Recent Puerto Rico Shipping News

Your source for the most up to date information from inside the PR car shipping industry.

Jump to:
General information
Old San Juan
Isla Verde
Ocean Park Beach
Isla Grande Airport
Condado and Puerta de Tierra
General parking tips for Puerto Rico
Conclusion

parking in puerto rico

General Information

Parking in Puerto Rico can be a bit of a nightmare sometimes. This can be complicated even further if you don’t know Spanish and can’t read the street signs.

Either way, you can make your parking experience in Puerto Rico easier if you read the following guide about the best places to park in the most popular spots.

Taxis can get expensive and often have inconsistent pricing. Rentals can be pricey as well. That’s why you should ship your car to Puerto Rico if you are staying for any sort of extended period of time.
 

Old San Juan

It is nearly impossible to find parking in the heart of Old San Juan. You could end up spending hours looking for parking and still not find one, depending on when you are looking. Although, Old San Juan is definitely a sight you will want to see when you are in Puerto Rico.

So, how can you find parking in Old San Juan?

  • Free parking on the street – if you wake up early in the morning, namely on the weekend, you should be able to find free street parking somewhere. Just be prepared to spend some time looking, to have to walk several blocks after you park and be prepared to lose your spot immediately after you move your car later on.
  • Parking Garages – these are likely your best option. They really are not that expensive, and you will have “come and go as you please” access to your vehicle.
  • Here are a few well known parking garages in Old San Juan:

    • Paseo Covadonga – located at 104 Paseo Covadonga, San Juan, Puerto Rico, you can park for only a dollar an hour. They do close during the week between midnight and 6 AM but are open twenty-four hours on the weekends.
    • Estacionamiento Doña Fela – located at Calle Recinto Sur, San Juan, this garage is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The rates are a dollar and fifty cents for the first hour and fifty cents for every additional hour after that. They also have a “nightlife special” where you can park for twelve hours from 6PM to 6 AM for only three bucks.
    • Entry off Calle Norzagaray – located in Calle Norzagaray, under Plaza del Quinto Centenario, this garage is yet another solid choice for your parking needs. It is open twenty-four hours, seven days a week. They charge two dollars for the first hour of parking, and another dollar for every hour after that.
    • La Cochera Parking Garage – located at 204 Calle de la Luna / 205 Calle San Francisco, this garage is also open twenty-four hours, seven days a week. Rates are a little more steep at five dollars for the first hour and four dollars for every hour after that.

  • Parking lots – many of these feature valet parking. They are a fairly inexpensive alternative to the stress of looking for free parking on the street.
    • La Puntilla Parking Lot – located at Calle Presidio & Paseo de la Princesa, this parking lot only charges a dollar and twenty-five cents for the first hour, followed by fifty cents every additional hour. They do, however, close at 10PM during the week.
    • Old Sheraton Hotel Lot – located at 100 Calle Brumbaugh, you can park here for a twenty-four-hour period for just under 22 dollars after taxes. Call ahead to ensure there is room for your car (787) 721-5100.

 

Isla Verde

Isla Verde is another gorgeous Puerto Rican sight that you won’t want to miss during your time in Puerto Rico. However, just like much of Puerto Rico you will likely have a difficult time finding parking here. Don’t worry though. There is easily accessible parking available here too, so long as you are willing to pay a few dollars.

So, how can you find parking in Isla Verde?

