Puerto Rican women are just one of the perks of living on this beautiful island. While still being a U.S. territory, in many ways Puerto Rico looks and feels different. It is a great place to raise a family but it still has a vibrant nightlife. The tech community is growing steadily. The climate is wonderful with lots of sun year-round. There are so many reasons to move to Puerto Rico.
In this article, we will be talking about the girls. But we’ll also talk about amazing Puerto Rican culture, about the process of moving there, and about day-to-day life on the island. Read on to find out why you should move to Puerto Rico even after hurricane Maria. Especially after hurricane Maria!
About Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States. It isn’t a state so it can’t vote in the United States Congress. Puerto Ricans are, however, citizens of the US and they can move freely between the island and mainland states.
Puerto Ricans do not vote for president and vice president of the United States either. On the plus side, they do not pay federal income tax on Puerto Rican income either. This significantly lowers the cost of living here and it balances out the slightly higher prices on groceries.
But how did it end up like this?
Puerto Rico’s Weird History
Columbus discovered Puerto Rico on second journey in 1493. There were native people here already. The Taino Indians originally came from South America but had reached the island and established a colony there.
Juan Ponce de Leon was a Spaniard who accompanied Columbus on his trip. Ponce de Leon received permission to explore the island and he soon found a bay, which seemed perfect even for large ships. He founded Caparra soon after.
By 1521, Caparra had moved North. Not long after, Puerto Rico or rich port took over the name Caparra. Over time, the entire island called itself with that name. The town later became San Juan instead.
Beside the bay a town, Caparra was founded. By 1521 the town was moved to the northern end of the harbour and named Puerto Rico. Over time the port became known as San Juan and the name Puerto Rico came to be applied to the whole island.
On July 25, 1898, during the Spanish–American War, the U.S. invaded Puerto Rico. The war ended with a peace treaty signed in Paris. Spain agreed to cede Puerto Rico, along with the Philippines and Guam, then under Spanish sovereignty, to the U.S. and to relinquish sovereignty over Cuba.
There were plenty of reasons Americans wanted to acquire Puerto Rico. The two main ones, however, were:
- It could become a coaling and naval station for the Navy. Military specialists of the time considered Carribean colonies indispensable to building a powerful Navy.
- Puerto Rico had a strong sugar cane industry. At the time, that was a huge advantage. The U.S. did not have sugar beet farming just yet. Their sugar came from the Carribean anyway but they weren’t seeing any of the profits.
Long story short:
Americans wanted Puerto Rico (and probably Puerto Rican women as well). They found a way to acquire the island. Today, Puerto Rico is a part of the U.S. and you can move freely between the island and the mainland.
Puerto Ricans can’t vote for president, they don’t get a governor or a say in Congress, and they don’t have to pay federal income tax.
Puerto Rican Citizenship?
Technically, Puerto Ricans also have a local citizenship. It was made legal by the Foraker Act of 1900. The U.S. recognizes it and so does Spain. When Spain grants someone a Spanish citizenship it is based on their Puerto Rican status, not on the fact that they are U.S. citizens
But that’s not why I’m telling you this.
There is a curious story about a local guy who renounced his U.S. citizenship and remained just Puerto Rican. Juan Mari Brás was a Puerto Rico Independence activist. He became the first person to receive a Puerto Rican citizenship certificate from the Puerto Rico State Department.
While Mari Brás did that to test out the technicalities of U.S. citizenship laws, it had a profound impact on the movement for independence. When he received his new certificate of citizenship, Juan Mari Brás said:
I freed myself from the indignity of a false citizenship … that of the country that invaded mine, which continues to keep the only country that I owe allegiance to as a colony.
Is Puerto Rico A Colony?
You will hear the word colony thrown around a lot in Puerto Rico. The island is still suffering the impact of hurricane Maria but they are also in a constant struggle for their independence.
Technically, a colony is an area that is controlled by a country, but which is not in that country. India was a colony of the U.K. A lot of European countries had colonies in Africa. Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony before it was ceded to the States.
But is Puerto Rico “the world’s oldest colony”, as some say?
The answer is: yes and no.
Puerto Rico, Colonialism, And Independence
Skip ahead if you are in a hurry. This will provide you with some context on Puerto Rican politics. It isn’t necessary to understand when you first move. It will, however, be very useful in the long run.
After World War II, there was a strong movement to abolish colonies. The United Nations called them non self-governing countries and it made a list of them. Puerto Rico entered that list and that was bad news for the States.
At that time, after a world war and amidst the Cold War, the last thing the U.S. wanted was to be seen as the bad guy. In fact, Puerto Rico provided a great opportunity to prove how much better the Western block was doing. While the USSR never quite managed to help Cuba, Puerto Rico could provide a sharp contrast.
But first, the States had to get over the colonialism issue. And they did that by providing Puerto Ricans with some (but not all) forms of self-government.
