Watch this Before You Move to Puerto Rico | 7 things we wish we knew

[@monserrateortiz901]

First time I see a video of a foreigner explaining how to live in PR, exactly without exaggerations... good job I am puertorrican!

[@jamesxpri]

im glad we were able to share this without exaggeration! thank you

[@ancestralabundance]

🤍

[@rebecasantana2295]

The are local markets (Plaza del Mercado) in every municipality where you can get local things (root vegetables, fruits, spices, etc). You just have to learn how to get around. They also have Sams, Costco, Walmarts, etc, and local big supermarkets where you can see different prices and variety. You will eventually start getting around and learn and find everything.

[@jamesxpri]

yes, i definitely find my way in finding specific ingredients or food, theyre scattered in different places but it works

[@Multi-Cultural-333]

We are passionate about our culture and I hope the gentrification slows down. I do like your last statement “respect the people and the land”. Thanks for that part. Acculturation is important if going to Puerto Rico. People should know that there is strong feelings and “Gringo Go Home” signs and graffiti across the island. For those that don’t know, check videos of Bianca (journalist) and “La playas son de el Pueblo”. We do not stand down and fight for our land and culture. Lastly, yes, learning Spanish is a must.

[@jamesxpri]

Yeah for sure you should fight for your culture and your land its amazing and its you! coming form a gringo myself don't let outsiders tell you anything other its your right as a Puerto Rican to live as a Puerto Rican. For me its really fun learning about new cultures and experiencing how people live but you always need to respect who people are and what they do . I just feel lucky to be able to know a little Spanish and talk to people it really opens up doors and bridges gaps ,and the world needs more of that. thanks for sharing your thoughts thats cool!

[@TG-qr6kd]

@@Multi-Cultural-333 yet you take American dollars for your infrastructure. Sad you take the money but don’t welcome Americans. Typical

[@shredwake]

You guys are the best, we miss you both and especially Remi is missing you guys.

[@jamesxpri]

we miss you guys so much too, all our surf sesh and game nights it's not the same without you guys! we miss Remi! come back soon!

[@13htorrespr]

Nice video, thanks for sharing your experience...I left PR in 1989 but visit regularly. I miss a lot of things, others not so much. Best of luck to you guys.

[@jamesxpri]

aww, we hope you get to come back soon :)

[@fabricioemmanuelli1115]

I stay in Florida and the hospital 12 hours is normal, I waited 17 hours in Orlando Florida ORMC the best hospital. 17 hours, they hold the record!

[@pinkyrose6307]

Here in PA is a whole day sometimes too

[@jamesxpri]

oh wow! I guess we just havent experienced that. Thank you for sharing!

[@luissaavedraroman9714]

Really surprised to hear that from Florida. I work in the ED in NYC and wait times like that are the norm, even in the fancy hospitals. The big difference with the PR healthcare system though, and they mention it, is how hard it is to get appointment in a timely manner.

[@orlando6517]

Welcome to PR. Hope you enjoy your time here...

[@jamesxpri]

yes! we've been here for 10 months and it's been amazing

[@pinkyrose6307]

The language part is what got me. English is a mandatory subject in schools from 1 to 12 grade. Preparing students for their future. Like joining the US military. We all know English by the time we out of school. Some choose not to speak it all but everyone knows something. Lol I was fluent by 17. Is the conversational part that is hard to achieve. Reading and writing was a breeze.

[@thechildfromthevillage]

That’s not true at all. I mean how old are you I’m Puerto Rico from the states and Iv went to school with Puerto Ricans who came over who barely understood English. Certain areas have better education. Not all Puerto Ricans learn English. Are you from ponce?

[@pinkyrose6307]

@@thechildfromthevillage I'm from Corozal PR rural area. Best education ever!

[@pinkyrose6307]

@@thechildfromthevillage LoL that is true! Like I said not all feel comfortable talking or plain reject it. Barely passing the class. Every one in my whole family speaks English

[@lynneacevedo6641]

lies.

