Denise
@ddmcghee
American expat in Panama
Forum posts
1953
Contacts
9
About me
American, Married
Lives in Alto Boquete, ChiriquÃ, Panam
Speaks English
Registration: 15 May 2017
New members of the Panama forum, introduce yourselves here - 2026 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Panama forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
@Javion7322 We’ve only been here since January, so we are in our first rainy season! We’re in Alto Boquete, near the checkpoint, so we don’t get as much rain as Bajo Boquete. Read More
Getting around with your pet in Panama by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Living in Panama with a pet also means learning how to navigate local transport systems together. From daily commutes to occasional trips, you have to navigate betwwen local rules and real-life experiences. Whether you’re a ...
@Darin&SallyPlease familiarize yourself with the process of bringing an animal into Panama and then back to the US! To bring an animal into Panama, your dog will need vaccines not standard in the US, an international health certificate completed ... Read More
How to run AC cheaply ? by Scott Holmes
I am new and never been to Dominican Republic. My wife has. We are in process of purchasing a 3 bedroom house in Bravos. The house has 4 AC units. From what I seen online cost of living articles AC can cause very high electric bill. It ...
What Planner said!Also, try running your unit on dehumidify - it's more energy efficient than AC and is often all you need. Even during the hottest months, we often just needed to lower the humidity to have the bedroom cool enough for comfortable ... Read More
Women’s health and support systems in Dominican Republic by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Living in Dominican Republic often means navigating a new healthcare system and social norms, particularly around women’s health. From finding the right medical support to understanding what’s openly discussed or not, ...
I tried and tried but could not schedule a screening mammogram in DR! I contacted a number of hospitals and clinics and because I didn't have a problem, they wouldn't schedule one! The concept of screening wasn't something they could grasp!I also ... Read More
Health Insurance 2026 by planner
We can't seem to find a thread on just this topic so I opened one. Disclosure: I have a very large private health group! I have been actively managing it for I think 15 years. Some basics: Get your insurance before you turn 65 or you will have ...
@rehher123 If you have a need to file taxes in DR, then I would definitely recommend hiring a Dominican accountant to assist with that. If you don't have a business in the DR or earn income in DR, you shouldn't have any taxes to file. Read More
Creepy crawlies by gregstuartgs
Hi everyone, I am new here, I am Canadian and considering a full time move to Panama to retire. I have the means I think for a pretty decent life, better then in Canada because it is so expensive here lol...Anyways, Panama looks beautiful with nice ...
I'm in Alto Boquete. In the almost 5 months we've been here, I've not seen a single snake or scorpion, and only little house spiders. I'm disappointed in the lack of spiders here - while in the DR, I developed a fondness for the Huntsman spiders ... Read More
Desperately Looking for a Home for Rescued Dog by dogperson065
Hi everyone! Coming on here because I really need help finding a home for this sweet dog I rescued in Santiago. I rescued her while I was on vacation and to be completely honest, it was more instinct than anything because I knew she probably ...
Have you tried posting in Santiago Facebook groups? Or groups for other nearby areas? Read More
Best way to ship household items from Florida to Panama by Tom Christy
What is the best way to ship household items, no vehicle, no large appliance's, no large furniture, just 3 bikes, household kitchen items (plates, small appliances, glasses, silverware, pots, etc.), normal house everyday items so you don't have to ...
I'm a big believer in not getting rid of stuff you use just to replace it! We moved from the US to the Dominican Republic and took a 40' container, including a vehicle. We moved to Panama from the DR earlier this year and shipped about 2 pallets ... Read More
How to meet expats in Panama by Panama_expat_DRH
I am a retiree considering moving to Panama in the Boquete or Volcan areas. How do I connect with expats already living in the area for help and guidance with the move? I also want to make new friends before I take my first trip to Panama.
There are several flights each day back and forth between PTY and DAV on Copa. This is best if you are coming from outside Panama and connecting to David. To just fly between the two cities, Air Panama also offers flights from PAC (Allbrook) to ... Read More
How to meet expats in Panama by Panama_expat_DRH
I am a retiree considering moving to Panama in the Boquete or Volcan areas. How do I connect with expats already living in the area for help and guidance with the move? I also want to make new friends before I take my first trip to Panama.
We fly into David's Enrique Malek Airport (DAV). It's just 45 minutes from downtown Boquete. Read More
What to expect at residency appt at DGM? by Mila V
My appointment is this upcoming Thursday and I just want to know what to expect with that appointment and the medical appointment after? The residency is through family reunification if that helpsAlso, they are charging me an overstay fee for 3-9 ...
@ryzik68 We never had an "interview" when we first applied - no questions about why we wanted residency or anything like that. Maybe I'm misremembering the pictures and fingerprints on that first visit, maybe that wasn't until we were approved and ... Read More
Buying a vespa by Denbo
Hi EveryoneSo we have bought a townhome in a gated community white sands which is large. We would be staying here 4 months thru winter (No more snow and cold ) We can walk to beach, market etc. its about 15 to 20 minutes but with heat, trying to ...
