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Moving to Puerto Rico

Category: Puerto Rico

Posted By:
Derek
1/23/2008
4:32:22 PM

Caribbean Destination – Puerto Rico
Just imagine living on a Caribbean Island where the beach is within an hour’s drive no matter where you are. You can enjoy sun-filled days and warm tropical nights. More people than you think move to Puerto Rico each year. Take a look at this Welcome to Puerto Rico – it gives the history, geography and suggests places to visit once you get there. You can also check out each of the 78 municipalities and what they have to offer.

Declare It – Move It
Now about the move itself…Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory so no customs fees or passports are required for entry. However, you are required to declare the items you're moving with their approximate value. You’ll do this on a Shippers Export Declaration form. When you move with U-Pack, we’ll file the form for you at no additional charge. Also, your belongings are subject to excise tax - which is currently 6.6%. For a list of taxable items, look at the Importing Personal Property into Puerto Rico form.

How long does it take to move to Puerto Rico?
Any time you’re moving you want to take into account the length of time it takes. Moving to Puerto Rico is no exception. With U-Pack, you can choose to move in a moving trailer and have it delivered to your door. Or you can go with our moving containers, which can be unloaded at our terminal in Cataño, Puerto Rico. With a trailer move, we’ll take the trailer to the port in Jacksonville, FL and place it on a ship. It takes approximately one week from that point to arrive at the port in San Juan. ReloCubes are placed on an ocean container either in Jacksonville, Carlstadt, NJ, or Chicago to be shipped to San Juan. Considering this, make sure you take enough with you if you’re planning to arrive before your shipment does.

If you’re wondering how much it costs to move to Puerto Rico, let me know. I’ll gladly send you a moving quote.

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Comments

Name: Mark Bennett
Date: 2-19-2008

Is it possible to take a vehicle from Uk to puerto Rico.

Name: Derek
Date: 2-20-2008

According to www.autoshippers.co.uk, you can ship your automobile from UK to Puerto Rico. I am not familiar with this site or with the process of auto shipping from these locations, so I recommend doing your homework before choosing an auto shipper. I also found that there can be a substantial excise tax on your vehicle once it arrives in San Juan. This site may help you estimate what the excise tax will be: http://www.hacienda.gobierno.pr/vehiculos/eng_index.html

Name: Roxana
Date: 8-1-2008

What about a move from Puerto Rico to phoenix, Arizona in terms of time and travel process? Will a relocube be protected enough for maritime travel?

Name: Derek
Date: 8-4-2008

Roxana, the move from Puerto Rico to Phoenix takes approximately 8 business days not including weekends and holidays. It will move by ship to Jacksonville FL. While on the ship, it is inside of an ocean container or ABF trailer so it will be protected. I hope this helps with your decision making. Thanks.

Name: Sandra
Date: 9-10-2008

I purchased a home in Quebradillas, my move would be from Port St Lucie Florida, about 10,000 lbs. Could you guess an estimate, how long it would take for it to get there, what about insurance, and who would pack the big furniture? Thank you!

Name: Derek
Date: 9-10-2008

Sandra, I will send you an email shortly with all of the information you requested along with the price for your move. Let me know if you have any questions.

Name: jason venner
Date: 9-13-2008

myself and a friend want to move to the island.we need all the advise and info we can get.can you help? we would greatly appreciate it. thanks ,jay

Name: Derek
Date: 9-15-2008

Jason, I will happy to help with any info I have. I can provide you with a quote to move your items. And, if you have any other questions, I can hopefully get you pointed in the right direction. Just provide me with the specifics of your move and any other questions that you have. Thanks.

Name: patrice
Date: 9-15-2008

I would like to know is it really expensive to move to Puerto Rico. Also is it a expensive place to live?

Name: Derek
Date: 9-16-2008

In my opinion, if you compare moving to Puerto Rico to moving across the U.S., you’ll find that moving to Puerto Rico is not that expensive. Of course, your exact cost depends on where you are moving from and how much you’re moving. Moving from the Southeast U.S. is less expensive than moving from the West Coast simply because of the proximity to Puerto Rico.

Check out this cost of living wizard http://swz.salary.com/costoflivingwizard/layoutscripts/coll_start.asp

You enter your current location and income level, and then select San Juan, Puerto Rico to get an adjusted cost of living. It’s really a pretty interesting tool. From the research I have done, it seems that San Juan is a pretty expensive place to live - like any other major U.S. city. But, the rest of the country is relatively inexpensive. Research also shows that jobs are hard to find, so it may be a good idea to research your job options before making the move.

Check out this information about the cost of living in Puerto Rico http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071102073814AA6PvwN

I hope this helps.

Name: Waldy
Date: 10-9-2008

Hi Derek.....I have recently decided to move to Puerto Rico, YAY!!!! We are moving from Orlando, F.L. planning to move to one of the following cities, Dorado, El Condado, San Juan, Carolina, Hato Rey, Or Caguas. I am looking for any info that could help us narrow our search as to the best place to live based on job avail, and Homes. We plan on shipping our stuff for a 2 bedroom apartment and 2 cars to P.R., the movers are coming to give an estimate I just want to make sure I am paying what I should be and not be taken for a ride. we have some time to decide not planning to move till May 2009, but any help would be appreciated, we are looking online at different websites and we have a realtor, I just want to make sure I get the big picture of things, and as much info on before moving our lives to the wonderful Island that is Puerto Rico. Also I heard the government is offering incentives of up to $25,000 to buy property or help with down payment’s, any info on that?

Name: Derek
Date: 10-10-2008

Waldy, I have to say that it does sound like a great adventure to move to Puerto Rico. It sounds like you are pretty excited.

I’ve done a little research online as I know you have. Here are a few websites and forums that you might check out (both of the forums are about a year old but they do have a lot of useful info): http://www.tiri.com/life.htm, http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070626150300AAY1Fti, & http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g147319-i71-k1094940-Living_in_Puerto_Rico-Puerto_Rico.html.

Also, on the government incentives, it looks like that was a tax incentive on purchases between January and June of 2008 in Ponce, so you may have missed out on that. I found the info about this at http://www.letsgotoponce.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=168&Itemid=81.

I will go ahead and send you a price for what it would cost for U-Pack to transport you items to San Juan. Hopefully, this will give you a good idea of what it is going to take to move. I hope all of this info helps out.

Name: megan
Date: 10-22-2008

me and my friend have recently decided to move to puerto rico and need all the help we can get. could you give us information on what we need to move there and how much it will cost etc. write to me on megan1-xx@hotmail.com

Name: saidy
Date: 11-8-2008

how much does it cost to move a 2 bed apt to miami From PR?

Name: Zoe Brito
Date: 11-17-2008

My husband just got a job in Rio Grande, are they affordable nice houses close to Coco Beach Blvd? thanks

Name: Derek
Date: 11-18-2008

Zoe, unfortunately, I am not familiar with Rio Grande homes and neighborhoods. I might suggest that you check to see if Rio Grande has a local chamber of commerce which would have listings for real estate agents. Also, I was able to Google ‘Real Estate in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico’ and was given several websites displaying homes for sale. I hope this helps. Thanks, Derek.