[@ilimari]

@@thechildfromthevillageI’m from the area metro and what she said is true at least for me and most of my friends. At school they focus more on the reading and grammatical and not that much on conversational, so by the time I started college (2000) I was able to understand all what my fully bilingual English teacher talked at class but my conversational English skills were zero, nada, niente 😂

[@michellemaloney2059]

I was just in Rincon. We went for a drive and I found my true love. It was a spot maybe an area named Punta?? We were looking for a beach called Sandy. We ended at the top of a steep hill. Everything was just right except it felt a bit empty.

[@jamesxpri]

WOw awesome story telling thanks for that, i wonder why you felt a bit empty inside? maybe there is one more piece of the puzzle missing that you will find soon to complete your story

[@erre_gomez]

Bien explicado. Los felicito.

[@sofiavillalonga-uo9rn]

This video was super insightful. Thank you both!

[@jamesxpri]

thanks for taking the time to watch

[@ReganShorter]

Asian food is what I miss the most from the states, so I understand your pain there! What Asian market did you go to?

[@jamesxpri]

there's one in San Juan called Asia Market! This is the address: 1262 Av. Manuel Fernández Juncos, San Juan, 00907

[@ReganShorter]

@@jamesxpri thank you!!

[@787aida-rivers.a]

There’s a few in the west you got to look at em online mostly food trucks

[@Garrettray1372]

​@@ReganShorter Greetings from America 🇺🇸 How are you ❤️

[@zenwilds2911]

If I lived in Puerto Rico, I would grow most of my food. And have chickens (eggs) for protein. I miss mangos so much. I love coconut water. 🥥

[@jamesxpri]

That sounds like an amazing plan!!

[@mariapizarrosath8147]

We thinking about moving to Puerto Rico, my parents are Puerto Rican but i was born and raised in the usa. But me and hubby want to retire somewhere else and looking into Puerto rico ( which I know nothing about) but my brother has made many trips and is more familiar, he going to buy land and build on it and we will then follow! I rather buy than rent. I know the lifestyle is different and hope w i can accustom to it. My husband can live in a jungle so he be ok 😂

[@jamesxpri]

I think you will love it! the people are so kind always in high energy and fun! There would be somethings you would have to get used to coming form the states but it might grow on you! Thats awesome your parents are Puerto Rican!

[@mariapizarrosath8147]

@@jamesxpri yes I have some awesome childhood memories from age 4 to 7. When mom lived there, the best memories ever

[@TheNinaNicholeShow]

Hi! I would like to learn more about monthly expenses. However, specifically, I would like to know what requirements are needed to rent an apartment when you are self-employed. Do you have any information on that?

[@fabricioemmanuelli1115]

All you need is money, we don't care about all the bull they care in the states. I had a two bedroom apartment water and light included, by the beach for $450. You can't beat that with a bat. But good luck finding a job that pays.

[@jamesxpri]

Hi! We will share more about this in an upcoming video, but to give you an overview we spend about $2-3k a month and that include ALL our expenses in Puerto Rico alone. I know that you can definitely save more!

[@jamesxpri]

wow! that is a great deal

[@Blueskyz316]

@@fabricioemmanuelli1115is it really that hard to find a job ? 😢 even as like a server in a restaurant or something

[@fabricioemmanuelli1115]

@@Blueskyz316 there are 20 other gringos trying to get the job as well, if it's a place Americans frequent.

[@vwbustube]

Why not back to the Philippines?

[@VINZBROWN]

Bc they choose PR. THATS why.

[@vwbustube]

@@VINZBROWN If I need a comment from Jersey, I’ll reach out. Thanks

[@pedrobarrantes1177]

is it true crime us higher than in Puerto Rico? People scare ne telling me kipnap is very common.

[@DJZensei]

I'm from Hawaii as well and I'm looking to move to puerto rico as well.

