Import Car or Uber Everywhere?

Well this will be interesting.

First are you getting residency?  You are allowed to bring in one vehicle under 5 years old that you own outright.  Even with that it is both time consuming and expensive to bring here.

Depending what it is, it's expensive to get parts and find a reliable mechanic. That said how do you calculate your monthly maintenance costs?  I understand gas but the rest?

I own a car because I work and have to get around the city often otherwise I would use Uber. 

Weekends or trips you can also rent a vehicle.

Back to residency: you need it in order to get your Dominican license.  Once your status is not legal,  your.license will no longer be valid either.

First of all, do you have residency?  That's really the only way importing a vehicle makes sense. The duties to import a vehicle without residency are roughly 30% of what Customs "decides" it's worth.  And that's only in the first 6 months of you first getting residency. Even then, there are strict guidelines, and as you haven't owned you vehicle for more than a year (you talk about paying it off),that likely stops the importation right there.  It has to be less than 5 years old (7, in some discussions), and then the shipping costs added to that.  So, realistically, Uber because it is so cheap in the capital, and works very well,  and rent a car when needed.  No stress about driving, parking, collisions, breakdowns etc, and rent a car for those times you get the wanderlust.  But re,ember, your license is only as valid as your Tourist Visa, and that could present a problem in a collision and with your insurance as well.

My two pesos, anyways.

I just had a discussion like this y'day....

My friends spends ~$3000/yr renting.
Recently, the rental broke down 40 minutes away from her home.....
Rentals aren't perfect here - go try one.....Hi miles, lo mtce

I paid 20% bringing mine in on residency.

Must have been owned for 1 yr and be under 5 yrs old (june 30)

Your own car & miles is a comfort

Personal decision.

Thank you all for your posts. Yes I will be getting my residency. I have owned by car for 4 years and it's a 2016 so it's not 5 years old. I've seen some used cars with over 100,000 miles for 10k and higher in some cases so I felt like paying 7k to pay off my car and considering only has 47K miles it's cheaper and more reliable to buying there. Planner I was looking at gas, insurance, then whatever maintenance costs. One of my thoughts was to bring my car for weekend trips and Uber too. While getting more comfortable driving there if that would ever happen Santo Domingo is so packed the very thought of driving there feels like such a nightmare lol. But my thought was Uber in the city import my car and use if I move out of Capital (if can get wife on board). I was looking at Puerto plata or somewhere there are more expats and more beach life. I don't know if I am just going to the wrong places or what but I have not seen many expats or where they like to go in Santo Domingo. I have met many in some other countries (example Colombia) while traveling and have remained friends till this day but have not had the same experience in Santo Domingo. I like Santo Domingos nice restaurants and it has some really nice areas. But sometimes I feel isolated there.

You gave some very good information.

I am buying property (Dominicus) and was in DR November, December, January and just returned from 3 weeks in February (to Dallas).

after being asked 1500 to 3500 YES US DOLLARS a week over Christmas and New Years for a rental I said enough and purchased a car in December.  cost me much less to purchase than RENT!

it didnt bother me to buy an older 2000 US Pontiac Grand Prix because I deal in cars and auto parts with a company side line I have in Dallas called The Auto Locator for cars AND PARTS.

well sure enough the alternator went out in February and could not find one anywhere in DR.  and it was not rebuildable.  UF

not a problem it IS what I do.

so I located it in the US and Mail Box Etc ships it from Miami including duty for 280DP per pound in 3 to 4 days *from Miami (after you get it to them).

I usually just bring the parts I will need in my luggage and even brought a center console in excellent condition (all boxed up on SWAirlines).  no charge for duty thought its size cost me 150 on SWA.

FYI talked to my mechanic and his partner and we are starting the company to locate US and foreign car/truck/van parts for the DR (out of the US ... New OEM or aftermarket and Used).

dont know if I can post about the business here.

Now, while my car was not running...  here is a warning about Uber.

I hadnt used uber in a few years and their app changed from what I remember.

their app says pay by ccard or cash and I didnt see or notice it.