Name: Jeri Parks
Date: 1-5-2009

Hello, I have been dreaming of moving to PR for years and now my children are bugging me about it..I live on the Section 8 Voucher I have looked at different sites but I need help with finding a house or apt that accepts the voucher in Mayaguez first and if nothing I will live in Ponce or San Juan... Please help a Single mother move on! thanks

Name: Derek
Date: 1-6-2009

Jeri, thanks for your comments. I have found a couple of useful websites that you should check out for Section 8 housing. One is http://www.affordablehousingonline.com/housingauthoritydetail.asp?id=RQ009 which is the Housing Authority of Mayaguez. You will be able to submit questions to them and they can reply to you with available housing in Mayaguez. You can also look at this site for Ponce and San Juan. You may also want to check out the U.S. HUD Department’s website at http://www.hud.gov/apps/section8/step2.cfm?state=PR%2CPuerto%20Rico. You can search for apartments based on which city you want to relocate to. I hope this info helps.

Name: leeval
Date: 1-9-2009

my husband is thinking of moving to puerto rico and start a business on dish cable and i work in school, should i concider or you think is a crazy idea? i am bilingual but never lived there. my son is 11 and berly speaks spanish. please, i am so scare, can you give some imput? thanks, lee

Name: Derek
Date: 1-9-2009

Lee, I would suggest some very thorough research on moving, living and working in Puerto Rico and also, a serious discussion with your husband and son. You need to make sure you research the need for satellite dish companies in Puerto Rico, how they operate, what government restrictions and regulations are, among many other things. You will also need to see what options you have if you want to work in a school there. I would assume being able to speak English and Spanish would be an asset. These are only my opinions, and the ultimate decision is up to you and your family. Remember that Puerto Rico, although it is a U.S. territory, is still a different country. You need to do as much research as possible before you make your decision.

Name: Damaris
Date: 1-25-2009

Hi! Our family is planning to move to PR soon. We love the island. We have a 12 year old daughter who doesn’t know much Spanish. I need to find a good school for her; also, she is involve in gymnastics and capoeira. How hard is to ship a car from California to PR? We are planning on taking only our electronic stuff and kitchen stuff. I think it would be cheaper to buy furniture there. How expensive would it be to have boxes sent to PR? I’ll appreciate any info. Thanks!

Name: Derek
Date: 1-26-2009

Damaris, probably the best thing that you could do for schools is check with the local chamber of commerce for the area you will be moving to. They usually are a great source for information in the local area. Also, there is a list of schools by county at this website: http://puerto-rico.schooltree.org/counties-page1.html. And, you can always check with the Department of Education at http://www.de.gobierno.pr/EDUPortal/default.htm. For the car, there are some requirements that you will need to know such as there is an excise tax that you will have to pay. For a lot of good info on shipping the car and other things, take a look here: http://welcome.topuertorico.org/tinfo.shtml. I can get you a quote for a small shipment to Puerto Rico. I will just need you to provide me with your city in California and where you think you will be going to Puerto Rico. Thanks again.

Name: Damaris
Date: 1-26-2009

Derek, thank you for the info. We live in Woodland, CA; the nearest big town is Sacramento, CA. We are planning on moving to Dorado. Thanks!

Name: Carlos
Date: 1-27-2009

Hi...I’m planning on moving back home to Puerto Rico around April, ’09. I’m selling most of my household goods before I move. I just want to send to P.R. small things for the most part. The shipment probably won’t reach 1500 pounds. How much do you think this shipment can cost me? And are there any taxes to be paid? I’ll be moving from Macon, Georgia to San Juan.

Name: Derek
Date: 1-29-2009

Damaris, I’m sorry I have not responded sooner but I have been out of the office for the past 2 days. I will forward you a quote to your email address shortly.

Name: Derek
Date: 1-29-2009

Carlos, I am sorry I did not get back to you yesterday. I was out of the office. I will send you a quote for our smallest shipment size to your email shortly. As far as taxes, there is a small $27 sales tax which is just a flat tax on all shipments coming into Puerto Rico. If you have any one item over $2500 in value, you will have to file a Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED) form which has a nominal filing fee. Other than those, there is nothing else you have to worry about as long as you are only shipping used household goods. Thanks for the questions!

Name: Carlos
Date: 1-30-2009

Thank you...I await your email. My shipment will probably be under 1,000 pounds. Thanks again & hope to hear from you soon...

Name: Kate
Date: 2-1-2009

Hi Derek,
Im European Citizen. Do i need any visa for moving to Puerto Rico?

Name: Margaret
Date: 2-1-2009

My husband and I are retired. We are thinking about moving to PR. Someone told us that the taxes there very high. Are there a lot of taxes and are they high? thank you

Name: Derek
Date: 2-2-2009

Kate, the requirements for entering Puerto Rico are the same as entering the U.S. You will be required to present a visa, non-immigrant or immigrant, depending on your situation. And, of course, if you are moving there for study or temporary work, you will need a specialized visa. There is some more info at http://welcome.topuertorico.org/tinfo.shtml and you may also find some useful info on the US State Dept’s website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html. Thanks.

Name: Derek
Date: 2-2-2009

Margaret, the taxes in Puerto Rico do not differ that much from taxes in the U.S. Even though Puerto Rico is a U.S. Territory, it operates much like any other state in the U.S. Just as states have different tax rates, so does Puerto Rico. In my opinion, the taxes are no higher than in the U.S. Here are a couple of useful websites dealing with taxes: http://welcome.topuertorico.org/economy.shtml and http://www.meetpuertorico.com/about_pr/puerto_rico_tid_bits.asp. I hope this info helps.

Name: amanda
Date: 2-3-2009

My fiance and i just found out that we are expecting a child and we wanted to move back to puerto rico with his family. Right now we are roommating with someone so we dont have a whole lot other than a bedroom full of furniture and a few kitchen items. And of course our car. How much do you think it would cost to send them to puerto rico from gainesville, fl.

Name: Derek
Date: 2-3-2009

Amanda, I will put together a quote for you and email it to you shortly for moving your household items. For the car, we suggest that you call Dependable Auto Shippers at 888-231-4948. I can tell you that there will be an excise tax on your vehicle. You can obtain some info on the tax by going to http://www.hacienda.gobierno.pr/vehiculos/eng_index.html. Thanks for the questions.

Name: Ive
Date: 2-3-2009

I’m planning to move to Camuy PR from Duncan South Carolina. I’ve been doing a ton of research on moving companies and I’ve been getting some crazy estimates, ranging from $6,800 to 7,100 for a estimated 4,500 lbs shipment. Can anyone tell me if this price range is normal for a move to PR.

