forrest in a secluded, beautiful area near Naguabo. We've also just ... Read More
Any musicians out there? by dolt201
I've been craving the jam sessions we used to have in the states. We had between 10 and 35 musicians who would gather to play music, mostly bluegrass, old timy, blues and folk. Are there any acoustic musicians out there who would like to get ...
I'm excited! I haven't jammed in so long I've forgotten half the tunes. I'll stay in touch. email is xxx Skip Read More
Any musicians out there? by dolt201
I've been craving the jam sessions we used to have in the states. We had between 10 and 35 musicians who would gather to play music, mostly bluegrass, old timy, blues and folk. Are there any acoustic musicians out there who would like to get ...
Frogrock, Sounds good, how about we try to do something after Thanksgiving. We have some friends from the states spending a week with us and after that would be better. Have you heard of Little Rev? He is an awesome Uke player. Later Skip Read More
Any musicians out there? by dolt201
I've been craving the jam sessions we used to have in the states. We had between 10 and 35 musicians who would gather to play music, mostly bluegrass, old timy, blues and folk. Are there any acoustic musicians out there who would like to get ...
sounds promising, I have never played with a piano. Lets look towards Christmas! Skip Read More
Any musicians out there?
I've been craving the jam sessions we used to have in the states. We had between 10 and 35 musicians who would gather to play music, mostly bluegrass, old timy, blues and folk. Are there any acoustic musicians out there who would like to get ... Read More
Trespassers by dolt201
I was in the states taking care of some repairs that were needed on our house there when I got a disturbing call from my wife. She said she was not going to clean the apartment attached to our PR house because there was a snake skin stretched across ...
I hear you on the spiders. We see six to eight a week here, in fact there is one outside the front door now by the roof but I can't find the spider spray to nab him. Keep the faith and the insecticide handy! Read More
Trespassers by dolt201
I was in the states taking care of some repairs that were needed on our house there when I got a disturbing call from my wife. She said she was not going to clean the apartment attached to our PR house because there was a snake skin stretched across ...
We feel the same way, I love having the snaked around and keep track of them to make sure they are OK. Tarantulas are another story. I just don't like them. We also have a lot of the huntsman spiders. The insect spray I use takes care of all the ... Read More
Trespassers by dolt201
I was in the states taking care of some repairs that were needed on our house there when I got a disturbing call from my wife. She said she was not going to clean the apartment attached to our PR house because there was a snake skin stretched across ...
I've got a great pic of some of them hooding up! we have many around the property and we encourage them. Read More
Trespassers by dolt201
I was in the states taking care of some repairs that were needed on our house there when I got a disturbing call from my wife. She said she was not going to clean the apartment attached to our PR house because there was a snake skin stretched across ...
I posted pics but they have not been put up on the sight yet. Read More
Trespassers by dolt201
I was in the states taking care of some repairs that were needed on our house there when I got a disturbing call from my wife. She said she was not going to clean the apartment attached to our PR house because there was a snake skin stretched across ...
Anolis... We are in agreement, I cherish the presence of these snakes on the property. I posted some pics of this beautiful snake. We have a lot of the black racers and although we are always kind to them I am careful as they are semi venomous. ... Read More
Trespassers
I was in the states taking care of some repairs that were needed on our house there when I got a disturbing call from my wife. She said she was not going to clean the apartment attached to our PR house because there was a snake skin stretched across ... Read More
New members of the Puerto Rico forum, introduce yourself here 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 on ...
Hi, We live just south of you outside Naguabo. You've picked a very nice part of the Island. There are so many things that come into play when you live here. I would go over the x-pat site and just read. If you do not have to work to suport ... Read More
Great Coffee by dolt201
Ok...I'm giving up one of my favorite things about PR, great coffee. Many of you may know that almost every town in the highlands has its own coffee. We have tried most of them but one excels. Up in the highlands is a town called Jayuya. Every ...
Garry, Could you please tell me the location and hours of the Humacao farmers market? I know the Las Piedras one but not the one in Humacao. Thanks Skip Read More
Buying a second home in PR by Anolis
My wife & I are considering buying a second home in Puerto Rico. We have lots of experience on the island (we have been going, for work & pleasure, for 10 years; I speak Spanish, etc.), but this would be a new thing for us. Can anyone on the ...