[@sunethramuralidhara6130]

Do a video on how to find an air bnb!

[@jamesxpri]

Sounds cool! I think we can get around to that one eventually!

[@ChasityAustin]

Wow I live on Oahu currently & id like to move to PR…funny that you guys also have lived in Hawaii

[@jamesxpri]

Thats cool! we are in Hawaii now actually but Puerto Rico is always nice! what part of PR you want to move to?

[@787aida-rivers.a]

9:54 find the community health care like in Rincon or in Mayaguez they will assist you right away I got to MIGRANT HEALTH CENTER in Mayaguez and they will help y’all going to hospital they take forever! Find locals to show y’all their ways and help y’all you will see isn’t that’s hard we know the places and the tricks to get what we need I know for turist is not easy but y’all will get there with patience is not easy nor difficult.

[@jamesxpri]

Thanks for your helpful insight! its really good to know about that!

[@Perfectamente-imperfectos]

Piña colada is not only fund in Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 it was created in the Island 🏝️ 🍍 🥥 😊 Nice video !

[@jamesxpri]

your right! tasty drink!

[@SuperFitness12]

Welcome to Puerto Rico!

[@bds124]

Thank you! This was super helpful!

[@jamesxpri]

your welcome thanks for watching!!

[@victorroa3972]

If you don't mind me asking, what do you guys do for work? I am looking for a job and although an intermediate spanish speaker, I am having some trouble landing a job. Any recommendations?

[@jamesxpri]

hey! we have our own creative video marketing business where we work with brands in creating videos.

[@thanks4playing293]

So what job could you recommend

[@nextari]

Wow too beautiful Pri! Island princess! 🔥😍

[@jamesxpri]

aww thank you!

[@KING4aday46]

Thanks for the info. 👍

[@jamesxpri]

You bet!

[@jbobyn]

Great video, but the site is available in english you just had it set up as spanish on the top!

[@jamesxpri]

Thanks for the tip!

[@jon6309]

Wow I live in Hawaii. I work in banking and as someone who invest, Puerto Rico is very attractive to move with favorable investment laws for bonafide residents.

[@jamesxpri]

Its a possibility! might be something to look at

[@SoulEternalPeaceWarrior77]

Loved the video guys, thank you for the knowledge! Was just curious, is there any agency/business you would recommend contacting for someone interested in moving there? Looking forward to hearing from you :)

[@jamesxpri]

sorry for the late reply, I'm sure there are plenty of agencies, we just talked to friends and and went for it and learned along the way.

[@orlandoperez2156]

Wow y’all went from Hawaii to Puerto Rico. Couldn’t you check out the island of Guam?

[@jamesxpri]

I have been to Guam just for a quick visit, very nice place but no vlog :)

Hello. I am looking for a home to rent in Puerto Rico. I am moving from Florida. I see there are 2 websites to search for places: Clasificados Online and Clasificados Puerto Rico. The same homes are different prices. Is there one I should trust versus the other? I appreciate your input. Thank you!

[@jamesxpri]

hi! we definitely used Clasificados online! here is the link we only used www.clasificadosonline.com/ we made a vlog about looking for a place!

[@jamesxpri]

Which topic would you like us to cover next: Process of buying a car or covering monthly expenses? Comment below!

[@mr_olympia2069]

Would love a breakdown of monthly expenses now that you have been there almost a year. Keep up the great videos!

[@tonyburns9094]

Hi guys, I am really enjoying your vlog. My wife and I moved here in November, originally to Rincon but currently living in Dorado. I would like to know about your car buying experience. We bought a new car but the dealership literally took care of everything. I am now looking at buying a van so we can camp on the west side and I think I want to buy used. I would be really interested to hear the process from the angle of someone in our similar situation. It seems really complicated. Thanks in advance. Tony

[@KING4aday46]

Groceries , the prices there on the $ you have to spend in a week or in a month. I know the water for the house is very expensive. Gas prices there at the moment.

