Darlene
@planner
Canadian expat in Dominican Republic
Forum posts
17885
Contacts
602
About me
Canadian
Lives in Santo Domingo
Speaks English, Spanish
Registration: 27 December 2010
About
I am originally from Canada with over 21 years here in the DR! My background is in finance and marketing and here I have done all kinds of consulting work! My work has taken me all over this beautiful country and into many different aspects of life here. I have consulted in construction, tourism, Human Resources, Recovery Homes, new business start up and expansion and relocation of both individuals and companies! My expertise and experience is vast and my true interest is in bettering the lives of the people here. I want to make a difference in everything I do. On a personal level my passion is latin dancing - keeps me young!
Currently I own and run a large Medical Insurance Group. It is actively managed so we keep the premiums reasonable. In addition I own part of and run Quantum IT Solutions. We have 56 programmers and we are currently expanding. I own Hirise Services which provides a number of services to individuals and companies. I own a Hyperabaric Chamber providing services to retired military and others here. I own Business Services and Solutions, we assist expats to move, get set up, open companies and provide management services.
Yes its a lot, but I have great help and I love what I do!
My expat journey
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
I have lived all over this island and helped more people than I can count!
I am a business consultant and manager.
I love my life here, it is full of latin flavor!
British Columbia, Dominican Republic
Professional Financial Planner for 13 years. Stockbroker for 2years.
I am Canadian and always will be, I love Canada
It is too damn cold and that is not just the climate.
Canada
Activity
Immigration and Overstay Issues by planner
We are posting this more prominently so people do not miss it. We can confirm that tourists are being turned away at the entry points who have "overstayed the tourist visa multiple times". Please be aware that this might happen to YOU! At ...
There is no 1 year extension for tourist visas. There is for a work visa. Read More
Top 3 Health insurance for a family of 3 by jehall61
What is the top 3 Health for a family of 3, and is good for a 65 year old man?
Top 2 in my opinion Humano and Universal. Apply soon as at age 65 you cannot get insurance easily Read More
Relocating to DR and need some advice by nbaltic99
Hi everyone,I am a 26-year-old Bosnian citizen living and working in Slovenia. My goal is to move to the Dominican Republic and get residency.I have 7 years of experience in hospitality and customer service. I speak German (B2), English, ...
@teeshirtjohn Very true! Setup, incorporation, registration and issuing a work visa if needed are just the first steps and first expenses. Tax filings monthly and annually need to be done. Corporate updates have to be done! If doing this just to ... Read More
Immigration and Overstay Issues by planner
We are posting this more prominently so people do not miss it. We can confirm that tourists are being turned away at the entry points who have "overstayed the tourist visa multiple times". Please be aware that this might happen to YOU! At ...
The regulations are not new. The workarounds are not new. What is new is enforcement. Read More
New regulations about to be applied for short term rentals? by windeguy
https://dr1.com/news/2026/07/21/new-rules-for-short-term-rental-owners/Dominican short-term rental operators are protesting that the Ministry of Tourism may implement new rules to regulate their business. The drafts were circulated for public review ...
In addition before buying make sure your condo association allows air bnb. Where I live it is not permitted and many owners are pissed. I am happy about it! Read More
New regulations about to be applied for short term rentals? by windeguy
https://dr1.com/news/2026/07/21/new-rules-for-short-term-rental-owners/Dominican short-term rental operators are protesting that the Ministry of Tourism may implement new rules to regulate their business. The drafts were circulated for public review ...
I have confirmed it is not yet a law and no one knows when it might be. Read More
New regulations about to be applied for short term rentals? by windeguy
https://dr1.com/news/2026/07/21/new-rules-for-short-term-rental-owners/Dominican short-term rental operators are protesting that the Ministry of Tourism may implement new rules to regulate their business. The drafts were circulated for public review ...
I have not seen any update but will try to find out where this stands Read More
HI! New here by Angie Jerez
Hi! I’m Angie, an American mom from New Jersey. I’m seriously considering relocating to the Sosúa/Cabarete area with my daughter. I work remotely and create travel/lifestyle content, and I’m researching schools, housing, and ...
Welcome to the forums!!! I see you have already started connecting with people! Read More
Macao Hills Phase 2_Today by rehher123
Hello Expat fam!I purchased in Phase II and I just learned that our phase will not be completed on schedule. It will be completed a year later than the December 2026 contracted delivery date. My information is coming from the Macao Hills Facebook ...
No real surprise there. Thanks for updating everyone Read More
My Personal Experience with the Naturalization Process in the DR by Profe Agayu
First, it is a must to point out that I love the Dominican Republic! This country, with all its good and not so good, is one of my favorite places to be. However, this place gets a bad rep, especially when dealing with services, specifically legal ...
Very well said! Read More
How I do list a property or Land for sale? by askfordolores
My name is Dolores Medina, I’m an international Broker based in North Carolina and I have listings in The Dominican Republic.
Welcome to the forums. Introducing yourself is fine, promoting yourself is not. Please post your listings in the classified section. Read More
Export car to punta Cana by Gio Pet
I purchased a condo in punta Cana , and was wondering how much it cost to bring my vehicle from Canada
I am referring to the residency relief rules. If you pay full taxes and fees it has to be less than 5 years old. Read More
Cell phone providers by T A42
Hello, Working on my checklist and would like some input on cellphone providers and maybe even the physical cellphone. Punta Cana area.
The Big players are Claro and Altice. There is also Viva but they have less national signal coverage. Bring an unlocked cell phone with you. Here they cost a lot more. Read More
Buying a car in the Dominican Republic... by ppauley
I'm new to the “expat.com” Dominican Republic forum, so please forgive me if my post’s question has been previously answered. My partner, Michelle, and I have recently purchased a villa near Sosuá. We plan to arrive in ...
Or post here and I will private message you Read More
Buying a car in the Dominican Republic... by ppauley
I'm new to the “expat.com” Dominican Republic forum, so please forgive me if my post’s question has been previously answered. My partner, Michelle, and I have recently purchased a villa near Sosuá. We plan to arrive in ...
By the way, my 2015, Mazda CX-5 is for sale. It was originally bought new from the Mazda dealership in Santo Domingo so is not an import. It has 110,000 KM or 66,000 miles. Those are real numbers. It has been very well maintained but I am no ... Read More