Hi Anolis, We have a 7.5 KW gas operated generator. It's loud and of course there are the gas fumes. It does however run the whole house and pool. The make is black max sold by Sam's and uses a honda motor which I am partial to. Our house ... Read More
Great Coffee
Ok...I'm giving up one of my favorite things about PR, great coffee. Many of you may know that almost every town in the highlands has its own coffee. We have tried most of them but one excels. Up in the highlands is a town called Jayuya. Every ... Read More
Buying a second home in PR by Anolis
My wife & I are considering buying a second home in Puerto Rico. We have lots of experience on the island (we have been going, for work & pleasure, for 10 years; I speak Spanish, etc.), but this would be a new thing for us. Can anyone on the ...
We have a good lawyer here who does work in OSJ and SJ. When you get here, get in touch. I'll put in a contact request and I'll send my phone number via private message. We would love to meet you folks, Cheers Skip Read More
Buying a second home in PR by Anolis
My wife & I are considering buying a second home in Puerto Rico. We have lots of experience on the island (we have been going, for work & pleasure, for 10 years; I speak Spanish, etc.), but this would be a new thing for us. Can anyone on the ...
I have no experience with OSJ, we live on the eastern side of the island. Our home is a second home and there are some hurdles. First of all, get a good lawyer. Plan on delays in dealing with ARPE, the local governmental agency for registering ... Read More
Heading to Humacao, recommendations?
Hey Snoots, We live in the general area you are looking at. I would advise looking into Air B&B. There are some hosts in that area. You'll find a beautiful beach down there with warm water and filled with live sand dollars. There is a ... Read More
New members of the Puerto Rico forum, introduce yourself here 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 on ...
Welcome to PR. We are right up the road from you in Naguabo. Palmas is a great place to live and will shield you from some of the rougher sides of PR. As far as fresh organic fruits go, we grow most of ours but have a lot of luck at road side ... Read More
New members of the Puerto Rico forum, introduce yourself here 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 on ...
Hi Jill, Welcome to PR. You're in a vibrant part of the island with lots of services and a good selection of both PR and US food. As far as Costco and Sams go we prefer Sams for food shopping. Both stores carry mainly US products at elevated ... Read More
Is a quiet, simple life possible in PR on a modest income? by Sloan1932
I posted in another thread, which may have been incorrect. I'm very new at forums. In any event, I'd like to move to PR in October or November. My goal would be to remain there for at least a year; but some of the posts I've read are a ...
Generally we find almost everything costs more here than in the states. I think the western side of the island where you are looking is more expensive than the eastern side where we are. However, we have no public transportation. try to find a ... Read More
Best ways to safely transport pets to and fro Puerto Rico by DeborahMarchant
Hello What are some of the best ways to safely transport pets to and fro PR? Any great suggestions? Most commercial and major airlines won't fly animals when the temperature is above 85 degrees.This is because while their cargo hold is ...
We transport 6 cats in carry on cat carriers in the body of the plane. They go under the seat in front of us. Of course, every cat needs it's own human and only one cat can go in a carrier. Therefore, we have to engage friends to help or make ... Read More
Where do you guys shop for various goods? by Olivia99
I haven't seen this topic posted before and thought we could start a new thread concerning where everyone is shopping for various goods. I'm personally interested in the following, sorry, it's a little long but I may as well get it out ...
Hi Olivia99, I get aged manure from an agricola (agricultural store) in Naguabo right down the road from our house. I also save coffee grounds to support worms and get my ph up a bit. Home Depot carries most of the commercial fertilizers and I go to ... Read More
Where do you guys shop for various goods? by Olivia99
I haven't seen this topic posted before and thought we could start a new thread concerning where everyone is shopping for various goods. I'm personally interested in the following, sorry, it's a little long but I may as well get it out ...
As another garden enthusiast I also have trouble finding gardening supplies. I am friends with the owner of the agricola and I get manure from him. I always give him a six pack of beer and we remember him when we have more produce than we can use. I ... Read More
New members of the Puerto Rico forum, introduce yourself here 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 on ...
There are several companies that sell solar panels. Just google them in PR and you'll get them. Off grid is best as the electrical grid here in PR is terrible. We have lost many appliances and computers because of brown outs which occur ... Read More
New members of the Puerto Rico forum, introduce yourself here 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 on ...