  • Free parking on the street – as this is quite a popular tourist area, finding free parking on the street is exceptionally difficult. You will need to wake up at dawn and hope there is a spot available. We don’t recommend even attempting this in this area.
  • Parking Garages – there are also a bunch of garages in this area. They are a great option because you can spend a couple bucks to have your car safe and sound in the safety of the garage while you enjoy the incredible beaches in this area.
    • 6063 Isla Verde Avenue, Carolina – located at the same address of its name, this garage is open twenty-four-hours a day and seven days a week. The rates are quite reasonable at sixteen dollars a day for the self-parking option or just over twenty-one dollars a day for the valet parking option. If you want to go with an hourly rate for shorter stays, the rate is three dollars and fifty cents for the first hour and two dollars and fifty cents for every hour after that.
    • 7012 Boca de Cangrejos Avenue, Isla Verde, Carolina – also located at the same address of its name, this garage and lot combination has a bunch of different options for you to choose from for all of your parking needs. Self-parking runs fifteen dollars a day, valet costs twenty dollars per day and hourly is three dollars per hour.
    • 6961 Ave Gobernadores, Isla Verde, Carolina – located at the same address as its name, this garage and lot combo is open twenty-four-hours and seven days a week. Self-parking costs seventeen dollars per day and valet parking costs twenty-five dollars a day. You do, however, need a reservation to park here. So, be sure to call them ahead of time at (787) 253-1700.

  • Public parking lots – these are nice and cheap and usually have many spaces available. Some are not open very late though. But, if you’re just visiting the beach, that shouldn’t pose an issue.
    • Balneario de Carolina – this lot is located just east of Pine Grove Beach along PR-187, slightly north of the San Juan International Airport. It only costs four dollars per day to park here but is only open from 8AM to 5PM on Tuesdays through Sundays.

    • 1, 3 Calle Dalia & Rt. 187, Isla Verde, Carolina – located at the same address of its name, this parking lot is open twenty-four-hours and seven-days-a-week. You can park here for the standard rate of a dollar and twenty-five cents for the first hour and seventy-five cents for every hour after that or you can pay eight dollars a day for valet parking.

 

Ocean Park Beach

This is yet another gorgeous area that you will want to make a stop at sometime during your stay in Puerto Rico. Believe it or not, parking on the street isn’t so bad here but we will go through all the available options just in case you do happen to choose a busy day to visit.

So, how can you find parking near Ocean Park Beach?

  • Free parking on the street – as we just mentioned, it is actually quite possible to find free parking on the streets in this area. In the end you will likely end up finding a spot, you might just have to end up walking for several blocks to actually get to the beach. However, if you end up driving around for over twenty minutes or more, we recommend cutting your loses and choosing one of the lots which you can read about below.
  • Free parking lots – these parking lots are scattered throughout the area:
    • One of these free lots is located on the west side of Barbosa Park near Calle Soldado Serrano.
    • There are two free parking lots on the northern side of Barbosa Park, directly across the street from the beach, near Calle General Patton.
    • There is another free parking lot on the east side of the park, at the tennis courts, over on Avenida Las Americas.

 

Isla Grande Airport

If you are looking for parking near this airport, there are some great and affordable options available. Maybe you are going on vacation somewhere for a few days, maybe you are just visiting somewhere for a night or two. Either way, the rates near this airport are very reasonable.

So, how can you find parking near Isla Grande Airport?

  • Parking at the airport – it will cost you just under nine dollars a day to park here. Be sure if your car will be there for anymore than three hours that you go with the full-day rate which will be cheaper than leaving it there with the hourly rate.
  • Other options – Estaciona Y Vuela – this park and fly will let you park for only nine dollars a day. It is also open twenty-four-hours a day and seven-days a week. It also offers the comfort of knowing that it is a high security facility which is equipped with many security cameras.

 

Condado and Puerta de Tierra

Another great area in Puerto Rico, especially for tourists, Condado and Puerta de Tierra is another must-see sight while you are in PR. This city is full of some great casinos and many other fantastic tourist attractions.

So, how can you find parking in Condado and Puerta de Tierra?