Name: Derek
Date: 2-3-2009

Ive, it sounds like those estimates are most likely for full-service moving which would involve the moving company packing, loading and unloading your items. I can get you a quote for our service which is typically around half the price of a full-service move. This may give you some perspective on whether or not the prices you are receiving are overpriced. I will forward you a quote shortly to your email. Thanks.

Name: Kate
Date: 2-5-2009

Thank You Derek your info is very useful.

Name: Carlos
Date: 2-5-2009

Hi again...What is your smallest shipment size of household goods going to Puerto Rico and cost estimate? Moving from Macon, Georgia to San Juan around April ’09. I estimate around less than 1,000 pounds.
Thanx again!

Name: Derek
Date: 2-9-2009

Carlos, you caught me again on a day off. We now have a TruckPack available for very small moves. Basically, this is a large box on a pallet that you load/unload at our terminal. This works great for people who are really just moving boxes. No single item can exceed 46" X 37". So, if you are not moving any large furniture and it is mostly just boxes, we can move you in a TruckPack. I will send you a quote for one shortly. If you have any specific questions about the TruckPack, please email me or post a comment again. Thanks.

Name: Carlos
Date: 2-10-2009

Thanx for your info and await your email with estimates, etc.
Thanx again.

Name: Carlos
Date: 2-10-2009

One more thing...does your company have a terminal here in Macon, Georgia for loading my move?
Re: TruckPack

And how large is this box/container?
Thanx...

Name: Derek
Date: 2-11-2009

Carlos, we do have a terminal in Macon located at 711 Guy Paine Rd, Macon GA 31206. The TruckPack is 48" X 40" X 38". Inside dimensions are 46.33" X 38.5" X 37". I hope this helps with your decision. As always, let me know if you have any questions.

Name: Jezabel
Date: 2-16-2009

Hello Derek, We are planning on moving from Apex, NC to Dorado, PR in late May for a couple of years. We will be renting fully furnished over in Dorado, but need to send personal items, clothing and kids toys, etc. Could you please send me a price for one relo-cube to our destination?

Name: Vessela Clarke
Date: 2-16-2009

Hello Derek,
It seems that I will repeat the question that other people have asked you but I never found an answer here (obviously you had sent them personal emails). Anyway, we are moving to San Juan Puerto Rico in June and I still have not decided on the shipping company. I was wondering how much it would cost to ship the furniture of a one bedroom apartment (king size bed, drawers, 2 night stands, a desk,a kitchen table with 6 chairs, a small sofa, an armchair, 2 coffee tables, a futon), a computer and small kitchen appliances from Baltimore, MD? Thank you in advance for your time!
Vessela

Name: Derek
Date: 2-17-2009

Jezabel, I will send you a quote shortly to the email address you provided. Our terminal in Catano does not have the ability at this time to deliver the ReloCubes. So, I will send you a quote from your door in Apex to our terminal in Catano. However, I will also send you a price for door to door delivery on our trailer. Hopefully, this will give you a good grasp on costs. If you have any other questions, please let me know. Thanks.

Name: Derek
Date: 2-17-2009

Vessela, you are correct in that when someone asks about the specifics of a quote, I do respond to them via email rather than posting on the blog. I will do the same for you and send you a quote shortly for your one bedroom apt. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thanks for the post.

Name: Sara
Date: 2-18-2009

Hi Derek,
I am planing on moving to Carolina PR on July09 from Oklahoma, I don’t have much to ship but I do have few kitchen stuff, a glass computer desk and a bookshelf that I would like to keep and of course my car. Do you know how mutch it would cost to ship it from Oklahoma City or Jacksonville FL since I might have to drive my car overthere. Also do you have any affordable car shipping companies in mined? do they let you take some stuff in the car? Thanks for your help!

Name: Denise
Date: 2-19-2009

Hi Derek,
My family is moving to San Juan, PR, Cocoa Beach on March 24th, 2009--I would like an estimate on shipping around 7ft. of furniture from Indianapolis..
Thank you soooo much,
Denise

Name: Derek
Date: 2-19-2009

Sara, I will send you a couple quotes from Oklahoma City and Jacksonville so you can see the difference in price. For the car, we do suggest calling Dependable Auto Shippers at 888-231-4948. I am sure that they require that the vehicle be empty when shipping. I believe all of the credible car shippers do this simply due to liability concerns. Let me know if you have any more questions.

Name: Derek
Date: 2-19-2009

Denise, I will send you an email shortly with your quote. Let me know if you have any questions once you receive it. Thanks.

Name: Yolanda
Date: 2-21-2009

my mother is thinking of moving to P.r she would like to live in catanio puerto rico she is on housing what is the website for that area

Name: tony
Date: 2-22-2009

Hi Derek,I have read your blog and you have some great information, I plan to move to PR and semi-retire,I am a Nurse Anesthetist, CRNA, and looking for a part time job Do you know about any hospitals in PR? and how to get in contact with them, I plan to ship a 3 bedroom household worth of furnitures and personal artifacts and one car, can yoou quote me about the cost , Moving from Memphis TN, many thanks Tony

Name: Derek
Date: 2-23-2009

Yolanda, probably the best source of information on government housing in Puerto Rico is the US Dept of Housing and Urban Development. Here is the website: http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/pha/contacts/states/pr.cfm. I would suggest starting your search there. There are several municipalities listed along with contact phone numbers for each. Thanks.

Name: Derek
Date: 2-23-2009

Tony, thanks for the comments. I have found a few websites that should be very useful in your search for part-time employment. First, http://www.ushospital.info/Puerto-Rico.htm which lists several hospitals throughout Puerto Rico. Most have links to their websites. Also, this website also has a list with contact info as well: http://health.usnews.com/listings/hospital-directory/puerto_rico. It seems there are several to choose from. Good luck on your search. As for the quote, I will be happy to send you a quote via email shortly. As for the vehicle, I would suggest contacting Dependable Auto Shippers at 888-231-4948 to obtain a free quote for the shipping. Thanks again.

Name: Terri
Date: 3-1-2009

My family and I would like to move to Puerto Rico. Do you know of any reliable websites to buy a home.

Name: Derek
Date: 3-2-2009

Teri, I would definitely start with the National Association of Realtors at http://www.realtor.com/puertorico/nbselpr.asp. This should be your most reliable source. Also, another good site is http://homes.point2.com/US/Puerto-Rico-Real-Estate.aspx. I hope this helps and good luck with your search.

Name: Carlos
Date: 3-3-2009

What is an Apex? I saw you wrote there are no ReloCubes service to Puerto Rico. I don’t think that a TruckPack will work for me...It might be too small. Thanx again.

Name: Carlos
Date: 3-3-2009

Sorry! Apex is a town... LOL. Anyways...is a trailor move the only option I have? With a small move? (Since no ReloCubes are available to P.R.) Also, would I have to take delivery immediately after the shipment’s arrival to Catano? Thanx.

