I need nformation on moving from U.S. to Puerto Rico.?

Question

I've researched a lot of information already about PR and I'm looking for a real cheap place. Apartments just below from the San Juan area are pretty cheap from around 350-600 a month rent. I've got most preparations complete on my part, but I'm a little scared about moving... I just turned 20 and I've never lived on my own before, but I'm 100% certain about myself moving there. I know some basic spanish to get around and I will try to learn more. Is there anyone with experience from moving from the U.S. to PR alone? I'de really like someone with experience. Or maybe just someone who has moved out of the country. I've invested 6K for this trip, just hoping to find a cheap place and get a job as soon as possible. No plans for college as of now. And also I need any information about transferring my money. I feel quite vulnerable holding a big fat cashiers check in my pocket! That's all I can think of right now.

Answer 1

The first answer you got is great.

You really need to line-up a job before you go.  Try very hard to have a job waiting for you, even if is doesn't pay very well.  $6000 sounds like a lot but it will go fast - especially if you have to pay deposits for rent and utilities. Everything always costs more than you expect.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Okay, here's the first thing you need to know: Puerto Rico is part of the U.S.A., so it's not going to be like moving all that far abroad.  English is spoken there, though Spanish is as well, and you'll find many of the larger U.S. banks have branches on the island.  So when you arrive, make arrangements to set up an account and deposit that cashier's check.

As for the rest, you're not even going to need a passport to get in or out of the U.S. if you're traveling from Puerto Rico - it's just like heading from Hawii or Alaska, though they're not technically a state in the Union.

It sounds like you've made a lot of effort to make sure you're covering your bases on this move, so just take a deep breath, let it out, and relax - you'll be fine.

Answer 3

I moved here, with a job from the US that allows cybercommuting- however, that is a luxury here.  Unemployment here is tremendous, and those jobs that are available pay little.  As an american with little spanish and no college education you will not find it easy to get a job.

Transferring money... open an account here, and deposit the check.  Have some cash though, because deposits from the mainland can take up to 2 weeks to clear into a PR bank- even money orders and cashiers checks.

And if you are a US citizen, no passport is needed, unlike what you wrote :)

Answer 4

Minimum pay is the same as US.

If You're a US citizen You don't need a Passport.

You can also try opening a bank account in Citibank..we have  it  in Puerto Rico.

check the newspaper..@

www.endi.com

Answer 5

I wouldn't consider moving to San Juan. The traffic is horrible + there aren't parking available anywhere. Check out Rio Piedras, Dorado, Bayamon, Levitown. The prices for apartments there are $300 - $500 monthly, including water,electricity and parking. The prices in San Juan are going higher, I tried to rent an apartment there to be closer to the university, and they were $800 +. Jobs here are really hard to find. Most people here don't have jobs because the pay is really low. You could use your ATH here if it's "Plus". Most jobs here like at JCPenny,Burger King,hotels or Aldo are $5.85 an hour, that's our minimum pay. For starters if will be hard for you to get a job at $7.00, which is barely impossible if you're new here. You can try at the Embassy Hotel in Isla Verde (it's right next to San Juan) they pay from $6.00 - $8.00, which it's a pretty good job to get. Yes it's true, you will need a passport as off January 25. If you need any more help contact me. :D