In 1953, Puerto Rico was removed from that list. It was now considered as a locally self-governing territory and, as such, not a colony.
Was Puerto Rico More Free Before?
Those who defend the “world’s oldest colony” point argue that under Spanish rule, Puerto Ricans enjoyed a great deal of more independence. Here is a handy list:
- Puerto Rico had free maritime control
- They were represented in the Spanish Cortes (essentially a congress)
- Puerto Rico could choose and vote a monetary policy, banking, import/export duties, and public credit separately from Spain.
- They would negotiate and sign their own commercial treaties.
- As Spanish citizens, they had the same voting rights all Spaniards did.
- The Spanish Constitution applied 100% the same to Puerto Ricans as it did to mainland Spanish citizens.
- The charter governing Puerto Rico’s relation with Spain, could not be changed without Puerto Rico’s consent.
Even though at the time Puerto Rico was considered a colony, it had more independence and freedom than it does now. But there is more:
Hurricane Maria And How The U.S. Government Failed Puerto Rico
Hurricane Maria was a devastating natural disaster for the entire island. In fact, if you plan on moving here, you will soon realise that the impact isn’t completely gone.
But amongst the initial chaos, many felt that the Trump administration didn’t do enough. Among those who voiced their anger was the mayor of San Juan, Carmen Yulín Cruz. When she spoke at a Chicago conference, Cruz said:
We don’t even know how many people died from the botched effort of an administration that, it wasn’t that they couldn’t do it, it was that they didn’t get it. President Trump had absolutely no sense of urgency regarding the lives of the people of Puerto Rico. He thought it was okay to go and throw paper towels at us.
Indeed, the post-Maria situation was very tough at that point. With the new hurricane season approaching, there were still tens of thousands of families without a roof over their heads. Basic necessities like drinking water and electricity weren’t available in many places. The suicide rate had spiked.
But Cruz didn’t just criticise the administration. She made the point that, even though many U.S. cities like Chicago had extended a helping hand, overall the States were treating Puerto Ricans as second-class citizens:
If someone had a doubt before September 20, after September 20 they had to have come to the conclusion: Puerto Rico is a territory, a colony of the United States. To solve a problem you have to accept it, and that means that we must wake up and stop allowing it
How Life In Puerto Rico Is Different
Life on the island is indeed very different than the mainland. For one, you still notice the effect that hurricane Maria had. But there are other differences, too.
Puerto Rico Is More Expensive?
Federal law states that all imports to Puerto Rico must pass through the mainland first. This is yet another argument about the island’s colonial status.
But it also has an impact on day-to-day life in Puerto Rico.
Because of the shipping costs and the cost of products passing through the U.S., all imports are pricier in Puerto Rico. This can greatly impact your cost of living or you might not notice it at all. It really depends on your lifestyle.
To take an example:
A Häagen-Dazs 28-ounce ice cream is usually around 8-9$ on the mainland. In Puerto Rico, it’s 12$ at least. The same goes for nice wine (or just generally wine, there aren’t local options), for cheeses and charcuterie, and even for your favourite brands of toiletries.
Why You Will Still Live Cheaper In Puerto Rico
Newcomers to Puerto Rico prepare themselves for much higher prices than they end up paying. Yes, all imported goods are about 20 to 30% more expensive. But you could live for much less because housing is a bargain.
Prices like 2000 to 2500$ per month for a four-bedroom house in a beautiful suburban area are pretty much the norm. If you are not that bothered about a lawn, you could rent an apartment for under 1000$, perhaps even under 700$ depending on the area.
As a whole, Puerto Rico is very safe so you could easily get cheaper housing and not worry about crime rates in your new area. Obviously, some common sense never hurt nobody, though.
The second very big saving is on taxes. Puerto Ricans do not pay a federal income tax. Depending on what you do for a living, this can be a major benefit. This is why plenty of self-employed Americans are now moving to Puerto Rico. Cryptocurrency entrepreneurs, in particular, have been flocking to the island recently.
The booming tech industry is a direct consequence of the tax savings, too. After hurricane Maria, however, many opted out of Puerto Rico because power is still unstable and there are some issues with healthcare.
Would you be crazy to move after the hurricane though? Let’s see about that:
Moving To Puerto Rico After Hurricane Maria
A lot of people would call you crazy for doing it. After all, the island did struggle a lot with the negative impact and it is still struggling. However, things are a lot better now and even those who moved away temporarily are moving back.
One thing you will need in Puerto Rico is a generator. The power is improving but it’s not ideal. Major apartment complexes should certainly have a generator, too. This is something to ask your new Puerto Rican landlord.
If you are going to live in a house, though, it’s most likely that you will have to buy the generator yourself. A decent one will set you back around 700$ plus the money for gas to run it.
