Shipping items to Dominican Republic

8POSTS

4 years ago

We are moving to the Dominican Republic In July 2023 as soon as our Condo is completed. I want to bring our TV’s, computers, washer and dryer,fridge, living room furniture and bedroom furniture and kitchen stuff. I have watched videos saying don’t bring but buy from there when we get there. I have watched videos showing costs of furniture prices and it looks like we might save money by bringing our stuff from home . Please I need advise.
Thanks Brenda

1 member reacted to this post

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2VPsoldier Serial expat

553POSTS

4 years ago

As ,many will advise, if do not have your Temporary Residency here yet, you should wait until you do and bring your goods in tax free. I;m sure more details can/will be provided by others.

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Mkunz6580 Active member

53POSTS

4 years ago

Yes, the tax free situation with your residency is key. Also consider the quality of the furniture you currently own. Wood does not hold up well here long term due to the humidity unless it is a dense hardwood or you run your air conditioner frequently which drys out the air. Much of the imported furniture for sale here is not good quality, but we have found some good pieces in Santo Domingo and have had some pieces made here locally by a carpenter.

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17778POSTS

4 years ago

Let me welcome you to the forums!!!

Without residency the cost of bringing a container will be really high. You will pay sales tax of 18% plus duty on the assessed value of every single thing you bring in! The assessed value is based.on new prices here normally. Plus shipping plus customs agent fees etc. It won't be worth it

In addition to the above comments many of your items won't be made for here. It won't fit, won't work right or no one will know how to fix it, regardless of what they say.

If you have not looked at residency please go to the pinned thread on this.

bkoepsell New member

8POSTS

4 years ago

Will the appliances and TV’s work in the DR ? I saw that cars can’t be older then 5 years but I see nothing about scooters or quads coming into the country.
Thanks in advance

ddmcghee Dominican Republic Expert

1950POSTS

4 years ago

Yes - your appliances and TVs will work here. However, you need to protect them from the variable power supply if you are going to be on the grid. Supposedly, the appliances sold here are made to handle it, but I've heard of countless devices being fried and I can't believe all were imported.

As others have said, be sure to read the thread on residency and only import a container if you can do so with residency and the exoneration that comes with it! We went through that last year and got a full exoneration - no taxes or import duty, just fees to a cargo agent who helped us through the process. As far as we know, not a single box of ours was even opened. Nothing missing, nothing damaged.

WillieWeb ViP

1660POSTS

4 years ago

I brought all my furniture-- 2009---
but with my residency... car too

Easy enough to do....
July 2023... you have time.... import during the first 6 months - that's the window

All NoAmerican appliances work.

1 member reacted to this post

thezuber Member

18POSTS

4 years ago

I was told by my shipper that it was too complicated to invoke the residency to avoid the tax. How is this done?

ddmcghee Dominican Republic Expert

1950POSTS

4 years ago

thezuber wrote:
I was told by my shipper that it was too complicated to invoke the residency to avoid the tax. How is this done?

That sounds like a shipper who doesn't want to be bothered! Residency exoneration can save you $$$ in taxes and import duty.

Our cargo agent (Radca Cargo) handled the paperwork and the majority of the process for us. We had to meet with Aduanas (Customs) for an interview to get the exoneration, but they handled everything else, including getting our car titled and registered here.

oscarsahony Active member

72POSTS

4 years ago

#10

so if my wife is Dominican the exoneration will apply automatically right?
thanks to all for always keep us new comers on track for our new adventure.
in my case I was going to wait until i renew my passport and start residency but since my wife is Dominican maybe that can be done via her citizenship.

God bless all

ddmcghee Dominican Republic Expert

1950POSTS

4 years ago

#11

oscarsahony wrote:
so if my wife is Dominican the exoneration will apply automatically right?
thanks to all for always keep us new comers on track for our new adventure.
in my case I was going to wait until i renew my passport and start residency but since my wife is Dominican maybe that can be done via her citizenship.

God bless all

I don't think it's automatic. As a repatriating Dominican, she will have to apply for exoneration but there shouldn't be any issues. She'll just have to show she's lived outside the country for two years.

bkoepsell New member

8POSTS

4 years ago

#12

Thank you so much

oscarsahony Active member

72POSTS

4 years ago

#13

thanks for all the help

1 member reacted to this post

WillieWeb ViP

1660POSTS

4 years ago

#14

thezuber wrote:
I was told by my shipper that it was too complicated to invoke the residency to avoid the tax. How is this done?

The shipping company does it...

try Hispaniola Freight in Sto Dom..... excellent company

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17778POSTS

4 years ago

#15

It's never automatic, nothing is it seems.

Your residency qualification will be via family reunification. But you start in USA not here. On e here you apply. After you receive residency then you apply for citizenship by marriage but you must have residency first. I believe it's a 6 month wait after residency is issued but I am not positive.