Driver asked how I wanted to pay and I said cash..  Welllllllll  I paid cash AND was charged on my ccard!  I contested it and they said no such luck.  I was being charged!

it happened 3 times before I found out and worse... the charge that was posted was 180 DP and I was charged 500!

I will not use Uber again and will tell all I know to warn them.  it is my opinion that they are encouraging theft by the drivers by not even attempting to do something about it. Or at least admonish them.

as a matter of fact there was even a mention in the Uber reply about discontinuing/cancelling MY SERVICE WITH THEM.

another note:  three times I needed Uber from La Romana to La Estancia near the airport (La Romana) and could not get one after several attempts.

so Uber is not an answer to all for everyone and BEWARE.

so, after the problem I went on Expedia, and other sites and found cars for between 10 to 20.00 a day and when you use American Express you are covered for insurance.  it cost me 125 for a week for a large 5 passenger for large luggage that I needed and could have rented for 1/2 that for smaller car.

I always appreciate you advice.

Maybe this will help someone.

regards
zacharias

By the way... can whatsapp numbers be posted on here?

hmmm couldnt download the photo of the car???

[img]file:///C:/Users/Admin/Desktop/pontiac%20%20GP/f5f9cc0e-479b-49de-a9ef-f9aa25151792.jpg[/img]

Thanks Zach, you make some good points. I've seen the cash vs credit card in Uber you are talking about. I always go for the credit card to get the points. Seems like it might not be a bad idea to keep car out there and Uber when I don't feel like driving. Uber is cheap now but I went a few years ago and was blown away because I had been charged $30 for a short distance so for awhile I was doing the taxi thing which I did not like due to my experience of them just not showing up after they said they would be there etc just not a good experience for me. And I feel your pain Santo Domingo is usually easy to get one but outside of SD I have had problems getting Uber example Punta Cana and taxis there pretty expensive. Uber is super cheap now but a few years ago was very high and if it got back to that I would definitely be buying a car pretty quick if I did not bring mine.

Okay: no you can't post a WhatsApp number but you should list your business in the classified and then it's there! 

The business idea is not a bad idea. Introduce yourself to mber Crufman as he helps people find good used vehicles here!  No reason you can't help each other! 

Uber:. I always use my credit/ debit card here and only once had an issue and it was resolved quickly and easily.  Outside of the big cities it doesnt always work well!  I only use it in SD.

Rentals:. Be careful with cheap rentals, insurance and credit card coverage.  Seems inexpensive - until something goes wrong.

Zach, A couple of observations:

Lots of areas exist where UBER is not well established.   I have 3 vehicles and I still use UBER, particularly if I'm going into the city during the day.  Well worth the cost and still much cheaper than taxis.  I wouldn't think of going the cash route though; gotta get them miles!

Pontiac is one of the brands of vehicles here that are not popular. You'll never see another one at a stoplight, that's for sure. Rest assured every time you need a part, you probably won't be able to find it here.  It's also probably why the guy got rid of it.

Just an FYI,  you are not alone when it comes to supplying parts from the U.S.  There are quite a few parts sellers here that have the same setup.  Folks in that business are my last resort when it comes to parts - too many hands in the pot, so to speak.

Good info!

Hello Planner,

I "thought" I was replying to you in private on my post?

I guess I need to learn how to use the site better.  lol

so, in reply to your answer.   the car I rented was from Budget (this time - I have used many and Europacar has some great rates too but the deep discounts are ONLY when you use Priceline, Expedia or some of the travel sites).

I agree about some of the fly by nite rental car companies having high mileage bad cars for cheap prices but mine from Budget was for less than 20 a day and a New with paper tags Suzuki Vitara
Compact SUV
5 passenger
3 luggage
Automatic
A/C
Budget Rent a Car
Compact SUV
Suzuki Vitara 

I just went to a site that combined me to several including Kayak, Orbitz, Hotwire and Expedia *but there are many others and suggest to check them all.  any one of them can have a special $aving ton$...