Name: Carlos
Date: 3-3-2009

One more question...I saw the DVD about U-Pack ABF that they sent me. The company calculates the cost of a move by the space used and NOT by the weight of the shipment? Is this correct...for a shipment to Puerto Rico?
Thanx again.

Name: Derek
Date: 3-4-2009

Carlos, it is correct that you only pay for the space used in the trailer. We do not use weight at all in your estimate. So, you can use as little as 5 feet in our trailer which is similar in size to one ReloCube. Also, we can transport ReloCubes to Puerto Rico. However, we just cannot deliver them. So, you would need to pick your items up at our terminal in Catano.

Whether you go with the trailer or ReloCube, we can store your items for a few days or a few months. We give you a 2 business day grace period once the shipment arrives in Catano to arrange delivery. If you need longer you can pay by the day, which is $50 per day. Or, you can pay by the month, which is $95 per ReloCube per 30-day period or $395 per trailer per 30 days. Let me know if you have any more questions.

Name: Carlos
Date: 3-4-2009

Thank you so much for your valuable info...Now I know what options I have! To Puerto Rico via a ReloCube...no doubt.
Thanx Derek!
Carlos

Name: Alana
Date: 3-24-2009

I currently live in Orlando, FL and I’m planning to move back to Mayagüez PR. All I want to take with me is the clothes and some small personal belongings. It can be aprox. 6 boxes. Can you give me an estimate for the shipping? Is there a minimum weight to have my things delivered? Thanks for your help.

Name: Derek
Date: 3-24-2009

Alana, the option that probably makes the most sense for your situation would be our TruckPack. It is ideal for small moves without the large bulky furniture. It will be the least expensive, although there is some work to be done on your part. We can move the TruckPacks from terminal to terminal. This means that you would need to bring your boxes to our terminal in Orlando and then pick them up at our terminal in Catano, PR. I will be happy to provide a quote for you and will email it to you shortly. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thanks.

Name: Gary
Date: 3-26-2009

Derek, I am comsidering shipping a sm. motorscooter(less than 300lb.s from P.R., back to the Va./Md. area, terminal to terminal. What kind of documents would I need and can this be done in a truck-pac?
Thank you

Name: Derek
Date: 3-26-2009

Gary, thanks for the post. I have done quite a bit of research on this. Since a motor scooter is considered a vehicle, ABF U-Pack would be unable to ship this for you. There are several requirements which you do have to adhere to when shipping vehicles which can be found at http://www.seastarline.com/vehicle_exportation.html. You can also contact the Dept of Motor Vehicle in Puerto Rico for more info. I would suggest contacting Dependable Auto Shippers at 888-231-4948 to obtain a free quote for shipping the motor scooter. I’m sorry I can’t be of more help. Thanks again.

Name: Jeff Swiggett
Date: 3-31-2009

Im forced to drop out of college my freshman year due to some personal issues. I would like to move to puerto rico and work for a year or two, possibly longer if i enjoy the life. How do i do this and how much would this move cost me. Last but not least how much would it cost me to live in puerto rico, whats it like getting a job and a house. I need to know it all. Thank you

Name: Derek
Date: 3-31-2009

Jeff, ABF U-Pack can definitely help with the move to Puerto Rico. Could you tell me approximately how much you have to move? Are you looking at any specific cities in Puerto Rico? Also, where you are moving from?

Concerning life in Puerto Rico...I would suggest taking a look at http://www.tiri.com/life.htm. Also, although some of the posts on this forum are older, the TripAdvisor.com forum has some great info: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g147319-i71-k1094940-Living_in_Puerto_Rico-Puerto_Rico.html. I would also suggest the Cost of Living wizard at Salary.com. This will show you what you need to make in Puerto Rico to have the same standard of living as you do in the States. I hope this info helps in your research.

Name: martina
Date: 4-4-2009

Would like to get a est.for moving no more then 15 boxes and a few house hold items like tv and lamps to maricao pr or another pick up spot close to maricao. Thinking about moving to home town maricao pr by april 2010 plz send requst to my e-mail if you can thanks alot

Name: Derek
Date: 4-6-2009

Martina, I will send you an email shortly with the estimated prices. Of course, I cannot guarantee the pricing for April 2010, but this should give you a good idea of the costs.

Name: Ben
Date: 4-21-2009

Hi Dereck!
I’m 47yrs old and disabled and on SSA. I would like to move to my homeland from New York City back to PR. How does one self go to have all my benifits transfer to PR. Like my food stamps and medicare.

Name: Derek
Date: 4-21-2009

Ben, thanks for the questions. My understand about SSA/disability is that you may not be eligible to continue to receive those benefits if you move to Puerto Rico. You would be considered outside of the United States. You might want to verify this with your local Social Security office. I would suggest contacting your local NY office of the USDA about the Food Stamp program in Puerto Rico. I would also contact your local Health and Human Services office about medicare benefits. They should be able to get the correct paperwork filed for you when you are ready to move. I hope this helps!

Name: Ben
Date: 4-21-2009

Thank you so much!

Name: Adasa
Date: 5-16-2009

I have been reading your above posts and just wanted to tell you that I found your information very helpful. I’m also considering moving to Puerto Rico but want to buy a house first in Barceloneta and use as a vacation home. Then basically move in permanently when I am close to retiring (20 yrs. from now but I like to think ahead!). I have family closeby and visit the island very often so it’d be nice to have a home of my own there. When the time comes for me to buy, I will definately keep you in mind for getting a quote for my move. Thank you for your time and great job once again!

Name: Derek
Date: 5-19-2009

Adasa, thanks for the comments. I am glad you found the info here helpful. When you are ready to make your move to Puerto Rico, just let me know. I will be happy to help you with any more info that you need. I am sure you will find that our rates for the move are very good. Thanks again.

Name: Gita Ganesh
Date: 5-26-2009

Could you please tellme the percentage of the taxes in PR. Thanks

Name: Jasmine
Date: 5-27-2009

Hello I would like an estimate on moving small studio furnishings from Orlando, FL to Juana Diaz, PR. I would also like to know if I can take my motorcycle, it’s financed here in FL but I want to take it with me to PR. Thank you.

Name: Derek
Date: 5-27-2009

Jasmine, thank you for the comment and I will send you a quote shortly to your email. Unfortunately, we are unable to transport motorcycles to Puerto Rico. Also, I would suggest speaking with your bank. You will have to obtain permission from them in order to transport your motorcycle out of the country while it is still financed. Thanks again.

Name: Derek
Date: 5-27-2009

Gita, I am unsure of exactly what type of tax you are referring. However, I have included some links which show property, income and sales taxes below:
Global Property Guide
Puerto Rico Tax Guide

Name: Damaris
Date: 5-28-2009

Hello, I need a quote on sending boxes to P.R. from Sacramento, CA. We are moving to P.R., but we are taking only the necessary stuff in boxes, no furniture involve in this case. Thank you for the information.

