If you’re thinking of making the move to Puerto Rico, there are a few things you should know. Since Puerto Rico is a US territory, it’s easy for Americans to move there and find work.

However, there are some differences that you should be aware of before you take the plunge.

Here’s a look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of working in Puerto Rico as an American.

The Good.

One of the best things about working in Puerto Rico as an American is that you don’t need a visa.

This makes the process of moving to Puerto Rico much easier than if you were moving to another country.

In addition, English is widely spoken in Puerto Rico, which will make your transition smoother.

And since Puerto Rico is part of the United States, you won’t have to worry about adjusting to a new currency.

The Bad.

Although Moving to Puerto Rico as an American has many benefits, there are also some drawbacks.

One downside is that the cost of living in Puerto Rico is high.

This is due in part to the fact that many goods have to be imported from the mainland US.

Additionally, Puerto Rico has a higher crime rate than many other US states.

So, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when necessary.

The Ugly.

Puerto Rico is currently facing a financial crisis. This has led to cuts in many government services and an increase in taxes.

Additionally, the infrastructure on the island is not well-maintained. So, you may find yourself dealing with power outages and bad roads on a regular basis.

Despite these challenges, many Americans still choose to live and work in Puerto Rico because they are attracted by its tropical climate and vibrant culture.

If you’re thinking of moving to Puerto Rico, there are some things you should consider first. The cost of living is high and the island is facing a financial crisis.

However, English is widely spoken and Americans don’t need a visa to move there.

There are also many attractions, such as its tropical climate and vibrant culture, that make Puerto Rico an appealing place to live and work despite its challenges.

If you’re still on the fence about living and working in Puerto Rico as a mainland “American”, read on and discover 3 compelling reasons why you should consider working in Puerto Rico.

3 Reasons Why You Should Consider Working in Puerto Rico 

If you’re an American Expat considering a move to Puerto Rico, congratulations! You’ve just discovered one of the best-kept secrets in the Caribbean.

With its stunning beaches, year-round sunshine, and friendly locals, Puerto Rico is a slice of paradise that has something for everyone.

But what’s it like working in Puerto Rico as an American? Here are three things you should know before making the move.

1. The Cost of Living Is Low.

Compared to other Caribbean countries, the cost of living in Puerto Rico is relatively low.

This is especially true if you compare it to somewhere like Bermuda or the Cayman Islands, where the cost of living can be prohibitively expensive.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that Puerto Rico is a cheap place to live.

But it does mean that your money will go further here than in other Caribbean destinations.

And with a lower cost of living comes more opportunities to save money or travel around the island.

2. The Job Market Is Good.

Despite what you may have heard, the job market in Puerto Rico is actually quite good.

In recent years, there has been an influx of new businesses and startups moving to the island, which has created plenty of new job opportunities.

So whether you’re looking for a job in marketing, finance, tech or any other industry, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find something suitable in Puerto Rico.

3. You Don’t Need to Learn Spanish.

Although it helps, you don’t need to learn Spanish before moving to Puerto Rico.

This is because English is one of the official languages of the island (along with Spanish).

So unless you want to learn Spanish for fun, there’s no need to worry about learning another language before making the move to Puerto Rico.

In general, Puerto Rico is a hidden gem in the Caribbean that has something for everyone.

If you’re considering making the move here, here are three things you should know first: the cost of living is low, the job market is good and you don’t need to learn Spanish. So what are you waiting for? Start packing your bags!

Still not convinced? Read on for a collective view of some of the experiences “mainland” Americans have had working in Puerto Rico.

Experiences of Working In Puerto Rico As An American.

For an American Expat, living and working in Puerto Rico can be a wild ride. When you first move here, you’ll have no idea what to expect.

You’ll have heard that Puerto Ricans are some of the most friendly and welcoming people in the world, but you won’t be sure if that extends to Americans.

Thankfully, there’s no need to worry. Everyone you meet here will be incredibly warm and hospitable, which will make the transition from life in the States to life in Puerto Rico much easier than you could have ever imagined.

Working In Puerto Rico vs. The States.

One of the things that may take you the longest to get used to is the work culture in Puerto Rico.