Keep in touch. If I can be of any help either now or when you get here let me know. Sounds like you have realistic expectations which is a rare occurrence! Read More
What is the updates on Puerto Rico economy and family 2014 by Cubanldy39
My family is seriously thinking of relocating out of New York, to Puerto Rico what we want to know what is going on far as the jobs,education,housing goes before we make a sound decision I am taking classes to learn to speak spanish in the USA and ...
My experience with the public health system (I usually use the VA) is poor. We have experienced serious mis-diagnosis, long waits, poor facilities and a lack of qualified board certified specialists. If it was not for the good care I get at the VA I ... Read More
What is the updates on Puerto Rico economy and family 2014 by Cubanldy39
My family is seriously thinking of relocating out of New York, to Puerto Rico what we want to know what is going on far as the jobs,education,housing goes before we make a sound decision I am taking classes to learn to speak spanish in the USA and ...
Everything's going up but money is harder to get. We are luckily retired so are not as effected. However it is harder to get things done, services are even slower that they have been and I didn't think they could ever be slower. If you plan ... Read More
New members of the Puerto Rico forum, introduce yourself here 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 on ...
Hi Guys Wow...you sound like us eight years ago. We are on the eastern side of the island In a little town called Naguabo in barrio El Duce. We're about 400 feet above sea level on the side of a mountain with lots of cattle farms. You folks ... Read More
Questions about relocating to Puerto Rico by grc1947
An associate told me it is possible to become a resident of Puerto Rico, obtain a driver's license, start a business employing 3 people and obtain an exemption for US capital gains taxes. Is this true? If so, is there a government website which ...
Listen to Nomad Lawyer, if anything he is understating the governmental strangle hold on business. Gregg K hits the insects right on the head. The centipede he mentions is venomous, we find them drowned dead in the pool all the time. I have to spray ... Read More
Questions related to jobs by 04.tiffanyk
I am looking to move to puerto rico within half a years time. I am not rich nor do I have a lot of money but I know people move all the time who aren't rich. I've been there and I absolutely love it and the people! I only speak English so is this ...
It sounds like you are a level headed person who tries to think things through. Therefore I hope you will take this in the spirit it is given. Your chances of finding work are between slim and nil. The locals who know everyone and speak the language ... Read More
Work for self employed by dcowan76
We are a self employed couple working in complementary and alternative healing. Our backgrounds are in allopathic medicine and psychology/counseling. Am curious about the prospects of establishing a private practice and teaching classes....does the ...
Hi Folks, I know the expertise you have is very marketable in the states. Here, breaking in to ANY business is hard and harder if you are a gringo. There are so few jobs and job opportunities here that you really have to see it to believe it. ... Read More
A one-way ticket to Puerto Rico. by ThePogo
First off, thank you to everyone who has answered the questions of everyone else on this site. The other posts have all been very helpful! I am 22, living in Utah. I speak Spanish fluently(although not perfectly!), but plenty well enough to live ...
Your post attracted me when I saw the guitar picture. I have been looking for an American to jam with. I'm not familiar with the Spanish music. When I finished reading your post I had to respond. We (my wife and I) are retired. We bought a house ... Read More
No tan lines by Fond of Ibiza
I would like to do an informal poll of the Expat/Us-transplant community. I find it shocking that there are no topless/nude beaches here and I think that the Puertorican tourism economy suffers for the lack of this alternative to other places like ...
Tourism should be the obvious focus for PR. I don't know if nude or topless beaches would enhance the draw PR should have. However, trash, poor signage and a crippling bureaucracy are definite obstacles to a successful tourist trade. I continue to ... Read More
Moving to Puerto Rico by dcarterbriscoe
Looking for updated information on moving to San Juan. My husband and I will be moving there in late October 2014. We are in our late 50's. We have visited several times and fell in love with and decided to move. Need good advice on most ...
Could you come down for a week before you move and check out the metro area? This would give you a chance not to land here unprepared. We took six months off work to check things out before we moved down and it was worth every inconvenience. Can you ... Read More
Moving to Puerto Rico by aiden stone
Greetings! My name is Aiden Stone and I'm a writer/author. I'm planning to move to PR this coming June and I was told that I can get some really solid advice from this blog. I'm from Colorado but I've lived around a bit but I'm going into ...