Name: Derek
Date: 5-29-2009

Damaris, I have a couple of options for you for boxes only. We have our ReloCube which can hold on average about 50-60 medium boxes. I also have a TruckPack which can hold approximately 10-15 boxes. I will go ahead and provide a quote for both to let you see the difference in price. I will send an email to you shortly. If you have any questions, just let me know. Thanks!

Name: John Stacy
Date: 5-29-2009

2002 Honda CR-V Oversize 1

Name: Derek
Date: 5-29-2009

John, unfortunately, ABF does not ship vehicles. You may contact Dependable Auto Shippers at 888-231-4948 to obtain a quote. Thanks!

Name: Kati
Date: 6-1-2009

Hi Derek!

We are planning a move to PR in early fall of this year. We’re not sure which city yet, but we are moving from Austin, TX. I don’t think we’ll be taking much furniture, so can you please give me an estimate for both the Relocube and the TruckPack?

Thanks so much!! :)

Name: Derek
Date: 6-1-2009

Kati, thanks for the post. I will be happy to get you a price for both. I will send you a quote shortly to your email. Just to let you know...the ReloCube can be from your door in Austin to our terminal in Catano, PR and the TruckPack will be from our terminal in Austin to the terminal in Catano. If you have any more questions, please let me know. Thanks again!!

Name: carla
Date: 6-1-2009

Hi Derek,

We are moving to Fajardo Puerto Rico from Mobile, Al perhaps in June, July or August. Can you please tell me what the cheapest and reliable moving companies are? Our move consist of 4brms and one vehicle. I was also wondering would it be cheaper to move the stuff from Mobile or Orlando? Also would like to find out the price for moving only one bedroom. We are trying to see which is cheaper. I got a quote from coco’s international movers fo 8870 which is ridiculous moving the stuff from miami to san juan puerto rico. The stuff would be pack.

Name: carla
Date: 6-1-2009

I forgot to mention if moving a 4bdr is too expensive would like a quote just for one vehicle and 1 bdrm. vehicle is a chrysler pacifica 04. The one bedroom would consist of 1 crib in a large box, 20 boxes large and small. 1 computer desk. probably no more than 700pounds.

Name: Derek
Date: 6-1-2009

Carla, thanks for the questions. I will send you a few emails with some different options for your move. I might suggest calling Dependable Auto Shippers for the vehicle at 888-231-4948 as we cannot ship your vehicle to Puerto Rico. As far as reliable moving companies, I suggest ABF U-Pack highly!! But, seriously, you should check out MovingScam.com. They have a list of moving companies to avoid and also reviews of moving companies written by the people who used them. I hope this info helps.

Name: LizaR
Date: 6-8-2009

I am moving to Guaynabo; Puerto Rico from Burke, Virginia sometime in December 2009. I am kind of lost on moving process and what to do. Can you please tell me what the cheapest and reliable moving companies are? I do not have much to move ( microwave, mini stereo, 1 book shelf, 1 coffee table, some table ware and glass ware, 1 night table, some linens, 1 cpu unit, and a small tv table. Also my personal car ( Honda Accord 2000 Auto. - has been payed off). I was also wondering would it be cheaper to drive and move the stuff from New York or Florida? I am trying to find options and see which is cheaper.

Name: Derek
Date: 6-8-2009

Liza, moving can be a very stressful experience. Hopefully, we can help relieve some of that stress. Of course, I believe ABF U-Pack to be the best value for your move. You should check out MovingScam.com while you are doing your research on moving companies. I will get a quote put together for you and email you a couple of prices from Burke as well as from Jacksonville FL. Also, for your vehicle, you should contact Dependable Auto Shippers at 888-231-4948 for a free quote. Thanks!

Name: Jefferson
Date: 6-10-2009

I have been doing some thinking on a move to PR. I have been looking over the comments and came across one that I am wondering about. You have said that you are unable to import motorcycles. Is that true all around with ALL motorcycles ? Or was that because it was financed at the time?
Thank you for your time.
Jeff

Name: Derek
Date: 6-10-2009

Jefferson, you can import motorcycles to Puerto Rico. The problem sometimes lies with financed motorcycles. The bank that has it financed will need to give permission for you to move the bike out of the country. Usually, it will be very difficult to obtain that permission. If you own the bike free and clear, then all you will need is proof that it is not financed. This should be as simple as providing a clean title without a lien. Hope this helps!

Name: michael
Date: 6-12-2009

Hi I’m moving to mayaguez to attend college, and I need help moving there. I currently live in a 1 bedroom apt. and I’m planning on bringing everything over there. How much would it cost to move my things from miami fl to mayaguez pr and where can I look for apt to rent or buy? Thank you...

Name: Derek
Date: 6-12-2009

Michael, thanks for the questions. I will send you an email shortly with some pricing info. You might check out a couple of these sites for renting an apt:
encuentra24.com - classifieds for all of Puerto Rico.
house.info - also for all of Puerto Rico

Name: Mrs. Rodriguez
Date: 6-14-2009

I have a home for sale in the country of Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. You can look at:
www.salebyowner.com/20677582

Name: Jose M.
Date: 6-15-2009

Can I ship my truck to PR even if im still making payments to it?

Name: Derek
Date: 6-15-2009

Jose M., you will need to check with your bank or financing company. They will need to give you authorization to move your truck out of the country while it is still financed. To be honest, they will not do this most likely. Even if you have a great relationship with the bank, they are very unlikely to allow a vehicle that is financed to leave the country. Thanks for the question!

Name: Gerardo
Date: 7-1-2009

How much it cost to ship from kissimmee to Coamo a refrigerator, washer and dryer?
Thanks,
Gerardo

Name: Derek
Date: 7-1-2009

Gerardo, I'll be happy to get a price for you. The smallest space that quote is for 5ft of trailer space. This is 5ft long, 8ft wide and 9ft tall. This should be more than enough room for your appliances. In fact, if you have some more that you want to move, you should have the extra room. I will send you a quote shortly via email. Thanks again!

Name: RB
Date: 7-2-2009

Hi Derek,
I’m moving by the end of July from Farmington Hills, MI to Mayaguez, PR I have a 2BR townhouse and already have a quote from ABF. I was wondering if I can talk to you on the phone since it looks like you have handle moves to Puerto Rico. Please email me your number so that I can talk to you.
I have questions about packing equpiment, trailer, moving dates, delivery time, etc.
Thanks

Name: Jorge Berrios
Date: 7-4-2009

I would like to buy an apartment in Santurce Puerto Rico and move there. I just retired from a teaching position. With my pension I cam easily pay up to $1,500.00 a month. I would like to know if it is better to rent first and establish yourself in PR and then buy. I also want to know how much money will I need to spend in the moving. Is there any hidden taxes etc.

