Staying connected with loved ones, regardless of geographical distance, is more important now than ever. Whether you have family in Puerto Rico or anywhere else, maintaining those bonds offers a sense of comfort and support. However, staying in touch with relatives in Puerto Rico can present some unique challenges, from inconsistent phone service to time zone differences. In this blog post, we’ll provide practical tips to help you overcome these obstacles and keep your family ties strong, no matter how many miles apart you are.
1. Choose the Right Communication Platforms
One of the most important steps in staying connected with loved ones in Puerto Rico is selecting the right communication tools. Fortunately, a variety of platforms are available to facilitate international communication, offering both convenience and affordability.
- WhatsApp: Popular globally, especially in Latin America, WhatsApp is a fantastic option for texting, voice calls, and video chats. It uses internet data, which often circumvents potential issues with cellular coverage in remote areas.
- FaceTime: If both you and your family members use Apple devices, FaceTime offers a reliable and high-quality way to make video and audio calls over Wi-Fi.
- Skype: Skype is another versatile platform that supports calls, messages, and video chats. It’s useful for both personal and group conversations, perfect for virtual family gatherings.
- Facebook Messenger: Many people in Puerto Rico are active on Facebook, making Messenger a great way to stay in touch through texts, calls, and videos.
These apps are all free to download and use, making them cost-effective solutions to bridging the distance between you and your loved ones in Puerto Rico.
2. Consider Phone Plans with International Coverage
If your family in Puerto Rico relies more on traditional phone calls or if they live in areas with limited internet access, it’s worth looking into phone plans with international coverage. Many U.S. mobile carriers include Puerto Rico in their domestic plans, meaning calls, texts, and data usage are often treated the same as within the mainland U.S. This can simplify communication, especially if you’re not comfortable using messaging apps.
Check with your provider to ensure your plan includes Puerto Rico and inquire about roaming charges, if any. Some carriers even offer unlimited calls to Puerto Rico as part of their package, allowing you to stay connected without worrying about extra fees.
3. Use Social Media to Stay in Touch
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter provide excellent ways to maintain connections, share updates, and follow your family’s daily lives in Puerto Rico. Creating a private Facebook group for your family is a simple yet effective way to keep everyone in the loop with family events, birthdays, and announcements.
Instagram is another great option for sharing photos and stories. Whether it’s a special occasion or just an everyday moment, these platforms allow you to share experiences and stay emotionally close, even when physically distant.
4. Pay Attention to Time Zone Differences
Puerto Rico is in the Atlantic Standard Time zone (AST), which is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) from November to March and the same time as EST from March to November (since Puerto Rico doesn’t observe Daylight Saving Time). It’s important to be mindful of this when scheduling calls, especially if you live in a different time zone.
A simple way to manage time zone differences is to set reminders on your phone or use a world clock app that tracks the local time in Puerto Rico. This ensures you don’t unintentionally call during family members’ sleeping hours or when they might be busy with work or daily routines.
5. Send Thoughtful Care Packages
Sometimes words fall short, and sending something tangible, like a care package, can have a much bigger impact. Shipping a little piece of your world to your family in Puerto Rico—whether it’s their favorite snacks, books, or personal mementos—can help you feel more connected and show them how much you care. When shipping, be mindful of any customs regulations for special items and consider delivery times.
6. Plan Virtual Family Gatherings
Family gatherings are often the backbone of Puerto Rican culture, filled with laughter, food, and shared memories. Even if you’re miles away, you can still participate in these treasured moments through virtual gatherings. Platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype allow you to organize virtual family reunions or even smaller get-togethers for special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries.
Scheduling these events in advance ensures that everyone has time to prepare, and it gives you something to look forward to. You can even go a step further by cooking the same traditional meal and sharing recipes, making the experience feel even more authentic and connected.
7. Be Consistent and Creative
Staying connected requires consistency. Whether you opt for weekly calls, monthly video chats, or regular messages, maintaining a steady flow of communication is key to keeping relationships strong. Consistency reassures your loved ones that, despite the distance, you’re always thinking about them.
To keep things fresh, try creative approaches like sharing playlists of favorite songs, starting a book club, or playing online games together. These activities offer new ways to connect and provide shared experiences that go beyond simple conversations.
Final Thoughts
While distance can sometimes feel daunting, technology has made it easier than ever to stay close to family, no matter where they are in the world. By using the right tools, being mindful of time zones, and staying consistent with communication, you can bridge the distance and maintain meaningful relationships with your loved ones in Puerto Rico. Whether through phone calls, virtual gatherings, or thoughtful gestures, the bonds you share with family can remain as strong as ever.
