I started my site www.visit-the-coqui.com to help in the adjustment phase of moving to Puerto Rico. So far the site is fairly small but my intention is to keep providing information that visitors to the site and to Puerto Rico will find helpful.
When friends in the US found out that we were moving here, some of the questions that we were asked amazed me. So here are my ‘Top Five’ misconceptions of Puerto Rico
1. Puerto Rico is some how connected to the mainland United States; either by bridge or like Mexico. What I hear you say? Well that can be the only explaination as to why we were asked ‘How long will it take you to drive to Puerto Rico?’
2. Puerto Rico is in South America. Guess again, Puerto Rico is one of the larger islands in the Caribbean. If you look at a map or atlas of the United States, find the Florida Keys (just below Miami), continue south until you reach Cuba (Castro’s home) then head east (right) and Puerto Rico is the second island to the east. (The one in between Cuba and Puerto Rico is Haiti / Dominican Republic)
3. There is too much crime in Puerto Rico. I call this the ‘West Side Story’ phenomenom. It is true there is crime here, but the same can be said for any city in the United States. There are areas where you would not want to go same as in a city in the States. I have been here for 8 months and have not had any issues.
4. You need a passport to go to Puerto Rico. This is one of the bigger misconceptions. You do not need a passport to go to Puerto Rico is you are a US citizen or legal permanent resident. Travelling to Puerto Rico is the same as traveling to any other state.
5. You need a work permit to work in Puerto Rico. Again, this is not correct. If you are a US citizen or permanent resident with a green card; you can legally work in Puerto Rico.
So there are my ‘Top Five’ misconceptions about Puerto Rico. Here are my ‘Top Five’ reasons for visiting Puerto Rico.
1. NO PASSPORT is required if you are a UC citizen / permanent resident and you are traveling from the US. It is a misconception that US citizens and legal permanent residents need a passport to visit Puerto Rico.
2. The island has tropical warm temperatures all year round. Having been here almost 8 months I would have to say that November to March are the best times to visit here. Why? Temperatures are a little cooler, humidity is less and Christmas time here is wonderful.
3. Puerto Rico has the only tropical rainforest in the USAD forest service and it is worth the trip alone. From San Juan it is an easy 45 minute drive and the scenery is amazing
4. Coming to Puerto Rico, you will feel that you are visiting another country, but with a slight US feel. Here, you will use the same US currency and you will be able to find the same US stores and restaurants. But please, if you do come, check out the local restaurants; you will not regret it.
5. Whether you are looking for the beach, culture, great food, great scenery, lively nightlife, Puerto Rico will surprise you; as it has them all.
30 Responses
Hi Yehuda,
I only recently found out there was a board game called ‘Puerto Rico’, so that is why it did not make my list
I have a friend who just returned, and it surprised me to hear there was McDonalds there, and then I went, well, they are everywhere…I guess I thought it was more island, and not as commercialized..silly me.
Hi Deb,
I hope you had a good time here and I hope you tried more than just McDonalds…
Hi Skeet,
Thanks for the comment. I’ve heard Hawaii is very beautiful. Maybe one day…
Thank you for this post! My Mr. has family in Puerto Rico and we’re always looking for more information about it.
I’m visiting from Carnival of Cities. Thank you for submitting this post!
In response to misconception #3, I completely disagree. Crime is completely out of control in Puerto Rico, and people that deny this fact just to keep tourists coming here are being completely dishonest. I’ve lived in Puerto Rico for 9 months and my car has been burglarized or vandalized three times. I’ve also been ripped off for $500 by a business that “closed” before my contract with them expired. I’ve had to file more police reports in PR in 9 months than I did in the United States in 25 years. The Puerto Rican economy is in a recession, and many people here will do anything for a dollar. If you are considering moving to Puerto Rico, think again.
For ‘Are you serious’
Sorry to hear you are not having much luck here. I guess every one’s experiences are different. (but I still do not think that this is a problem unique to Puerto Rico. You only have to watch CNN to see what is happening in other states)
Hope things pick up for you.
I know this comment is late, but I just found this site.
Maybe ‘are you serious’ lives in a bad area? I never have seen crime here either and I have been here for a little over 2 years – I live a decent area, not the best by any means.
I will agree that the Puerto Rican economy is in recession and it does seem like anyone will do anything for a buck. I think you will start to see that in the States shortly as well though.
Coqui- Great site, glad I found it.
Glad you like the site and that things are Ok for you here
Hi, I have been seriously thinking about moving to Puerto Rico or either Jamaica. I haven’t cmpletly made up my mind. I just found this site and it was very helpful.