  • Parking Garages – there are a ton of parking garages here. Some are more expensive than others. However, some may offer better hours, service or security. So, be sure to do your homework.
    • Ashford Avenue right across from the Condado Plaza Hilton hotel – this parking garage is open 24/7 and has great video surveillance. The rates are three dollars and seventy five cents for the first hour and then two dollars and seventy five cents for every hour after that.
    • 999 Ashford Avenue, Condado, San Juan – this parking garage is also open twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week. The rates are also three dollars and seventy-five cents for the first hour and two dollars and seventy-five cents for every additional hour after that. If you are staying at the hotel, then you can park there for less than twenty dollars a day if you please.
    • 1018 Avenida Ashford, Condado – this garage is open 24/7 and the rates are two dollars and fifty cents for the first hour then a dollar and fifty cents for every additional hour after that.
    • 1077 Ashford Avenue, Condado – this parking garage is also open twenty-four hours a day, seven days per week. Non-guests of the hotel can park in this garage for five dollars during the first hour and for four dollars for every hour after that. Hotel guests can park here for fifteen dollars per day.
    • 1309 Ashford Avenue, Condado – the hours here are 24/7. However, the hourly rate is pretty steep at almost nine dollars per hour. It’s much cheaper as a guest at only eighteen dollars per day.
    • 1369 Ashford Avenue, Condado – this garage is open 24/7. The hourly rate can get fairly expensive though. For non-guests of the hotel the rate is eight dollars for the first hour but only four dollars per hour after that. Hotel guests will only have to pay just under thirteen dollars per day for parking.

 

General parking tips for Puerto Rico

  • If you are parking on the street, make sure you only park next to curbs with no coloring. A blue curb means it is a handicapped spot, a red curb means it is a fire zone and a yellow curb means that it is a taxi pick-up and drop off only.
  • If you use metered parking, make sure to keep your meter fed. The fine for an expired meter is thirty five dollars and parking enforcement can be vigiliant.
  • Metered parking is marked with white and yellow signs that read “Estacionamiento Pagando Metro”.
  • Remember, you must wake up as early as possible if you want to have any chance of getting any free street parking. Even if you do go out early looking for parking, there is a chance that you might not get any.

 

Conclusion

Parking in the various areas of Puerto Rico can be pretty confusing and difficult. There are never any guarantees that you will find free parking along any streets. However, you should always keep a look out for parking lots and garages. Many of these are quite affordable as well. Some lots may even be free of charge.

Posted in: Car shipment

Jump to:
Traffic sign translations
Quick tips
Conclusion

road-sign-in-spanish-in-puerto-rico

Traffic sign translations

You are likely already aware of this, but the primary language spoken in Puerto Rico is Spanish. In fact, even though English is considered one of the official languages along with Spanish, ninety five percent of the population uses Spanish in everyday life. As a result, all of the traffic signs are in Spanish too. You’ll need to be able to read these signs if you want to have the safest and easiest driving experience possible after shipping your car to Puerto Rico.

You might be able to decipher what a sign means by the actual design. For example, a “Do Not Enter” sign looks exactly the same as it does in the United States, except for the wording of “No Entre”. Either way though, it can only help to know the following when you are out on the road in Puerto Rico:

autopista — highway / expressway

calle — street

carratera — road

carril derecho — right lane

carril izquierda — left lane

ceda — yield

cuidado — caution

estacióne — parking

este — east

hacia — toward

interseción — junction – can also frequently be see abbreviated as INT

no estacióne — no parking – a large letter “E” with a slash through it also means “no parking”

norte — north

oeste — west

pare — stop

peaje — toll

salida — exit

solo — only

sur — south

transito — You will see this word accompanied by an arrow. This tells you whether traffic flow is one-way or both ways on a road.
 

