Top Five Things You Need To Know When Moving To Puerto Rico

Need a change of place and pace with the New Year?  Want to have an adventure?  Getting a job transfer?

Living in Puerto Rico can be a great change of pace to your life.  There are many great things about living in Puerto Rico:  The culture, weather, beautiful beaches, friendly and family oriented people, but if you are moving to Puerto Rico, these are the top five things you need to know:

• Cost Of Living:  Living on the island can be expensive.  Things like food, electricity, the cost of cars and real estate(depending on the area), can be more expensive, than some areas of the mainland.  Freight charges is the main reason for the higher cost.
  
  
• Crime:  There is crime on the island just like everywhere else.  Most of the crime is concentrated in San Juan, the capital.  The majority of the crime is drug related.  Other crimes are theft(car and personal property).
  
  
• Economy:  The economy of Puerto Rico is one of the most diverse in the Caribbean.  The main industries are:  Pharmaceuticals, electronics, and tourism.  Puerto Rico is an island and job opportunities can be hard to find.  Also, salaries tend to be lower than some parts of the United States.  Currently, the economy is slow just like in the mainland.    
  
  
• The Culture:  Although, Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, living in Puerto Rico is not like living in another state.  Learn the culture, try to learn the language, Spanish, and get familiar with the local customs.  Knowing these can help you make a better transition for your move to Puerto Rico.
  
  
• Living On The Island:  The pace of life on the island is slower than in the states.  As an example, it can take longer to get your electricity and phone connected.  What usually takes just a few days, can take up to a week or longer.  The electricity and the water go out with a lot more frequency than the mainland. In Puerto Rico life is about living, not all about work.  It is about enjoying your time with family and friends.
  
  
  Many residents of the United States and other countries have moved to Puerto Rico, and enjoy living here.  For some, it has been harder to adjust than others, and for a few, the island was not for them and have left.  It really depends on the person and how well they were prepared for the move. The best thing to do, if you are contemplating a move to Puerto Rico, is to visit the island, explore what area of the island you would like to live in, and if having a job is a must, try to find that job before you move.
  
  
  Puerto Rico has a lot to offer for an island in the Caribbean, but be prepared and informed before you decide to make the move. 
  
  
  If you have already made the decision to move, enjoy life here.....and welcome to Puerto Rico! 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   

Hold On To Your Receipts When Shopping In Puerto Rico

If you are shopping, having dinner, etc. in Puerto Rico, do not throw out your receipts, they can be worth money in Puerto Rico.  Starting in July 2011, Puerto Rico's Treasury Department is transforming receipts into lottery tickets, printing contest numbers on each receipt, and holding weekly drawings for cash prizes ranging from $100 to $1,000.  The government of Puerto Rico also plans to have a monthly drawing for a car.  Officials will hold a drawing each Tuesday and Saturday, and winners have up to 30 days to collect their prizes.


The idea behind this new program in Puerto Rico:  The government wants consumers to demand their receipts, to discourage businesses from not paying the 7 percent sales tax by making unrecorded cash sales.  Puerto Rico has a strong cash economy, where people keep few records, and do not pay all the taxes the government thinks it should collect.  The government of Puerto Rico wants to ensure Puerto Rico's many tiny markets, food stalls and other businesses collect the sales tax(IVU Spanish initials).


Although, Puerto Rico took in $1Billion in sales tax last year, authorities estimate that the government of Puerto Rico is only collecting about 52 percent of what it is owed under the law.  The Treasury Department hopes to collect $400 million in additional sales tax revenue in two years as a result of this program.


The businesses that refuse to use the government issued receipt machines will be fined $20,000.  Those caught withholding receipts from customers will receive a $100 fine.


Happy shopping in Puerto Rico, and don't forget to hold on to your receipts and collect your prizes!


Puerto Rico's Treasury Department:
www.hacienda.gobierno.pr     

Puerto Rico Is The Place Embroidery

Take a look at the embroidered items at our Puerto Rico Is The Place store.  Puerto Rico is in style!


Please visit our store

How To Make Arroz Con Pollo (Chicken With Rice): A Tasty Dish In Puerto Rico

Ingredients to make arroz con pollo

Arroz con Pollo (Chicken with Rice) is a tasty dish in Puerto Rico.  In Puerto Rico, rice is an essential part of a Puerto Rican meal, and  Arroz con Pollo is a top choice.


Ingredients:

2 1/2 pounds of skinless chicken breast and/or thighs.
Cut breast in halves or thirds, depending on the size.
Salt
Garlic Powder

Pam Spray (olive oil )
3-4 Tablespoons of prepared Goya "Sofrito" *
1 envelope Goya Sazon with cilantro and achiote *
1-8 oz. can tomato sauce
1-2 Knorr chicken broth cubes
1 teaspoon crushed garlic
Several dashes of cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon cilantro leaves

1 can of beer (12 oz)
1 1/2 cups water
1-2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 1/2 cups short grain rice
Optional Garnish: canned sweet peas and strips of canned roasted red peppers

Wash chicken pieces and season with salt and garlic powder, to taste.  Set aside.

Spray the bottom and sides of 4-quart microwaveable pot, with Pam Spray.  Add all the ingredients to
the pot, except for the chicken, beer, olive oil, water and salt; stir.  Microwave covered, for 4 minutes
on High. 

Stir the ingredients.  Add the chicken and coat on all sides with the tomato mixture.  Add  half
of the liquid ( water and beer) and stir well.  At this time, you should taste for salt and add salt,
if needed.  Microwave for 15 minutes on High Power.

Add rice and remaining liquid.  Stir well.  Microwave covered, for 15 minutes on High Power.

Stir well bringing rice on the bottom to the top,  Cover, and microwave for 15-18 minutes at Medium Power.

Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.  Taste rice to make sure it is cooked and that all the water has been absorbed.

If after the resting time you find that the water is not completely absorbed, cover rice with paper towel.
Microwave covered for 4 to 5 minutes more, at Medium Power.

If, on the other hand, you find that rice needs more cooking, place 4 to 5 ice cubes on top of the rice.  Microwave covered for an additional 4 to 5 minutes at Medium power.

Place on serving dish and garnish, if desired.

Buen provecho.


* Available at most Hispanic supermarkets