Hi Alden, We have been in PR for about seven years. We bought a home way back in the bush without city services. Since it seems like you will need your time to write, I suggest you stay near or in a sizable city. Hear on the eastern side of the ... Read More
Moving from the State to Puerto Rico by tonie0750
We are planning to move in the beginning of May but will be scheduling the move of our stuff (no furniture) until we have there for a while and have found a house to rent. My question is this--- Should we arrange the move with a company- I have ...
We just moved most of our furniture from the Boston area to PR. We had done smaller moves over the years but this was a big one. We did it all ourselves through UMOVE. We saved a lot of money, worked harder than we should have had to and in the end ... Read More
Expat blog gatherings in Puerto Rico by Julien
Hi all! What about meeting the other Puerto Rico 天美麻豆 members in real life? Organizing an 天美麻豆 meet up would be an excellent way to know them! :) An 天美麻豆 meet up can be a diner gathering, having coffee, a bring and share in a ...
I'd be all for a get together. Personally I don't care if I am technically an XPat or not, I would like to make new friends, feel a sense of community and if possible meet some folks who play acoustic music. Skip Read More
Moving to Humacao - PR by knvsurya
Hello Hi Everyone, I am a Indian from India and planning to move to Humacao, PR from US. I would like to get some info related to a few things. 1. How good & secure is the Palmas del Mar comunity for living. 2. Is it a friendly neighborhood and ...
Good to hear you are considering PR, Although I do not live in Palmas, we recently assisted a family member looking at units there. Palmas is very safe and secure. However, after living seven years in a rural area nearby we have never encountered ... Read More
Concidering to move from Belgium to PR. by agten
I might concider moving to PR, but how hard is it to find a job there? and what area do you suggest?
My experience is that unless you want to live and work in San Juan and work in the food service or hospitality industry, jobs are hard to find, especially for outsiders. Unemployment is very high in PR now and the economy is very shaky. Much of what ... Read More
Desiring to move to Puerto Rico by Kalola
I am a healthy retired senior considering a move to PR but not sure where. Any input would be appreciated. I am alone therefore would like to be amongst other expats. I think I could live comfortably there as it is not becoming feasible to do so ...
It sounds like you would be more comfortable in a gated community than out in a neighborhood or the campo. I would highly recommend an extended stay before you move so you could explore and experience different parts of the island. PR has everything ... Read More
Safety in Caguas, Puerto Rico by moni77
We may move to Puerto Rico to Caguas more specifically but I have heard different opinions about the area, could anyone give feedback about whether or not it is a safe area for a family?? I read some reports online and they all seem to say that ...
We live about 35 minutes south of Caguas and do a lot of shopping there in several of the malls. I've never had trouble anywhere in PR. Yes, there is crime, mostly around drug running and one reads articles about large shipments being intercepted. ... Read More
Boston to PR expat , in need of advice and some guidance by coquette1010
Hello everyone! I am a 25 year old female residing in Boston, MA. I've visited San Juan several times and leave with great sadness on every departure. With no desire to settle down, and have kids I am seeking a start to a new life in PR. I have ...
I want to agree with the general theme that although PR is a wonderful place to live, it is not for the faint of heart or the minimally financed. Food is expensive, electricity is through the roof, service is pretty much non existent and trying to ... Read More
US Family Moving to PR by musicallypink
Hi everyone... we are an American family looking to move to Puerto Rico and have NO idea where to start!! I guess our big questions are... what to bring and how much will it cost to bring it? How easy is it to homeschool in PR? Are there many expats ...
HI, i thought Greg's comments were very good and worth considering. We live in El Duce near Naguabo on the eastern side of the island in a very rural, quiet area. I think you should consider where you would like to live. Do you like gated ... Read More
Nuts and bolts of container shipping to PR
First of all, it will take longer than expected, it always does. Your gear comes into a local shipper who will or should be able to truck it to. Keep all phone numbers! Call often, getting things to happen can be very slow in PR. Bring a GPS with ... Read More
Looking to relocate to Puerto Rico by jae1169
I'm looking to relocate to Puerto Rico and I would like to know if anyone knows of any agencies that i may be able to send my resume' to. I am looking for employment in the construction field particularly in project management any assistance given ...
Im in the same business on the heavy industrial end. There is some activity in San Juan but you would be better served in looking for a North American firm who is looking for someone to work in PR. It can be hard to break into the network if you are ... Read More