Quick tips

  • Gasoline is priced by the liter. A liter is a little more than a quarter of a gallon. If you know you need to pump gas and you need ten gallons, you will need to pump just under forty liters. Before you pump your gas, you will need to pay. So, enter the store and pay the clerk for however many liters you need. Thankfully, the currency is the US dollar, so you won’t need to do any conversions there.
  • If you are using the road signs to keep track of the distance to a location, be aware that these distances will be in kilometers, not miles. One kilometer is between half and three quarters of a mile. Ten kilometers is just over six miles.
  • Try not to look for parking in densely populated city areas. It’s almost never available on the street. Instead look for parking garages and decks where you can pay to keep your car for a few hours or for the day.
  • Do not use lanes marked with a “T” because those are for AutoExpreso tag holders only. If you do use these lanes without the AutoExpreso tag, you will be fined. This is essentially the Puerto Rican version of EZ-Pass. If you are moving to Puerto Rico, it would make sense to get one of these tags, so you can use those lanes. You can find out more information here.

 

Conclusion

Driving in Puerto Rico can seem very confusing and frustrating at times. This is mainly because most people there accept driving laws merely as suggestions instead of hard rules and drive as such. There isn’t much you can do about that either except to be aware of it and be on the lookout.

However, you can make your life easier by knowing the traffic signs and how to read them. A little bit of study will go a long way for improving your driving experience in Puerto Rico.

You have enough to worry about with your Puerto Rican move or excursion, let us worry about the auto transport for you – call us today at 904-322-7644!

Posted in: Car shipment

Jump to:
Tougher Driving in Puerto Rico
Popular destinations and directions
Conclusion
 
building-176218_960_720-e1525974129258

 

When you’re visiting or moving to Puerto Rico, especially for the first time, it can be a harrowing experience to figure out and get used to how the driving experience differs from other countries. You will also want to make the most of your trip and see all the incredible sights without struggling to find them. Prepare yourself for what’s to come with this handy guide to driving and sight-seeing in Puerto Rico.
 

Tougher Driving

Driving laws in Puerto Rico tend to be accepted as more of a suggestion than anything else. Frequently, people run red lights and stops signs. People will stop in the middle of the road and get out of their car and walk into a store or up to a fruit stand. Some will even turn right, across traffic, all the way from the left lane. You occasionally see these things wherever you drive in the world but it’s extremely commonplace in Puerto Rico.

You’ll also see many more speed bumps on smaller roads. They aren’t just in parking lots or high pedestrian areas either. Some people have reported, during a short trip of less than a mile, hitting over twenty speed bumps in random locations. You’ll also end up encountering a lot of potholes as well.

Don’t count on being able to use your GPS or GPS based driving aps either. Many addresses of business have been logged online under false addresses for one reason or another. So, your GPS likely won’t be able to take you to where you’re going. Your best bet is to verify the address of wherever you’re going through several sources before you do go.

You’ll also see police and other emergency vehicles constantly driving around with their lights on. This is essentially their reaction to the perpetual dense traffic and constant rowdy driving habits many people exhibit there. They are only pulling someone over or on their way to a call if their siren is on as well.

Finally, be ready for a considerable amount of animal crossings. From chickens to horses many animals roam free and will cross the road without hesitation.
 

Regardless of the experience you have driving, Puerto Rico is an incredible place to visit with a rich culture, amazing people and many beautiful sights to see. From Old San Juan to the breath-taking beaches, these spots make some frustration in traffic completely worth it.

For directions to any of these great spots, click the link below each write up and enter your current location, Google Maps will take you the rest of the way!

  • Vieques

    – One of the best places to visit in PR due to the lack of big chain hotels or local structures, Vieques is a great place to spend a nice relaxing day at an amazing beach. It’s also known for its breath-taking glowing water on certain nights due to some of the ocean life’s occasional phosphorescence.

  • beach at viques puerto rico

     

  • Isla Culebra (Culebra Island)

    – With some of the best coral reefs in the world, Isla Culebra has no shortage of wonder to observe. It’s also another gorgeous yet quiet and quaint beach where you can really remove yourself from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and just enjoy the ivory sand and bright blue water.

  • cubera-island-puerto-rico

     

  • Luquillo Beach

    – Gold sand and calm tranquil water characterize Luquillo beach well. It has food vendors and new restrooms and is a short trip from El Yunque National Forest.

