Surviving Puerto Rico: 10 Tips for Adventurers

Surviving Puerto Rico: 10 Tips for Adventurers

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Lizards and Mosquitoes
3. Island Time
4. Impatient Drivers
5. Hot and Humid Climate
6. Lack of Certain Stores
7. Hurricanes
8. Unreliable and Slow Internet
9. Unpredictable Weather
10. Limitations on Fall and Winter Fashion
11. Nocturnal Noises

Article: 10 Things to Consider When Moving to Puerto Rico

Moving to a new place can be exciting and adventurous, but it’s important to be prepared for the unique aspects of your new home. Puerto Rico, a vibrant island territory of the United States, has its own lifestyle and culture that differ from the mainland. To help you adjust smoothly to your new surroundings, here are 10 things to consider when moving to Puerto Rico.

1. Lizards and Mosquitoes: One of the first things You'll Notice in Puerto Rico is the abundance of lizards and mosquitoes. Lizards, ranging from brown to green to pink, can be found on walls and lurking outside your home. Iguanas, too, are a common sight, from parking lots to beaches. While mosquitoes are an annoyance everywhere, they can be more prevalent in the countryside.

2. Island Time: Puerto Rico operates on its own time, often referred to as "island time". The pace of life is slower, and this extends to services as well. Contractors, government agencies, and doctors' offices may take longer than expected to complete tasks. It's essential to adapt to this relaxed rhythm during your stay.

3. Impatient Drivers: Puerto Rico is notorious for its impatient drivers. This reputation is a combination of bad attitudes, road rage, and a lack of respect for traffic laws. Be prepared for the chaos on the roads, where drivers may honk or disregard stop signs.

4. Hot and Humid Climate: As an island in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico experiences hot and humid weather. The heat can be intense, with high levels of humidity causing frizzy hair and constant sweating. Stay hydrated and take precautions to protect yourself from the sun.

5. Lack of Certain Stores: Puerto Rico may not have all the stores and services you are accustomed to. Popular outlets like Amazon Prime, Trader Joe's, and Chipotle are not widely available. Additionally, some areas lack an Apple Store. Prepare yourself for potential limitations in the shopping options available.

6. Hurricanes: Living in a tropical region means being prepared for hurricanes. Puerto Rico has been significantly affected by hurricanes in the past, including devastating ones like Hurricane George in 1998 and Hurricane Maria in 2017. Understand the risks and make sure you have a plan in place in case of a hurricane.

7. Unreliable and Slow Internet: The internet service in Puerto Rico may not be as reliable or fast as in other areas. While fiber optics offer better connectivity, they are not available everywhere. Be patient with internet outages and expect slower upload and download speeds.

8. Unpredictable Weather: The weather in Puerto Rico can be unpredictable. It's not uncommon to experience sudden rain showers even on sunny days. Siri's weather forecast may not always be accurate. Keep an umbrella handy and be prepared for frequent rain and occasional flooding.

9. Limitations on Fall and Winter Fashion: The constant heat in Puerto Rico means that you won't have many opportunities to wear fall and winter outfits. Chunky sweaters, hats, scarves, and knee-high boots may have to stay in storage. Embrace a more tropical wardrobe to stay comfortable in the heat.

10. Nocturnal Noises: Puerto Rico comes alive with nocturnal creatures, especially in rural areas. Crickets and coquí frogs Create a symphony of sounds, particularly noticeable when it rains. If you're a light sleeper, consider using a fan or air conditioning to mask these noises.

Moving to Puerto Rico offers a chance to experience a unique and vibrant culture, but it's crucial to be aware of these aspects before making the move. Embrace the lifestyle, adapt to the climate, and prepare yourself for the challenges that come along with living on this beautiful island.