Every year, thousands of entrepreneurs and investors relocate to Puerto Rico under Act 60 (formerly Acts 20 and 22) for the incredible tax incentives — 0% capital gains, 4% corporate tax.
What the tax advisors don't tell you? Shipping your life to the island is a logistical puzzle.
The Relocation Shipping Checklist
Household Goods
- Container shipping: $3,000-8,000 for a 20ft container from the East Coast
- Jones Act premium: US-flagged vessels only, adding 30-50% to costs
- Timeline: 2-4 weeks from booking to delivery
- Pro tip: Ship from Jacksonville or Miami — shortest routes to San Juan
Vehicles
- Car shipping: $1,500-3,000 (open carrier to port + ocean freight)
- Excise tax (Arbitrios): 0-7% based on vehicle value and type
- Documentation: Title, registration, Hacienda forms
- Full guide: Complete car shipping guide
Electronics & Office Equipment
- Laptops/monitors: Ship normally via USPS/UPS
- Desktop PCs: Check lithium battery regulations for air freight
- Servers/heavy equipment: Ocean freight recommended
- Standing desks, chairs: Most retailers block PR delivery — use PackagePR
The Ongoing Shopping Problem
Once you're settled, you'll discover the daily frustration:
- Amazon: ~30% of items won't ship to your new PR address
- Best Buy: Almost nothing ships online to PR
- Furniture: IKEA, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn — severely restricted
- Specialty: Vitamix, Dyson, Peloton — varies wildly by brand
The solution most Act 60 residents use: a package forwarding service like PackagePR. You get a US mainland address, shop anywhere, and they consolidate + forward everything.
Cost Comparison
| Method | Per Package | Monthly (5 pkgs) |
|---|---|---|
| Direct shipping (with surcharges) | $15-40 | $75-200 |
| PackagePR forwarding | $5-15 | $25-75 |
| Flying to Miami to shop | $200-400 RT | Overkill |
The Act 60 Lifestyle Things Nobody Mentions
Internet Shopping After the Move
- Your old Prime "free 2-day" becomes "free 5-14 day" (when it ships at all)
- Grocery delivery? Only Walmart PR and local services
- Same-day anything? Doesn't exist outside metro San Juan
What You'll Miss (and How to Get It)
- Trader Joe's products: Ship via forwarding service
- Whole Foods delivery: Amazon Fresh works in some PR areas now
- Costco online: Many items blocked — but there are physical Costco locations in PR
- Specific supplements/vitamins: Often flagged as hazmat, use forwarding
Resources for New Act 60 Residents
Bottom Line
The tax savings are real. The lifestyle is incredible. But budget an extra $100-200/month for shipping workarounds, and set up a forwarding service before you move. You'll thank yourself when your first "doesn't ship to Puerto Rico" moment hits.
Currently going through an Act 60 move? Share your shipping horror stories below.
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