  • sunset-at-luquillo-beach-puerto-rico

     

  • Rio Camuy Caves

    – Covering over two hundred and fifty acres and going over two hundred feet deep into the ground, the Rio Camuy Caves are one of the less traditional yet most interesting attractions in Puerto Rico. These caves feature incredible rock formations and underground rivers.

  • camuy-caves-puerto-rico

     

  • Isla Verde

    – Much closer to a traditional American beach than any of the others on this list, Isla Verde is still a relaxing and beautiful stop during your Puerto Rican excursion. The best part of this beach is it’s proximity to several other Puerto Rican attractions such as Old San Juan.

  • isla-verde-northern-coast-puerto-rico

     

  • El Yunque National Forest

    – A gorgeous tropical rainforest located along the Luquillo Mountains, El Yunque National Forest is a must-see stop for your Puerto Rican excursion. It boasts hundreds of different types of wildlife as well as lush plant life and several waterfalls.

  • el-yunque-national-forest-puerto-rico

     

  • San Juan Viejo (Old San Juan)

    – For years, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Puerto Rico, Old San Juan is a mesmerizing sight of beauty and history. It’s over five hundred years old and has several forts as well as the San Juan Cathedral.

  • old-san-juan-puerto-rico

 

Conclusion

Part of your experience in Puerto Rico might be marred by some unfortunate driving experiences. Don’t worry though, it will be worth it when you visit some of the incredible places from the list above. Keep in mind that those are only some of the amazing places you can visit in Puerto Rico too! Don’t take our word for it either, go and visit.

For any other information you might need you can always visit the Puerto Rican Tourism site. If you need your car shipped there, you can always give us a call at 904-322-7644.

Posted in: Uncategorized

Jump to:
Auto transport to Puerto Rico 101

What will it cost me to ship my car to Puerto Rico?

Are there any different requirements from regular car shipping?

How long will it take to ship my car to Puerto Rico?

Conclusion

 

car-shipping-topuerto-rico-on-freight-ship

 

Most people generally tend to worry about the same things when they ship their car from country to country as they do when they ship their car from state to state. However, there’s a lot more at play when shipping your car to a completely different country like Puerto Rico.

First of all, your car won’t be shipping just by land, it will also be shipping by sea. Also, when you have a different country in play, you will be dealing with two sets of regulations for shipping your vehicle. This causes the potential for complications to occur during your shipment.

Don’t worry though, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you prepare to ship a car to Puerto Rico with ease.
 

Auto transport to Puerto Rico 101

Fortunately, Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the United States. So, the amount of differing regulations is at a minimum. One of the only primary differences is that your car will be shipping on land and on the sea.

If you have an antique or high-end luxury vehicle you could also opt for air transport from the United States to Puerto Rico but this will cost you a considerable additional fee.
 

What will it cost me to ship my car to Puerto Rico?

This will vary depending on several factors:

  • As is the case with car shipping within the US, distance will play a factor in your shipping cost.
  • The make and model will also factor into your shipping cost.
  • Whether or not you choose to drive to a central hub or port versus having your car picked up at your location will play a role in your final cost.
  • The time of year during which you ship your vehicle will also be a part of determining your overall cost. This is because the price of fuel and availability of carriers varies throughout the year.
  • Whether or not you choose any sort of specialized options for your shipment such as expedited shipping or air transport will factor into the price.

As a frame of reference, shipping an average car from New York to San Juan with the car being picked up from your location will cost a little over $2,000. You can save on the cost of the ground transport by driving your car to the nearest approved hub or port yourself.

Be aware, that on the boat during the sea portion of your shipment, your car will be in a shipping container. This is usually not an issue price-wise as it’s automatically factored into the quotes and final pricing. However, if you have a much larger vehicle that won’t fit into the container your cost to ship will be higher to account for the additional accommodations.
 