Name: Derek
Date: 7-6-2009

Jorge, you have some great questions. As far as the moving expenses, you should not be subject to any type of excise taxes as long as you are moving items that are at least 6 months old. If you are shipping a vehicle regardless of age, you will pay excise taxes on it. There is a small service tax which you will pay to the moving company that you choose. This is usually less than $30, though. As far as renting versus buying, I think that is really just a personal preference. Personally, I do not like to rent especially if I am planning to live in a certain place for quite a while. However, if you are not familiar with the area, it may be very beneficial to rent for a little while until you can figure out the good and bad neighborhoods. I hope this helps! Thanks!

Name: Shakema
Date: 7-19-2009

I saw that you ship to Puerto Rico, I wanted to know if you guys do shipments to the U.S.Virgin Islands. If you do I would like a price quote. Thank you!!!!

Name: Derek
Date: 7-20-2009

Shakema, we can ship to the Virgin Islands via a 20ft ocean container. It will hold up to a 3 bedroom home. This is the smallest option that we have at this point. I'll be happy to provide you with a quote for one if you can provide me with the cities you are moving to and from. Thanks!

Name: Carmen
Date: 7-30-2009

I was wondering if you could quote some prices for me. I live in Utah and my husband and I are thinking of moving to Puerto Rico. We are not planning on moving for a few years, but I would like to know what to expect for moving costs. I understand that the prices will change… but I would still like to know! We are planning on moving around the area of Caguas. We currently have a three bed house with a full basement and garage. I am not sure the “weight” that will be needed to move all of these items. If possible could you give me some quotes of different “weights”? We were thinking of taking our appliances, but we really are not sure yet. I do not think that we will take our sofas.

Name: Derek
Date: 7-30-2009

Carmen, I will be happy to provide you with a quote. The nice thing about U-Pack is that you do not need to know the exact weight of your items. All of our quotes are based only on the space that you occupy in one of our trailers. Typically, with you size move, we will start you out with a quote around 21ft which is about 3/4 of our trailer. Then, we give you an adjustment rate which you can use if you need more or less room. I will send you a quote via your email which will explain this in greater detail. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me again here or by email. Thanks again for the post!

Name: Magaly
Date: 7-31-2009

Hi Derek, I would like to move from Orlando FL to San Juan PR. I would like to know how much will cost to transport my belongings which is approximately one bedroom apartment and car.

Thank you very much!!

Name: Derek
Date: 7-31-2009

Magaly, I will be happy to get you a quote. I will email you shortly with the quote for the 1 bedroom apartment. I might suggest you call Dependable Auto Shippers at 888-231-4948 to obtain a free quote for the car. Thanks for the post.

Name: Fam.Perezsantiago
Date: 8-2-2009

Hi Derek
i would like a quote for 1 47 inch lcd flat tv,2 32 inch tv,king size bed,a twin bunk bed with matresses...and 5 boxes less than 70 lbs....moving from clermont fl to aguadilla pr....thanks

Name: Derek
Date: 8-3-2009

Fam.Perezsantiago, I will send you an email shortly with the quote for your move. I will quote you for our minimum 5ft of trailer space which typically holds up to a studio size apartment. I believe from your items list, this should be plenty of room. Please let me know if you have any questions about the quote and thanks for the post!

Name: Eileen
Date: 8-3-2009

Hola Derek:

I am looking to move to Puerto Rico within a year. What is the first step I should take as far as my possessions? I have a 6 room apartment and am not sure how this moving process works. How long does it take for my items to be shipped and is the moving company responsible for delivery of the items or do I have to rent a truck to pick it up? Also, what kind of paperwork do I need if I’m picking up my things? Your help is really appreciated.

Name: Derek
Date: 8-4-2009

Eileen, the first thing you will want to do is decide what you are taking with you to Puerto Rico. Then, we can get you a quote. We base our prices on the amount of space you would take up in our trailer. We can get you a pretty good estimate based on what you plan to take. It normally takes about a week and a half to ship from New York to Puerto Rico. And, we will deliver to your door in both cases. So, you would not need to rent a truck and pick up your items. For paperwork, we only need an itemized list of your things you are taking with a total dollar value. If you have any items that total more than $2500 in value, you would also need to complete a Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) form. We have one available to download on our website or we can email you one. Of course, you will also need a birth certificate or passport in order to clear your items through customs. I hope this info helps and I will be happy to provide you with a quote if you can give me some specifics about your move such as cities/zip codes, dates and size of move. Thanks again!

Name: Raymond
Date: 8-5-2009

Hey Derek
My parents are moving from New Jersey to San Sebastian PR in late Sept. and we are looking for a moving company. They are taking a bedroom set and a few misc. furniture and cooking ware. They are also looking into shipping their car to PR. Can you provide some info on cost and time frame.
Thank you

Name: Derek
Date: 8-5-2009

Raymond, I will be happy to get a quote worked up for you. Can you tell me where in New Jersey they will be moving from? Also, we suggest calling Dependable Auto Shippers at 888-231-4948 to obtain a quote for shipping your vehicle. Thanks for the post!

Name: Jessy
Date: 8-20-2009

I will be moving next month to PR and just found out about the relocube reading this blog.
Derek, who much is the cost of shiping a cube to PR. I have a 2 bed apt. maybe one or max 2 cube will do.
Thank!
Jessy

Name: Derek
Date: 8-20-2009

Jessy, I will be happy to get a quote for you. I will need to know where you are moving from and where you think you will be moving to in Puerto Rico. I will send you an email shortly and you can respond with this info rather than placing it on the blog. Thanks again for the post.

Name: Jen
Date: 8-23-2009

We are moving to Rio Grande in a couple of months from Louisiana. We don’t have furniture, but have a lot of musician’s equipment, sound systems, speakers, instruments, etc. to ship. What is the SAFEST way and are there any ways to send that are somewhat climate controlled because of the sensitivity of the guitars to heat?

Name: Derek
Date: 8-24-2009

Jen, there are some companies that will do climate-controlled shipments. However, there usually is a pretty hefty premium for that service. You can just do a search on Google for this. I might suggest only seriously considering recognizable shipping companies though. Always check them out with the BBB.

A cheaper way to do this and also just as safe would be to crate your items. There are companies that can do this for you or you can build a crate yourself. Any Less-than-Truckload (LTL) company will be able to provide a quote if you can provide the dimensions of the crate and approximate weight. Of course, I suggest getting in touch with ABF at 800-961-9743 to get a quote for the crate if you choose to go this way.

I know that we have shipped electronic equipment and instruments before in our ReloCube. I am not aware of any damage claims that have come out of these shipments. I would be happy to provide you with a quote using a ReloCube if you would like. Thanks again for the post.

Name: Janet
Date: 9-3-2009

I bought a home in Naguabo, PR from Spring, TX (just north of Houston). I have a two story, 4 bedroom house to ship to PR. Any idea on how much will it cost to ship to PR? Also, will it be shipped from the Houston port, or trucked to Florida?

