Recent Puerto Rico Shipping News

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.
 

Popular destinations and routes

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.

• Directions: https://tinyurl.com/ydc6uwv5

 

• 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.

• Directions: https://tinyurl.com/ycz3j94x

 

• 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.

• Directions: https://tinyurl.com/ybyompwe

 

• 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.

• Directions: https://tinyurl.com/yar2c7v8

 

• 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.

• Directions: https://tinyurl.com/y7puen4q

 

• 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.

• Directions: https://tinyurl.com/yatmffbr

 

• 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.

• Directions: https://tinyurl.com/yafznsfk

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Since Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, it takes part in all United States public holidays, which includes Independence Day. Fourth of July in Puerto Rico is celebrated much like it is in the United States. The island celebrates with live music, fireworks, and of course, a spin on the food with the incorporation of Puerto Rican food. Like the United States, many people celebrate Fourth of July in Puerto Rico by spending time with their family at festivals, the beach, or BBQs.

Old San Juan, specifically, the Plaza del Quinto Centenario, is a place to visit when celebrating Fourth of July in Puerto Rico. The plaza is known for its music, food, and fireworks. Staying in San Juan, you could also visit the Condado Lagoon for their Fourth of July celebrations. The Puerto Rico Tourism Company hosts a day long festival packed with live music and food stands. Food and drinks are from various vendors such as Craft Beer Expo, Urban Market, and Farmers Market. After a day of eating and drinking, there is a fireworks display that is synchronized with the Arturo Somohano Symphony Orchestra. About 45 minutes east of San Juan, the Wyndham Rio Mar Resort is home to a large Fourth of July festival. The festival runs all day long with food stations, salsa dancing, bouncy castles for kids, bull riding, and watermelon eating competitions. The day ends with a fireworks display. The actual day long event is free, but car parking is $10.

Although not an official Fourth of July celebration, The Annual Cattleman’s BBQ Competition takes place in July. At this annual competition, you can expect to see over 80 teams, 35 sponsors, and 15,000 hungry competitors. The competitors eat anything from steak, brisket, pulled pork, wings, hamburgers, and seafood.

You have been researching mandated requirements for car shipment from Puerto Rico. Your head is probably spinning with the “Dos and Don’t” to car shipping and what is required. There are many forms that are mandated by the United States Border Protection. These forms are not optional and need to be completed fully and accurately prior to your car shipment’s departure. Shipping to different states and countries require different forms.

Although Puerto Rico is not a state of the United States of America, it is considered United States territory. Therefore, when considering car shipment from Puerto Rico, it is exactly that- a car shipment and not an export. As a result, there are no export duties. However, there is different paperwork that needs to be completed and filed so you can ship out of Puerto Rico. The Foreign Trade Regulations, or FTR,  mandates that shipping companies and customers file Electronic Export Information, or EEI. The Electronic Export Information is mandated for any shipment to the United States with the exception to Canada. Destinations that include the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands make EEI a requirement. This form is regulated by the United States Census Bureau. The Electronic Export Information is export data that is filed with the Automated Export System or AES. This data is equivalent to the former Shipper’s Export Declaration or SED. It is required by the United States Foreign Trade Regulations for exports of goods that are more than $2,500. Car shipment from Puerto Rico falls into this category, even though it is not considered an export. Your car shipment company will be responsible and knowledgeable in ensuring you complete the appropriate forms prior to your car’s departure from Puerto Rico.

Contact us today. We will ensure you have all the mandated forms completed accurately so you can put your car shipment from Puerto Rico into motion.