Also, please get a helmet! Even if you're only riding in your community, you will be sharing the road with motorcycles and cars, and you need to be safe! Read More
What to expect at residency appt at DGM? by Mila V
My appointment is this upcoming Thursday and I just want to know what to expect with that appointment and the medical appointment after? The residency is through family reunification if that helpsAlso, they are charging me an overstay fee for 3-9 ...
I agree with Planner on the fee! I would hate paying it on principle, but would do it to expedite the process. I don't know if family reunification has a different process, but as pensioners, the appointment was just having our fingerprints and ... Read More
Shipping household items and clothes from the D.R. to the U.S. by ppauley
My wife and I are unfortunately having to move back to the U.S. for medical reasons after just four years here in Sosúa. We’ve accumulated a modest amount of small household items and clothing that we’d like to ship ...
@rehher123 Our shipment was picked up on 12/26 in Las Terrenas, and delivered to us in Panama on 2/14. The holidays slowed things down a bit, and I think was a miscommunication between the Panama and the DR company. We arrived in Panama on 1/2, and ... Read More
Shipping household items and clothes from the D.R. to the U.S. by ppauley
My wife and I are unfortunately having to move back to the U.S. for medical reasons after just four years here in Sosúa. We’ve accumulated a modest amount of small household items and clothing that we’d like to ship ...
@ppauley Try contacting Dominican International Movers. We moved to Panama earlier this year and used a Panamanian company for the move, but they contracted with DIM for everything on the DR side of the move. The movers actually showed up early, ... Read More
Getting Retirement payments by jimgh
Does anyone here care to share some details of how you get your retirement money from the United states. I spoke with my TRS Teacher Retirement System people and they said they would not deposit directly to a Panamanian bank. When I retire to ...
If you’re asking me, I never said that there was a Panama bank that didn’t charge fees. I was saying that I don’t have a sending fee on the U.S. side. My account at Wells Fargo allows me to send unlimited domestic and international ... Read More
Getting Retirement payments by jimgh
Does anyone here care to share some details of how you get your retirement money from the United states. I spoke with my TRS Teacher Retirement System people and they said they would not deposit directly to a Panamanian bank. When I retire to ...
@NothingNew Not always true - I can send from my US bank for free based on my account type. You can also deposit a check from a US bank for as little as $10 depending on which bank you have in Panama. Read More
Federal Benefit Units FBU (for Americans) by GuestPoster41461
Although this is being posted in the Panama Discussion Group it's actually applies to other countries. Again this only applies to Americans.If you are an American and receive Social Security, Civil Service, Veterans, Railroad and Department of Labor ...
For Panama, the FBU is in Costa Rica, but they visit Panama City and Boquete fairly frequently to provide citizen services. Read More
How to meet expats in Panama by Panama_expat_DRH
I am a retiree considering moving to Panama in the Boquete or Volcan areas. How do I connect with expats already living in the area for help and guidance with the move? I also want to make new friends before I take my first trip to Panama.
@bodyandsoulfitness I've only been here a short time, but I don't find that to be the case at all! There are tons of hiking groups, pickleball, volunteer opportunities, game nights, and more. Read More
New members of the Panama forum, introduce yourselves here - 2026 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Panama forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
@Morena39 After 5.5 years in the Dominican Republic, we moved to Panama in January. One of the primary reasons we moved is that where we were in DR, Las Terrenas on the Samana Peninsula, we were 2.5-4 hours away from anything other than very basic ... Read More
Buying stuff online from abroad by expatslu
What is the deal in Panama with buying online? eg Amazon, Etsy type things. Do you need ID and pay taxes like in other Latam countries?
I've ordered from Amazon with delivery to Panama. When you add a Panamanian address, you are required to provide your passport number for customs payments. I keep my shipments under $100 to avoid import duty. One thing I've noticed - some items show ... Read More
Computer store in Las Terrenas or Nagua? by wondering9
Hello, can anyone recommend a store selling computer accessories in either Las Terrenas or Nagua? My laptop is on strike and I need to buy a wired external keyboard. Unfortunately I need it quickly (🤣😪). Thanks for any tips!
@wondering9 Sorry - just seeing this! If you still need one, you can check with Compulandia, Figitec, Deposito (consignment) or what they call the "USA" store - it's a thrift store with all kinds of stuff! Read More
Getting Retirement payments by jimgh
Does anyone here care to share some details of how you get your retirement money from the United states. I spoke with my TRS Teacher Retirement System people and they said they would not deposit directly to a Panamanian bank. When I retire to ...
