Information on Relocating to Puerto Rico

· The capital city of Puerto Rico is San Juan with about 1.6 million people. The political centre is also in San Juan where the Governor resides. Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the United States.

· Languages: Spanish and English are the official languages. The TV programs are in English and Spanish. Cable and Satellite TV is available in some areas.

· Population: The population is about 3.9 million people - 80.5% are white (mostly Spanish origin), 8% black, 0.4% Amerindian, 0.2% Asian, 10.9% mixed and other.

· Expat areas: There are no particular Expat areas. Most visitors live in San Juan.

· Housing: The availability of apartments and houses in the country and particularly in these popular areas varies. Most Expats rent their apartment or house; some buy their homes. Both options are available but mainly depend on your company policy, income, and the length of your stay.

· Cost of housing: Varies from area to area and the size of the house or apartment and is negotiated. The local currency is US Dollar (US$).

· Schools: We have the American and the International school available. Depending on the age we can tell you about a possible waiting lists, etc.

· Transportation: San Juan has local bus services (Guaguas) and there are bus terminals in Bayamón, Catano, Country Club and Rio Piedras, as well as the capital. Buses usually tend not to run after 9.00 pm. Taxi: Públicos (share-taxis) have ‘P’ or ‘PD’ at the end of license plate numbers and run regular routes between established points. They usually operate only during daylight hours and depart from the main plaza (central square) of a town. Públicos must be insured by law and the Public Service Commission fixes their routes and reasonable rates. Conventional taxis are hired by the hour, and charges are metered except in charter trips outside the usual taxi zones. They can be hailed in the street, or called by telephone. They are available at the airport and at stands at most hotels.

· Bank: The banks are open Mondays-Fridays from 8.30 am - 2.30 pm. Hours may vary.

· Shopping: Is generally done from Monday-Wednesday and Saturday 9.00 am - 7.00 pm. Thursday-Friday 9.00 am - 9.00 pm, Sunday 11.00 am - 5.00 pm (shopping malls). Some shops open on Sunday if cruise liners are in port.

· Climate: Puerto Rico has one of the most pleasant and unvarying climates in the world, with daily highs from 21°C (70°F) to 29ºC (84°F). The island is at its wettest and hottest in August. During this rainy season, sudden late afternoon squalls are common. Regional variations are noticeable: Ponce and the southern coast are warmer and drier than San Juan and the north. It is coldest in the higher altitudes of the Cordillera, where the lowest temperature in the island's history was recorded near Barranquitas: 4ºC (39°F).

· Culture: Puerto Rico’s nightlife is abundant and varied. The streets are lively in the evening. Many shops are open late, and the visitor can sit in the squares of old San Juan and indulge in people-watching. A recommended walk is down La Princesa Promenade, lined with antique street lamps. Meeting places include a Bogart-style cigar bar and cocktail bars. Many Puerto Ricans favor traditional Latin dance clubs with large dance floors, which often have live bands playing salsa and merengue music. Puerto Ricans are passionate about their nightlife, and often dress up. Casinos are also a feature.

· Public holidays: January 1st-New Year's Day; January 6th-Three King's Day; January 10th-Eugenio Varía de Hostos' Birthday; January 17th-Martin Luther King Day; February 21st-George Washington's Birthday; March 22nd-Celebration of the abolition of slavery; March/April: Good Friday/Easter; April 18th-José de Diego Day; July 25th-Constitution Day; September 5th-Labour Day; October 12th-Columbus Day; November 11th-Veterans' Day; November 19th-Celebration of the discovery of Puerto Rico; 4th Thursday in November-Thanksgiving Day; December 25th-Christmas Day.

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