Moving to Caribbean ASAP (Need Advice)

[Mr_Donktastic]

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Any other advice you could give me specifically? What kind of job would I be looking at when I first arrived? Would it be able to pay the bills? Tell me more, Thanks.

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The first thing I would think about is what type of experience you want. Some of the larger islands will be much more "US-like" and touristy which is good for some things but if you want a "truer" caribbean experience - getting lost under palm trees, spearfishing a lobster for dinner, making friends with lots of locals and smoking huge spliffs with them, etc you'll want to go to one of the smaller less developed islands. Edit: In other words from what I hear the smaller islands genreally have less crime and more accepting locals so you can blend with the culture more...and if your main impetus is to "get away" from the US lifestyle then they would be better. Howver if you just want to continue to have US luxuries and stuff but just do it in a nicer, laid back place the more developed islands would be better for you. Ex) there are people here who HATE IT becuase they can't go to the GAP, eat Olive Garden, or buy random crap tp make themselves feel better.

[madkickz]

Smokin spliffs with the locals seems to fit me better haha. Yeah, I definately don't mind the materialistic stuff and would like to experiance a different culture. As I said I recently went on a cruise and just conversing with the locals I seemed to mesh well.

[spartaninpr]

First thing,when you get off the plane.Take a cab to Isla Verde.It's a beach neighborhood 10 minutes away from the airport.High rises ,lots of expats,etc.English widely spoken .Go to the grocery store or 7-11 and pick up newspapers.San Juan Star,the English paper and El Nuevo Dia,the primary Spanish paper.Dude,I spoke 3 words of Spanish when I moved there,so any bilingual skills you have is a HUGE bonus,although not necessary.Why the Spanish paper?The classifieds list the best jobs in English.I made a big mistake when I first moved down by just checking the Star.Many more jobs and apts.in the Nueva Dia advertised in English.Next,go to one of two bars on the beach,El Alambique or at happy hour ,the round bar at the Casa De Playa guesthouse.Plenty of Americans working on the island go to both these bars after work.Great places to network.Anything from construction jobs,hotels,pharmaceuticals,tour guides,etc.I met a chick from New Hampshire my first day and she hooked me up with a small apartment.I have some contacts if you get caught in a bind for work.Just PM me.I don't know what the cost of living is in Oregon but PR is comparable to NYC or South Florida.Expect to pay 700-1000 for a studio near the beach.MOre for a 1 or 2 bedroom.You can get cheaper if you live farther away from the tourist areas.I reccomend Isla Verde initially because you are centrally located and you don't need a car.You also will easily meet other English speakers and build a support network.I don't know how old you are or your work experience but being a gringo will open a lot of doors for you.Once you get a feel for the place,you may want to check out the beachfront neighborhoods of Ocean Park and Condado.I also like Old San Juan alot.Google it.Very cool hood.Bottom line:
I moved down there VERY short notice and it changed my life.Best thing I have ever done.

[spartaninpr]

I would agree totally with Donktastic.I actually prefer the smaller islands to vacation and I want to retire on Culebra.For someone making a big move though,I think it's easier to have some familiar things around and you can ease into a more rustic lifestyle as you get your bearings.PR just gives me a combination of experiences.I can got to a five star dinner,play poker in a casino,go to the mall and see a movie in English OR I can get away 30 minutes to an hour away out on the island and just veg and play dominoes with the locals and drink $1 Medalla and rum on a desolate beach.Whatever you do,try to get to Jost Van Dyke in the BVI for New Year's Eve to celebrate.Awesome time.

[spartaninpr]

Donktastic,do the names Sidney Osborne or Kishu Chandaramani in ST. Kitts ring a bell to you?

[madkickz]

Thanks a lot spartan. When I get real serious about this I will def contract you. Keep the info rolling, anyone feel free to add their two cents.

[Mr_Donktastic]

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Donktastic,do the names Sidney Osborne or Kishu Chandaramani in ST. Kitts ring a bell to you?

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Nope, but I know alot more faces than names down here, not to mention it seems like all the locals have two names (like Leroy aka Dancehall or Terryl aka Terror).

I've heard alot of good things about PR as well and for OP it would be ALOT easier for you to move there compared to the non-US islands.

[suzzer99]

I lived in St. Thomas (USVI) for 6 months. It was cool, but I wouldn't have wanted to stay any longer. You have to like hot weather, brutal sun, and slow pace of life. Also most people down there are running from something and alcoholics. St. John is a lot more laid back and not as much crime. I'd pick that over St. Thomas. I imagine places like Cayman are nicer, but as has been said, hard to find under the table work.

Also best thing about the VI - the Full Moon Party at Bomba's Love Shack on Tortola. Don't miss it if you're in the area on a full moon. Also if there's still an Italian place called Ferrari's on the north side of St. Thomas. Best Italian good I've ever had.

[bazookajoe]

1. Get certified for Scuba Diving
2. Move to the Cayman Islands/Bonaire/anywhere with a good diving reputation
3. ?????
4. Meet hot divemasters
5. profit

[cakewalk]

in da caribbean, neva smoke weed wid a black mon, do it in yo hotel rooms. they love you white people from america, but just follow dey laws.