Are there any different requirements from regular car shipping?

There are a couple. You will need a Certificate of Conformity. This is a document that shows that the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has deemed that the vehicle has been held to certain emission standards in the past. This lets the country that the car is being shipped to know that the vehicle is environmentally safe and won’t cause a higher than normal level of pollution. If you are shipping your car directly from a manufacturer (and the car is new – not used), you likely will not need this form.

You will also very likely not be able to ship any additional items as this could cause an issue at either port. So, to avoid a thorough customs inspection of your vehicle, ship your personal goods another way.

Be sure to talk to your auto transport company to discuss any specific requirements that might be in effect during the time of your shipment.
 

How long will it take to ship my car to Puerto Rico?

Just as with cost, this will depend on a few things. The overall distance that you are transporting your vehicle being the main factor. In general, expect your car shipment to Puerto Rico to take between one and three weeks.

The additional time that it will take to ship your vehicle is, mostly, because of the additional coordination between ground transport and ocean transport. There is also the fact that document processing will take a longer time for international shipments such as the US to Puerto Rico.
 

Conclusion

So, there are mild differences in several areas to be aware of when shipping your car to Puerto Rico. The price will be higher than it would if you were shipping somewhere in the continental US. It will take longer than a domestic auto shipment. Finally, you will also need some additional documentation such as the Certificate of Conformity from the EPA.

However, it’s mostly the same preparation that goes into more traditional auto shipping. Your tank should be a quarter full (no more, no less), you should make sure the exterior of the vehicle is clean prior to shipment, you should have the normal documentation ready (license, proof of ownership, insurance etc) and everything else that normally precedes your vehicle shipment.

Posted in: PR Car Shipping

driving in puerto rico

Relocating to Puerto Rico and taking your car with you? Well soon, you’ll be driving in Puerto Rico and the roads can be a bit different from where you’re coming from. Driving in Puerto Rico can be a unique experience and you will be witnessing things you’ve maybe never seen before. Although you drive on the right side of the road and the same basic driving rules are enforced, there are some differences you can expect to see. Below are some crazy things you can expect to see while driving in Puerto Rico.

 

City centers are known for a crazy amount of traffic, especially during rush hour, holidays, and weekends.

 

Slow drivers keep to the left and oftentimes speed limits are just on the side of the road for show. Many people can be seen going well over the speed limit, while others are seen in the left lane going well under the speed limit.

 

Motorcyclists are usually weaving in and out of cars. They ride at very high speeds and are often wearing no more than a t-shirt.

 

Red lights and stop signs aren’t strictly enforced. Many people do not stop at stop signs, especially during early morning hours. Yellow usually means slow down; however, in Puerto Rico, to some, yellow means go faster.

 

Depending where you are from, you may have to be cautious of deer, geese, raccoons, and/or turkeys crossing the road. In Puerto Rico you need to be on the lookout for iguanas. Iguanas are everywhere. They don’t care if you are driving, they are still going to cross the road. Since they are slow moving, they are unfortunately killed by drivers.

 

In some areas speed bumps can be found almost every couple of feet. Some speed bumps are painted so you are giving a warning that one is approaching. However, others are not, so it can make for a very bumpy ride.

 

So will you soon be driving in Puerto Rico because you are relocating? Contact us today to get started on your car shipment process!

 

Posted in: Puerto Rico

real estate in Puerto Rico

Buying real estate in Puerto Rico can be an exciting experience, but also nerve wracking, especially if you aren’t familiar with the state and towns. Choosing the perfect place to settle down in can be overwhelming, so where do you start when buying real estate in Puerto Rico? Do you want a real estate agent from your location that can do research on areas in Puerto Rico? Or do you want to deal with a real estate agent in your new area? Do you think seeing homes virtually is enough to make a decision? Or should you plan to spend a week or two in Puerto Rico in order to attend open houses?