[@tinyhydrogreens1932]

There are a lot of brokers and realtors in Puerto Rico advertising houses and land for sale near beaches with false information. I would like you to comment about that as a warning to people wanting to buy a piece of paradise, and then finding out that the land can not be develop or the house was illegally built on protected land. The selling of properties with private beaches is false information. All beaches by law are public in the island. Enjoy your stay in Puerto Rico.

[@pinkyrose6307]

@@KING4aday46 gas prices are about the same as mainland. Except is shown in litters instead of gallons

[@Boricua-ni4nb]

Real nice couple..👍👍WELCOME!

[@jamesxpri]

Thank you! 😃 you are so awesome

[@normagonzalez7470]

We have plenty of herbs, food of all kind and our food is wider than the few thinks you know. Learn spanish. Yes, we have our culture.

[@jamesxpri]

yes your right plenty of amazing herbs and good natural food from the land :)

[@Garrettray1372]

Greetings from America 🇺🇸 How are you ❤️

[@Blaze-lw7np]

Great video 👍

[@juanreyna2725]

Me and my partner are planning to possibly move to PR but the San Juan area. How are the jobs?

[@jamesxpri]

yeah there are jobs there, but the best is to create job think of good ideas you can do to earn online or create a job to help bring money in to benefit the local community with jobs and opportunity

[@787aida-rivers.a]

LEARN SPANISH please we locals speak English but we truly appreciate if y’all live here we appreciate your efforts Bc most of the locals Do not speak English. At least the basics in Spanish

[@jamesxpri]

yes! you gotta learn some Spanish for sure!

[@TravelingToFish]

@@787aida-rivers.a totally understand and agree with you and the same goes for the U.S.A if someone moves their learn English

[@paull2937]

I suffer from depression. But only during the summer, usually June through mid September, when it’s bright sun, hot, humid, and I can’t go outside because it feels miserable. But once autumn comes my depression is cured. So I have no idea how you can survive over there. If I lived there and I was forced to stay think I’d die from suicide.

[@jamesxpri]

oh man so sorry that you have depression :(

[@dumpsterfire6351]

Uhhhhhhhh ok Hope your ok buddy

[@paull2937]

@@jamesxpri Not anymore. It’s winter and as long as I don’t get sick I’m happier than ever.

[@ProdavackaDivu]

Wow I’m opposite because I love hot weather and don’t get enough sun in winter :/

[@ilimari]

I’m quite the opposite. I get depressed if I don’t get enough sun.

[@xloohoolizzyx]

The jones act is so horrible. It upsets me so much what colonization has done to boríken.

[@jamesxpri]

i agree :(

[@Jodez23]

Nice job 👍

[@jamesxpri]

Thanks 👍

[@shhlisten1]

Good video, thanks

[@jamesxpri]

You're welcome , thanks for watching :)

[@jennadavi1013]

yes step by step for buying a car pls!

[@AngelRivera-wp9bg]

You are right on many things but wrong on food.There is a diversity of food .It will take time you will discover food of all type including Asian.

[@jamesxpri]

They do have some good for sure! :)

[@DanBelsky_Health_Money_Love]

Thank you for your experience we moved right after Hurricane Maria and we settle i

[@TainaPR2024]

So you preyed on our tragedy to profit yourself. You're a monster.

[@gloriamalave4521]

I did uber while I was there

[@PedroHernandez-im9zv]

Puerto Rico has olaces that is fpr people to test and much peace dont mess it up America, plus your welcome. Ok ♥️

[@codywy5579]

Buying car would be good... thanks!

[@jamesxpri]

awesome! we will create more content on that! coming soon :)

[@lauren4500]

Girl you are so pretty

[@jamesxpri]

Thanks you are so kind!

[@ernestoflores1057]

Is an Island surrounded by water. Were not water people.

[@zatoichi1]

12 hour wait at the hospital... sounds like southern California.