In the States, work is often viewed as a necessary evil. Something that you have to do in order to make money, but not necessarily something that you enjoy or take pride in.

In Puerto Rico, however, work is seen as an important part of life and a source of pride.

Of course, there are always going to be exceptions to this rule, there are bad bosses and frustrating jobs everywhere.

But on the whole, people on the island take their work much more seriously than Americans do.

At first, this may be a bit of a shock for you, but you may come to appreciate it.

It may even become refreshing to see people taking pride in their work and finding satisfaction in what they do.

Puerto Rican Workdays vs. American Workdays.

Another big difference between working in Puerto Rico and working in the States is the way that time is viewed.

In America, time is money! The faster you can get things done, the better. efficiency is key. In Puerto Rico, however, things move at a much slower pace.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it just takes some getting used to.

For example, if you’re used to having your coffee delivered to your desk within 5 minutes of ordering it, you might be in for a bit of a wait here in Puerto Rico.

And if you’re expecting your boss to reply to your email within an hour or two, you might want to set your expectations a bit lower.

Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule as well. There are plenty of places where efficiency is valued over everything else, but on the whole, things tend to move at a slower pace here in Puerto Rico than they do in the States.

And that’s something that you’ll just have to get used to if you want to live and work in Puerto Rico successfully.

Conclusion.

Overall, working in Puerto Rico may be a pleasant experience after all.

The people are friendly and hospitable, and while the work culture is different from what you’re used to back home in the States, it’s not necessarily a bad thing.

If you’re thinking about making the move down to Puerto Rico yourself, just be prepared for some cultural differences when it comes to workdays and time management.

Other than that, you should have no problem adapting to life on this beautiful island!

The post Working In Puerto Rico As An American: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly! appeared first on Expats Planet.

If you’re considering a move to Puerto Rico, you’re in for a treat.

This Caribbean island has something for everyone, from its stunning beaches to its vibrant culture.

But as with any destination, there are both pros and cons to living in Puerto Rico.

So, if you’re thinking of moving to Puerto Rico, there are a few things you should consider.

The island has a long history and a unique culture, and it’s become a popular destination for Expats and Digital Nomads in recent years.

But what is life really like on the island? In this post, we’ll take a look at the 25 pros and cons of living in Puerto Rico as well as a summary of both.

Puerto Rico is a beautiful island, but it comes with some challenges. Let’s first take a look at the 25 pros and cons of living there.

Here are 25 pros and cons of living in Puerto Rico.

Pros:

1. The weather is amazing year-round.

2. There are plenty of beaches to choose from.

3. The food is delicious and there is a great variety to choose from.

4. There is a rich culture and history on the island.

5. Puerto Rico is a great place to learn Spanish.

6. It’s relatively safe to live on the island.

7. The cost of living is relatively low.

8. There are many things to do on the island, such as hiking, biking, and exploring different towns and villages.

9. The people are friendly and welcoming.

10. Healthcare is generally good on the island.

11. There are good schools available.

12. Housing is affordable.

13. Puerto Rico is a great place to retire.

14. The island is beautiful and there are many different landscapes to explore.

15. There is a strong sense of community on the island.

16. Crime rates are relatively low.

17. There is no state income tax in Puerto Rico.

18. Property taxes are also relatively low.

19. The island is a great place to start a business.

20. There are many opportunities for outdoor activities, such as swimming, surfing, and kayaking.

21. Puerto Rico is a great place to relax and enjoy a slower pace of life.

22. The island has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for nightlife, beaches, or outdoor activities.

23. There are direct flights from many US cities to Puerto Rico, so it’s easy to get to.

24. Puerto Rico is a US territory, so US citizens don’t need a passport to visit.

25. The island is full of life and there is always something going on.

Cons:

1. Hurricane season can be dangerous.

2. There are sometimes power outages due to hurricanes.

3. The island is prone to earthquakes.

4. There is a high crime rate in some areas of Puerto Rico.

5. The cost of living is relatively high compared to other Caribbean islands.

6. There is a lot of poverty on the island.

7. There is a brain drain, as many educated Puerto Ricans leave the island to find better opportunities elsewhere.

8. The healthcare system is not perfect and can be very expensive.

9. The infrastructure is not always the best, especially in rural areas.

10. There are limited job opportunities on the island.

11. The economy is not very stable.

12. There is a lot of political corruption.

13. The island is often affected by Tropical Storms and Hurricanes.

14. Puerto Rico is behind on many social issues, such as equality for LGBTQ+ people and women’s rights.

15. The education system needs improvement.

16. There is a high drop-out rate in schools.

17. Many young people leave Puerto Rico to find better opportunities elsewhere.

18. The island has a lot of pollution, especially in the capital, San Juan.

19. Traffic can be a nightmare, especially in San Juan.

20. There is a lot of litter on the streets and in the forests.

21. There are many stray dogs on the island.

22. Insects, such as mosquitoes, can be a nuisance.

23. Puerto Rico is often referred to as “the forgotten island” because it receives less attention from the US government than other US territories.

24. Puerto Ricans are often treated as second-class citizens in the US.

25. There is a lot of red tape and bureaucracy when it comes to getting things done on the island.

The Pros of living in Puerto Rico, summary. 

If you’re thinking about making a move to Puerto Rico, you’re not alone.

Many people are drawn to the island for its beautiful weather, delicious food, and friendly people.

But there’s more to Puerto Rico than just that! Here is a summary of the main pros of living in Puerto Rico.

Opportunities to Learn Spanish or English.

One of the great things about Puerto Rico is that it’s a place where you can easily learn Spanish or English or both!

Whether you want to take formal classes or just pick up the language by immersing yourself in it, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do so on the island.

Affordable Cost of Living.

One of the major draws of Puerto Rico is its affordable cost of living.

Rent and food costs are relatively low, and there are many ways to save money by living a more simple lifestyle.

This can be a great option for those who want to live somewhere affordable without sacrificing too much in terms of quality of life.

Beautiful Weather and Scenery.

Puerto Rico is well-known for its beautiful weather and stunning scenery.

With warm, sunny weather year-round, it’s no wonder so many people flock to the island every year.

From sandy beaches to lush rainforests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on this Caribbean paradise.

Puerto Rico has a lot to offer its residents. With beautiful weather, delicious food, friendly people, and many learning opportunities, it’s no wonder that so many people are drawn to the island.

If you’re looking for an affordable place to live with plenty of excitement and adventure, Puerto Rico may be just the place for you.

The Cons of living in Puerto Rico, summary. 

There are a few drawbacks to living in Puerto Rico, but it is still an amazing place to call home.

Hurricane season is from June to November, and the island was severely affected by Hurricane Maria in 2017.

The infrastructure is still recovering from the hurricane, so power outages and water shortages are not uncommon.

Additionally, crime rates are relatively high on the island, especially in large cities like San Juan.

However, Puerto Rico is still a beautiful place with a rich culture and passionate people.

The community has come together to rebuild after the hurricane, and there are many organizations working to improve safety and quality of life on the island.

Puerto Rico is an incredible place to live, and its challenges only make its people stronger.

Conclusion:

As you can see, there are many pros and cons to living in Puerto Rico.

At the end of the day, the decision of whether or not to move here comes down to what’s important to you and your family.

If you’re looking for an affordable place to retire or operate your business, Puerto Rico could be a good fit.

But if you’re looking for a stable economy and first-world infrastructure, you might want to look elsewhere.

The post The Truth About Living In Puerto Rico! 25 Pros And Cons! appeared first on Expats Planet.

If you’re looking for a Caribbean island that you can stay in long term without the need for work permits or visas. No need for residency permits, no state income tax, where English along with Spanish, are the official languages, then working remotely from Puerto Rico is for you.Although Puerto Rico is not a state of the United States, it is considered part of the US Commonwealth and is a US territory. Meaning Puerto Rican citizens are also US citizens and carry US passports. 

The infrastructure of Puerto Rico is similar to that in the US. Though the cost of living can be much cheaper in Puerto Rico, especially for those working remotely, than they are in the continental United States. 

I’ve just written a post on working remotely from Hawaii, but Puerto Rico is your next best bet. 