Look at Charles Schwab International checking accounts. They work well for US citizens who no longer have U.S. residency. They will reimburse you for ATM fees, so you can withdraw cash from that account and either use the cash or deposit it into a ... Read More
ATM question by expatslu
Hi, I'm due to visit Panama soon, and will be opening a bank account. I'm told I need $5k in cash to do this. Where is there an ATM that allows larger amounts to be withdrawn, or what other suggestions would you have? Is the lawyer winding me up ...
$250 per withdrawal is the limit for any non-Panamanian ATM card. And you will be charged $7.20 per withdrawal. Most ATMs only allow two consecutive withdrawals, then you have to find another ATM, preferably with another bank.I do not have a bank ... Read More
Information and tips on retiring in Panama by chouetteray
Hello, I'm looking for information and tips on retiring in Panama. Any information is greatly appreciated.
Yes, the use of the dollar makes it more convenient! We purchased a relocation guide through Panama Relocation Tours. They have a lot of resources available on their YouTube channel and website without buying the guide. Through that network, I've ... Read More
Financial advisors for US expats living in the DR by Jennifer Storm Nelson
Hi, I am planning my move to the DR in 2027, and am working through the details. I am recently divorced, and am currently seeing a great financial advisor with Fidelity here in the US, where she is helping me manage my new investments since my ...
We used Mail Boxes, Etc., CPS, and Domex. Domex was by far the fastest and most reliable in our experience! Also a lot cheaper than MBE. Read More
Financial advisors for US expats living in the DR by Jennifer Storm Nelson
Hi, I am planning my move to the DR in 2027, and am working through the details. I am recently divorced, and am currently seeing a great financial advisor with Fidelity here in the US, where she is helping me manage my new investments since my ...
Check into Charles Schwab's International accounts. A lot of expats use Schwab for both investments and checking accounts. The checking accounts reimburse you for foreign ATM fees, which can be a big benefit when you live outside the country. Read More
Information and tips on retiring in Panama by chouetteray
Hello, I'm looking for information and tips on retiring in Panama. Any information is greatly appreciated.
@chouetteray Hi, what kind of information are you looking for? My husband and I just moved here last month, after living in the Dominican Republic for over 5 years.Pensionado residency is straightforward and easier than a lot of countries. You need ... Read More
How to apostille a document in the Bahamas
Hello! I'm trying to help someone find an answer to how to get a marriage certificate from the Bahamas apostilled. She's a US citizen, but was married in the Bahamas and now needs that marriage certificate apostilled to apply for residency in ... Read More
How to meet expats in Panama by Panama_expat_DRH
I am a retiree considering moving to Panama in the Boquete or Volcan areas. How do I connect with expats already living in the area for help and guidance with the move? I also want to make new friends before I take my first trip to Panama.
@Panama_expat_DRH When you purchase the online guide, you'll gain access to the community through the members-only Facebook group (which got my husband back on Facebook) and through the monthly meetups. I haven't seen reports from the meet and greet ... Read More
New members of the Panama forum, introduce yourselves here - 2026 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Panama forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
@saratogaenergy I would suggest opening a new thread to ask your questions about establishing a business. This is an introduction thread, for new members to introduce themselves. Having a dedicated thread for your question is much more likely to get ... Read More
Surprisingly efficient Dominican process! by ddmcghee
I've finally become sufficiently jaded so that nothing here in DR really surprises me! I have to admit, though, that I was pleasantly surprised on Friday with the speed and efficiency of getting an International Health certificate to take our dogs ...
Our vet came to our house. He already had the vaccine records for all three of our dogs, so he had completed the International Health certificate online and submitted it to DIGEGA for their endorsement before coming to the house. Once we had those, ... Read More
Retirement residency renewal -- proof of bank deposits by wondering9
One of the requirements to renew a residency permit is to prove that you have been depositing the minimum amount ($1500/month) into a Dominican bank. Can anyone who's done this recently say how many months of bank statements are being required? Or ...
When we renewed in August, all we had to provide was proof that we had 6 months worth of pension in our bank account (with a bank letter) since we had not anticipated renewing and had not been transferring our full pension amount each month. Nothing ... Read More
Import tax exemption for houshold goods? by simonr69
We move in April from Switzerland to the DR. and we can pick up our Cedula for temporary residency which was been approved.Therefore we send a 20ft container with our household goods to the DR. I have the knowledge that we could get a import tax ...
We came in with a Pensioner visa and received a full exoneration on our household goods. Read More
Looking for a reliable real estate lawyer in Sosua/Cabarete area by sheinleo
Can someone recommend a reliable real estate lawyer in the Sosua/Cabarete area? Preferably one that you have used yourself.
@UncleBuckI've heard good things about the Perdomos, but I had a really bad experience with another attorney in their firm. The buyer of our home chose her as his attorney. If it hadn't been for Lishali on my side, then we probably wouldn't have ... Read More
How to meet expats in Panama by Panama_expat_DRH
I am a retiree considering moving to Panama in the Boquete or Volcan areas. How do I connect with expats already living in the area for help and guidance with the move? I also want to make new friends before I take my first trip to Panama.
