You won't have to worry about getting a passport or any kind of work permit because Puerto Rico is part of the U.S. The best part about living in Puerto Rico is the wonderful weather and the friendly people. In addition, there are quite a few opportunities for those with an entrepreneurial spirit, and there are generous tax breaks. Take a closer look!
Moving to The Island of Enchantment
When moving to Puerto Rico, as with any move, there is a lot of planning to be done. Calling movers, packing all of your belongings, turning off utilities, and everything else. It is strongly advised that you begin all of your preparations at least two months in advance (if not more). Moving to a new location is a stressful, complicated, and often frustrating experience. Moving to Puerto Rico adds to that because your goods will be transported by ship for a portion of the journey (More on this below.) If you've ever moved before, you'll understand what we're talking about. If you haven't already done so, being prepared is the most effective way to keep problems to a minimum.
Calling Moving Companies and Getting Estimates
Moving all of your household goods, cars, and belongings to Puerto Rico will require a moving company. Some people might ask “Can’t I just rent a truck and move my stuff myself?”, but the answer would be no because Puerto Rico isn’t attached to the contiguous United States. To get there, you must cross the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Only a mover with the right permits and equipment can "import" your household goods onto the island. Generally, shipping a vehicle to Puerto Rico from the U.S. costs between $1,700 and $3,500. There are several companies that ship vehicles to Puerto Rico.
It is possible to save money on your move by moving your things yourself to a port in Florida, so that your movers won't charge you for moving them from New Jersey, Chicago, or Los Angeles. It is not recommended, since all of your things should be packed well and padded so that they survive the trip without damage. You can save money, save time, and ensure your goods arrive in excellent condition if you hire a professional moving company by following these tips:
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Get at least three moving and storage estimates so that you can compare prices
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Refuse any moving companies that want to give you a “phone estimate”. These are highly inaccurate. All of the moving company salespeople should come out to your home in person.
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Let the moving company you choose pack all of your fragile household goods. It’s going to be a long trip and when your goods are on the ship they could get seriously damaged if they are not packed correctly
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If you pack things yourself purchase quality moving and storage boxes. They are a specific, consistent size and shape for the different non-fragile items in most homes
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Schedule to have all of your utilities and services disconnected
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Start looking online for a place to stay when you initially arrive in Puerto Rico.
About Moving Insurance
It's difficult to get moving insurance. We recommend getting more insurance than you need while opting for the highest deductible. The reason for this is that there will almost certainly be some damage, which you will simply have to write off. However, if (heaven forbid) you lose everything you own, having more insurance means you'll get more money for everything. Choosing a higher deductible will lower your insurance costs significantly, allowing you to get a lot more coverage for a lot less money. If, for example, a shipping container falls off the ship and is lost at sea, you're taking a small risk in exchange for a much higher return. (It doesn’t happen often but it has happened.
Why You Should Throw a Yard Sale
Here's the deal: moving is expensive, and moving to Puerto Rico will be even more so because it will require you to load your belongings onto a ship. One thing to remember about moving services is that they are priced according to weight. You will pay more if you have more weight, and vice versa. With that in mind, one of your goals should be to get rid of everything you don't need, use, or want anymore, and a yard sale is one of the best ways to do so. Not only will you be able to get rid of everything you don't want and save money on your move, but you may also be able to make a few extra dollars.
If you've finished your yard sale but still have items to sell, posting a "curb alert" on Craigslist is a great idea. You'd be surprised at how quickly all of that old junk, toys, clothing, and other items are removed. Furthermore, posting on Craigslist is completely free, and it will save you from having to visit your local landfill.
How About Extremely Important Stuff?
There are a few items that you should not send to Puerto Rico with your moving company. The reason is simple: you won't get them for at least a few weeks, and if something goes wrong with the truck or ship, you won't get them at all. Yes, the chances of this happening are slim, but they do exist. Here's a list of everything we recommend you bring to Puerto Rico:
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Medicine
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Diplomas
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Birth Certificates
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Insurance Paperwork
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Passports (even though you don’t need them to enter Puerto Rico, they’re still important)
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Retirement paperwork like 401(k), IRA, etc.
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Clothing for at least 2 weeks
Renting a Self Storage Unit Stateside
Let’s say that you’re moving to Puerto Rico but only for a few years, maybe for a job or other opportunity. In a case like this, you might not want to move all of your household goods to Puerto Rico. You might not need it when you were down there or you might not want to put it through the rigors and risks of moving. If that’s the case, renting a self storage unit stateside is a good solution. We recommend a climate-controlled unit so that your household goods stay protected from changes in heat, cold, and humidity while you’re away.
Should You Learn Spanish before you leave for Puerto Rico?
The answer to this question is contingent on a number of factors. Knowing Spanish will be extremely useful if you decide to start your own business. However, because Puerto Rico is a part of the United States, many people already speak Spanish. Without intending to offend anyone in Puerto Rico, the more educated a person is, the more likely they are to speak English.
Some Things that You Should Avoid In Puerto Rico
You’ll be glad to know that Puerto Rico has a low crime rate throughout the island. Some paces, however, are a little bit more “rough around the edges”, so to speak, than others. For safety’s sake, you will probably want to avoid them.
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Louis Lloren Torres in San Juan
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The neighborhoods of La Perla (next to Old City)
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Puerta de Tierra
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‘Caserios’ (Housing projects)
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El Castillo San Felipe del Morro
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Public Buses (but only at night)
One thing to remember in Puerto Rico is that, if you ever have an emergency, you can simply dial 911 just like in the rest of the United States. You can read more about places to live in Puerto Rico HERE.
What Job Opportunities does Puerto Rico Offer?
Many! Besides the obvious jobs in tourism and trade, Puerto Rico has several other thriving industries. Medical supplies, construction, and, due to the recent hurricanes, reconstruction jobs are everywhere. Some of the top industries in San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, include:
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Waste management and remediation services
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Accommodation and food services
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Healthcare and social assistance
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Pharmaceuticals
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Electronics
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Petrochemicals
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Processed foods
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Real Estate
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Finance and Insurance
It's always a good idea to have experience and skills, as well as a college or university degree, in the contiguous United States. Anything of this nature should be documented before you travel to Puerto Rico so that you can prove everything to a new employer if necessary.
Before you leave for Puerto Rico, like everything else we've discussed, it's always a good idea to plan ahead and, if possible, find work. This is especially true for younger people who don't have much in the way of savings. The last thing you want to happen when you arrive in Puerto Rico is to have to spend all of your savings while looking for work.