 

Below are some tips for before and after you find your perfect real estate property in Puerto Rico.

 

Puerto Rico is filled beautiful Caribbean beaches, breathtaking natural wonders, and ocean climates that make you want to swim all year round. There are many different types of properties in Puerto Rico, so you first have to see what is the best for you. Will you go with a waterfront property, condo, private villa, or a house? You should also research the area, home price data, and any background information.

 

When finding a place you would like to purchase, you should get a lawyer. Although having a lawyer when buying real estate in Puerto Rico is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. A lawyer will handle any major financial transactions and could be an asset if questions were to arise or if there were any financial hiccups that arise along the way. In addition to hiring a lawyer, you should hire a licensed inspector. Many homes in Puerto Rico are sold “as-is” so it is important to have an inspector see if there are any negatives to the property. If there are, your lawyer would come in handy in negotiating on coming down in price.

 

Interested in buying real estate in Puerto Rico? Contact us  today and let us worry about shipping your car to your new home.

Posted in: Puerto Rico

speak spanish

Traveling and relocating to another country is such a memorable time. It is full of exciting new adventures and experiences. However, if you can’t speak the language or understand the slang, then you may become frustrated and feel lost. If you already speak Spanish, then you are off to a great start. In order to experience the culture, navigate your way around, and leisurely explore restaurants, shopping, and history, you’ll need to at least speak Spanish a little bit.  If you have no clue on where to start with learning the language, below are some common used words, phrases, and slang used in Puerto Rico.

 

A fuego-  Translates to “on fire”. However, this term is also widely used by many to show their feelings that something is really pleasing or attractive.

 

Chacho- The real word is munchaco, which means boy or young man. Chacho means “Oh, boy!” which is the phrase used when something happens that is either by surprise or unexpected.

 

Mira- Translates to “look” but it also means “hey” as in you want to get someone’s attention.

 

Wepa!- A happy and positive phrase! Wepa means “Yay!” “Great job” or “Congrats!”

 

Nitido- If you like something, then it is nitido, which translates to “cool.”

 

Chavos- The slang term for cash.

 

Guagua- The slang terms for the public transportation buses that run through San Juan, Old San Juan, and the surrounding communities. Many Puerto Ricans utilize this public transportation system because it covers lots of grounds in the surrounding areas. However, the buses are usually late.

 

Estoy perdido- I’m lost

 

De ida y vuelta- roundtrip

 

Como se dice?- How do you say?

 

Estoy buscando solamente, gracias!- I am only looking, thank you!

 

Pa’lla (contraction of para alla)- Over there

 

Pa’ca (contraction on para aca)- Over here

 

Iguaca- A rare endangered parrot found in El Yunque, the Puerto Rican Amazon. It is a symbol of the island and the government is working hard to try and save them from endangerment.

 

Borinquen- Puerto Rican

 

So interested in learning how to speak Spanish because you are relocating? Contact us today for your car shipment needs.

 

Posted in: Puerto Rico, travel

Puerto Rican cuisines

Many Puerto Rican cuisines are extremely rich in flavor and have African, Spanish, and even American culinary influences. When dining out on the island, you will be exposed to a variety of Puerto Rican cuisines that will make your taste buds run wild due to the combination of creative flavors. Relocating to Puerto Rico and unsure of what types of cuisines you’ll be exposed to? Below are some popular Puerto Rican cuisines that can be found on the island.

 

Mofongo is a mash made of fried green plantains and pork cracklings. It is served either accompanying another meal and as a filling side dish or as an entree in itself. Stuffed mofongo is made with either steak, shrimp, seafood, chicken or vegetables. Although it isn’t the prettiest looking on a plate, it makes up for its look with its delicious and rich flavors.

 

Arroz con gandules translates to rice with pigeon peas. It is a very popular dish that contains mouthwatering flavors and seasonings. Pigeon peas are known to have a higher iron content than regular beans. When ordering arroz con gandules be sure to get the pegao, which is the crunchy, slightly burnt rice that sticks to the pot. This dish is especially popular during the Christmas season and on special occasions.