Found a Mini Kia Rio for $7 a day.  And some as little as 5.00 with UNLIMITED MILEAGE.  No cancellation fees.  And while I have only had one issue when a taxi did a bump and run in SD and had no problem with settlement with my American Express; I agree there could be problems.   

I used the dates April 1 - 8 at Punta Cana pick up and drop off.  there is a drop off charge if at a different location than the pick up.

Sure beats a One Way Uber charge of 6 or 7.00!

Uber has its advantages but I like the independence of being able to pick up and go when and where I want.   but I do try to Pick My Travel Times when moving around the capital.

edited: Ok it wouldnt allow me to put up the link for the multiple rental car sites comparison so google this:  compare rental car prices punta cana

GOOD HUNTING!!

Good info.  And no the site wont allow you to put those links.

The issues can come in (note the word can)  when something goes wrong.   Many times people think they are insured and they are not!  You need to read very very carefully all the fine print!   Understand what you are getting yourself into. 

Another point -  in case you don't know NEVER EVER give them your passport. They can have a copy but NEVER give them the original. That is asking for trouble.

Good to know about the Passport.. never entered my mind???

I am having a new one issued due to problems with mine scanning.

I will also ask for the "card" and show them that or a "copy".

thanks for the info and feedback

z

I carry in my glovebox........

A copy of my RD license and my Insurance card
Works every time.... just had a document check this week

Ok so if I use the one time Residency exemption on my car what may I be looking at if the car value may be $15,000 for example? Ball park? Also what transportation company did you all like and how much was it from Florida?

Varies by vehicle.....

On my entry, I paid 20% duty w/ residency

They have their scale of value.... your cost means nothing as I remember

Absolutely true,  they value it as if you bought it here.

Yeah I think Uber is going to win. I will be living in Santo Domingo so it's readily available.  Thank you Willie Web and Planner.

Does anyone have experience with using Uber in Punta Cana? I know cabs there are expensive, just from Los Corales or El Cortecito area to airport they want $30 one way. Maybe it gets a little cheaper once you get to know a regular cab driver...but would love to know if any one has used an Uber in that same area and what the cost is.
Thanks.

Kat

As far as I know they do not operate in Punta Cana, yet.

And yes get to know a taxi driver and become a loyal user, they will negotiate pricing.

Kat --- all airport runs are $$$

Ok good to know...maybe it won't be as much to go to grocery stores and shopping areas...and hopefully Uber comes to PC soon. Thanks!

Who knows if it will show up or not. It will depend on available drivers and the pressure from taxi unions!

Yes no uber, cheaper to rent a car

I have changed our travel plans from the North Coast to Punta Cana. (long story....)
We will arrive in late May assuming this Covid 19 thing has played out by then.
I hired a private mini van to transport us to and from the Punta Cana airport and hotel.
That cost $70 US, which I thought was a little high since our hotel is not far, but it's our first time so I'm just going to have to roll with it.
On a side note, can someone suggest what might be a proper tip for the driver?

$10 = plenty....
$5 = very acceptable

If it's an all inclusive your transfer should be included.

Yes where we stay right in Los Corales it is semi-included meaning it's an an add-on charge for a transportation voucher, for $24 per person you get round trip (hotel and back to airport), but better than a taxi and better than the $70 they are being charged! We always buy right when booking our trip so we don't have to worry about a high priced taxi. But some all inclusives I'm sure include it at no cost like Planner said.

That's a decent deal for transportation!

if you have a good car in the USA which you want to bring here, you have to consider the  make and model before you bring it. if it is a Toyoto RAV4, or a CRV, or some Hyundai, then by all means bring it. if it is a Saab or some such thing, consider what you will do when it breaks..the parts availability is not so good

Agreed. We have a 4runner, which I feel is probably one of the best choices due to it's durability, fixability, and just plain simplicity (e.g. limited electronics, direct injection, etc.). A bit large for us but excellent ground clearance. We see people tooling around in Land Rover's and such and don't understand how on earth they fix them given the lack of parts and the complexity.

Great points well I was excited about going but just watched news and looks like all flights into DR cancelled