Thanks,

Janet

Name: Derek
Date: 9-3-2009

Janet, I'll be happy to provide a quote for you. I will send it to you shortly via email. We do ship from Jacksonville, so the truck with be moved over the road to Jacksonville and then placed on a ship to Puerto Rico. Thanks for the post and let me know if you have any more questions.

Name: Addie
Date: 9-8-2009

Hi Derek-

We are moving from Dover Plains, NY to Rincon, PR. We are shipping everything from our home, which is a 3-bredroom two story house. Please let me know how much it will cost.

Thanks,
Addie

Name: Derek
Date: 9-8-2009

Addie, I'll be happy to provide you a quote. I will email it to you shortly via the email address you provided. Please let me know if you have any questions about the quote.

Name: Itsy
Date: 9-12-2009

Hi Derek, I am planning to move to PR from Columbus, OH. I have 2 bedroom apartment. Can you provide a quote? 1 queen bed with 2 night stands and 1 chest with mirror. 1 sofa, 1 reclyner, washer and dryer. 1 32" tv and 1 13". 1 - 4 chairs dining set, 1 futton. the rest will be approximately 20 boxes of cloth and stuff.

Name: Derek
Date: 9-14-2009

Itsy, I'll be happy to provide you with a quote. I will send it to you via the email address you provided. If you have any more questions, please let me know. Thanks!

Name: ashley
Date: 9-21-2009

hi derek! my husband and i have recently begun thinking of moving to puerto rico from elkhart, indiana. he is pr born in chicago and i’m from indiana....he has been laid off for 1 year and i work for a legal office. where do we start as far as researching if this is the right idea for us? he has several family members there who have homes we could stay in for sometime....what do we do next?

Name: Derek
Date: 9-21-2009

Ashley, this is a big decision but it sounds like you have a leg up on many people with family in Puerto Rico. I have heard a lot in the news about the job situation in Elkhart. I'm sure it is not easy.

Honestly, I would start by talking to your family members in Puerto Rico. They most likely will have the best information as it is first hand info. I have found the Welcome to Puerto Rico website very helpful as far as just general info. As far as employment, it seems the best place to look is going to be a local newspaper; however, I found quite a few postings at Jobs.com. Also, for places to live, it is best to look in the local paper or find a local real estate agent.

I hope this info helps you get started and when you are ready to move, make sure you consider U-Pack! Thanks again!

Name: Brian
Date: 9-24-2009

I am 29 & looking to spend a year in Puerto Rico. I work on the internet & will have 2 computers + 1 laptop + other computer related equiptment & speakers etc. Also will it be legal for me to have my handgun or rifle in PR? Also I need a good idea on how much to expect to spend on a furnished beachfront (or 1 block off) condo/apartment. Since i work online I would also like to know how internet speeds are on the island? I would love if you could help me get an idea. I know the housing posts on Craigslist are highly taxed for vacationers etc. Thanks!

Name: Brian
Date: 9-24-2009

Oh I am looking in the San Juan/Isles Verdes area

Name: Derek
Date: 9-24-2009

Brian, I think you are about to have a great year of some probable relaxation. Hopefully, you can still get some work done. Handguns and rifles are permitted in Puerto Rico; however, you must obtain a license to carry them. You will want to check on transporting them to Puerto Rico. I am sure you must declare them in some fashion. Rentals vary widely on the beach and just off the beach. I would suggest obtaining the local newspaper and also checking out Encuentra24.com and Backpage.com for some rates. Here's a PDF with the most recent report on Internet speeds in Puerto Rico: Speed Matters. I think you'll find it interesting. I hope this info helps with your research. Thanks again for the post.

Name: diana
Date: 9-27-2009

i need as much help as i can get..me and my husband would like to move to pr before this time next year and dont know what to do..we would like to send a few boxes and would appreciate any info u could give us.

Name: Derek
Date: 9-28-2009

Diana, I'll be happy to try to answer any questions that you have. If you are moving just boxes, it may be beneficial to use one of our TruckPacks. This is ideal for small shipments like yours. I'll be happy to provide a quote for you if you will provide me with the city you are moving from. With the TruckPack, you would actually load your boxes at our nearest terminal and then you would pick them up at our terminal in Catano, PR. Please let me know if you have any more questions and thanks for the post.

Name: greta
Date: 10-6-2009

moving to pr...wanting to ship a 24 ft boat..is it the same with motorcycles..must be paid off to take with and any info on safe boating tips and marinas to dock in pr.....we are lake boaters! big difference! thanks any info u can help with would be great.

Name: Derek
Date: 10-6-2009

Greta, the boat would be the same as a motorcycle. Most likely it will need to be paid off in order to move it. You could also check with your lender to obtain permission to take it out of the country. Frommers.com has some info about a few marinas with some phone numbers for contacting them directly. Marlin Magazine seems to have some good boating tips as well. I hope this helps get you started. Thanks for the post and I hope you enjoy Puerto Rico!

Name: John Phillips
Date: 10-9-2009

Hello Derek, I would like a quote to move from Naples, Fl. to Rio Grande P.R. We will have contents of a 1 bed 1 bath home and approx. 10 boxes of personal items. I would also like to ship 1 SUV and 2 motorcycles. Can you gear me in the direction to get quotes for the vehicles.

Thank you for your help.

Name: Derek
Date: 10-9-2009

John, I'll be happy to get you a quote. I will send you an email shortly with the quote. We suggest Dependable Auto Shippers at 888-231-4948 to obtain a quote for the vehicle and motorcycles. Hope this helps!

Name: Tichar
Date: 10-10-2009

Derek, I see alot of questions here. I will assume that this question has been asked already. But, I am 24 and my younger cousin and I are looking to move to the Island. I am pretty much wishing to start from scratch. New job, new home..... New Life! We are escaping the Hole that is Metro-Detroit Area Michigan. What info is there for jobs, decent towns for "Beginners", Colleges... Pretty much anything for someone looking to right a new lease on life?? I know this has nothing to do with shipment, but I am hard down researching and find so much lure for tourism. Please help.

Name: Junior
Date: 10-11-2009

Hi Derek I’m looking to move to PR and searching for some quotes. How much for a 10x20 i’m gonna load it with some car parts, like interior pieces, rims, doors, and house hold items also and 2 cars shipped to PR. Thanks
also

Name: Derek
Date: 10-12-2009

Tichar, it's definitely pretty difficult to find much info other than just the tourism part of Puerto Rico. I might suggest the Expat Blog. On this site, there are some blogs about people who are now living in Puerto Rico and some of their experiences. It seems very useful to me. Also, if you have a chance, it might be a good idea to go down for a week or two and rent a home in a non-tourist area. Live like you would if you were not a tourist. Go to the supermarket, shops, post offices, etc. to see how you like it. Jobs.com and the local newspapers are good start for job openings. I hope this helps in your search. Good luck with your "new life!"

Name: Derek
Date: 10-12-2009

Junior, I will be happy to get a quote for you. I will email it to you shortly. As far as the vehicles, we suggest Dependable Auto Shippers at 888-231-4948. Thanks for the post!