 

Lechon is roast suckling pig, which is a Puerto Rican tradition. This dish is served during family gatherings, holidays, and Sunday feasts. If you are a meat lover, then this dish is for you. The pig is usually accompanied by a starch such as potatoes.

Not a meat lover? Then chillo frito is the dish for you. Chillo frito is a simple dish that is made up of fried red snapper. The fish is recommended to be served whole because it keeps the meat tender and skin crunchy. Accompanying the red snapper is usually tostones, which is fried green plantains.

 

So researching Puerto Rican cuisines because you are thinking of relocating? Contact us today for your car shipment needs.

Posted in: San Juan

moving to puerto rico

Looking into moving to Puerto Rico? Have you been talking to family and friends about the relocation and unsure of what decision you should make? Moving to Puerto Rico is a huge decision, and there are many myths about the relocation. Below are some common myths about moving to Puerto Rico. If moving to Puerto Rico your dream, don’t let these myths stop you, after all, they are myths!

 

Inexpensive Cost of Living

The cost of living in Puerto Rico is actually more expensive than the general mainland of the United States. Of course, this depends where you are moving from. If you are moving from an already expensive city like New York or San Francisco or Boston, then this isn’t the case. In 1920, the Jones Act was established and required that all goods imported to Puerto Rico must be shipped to the United States first and then shipped to Puerto Rico by the United States transport. As a result, good are more expensive. Groceries are about 23% higher than mainland United States grocery stores and sales tax is 11.5%. However, unlike the United States, you do not have to pay property tax on primary residences and there are no taxes on passive income such as Social Security and retirement.

 

Water is Safe to Drink

Most people in Puerto Rico filter their water and/or drink bottled water. However, unlike most neighboring countries, the tap water is safe to drink.

 

Hurricanes All Year Round

While Puerto Rico does have a hurricane season, it is not all year round. For most of the year you can expect warm temperatures and an overall pleasant climate. However, due to its geographic location, Puerto Rico is prone to tropical storms. Hurricane season for Puerto Rico ranges from June to November. Peak hurricane season is usually in September.

Posted in: San Juan, travel

Rio Grande

Visiting Rio Grande is an adventurous experience that will leave you with a vast amount of memories. Also known as La Cuidad del Yunque or Yunque City, Rio Grande is named after the great river that envelops the land. Rio Grande is located in the Northern Coastal Valley and just 30 minutes from San Juan.

 

Making its home in Rio Grande is the El Yunque National Forest. This forest is full of rivers and waterfalls and offers something to do for everyone. You can jump into the rivers, stop for a picnic along the banks of the river, or just relax with a good book. The El Yunque National forest is especially busy and popular on the weekends and in the summertime. The Rio Mameyes or Mameyes River is the river that runs down El Yunque National Forest and has the hidden gem of a secret swimming pool.

 

Golfing is a very popular sport and enjoyment in Rio Grande.  The Bahia Beach Plantation Golf Course has beautiful views of the El Yunque Rain Forest. The 18 hole golf course is played by both locals and tourists. Berwind Country Club was a course designed by Bob Holoman in 1960 and players can golf either 9 or 18 holes. Coco Beach Golf Country Club is the only golf course that offers 36 holes. The golf course is accompanied by mountains, oceans, palms, and lakes. Rio Mar has two courses you can play, each being 18 holes each. Rio Mar Ocean Course is a Bermuda Grass course and was designed by George and Tom Fazio. Rio Mar River Course is an 18- hole grass course that was designed by Greg Norman. The fees for all of these courses range anywhere from  $35 to $125.

 

Looking to visit Rio Grande, and is golf an interest of yours? Contact us today to ship your golf cart to Puerto Rico.

Posted in: travel