In fact, it’s actually closer to many points in the continental United States than Hawaii. Did I also mention that it’s also much cheaper than Hawaii as well. 

So if you want to try your hand at working remotely from abroad, why not try Puerto Rico? You can literally work from the beach, sitting in a hammock with your laptop open up, tapping away.

Working remotely in Puerto Rico and taxes.

Puerto Rico is a part of the United States, as such they used the US dollar. 

But more importantly if you are able to establish residency in Puerto Rico, you will not only be exempt from state income taxes, but you can also be exempt from federal income taxes as well. Though you will need to set up a corporation based in Puerto Rico.

However, I believe there is a corporation tax of currently 4%. To take advantage of this federal tax type holiday you would, again, have to incorporate. 

In order to do this of course, you will need to see a proper tax accountant in Puerto Rico in order to register and incorporate in Puerto Rico. The only downside to the whole tax situation in Puerto Rico seems to be the high sales taxes, which can run as high as 11%, Wow! 

Other than that,, if you do not establish tax residency in Puerto Rico you will still be liable for US Federal Taxes since Puerto Rico is still a part of the United States and you will not be able to enjoy the FEIE tax exemption as you would abroad.

Here’s more information regarding, “Bona Fide Residents of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico – Tax Credits” from the IRS at their website.

The advantages of being a remote employee in Puerto Rico.

The advantages of working remotely from Puerto Rico and/or being a remote employee, especially for the US citizens, but could also apply to others, are:

• It’s part of the United States.
• It uses the US dollar as its currency.
• It’s tropical and in the Caribbean, yet still part of the United States.
• Beautiful beaches, a sunny and typical tropical Paradise.
• Puerto Rico also has excellent surf and colonial type architecture in its capital of San Juan.
• Tax benefits, if you qualify, including no federal income tax.
• A lower cost of living than most places in the United States.
• No need to use your passport in order to travel to Puerto Rico. If you’re a US citizen. You can simply use your driver’s license. It’s like flying to another state.
• Spanish as well as English are widely spoken.
• Did I mention the great surf and beaches? Oh, and the food!

The Digital Nomad community in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico has a small Digital Nomad community. Unlike Hawaii, there are actual coworking spaces where digital nomads can congregate. Also, there are a few threads on Reddit that you can check out as well as Facebook groups for Digital Nomads in Puerto Rico

Digital Nomad based in San Juan, the benefits.

San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico. Therefore, as a capital city you should enjoy the best connectivity on the island. 

There are also plenty of great restaurants, nightclubs, cafes, etc that you can enjoy. In addition, many places in San Juan are quite walkable to the beach. 

So if you want to be in a capital city, enjoy the infrastructure of one along with decent internet connectivity and a vibrant social life which costs less than many similar cosmopolitan areas in the United States, San Juan is the place for you. Especially, if you’re a digital nomad or remote worker.

Working remotely from Puerto Rico, summary.

If you’re interested in working remotely from Puerto Rico, you do have quite a few options. 

Puerto Rico is a great island getaway just like Hawaii, except much less expensive. Puerto Rico is also closer to the mainland unlike Hawaii as well. You can get to New York City for example within 3 hours. 

Puerto Rico is also a good base to have if you wish to explore other destinations within the Caribbean. There are some places in Puerto Rico that I would not recommend for digital nomads though. These are mainly smaller towns in the interior of the island. 

These smaller towns tend to have a much less developed infrastructure and very spotty internet connections as well as electricity outages. 

Although power issues are becoming less and less of a factor for many residents since solar panels and solar powering of homes, even businesses are becoming quite popular, especially after the last hurricane which devastated the island. 

If you want to enjoy the best that Puerto Rico offers as far as beach and surf, along with great food and even good internet connectivity, head to the Western most tip of the island to a place called Rincon. 

Rincon is not only legendary among surfers, but also more and more digital nomads as well. 

So if you’re looking to dip your toes into the digital nomad, remote working lifestyle, but aren’t quite ready to go abroad and want to stay closer to home, there’s no better place than Puerto Rico to test out the digital nomad remote working lifestyle.

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