Name: Tomas Gonzalez
Date: 10-18-2009

I’m moving to P.R. Now I still owe it to the bank is their any way I can take it with me even if it has a lean on it? can i refinance it with another bank in P.R. in order to ship it there. how can i make this work.

Name: Tomas Gonzalez
Date: 10-18-2009

Name: Derek
Date: 10-19-2009

Tomas, there are a couple of ways to try to make this work. You can either speak with your existing bank. You will need their permission before taking it to Puerto Rico. I would suspect, however, that the bank will be very unwilling to allow you to do this. So, your best option would probably be to speak with a bank in Puerto Rico and try to refinance it with them. That is probably your best option. Thanks for the post!

Name: LYDIA
Date: 10-28-2009

I am planning to move to PR in late January 2010, and I am looking for the most economical, yet reliable and secure way to send my prized (valuable only to me)possesions to Rincon PR from Petersburg VA. I ’D LIKE TO TAKE: washer and dryer, recliner, king size mattress and 2 small box spring mattresses, 2 bookcases, one trunk, one dining room table and six chairs, one arm chair,one bycicle for two, one scooter,and several boxes with household items and linen, etc.
Thanks for your help.

Name: Derek
Date: 10-28-2009

Lydia, I will send you a quote shortly via email for your move. I will provide you with a few different options for the move, some of which are more economical. Thanks for the post!

Name: Javier
Date: 10-31-2009

Well I’ll first like to explain that even though i was born in the US, I was raised going for long periods of time to Veracruz, Mexico(which is very similar to spanish speaking caribbean countries/cities, it’s not your typical mariachi Mexican city). I had a PuertoRican girlfriend and she spoke a lot about PR and its beauties. Never payed much attention, till one day I started researching on Puerto Rico and found out that it was very similar to the place I love, Veracruz. The problem is that Veracruz crime rate has gone immensely, things are very corrupted in Mexico in general, and I’m a U.S. Citizen, therefore I can’t recieve a education there. My questions are that, If were to go study(college) to PR right after high school would there be no problem or do they have some kind of different educational system? In general just info on Puerto Rico and the cost of living. Also approximately how much would it cost to move all my stuff from Laredo, TX to PR?
Thank you.

Name: Derek
Date: 11-2-2009

Javier, you should have no problem at all with studying at any university in Puerto Rico. Since Puerto Rico is an American territory, most everything is accessible to you as an American citizen. One of the most popular universities is American University. Here is a list of others on Wikipedia. I also noticed while researching that there are several different types of scholarships available to US citizens wanting to study in Puerto Rico.

You should check out the Escape to Puerto Rico website which has some very useful general information on Puerto Rico. Salary.com has a good cost of living calculator.

I will be happy to get you a quote. I will need to know what size residence you are planning to take. Are you looking at just a room of items or a 1 bedroom apartment?

Name: Javier
Date: 11-2-2009

Well, I’m just moving my stuff(since i still live with my parent). That would be a desktop computer, 26’ inch Plasma TV, 1 twin bed, all my clothes, and a car. I was looking forward to buying things such as the stove, refrigerator, washer & dryer in PR. Do you know if those type of things would be more expensive in PR or is it about the same amount as here in the US? Sorry to take more of your time but if you could please help me, I was trying to look for apartments in PR on the web, but apartments.com and a couple of other websites don’t do PR... therefore is there anywhere were I could search Apartments in PR, just to see how expensive they would be...just to have an idea.
Thank you very much.

Name: Derek
Date: 11-3-2009

Javier, I will send you an email shortly with some options for shipping your room of items. I am really not familiar with prices of appliances, but I would assume that they are going to be a little more expensive there due to import taxes and shipping costs. You may be able to contact Home Depot or Best Buy to obtain some prices. They have stores in Puerto Rico. You should check out Encuentra24.com for rental prices. Also, if you can get your hands on a local newspaper, you should be able to find some info there as well. Hopefully, this helps with your research. Thanks again for the posts.

Name: Csilla
Date: 11-7-2009

Hi Derek,

I’ve read all the comments, but i have a different problem. I just 21 but im dreaming of moving to PR for years. Im from Hungary, and i’ve read i need the same visa as to the U.S.A. My question is what do you think my chances are to get it? Currently I live in London, i like to move, but my final destination would be P.R. Thank you, Csilla

Name: Derek
Date: 11-9-2009

Csilla, unfortunately, I do not know how much help I can be with your question. In order to become a permanent resident, you will most likely have to apply for a Diversity Visa. For 2010, 192 visas were given to citizens of Hungary. You will need to apply online for this visa and they are accepting those applications for 2011, until Nov 30, 2009. The hard part about this is that your application gets put into a lottery drawing. You can read more on the US State Dept's website. Besides the Diversity Visa, there are other types of visas that you can obtain. I would just take a look at the State Dept's website for more info. Thanks and I hope this helped!

Name: Hector Marrero
Date: 11-16-2009

It’s a question, rather:
We are on the process of moving from MA to PR and have a car that is not yet fully paid for (the loan). We are told that in order to be "accepted" in PR we should have the title at hand (i.e., paid for), but we do not have the needed money at hand and the urgency of moving does not permit for a personal sale on time(of the account, that is, even with not profit involved).
What to do in such cases?

Name: Derek
Date: 11-16-2009

Hector, most likely the only thing that you will be able to do is talk to the bank who holds the loan on the car. They may allow you to take the car to Puerto Rico. However, from what I have seen in the past, most banks will not allow a car for which they are lienholder out of the country. If they will allow it, they should be able to provide you with written documentation which Puerto Rico would accept. Bottom line is you will have to speak with your bank to obtain permission to take the car to Puerto Rico. Thanks for the post.

Name: Linnette
Date: 11-16-2009

Hi Derek,
Me and my family want to move from Lakeland, FL to Manati,Puerto Rico,but like a lot people we got some questions.We planning to move by June ,2010 and I want to take most of my funiture like 2 set of bunk beds twin size, a 4 drawers dresser,a King zize bed w/ matress,one night stand, dresser w/ mirrow and a wardrobe, LCD T.V. 37" and 27" and 20" a T.V.table and some small appliances. Please send me a quote. Thank you, Linnette

Name: Derek
Date: 11-17-2009

Linnette, I will be happy to send you a quote. I believe from your list of items, you may need about 10 feet of our trailer. If you have any questions about your quote, please let me know. Thanks!

Name: Brian
Date: 11-19-2009

Derek you were very helpful with your reply, you deserve an A+ for all the help you provide here! Thanks again! (p.s. havn’t moved yet, but i got a lot more info from you & thats making me want to!)

Name: Derek
Date: 11-20-2009

Brian, glad I could help! I hope you get to go soon. I'm sure you will love it in Puerto Rico. Once you get to Puerto Rico, come back and post about your moving experience. And any other info that would be good for others to know about moving to Puerto Rico!