Thanks for the information.
Hi, I live in Texas and have been thinking of moving to Puerto Rico. Do you know how easy it is to get work in Puerto Rico, and how to find out what types of jobs are available?
Also, what advice would you give a person thinking of moving to Puerto Rico?
Thank you!
Heather
Hi this article will give you some ideas http://www.visit-the-coqui.com/2007/05/relocating-to-puerto-rico/.
Unemployment is higher than mainland US and some knowledge of Spanish would be good. Housing in my opinion is expensive here, but then I guess it depends on where you are coming from.
Good luck with your research
I am sorry to say that one of the misconceptions about our island is now accurate. As of the end of 2006 (latest data available) PR was ranked as one of the top three (using per-1000 of population)world-wide places where crime (felony crimes) is occuring.
I visit my sisters in the island every 2 to 3 years
and they sadly agree that crime in “rampant” particularly in the larger populated areas like San Juan metropolitan area
I wish I could say othrwise but it is hard to argue with
date provided by the local government and the Federal goverment.
I am a 58 year old woman and have lived on this island most of my life. I go everywhere by myself, Old San Juan, the placita in Santurce and Piñones and have done so since I was in my twenties and have had no problems whatsoever. The only thing that has happenned is having my car window smashed and the car broken into. I think this crime thing is really blown out of proportion.
HDoes anyone know if the rail system is up and running yet? im going there in june and seemed that it might be a fun ride
Let me know any info
thanks
Hi Lues
Are you refering to the Urban Tren?
If so it only runs from just north of Hato Rey to Bayamon – see here
http://www.dtop.gov.pr/ama/rutas/RutaAMA_ati_lg.jpg
Hope that helps
Thanks for checking out the site
Hi
Not sure how up to date this is, but you could try this
http://www.dtop.gov.pr/ama/mapasrutas/oestecentro2003.jpg
Thanks for checking out the site
need an address for “El Nuevo Guayabo” in Arecibo. It is a restaurant that serves “Ceti”
So far I’m not having much luck with an address for this place. I’m sure if you went to Arecibo, you would be able to get directions for the place. if I find out, I’ll lett you know
Like you, it amazes me how many misconceptions (misinformation) people have about PR. I do, however, have to disagree with your assessment regarding crime.
Per capita, Puerto Rico has been ranked the fifth most violent country in the world. While the violence rarely affects tourists/visitors directly, I do think it’s inaccurate to suggest that the perception of PR as a violent place is overblown.
I lived in PR for a while and subsequently lived in Mexico City, which also has a terrible reputation for crime. Yet in Mexico City, you have to put all the statistics into perspective: per capita, the total of violent crime is far less than in cities in the US. That’s not the case, however, for PR.
Thanks Julie for the comment.
Agree about the stats for the island as a whole. It would be good to see stats based on the most popular tourists areas in PR compared to other places in the region as well as the States.
But I still think with regards to tourist areas (which is what my point was too) PR is no worse than other areas in the region / States
Puerto Rico is full of beautiful scenery, i had a trip to this paradise in 2008, very good memories.
consider too, most of the crimes are drug related ..usually
a reported murder is one drug dealer and/or addict snuffing out the other, , it’s unfortunate, but it’s not like someone going on a spontaneous rampage ..I came back home over ten years ago, haven’t had any serious problem, could’nt see myself living anywhere else. For those that had a bad experience sorry it turn you off, Boricua has it’s faults but it’s beautiful island (it is the shinning star of el caribe)inhabit by friendly decent people.
Great site glad I found it. I go to P.R. every year and will do so again Feb 2010. Forget about misconceptions. Do some research and go find out for yourself. Not a bad idea to go with someone who knows the island. Viva Puerto Rico!!
Hello-
I am seriously thinking moving and getting my Master’s degree at UPR Mayaguez. From what I’ve read people are very nice to mainlanders but frown upon people permanently moving to PR. My intent is only to move there a few months before I would start school and come back to Oregon when I’ve finished. How is Mayaguez in comparison to San Juan? I know its much smaller in population but how about in other areas — is it expensive to rent an apartment or house, crime, depressed economy, or anything like that I need to consider? I am in my mid-30’s I am fluent in Spanish (got my second degree in it) but more accustomed to Mexican Spanish which is spoken a lot slower – :). I want to bring my friend who is retired and on a fixed income with Social Security. Would that be an issue?
Thanks!
Hi GregT
Not very familiiar with Mayaguez but your bets option for info is trying clasificadosonline – should be able to get info on rental prices etc.
Think you will be find with your level of Spanish :o)
Can not comment on the SS income question
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