Bear in mind that generators are not meant to be run for long periods of time. Ask around to get an idea of how often you would have to run yours. If you are someone who can’t live without his air conditioning (you might be like this moving to a tropical climate), consider getting a more powerful one so that you don’t struggle through the heat.
Prepare To Deal With Puerto Rican Contractors
Another big surprise for newcomers in Puerto Rico is how often things need to be repaired. Because of the humidity, you need constant repainting. Paint simply falls off in a couple of months. Mold forms very easily, too, so it’s smart to use some sort of product in your house. Try to opt for a natural option – mold causes allergies but a lot of the stronger products come with their own safety concerns.
And, since things will be breaking and needing repairs quite often, you will need contractors. The good news is that labour is very cheap in Puerto Rico. The bad news:
These people are SUPER flaky!
They would not show up for days, then they’d show up unannounced, they would take a lot longer than expected, etc. It’s best to accept that fact and to budget some extra time when you are working with contractors. You will soon find the ones you can trust but meanwhile, it’s best to stay patient and expect delays!
Now For The Fun Part
Now that we’ve covered some major topics on Puerto Rico’s geography, politics, and current situation, let’s talk something a lot more fun:
These girls will blow your mind. And the good news is, unlike other Caribbean countries, you don’t have a language barrier here. The cultural differences are major but they’re not as drastic as other parts in the region. Most importantly, Puerto Rican women are among the hottest in the world!
Why Puerto Rican Women?
Genetically speaking, mixed-race people are always more attractive. Because they come from a very diverse background, they have inherited distinct features from many places. On the inside, this means they are naturally protected against more diseases and that their kids will be less prone to genetic ailments.
On the outside, it’s their milk chocolate skin, their thick dark hair, and their amazing curves. Another big factor is the confidence that all Puerto Ricans seem to enjoy.
Much like other places in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is a culture of the community where everyone is made to feel loved and accepted. Puerto Rican women grew up surrounded by many people, typically in large families. They are very sociable and friendly. It’s not hard at all to approach a Puerto Rican gal – not at the club, not on the beach, not even at the workplace.
Workplace Romance Is Acceptable In Puerto Rico
If you will be working in an office, you might wonder about local taboos surrounding workplace romance. The good news is that it’s completely acceptable.
Not only do bosses turn a blind eye, it is almost expected. When you come in as a new colleague, the single girls in the office will definitely take notice. From there on, it is up to you what you make of it:
How To Flirt With Puerto Rican Women
Flirting is a forgotten tradition in many places of the U.S. The biggest flirting mistake you can make with Puerto Rican women is not to flirt at all.
I know, it is awkward to talk to your crush. But rarely will a Puerto Rican say yes to a date if there isn’t some prior sexual tension. The flirting phase is your time to establish a flow of the communication.
My personal favourite flirting technique is teasing. Don’t take it too far but push her buttons a little bit. Fun fact about human psychology: we release similar chemicals when we are angry and when we’re falling in love. The difference is in the connotation.
Being angry usually means something frustrating is happening. It’s a very negative emotion. But if you can take the negativity out, a bit of playful anger is the best way to get her going before she even knows what hit her!
Dating Puerto Rican Women Online
Online dating is gaining grounds on the island, although it’s nowhere as popular as in the U.S. Tinder is less of a hookup app here but it’s still used for casual dating.
More specialized, niche websites like Caribbean Cupid work best for long-term relationship aspirations. These platforms are full of testimonials about people who got married or had a kid after meeting on Caribbean Cupid. It’s a reality and it is a pretty viable way of meeting Puerto Rican women.
The other major drag of Caribbean Cupid is that the girls are ready for an international relationship. In the case of Puerto Rican women, it’s more like “a relationship outside my own culture” but still.
You would not have a language barrier in either of those places. English levels vary throughout Puerto Rico but most people are completely fluent. This is the official language of Puerto Rico, too, so don’t worry about getting by. By the way, the one big no-no in both online and IRL dating is to ask if she can teach you “Puerto Rican”.
That language does not exist, you people!
How To Impress Puerto Rican Women
Local guys take great care of their look. Follow that lead, no Puerto Rican chica likes a sloppy dude. Physically, one thing they do love is facial hair. I am not talking about full-on beard but a bit of a shade is always better than a smooth shave.
One thing you don’t have to do is act all macho. Machismo is actually a big pet peeve for Puerto Rican girls, even though it’s still quite common. Focus on being gentlemanly and caring, there is no need to act super tough if you are really not. Not to mention this is a good way to get beat up by local guys.
Online on in real life, the most important thing about dating is to embrace the process. I am sure you’ll meet a lot of beautiful Puerto Rican women either way. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts, tips, and field reports in the comments down below! Let me know what you think about this article on Puerto Rican women.
Finally, the best site to meet Puerto Rico women is here on Latin American Cupid. Sign up for free here.