I started my site www.visit-the-coqui.com to help in the adjustment phase of moving to Puerto Rico. So far the site is fairly small but my intention is to keep providing information that visitors to the site and to Puerto Rico will find helpful.
When friends in the US found out that we were moving here, some of the questions that we were asked amazed me. So here are my ‘Top Five’ misconceptions of Puerto Rico
1. Puerto Rico is some how connected to the mainland United States; either by bridge or like Mexico. What I hear you say? Well that can be the only explaination as to why we were asked ‘How long will it take you to drive to Puerto Rico?’
2. Puerto Rico is in South America. Guess again, Puerto Rico is one of the larger islands in the Caribbean. If you look at a map or atlas of the United States, find the Florida Keys (just below Miami), continue south until you reach Cuba (Castro’s home) then head east (right) and Puerto Rico is the second island to the east. (The one in between Cuba and Puerto Rico is Haiti / Dominican Republic)
3. There is too much crime in Puerto Rico. I call this the ‘West Side Story’ phenomenom. It is true there is crime here, but the same can be said for any city in the United States. There are areas where you would not want to go same as in a city in the States. I have been here for 8 months and have not had any issues.
4. You need a passport to go to Puerto Rico. This is one of the bigger misconceptions. You do not need a passport to go to Puerto Rico is you are a US citizen or legal permanent resident. Travelling to Puerto Rico is the same as traveling to any other state.
5. You need a work permit to work in Puerto Rico. Again, this is not correct. If you are a US citizen or permanent resident with a green card; you can legally work in Puerto Rico.
So there are my ‘Top Five’ misconceptions about Puerto Rico. Here are my ‘Top Five’ reasons for visiting Puerto Rico.
1. NO PASSPORT is required if you are a UC citizen / permanent resident and you are traveling from the US. It is a misconception that US citizens and legal permanent residents need a passport to visit Puerto Rico.
2. The island has tropical warm temperatures all year round. Having been here almost 8 months I would have to say that November to March are the best times to visit here. Why? Temperatures are a little cooler, humidity is less and Christmas time here is wonderful.
3. Puerto Rico has the only tropical rainforest in the USAD forest service and it is worth the trip alone. From San Juan it is an easy 45 minute drive and the scenery is amazing
4. Coming to Puerto Rico, you will feel that you are visiting another country, but with a slight US feel. Here, you will use the same US currency and you will be able to find the same US stores and restaurants. But please, if you do come, check out the local restaurants; you will not regret it.
5. Whether you are looking for the beach, culture, great food, great scenery, lively nightlife, Puerto Rico will surprise you; as it has them all.