[@jamesxpri]

haha your right!

[@hectorabreu7657]

U guys seem unhappy! Thank u for sharing d video~

[@jamesxpri]

haha , were happy inside : ) thanks for watching!!

[@mmmmmm8606]

Do try to do a little bit more research. Remember PR isn’t like the states. You get a better deal if you go to places physically than online. Also you guys live in an underdeveloped part of the island by choice so everything is going to be more complicated and expensive. I do hope you enjoy your stay and watch out for the indians lol

[@jamesxpri]

Thanks for your insight and advice, it does make sense! thanks for watching too!!

[@luissaavedraroman9714]

there isn't really a difference in development between SJ and all the coastal towns. Unless you consider development more access to more mainland stores. Even in the mountainous area, which can be argued have lower HDI's, you're always close to the coast.

[@keaka560]

Lucky you are on the west side of Island. That would be my choice as well. I had little choice but to be in the metro area due to work. I have been here before for work. Therefore not surprised on the lawless driving, potholes and traffic. What I did not know were these unmuffled offroad vehicles (two and 4 wheel drive)driving up and down certain streets dusk to dawn. Also the loud music (that I will tolerate). Cops don't do anything about this nor the lawless driving. GO figure

[@jamesxpri]

yep i guess its just part of the island life her in PR still pretty cool, and yea west side is the spot

[@keaka560]

@@jamesxpri But I am assimilating

[@sigfredoesteves1944]

There are thousan Puertorican in Maui and Hawaii.

[@jamesxpri]

Yes tons in Hawaii for sure!! pretty cool

[@glowtarot9331]

PuertoRicans are paying for mainlanders to live here tax free.... and they give advice also??? 🤣🤣🤣

[@jamesxpri]

I know crazy right!

[@Garrettray1372]

Greetings from America 🇺🇸 How are you ❤️

[@Rinniantoinette]

As long as people learn the language and don’t disrupt our way of living just because you gringos think you know best. Doesn’t surprise me most gringos go to rincón and west side.

[@jamesxpri]

Thanks for sharing! you are awesome :)

[@Daxxxsanjuan]

@@Rinniantoinette English and Spanish are the official languages!

[@lennyvelez5929]

cute couple.

[@jamesxpri]

aww thank you!

[@Jjay257]

Can y’all LEAVE OUR AFRO/CREOLE-CARIBBEAN ISLAND!!!????? NO MORE COLONIZERS!!!!!!!!! Thanx🙏🏾🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🙏🏾

[@jamesxpri]

your island is amazing, sure

[@ShaunJohnson-f6q]

All 20 percent of your afro bloodline ...be soo proud. Lmaooo I'm 20 percent american indian. I guess that's makes me puerto Ricans too.

[@UrsusHorribilis]

You ain’t ever had Chinese Puerto Rican food? Try it if not

[@jamesxpri]

Chines PR food is def its own style of food and very unique. Its kinda cool and and different frome real Chinese food

[@PatBly-ty1zy]

Get A Motor scooter 🛵🤣

[@jamesxpri]

I know those are the best!!

[@jamesmc1016]

D0 not go😊

[@JBanks333]

🌬📢 H😒neychile MOVE again.

[@jamesxpri]

I know we move around a lot, we hope to come back soon!

[@LetsDeColonizeTheWorld]

why do you keep pronouncing it Porto Rico it's Puerto Rico. PUERTO rico. smh. americans.

[@jamesxpri]

True you gotta say it the right way

[@christianbea4544]

Don't waste ur money in Puerto Rico, go to hawaii or miami instead

[@Notrocketscience101]

The truth; Puerto Rico sucks! There are four times as many Puerto Ricans living in the states, is on the island. That should tell you a lot about how much they like the place. It's actually not the geography, it's a beautiful island, but the people have made it unlivable.

[@jamesxpri]

the island itself is beautiful, the people are kind and fun , I think it may just be the government and they way they structure things unfortunately

[@edithcintron4043]

Extremely bad Puerto Rico , the worse is to come , nobody can live from fruits they give for free , Work , Documents, Payments of bills , i dont think you will survive , plus if huricanes comes this country will be the last to receive gasoline and food , earthquakes , terror , bad country , expensive foods , taxes , renting is bad property manager can come to your apartment breaking the tenants rights , broken streets , electricity water can be missing , dont even think twice , your going to leave 100% , people making you struggle with documents , leave and make your future out in Florida or California , maybe Hawaii , but this is the worse of the worse nighmare you can have , hunger and lack of jobs , you got to be mayor or family member to have a job , sorry but your on the wrong Island knowing theres more good places to live if you can work , but at 7hour your busted finished .

[@ppagsus]

Your comments on the Jones Act are not quite accurate. The Jones Act only covers shipments between US ports. The Jones Act basically says that all shipping between US ports must employ US crews and US shipping companies. All US ports, NY, Baltimore, LA are subject to this rule. Shipments from other countries to PR can and do arrive on non-us ships. However, many foreign shipers choose to go the the US first, thus incurring extra cost to unload/reload to a US ship to move the goods to PR. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchant_Marine_Act_of_1920

[@jamesxpri]

yeah its kinda unfortunate for the people and the cost. Its interesting they still have the Jones act in tact

[@Bambina-y7q]

Puerto Rico should become independant.

[@jamesxpri]

yes that would be nice in the long run!

[@pav688]

Mofungo is mashed plantain’s and meat or seafood. Yuck

[@jamesxpri]

hahah!

[@Multi-Cultural-333]

@@jamesxpri how is this funny. You making fun of our food? Yet, want to live on OUR island. This is not Hawaii and the difference is we are passionate and will not let the same thing happen (like Hawaii). I’m over it-respect our culture.

[@jonathanmoore9661]

They give very neutral responses, she may be laughing at the statement as if it were ridiculous.

[@jonathanmoore9661]

I am a pilot and went to PR for the first time last week. Of course I had mofongo and it was one of the best things I’ve ever eaten.

[@nelsonvazquez4230]

You could always go back, I'll even give you a free ride to the airport and give you the PUERTORICAN way of saying goodbye so you will remember us for the rest of your lives. Just let me know.

[@weniwidiwici726]

Just to let you know "Clasificados" means the classified section not Craig's list which is a potential scam

[@jamesxpri]

for sure thanks!

[@anthonyir3408]

Hey guys I just followed your Instagram. My wife and I are huge Japanese food lover and Poké lover. We live in the mountain in a town called Adjuntas. Hit us up if anything. Salud 🤙🏽🇵🇷

[@henrygonzalez8793]

My extended family is from Adjuntas, more specifically from the barrio of Tanama. Though I was raised in NY I just love everything about Adjuntas, so much so that I am considering living there. My dream is to buy a house with enough space for friends & family to visit. All the Best to you !!

[@anthonyir3408]

@@henrygonzalez8793 That’s awesome man I myself is from the South New Jersey area but always had family here and I would come every year to visit, love Adjuntas and the mountains. After the pandemic and my hectic real estate working I just wanted to work remote and have more time to what’s important. Stay blessed and I hope you’re able to do that man 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@henrygonzalez8793]

@@anthonyir3408 Thank you - that is much appreciated !! It was amazing how much at home I felt when I first visited PR (esp Adjuntas) after living in a big city all my life. Maybe you felt the same way ! Thanks again - be well !

[@jamesxpri]

Hey Anthony! Yes, let's definitely meet up sometime!

[@Blueskyz316]

I just worry about finding work there .

[@weniwidiwici726]

I don't think anyone thinks Puerto Rico is part of the U.S. they probably Know that P.R. is definitely part of the U.S....

[@jamesxpri]

Puerto Rico is definitely Puerto Rico

[@weniwidiwici726]

Ah, she did say she's Asian