We only know a few people in Bouquete. One couple we met through the PRT community. I had asked a question in the group, and he reached out with an offer to help. Nine months and lots of information exchanges later on our second visit to Boquete, we ... Read More
Surprisingly efficient Dominican process! by ddmcghee
I've finally become sufficiently jaded so that nothing here in DR really surprises me! I have to admit, though, that I was pleasantly surprised on Friday with the speed and efficiency of getting an International Health certificate to take our dogs ...
@planner We were shocked! We almost changed our flight out to allow more time for the apostilles. I submitted them online at about 3:30 Monday afternoon, and they had approved them, sent me an invoice to pay the 620 pesos per document online, and ... Read More
Housekeepers cost Samana area by karynllanders
Can someone educate me of how much we can expect to pay a housekeeper per hour/day. i have gotten two quotes. first 1500/day for 3 hours. twice per week. She said she wouldn't do windows. WHAT?? the second quote was for 18000 per month. ...
I've only hired cleaners for one-off cleanings, like when moving out of a rental. I've paid 2500-3000 for a full 8-hour day.Are those quotes from individuals or services? (Also - I might know someone for you to get a quote from! I'll let you know.) Read More
Lishali Baez - totally worthy of all the praise! by ddmcghee
Okay, I've known for 6 years, along with many of you, just how awesome Lishali is for residency. I now know that her expertise, professionalism, knowledge, and persistence extend well beyond Migracion! I closed on the sale of my house here in DR ...
@Cheryl - I thought we had long established that sharing recommended professional contact information was allowed! Lishali Baezlbaez@lishalibaez.com809-860-1231https://www.expat.com/en/business/133113_lishali-baez-legal-bureau.html Read More
Lishali Baez - totally worthy of all the praise!
Okay, I've known for 6 years, along with many of you, just how awesome Lishali is for residency. I now know that her expertise, professionalism, knowledge, and persistence extend well beyond Migracion! I closed on the sale of my house here in DR ... Read More
Surprisingly efficient Dominican process! by ddmcghee
I've finally become sufficiently jaded so that nothing here in DR really surprises me! I have to admit, though, that I was pleasantly surprised on Friday with the speed and efficiency of getting an International Health certificate to take our dogs ...
Now we are hoping that MIREX is just as efficient in issuing an apostille! Read More
Retirement Visas by Pat Kitchen
My wife and I are in the process of obtaining retirement visas for the DR. We have been in contact with a couple of Dominican law firms. We are a bit taken aback with the fees they are charging. Also, we know there are going to be ...
I've been keeping Lishali busy! She's been assisting me with a real estate closing in between appointments at Migracion and MIREX today. I believe she is on a much-deserved holiday now. Email is definitely the best way to reach her. She has a couple ... Read More
Remitly issue by wondering9
I'm trying to transfer money from a US bank to Banco Santa Cruz via Remitly. It's not going smoothly, and I thought I'd check here to see if anyone has had a similar experience or otherwise has light to shed on this.The transfer has been kicked back ...
I've transferred with Remitly to BSC at least once a month for well over 5 years now. I only had an issue once. BHD Leon is the intermediary, and they (BHD Leon) had a system issue that was causing account numbers to be truncated. My deposit showed ... Read More
How to meet expats in Panama by Panama_expat_DRH
I am a retiree considering moving to Panama in the Boquete or Volcan areas. How do I connect with expats already living in the area for help and guidance with the move? I also want to make new friends before I take my first trip to Panama.
@Panama_expat_DRH My husband and I are moving to Boquete in a couple of weeks! We purchased the online Panama Relocation Tours guide, which is packed with valuable information and recommendations. We didn't do the tour because we knew we wanted ... Read More
Surprisingly efficient Dominican process!
I've finally become sufficiently jaded so that nothing here in DR really surprises me! I have to admit, though, that I was pleasantly surprised on Friday with the speed and efficiency of getting an International Health certificate to take our dogs ... Read More
Timing of the residency application process (2025) by wondering9
I was looking for an existing thread to tack this onto but couldn't quickly find one, so here's one more input to the "how long does it take?" question.I initiated the process of applying for a retirement residency in December 2024. It took...3 ...
@Jennifer Storm Nelson The Rentista option for residency is for those with a track record of PASSIVE, not EARNED income. I beleive the requirement is five years of history of collecting rents on investment properties, dividends, and other sources of ... Read More
Timing of the residency application process (2025) by wondering9
I was looking for an existing thread to tack this onto but couldn't quickly find one, so here's one more input to the "how long does it take?" question.I initiated the process of applying for a retirement residency in December 2024. It took...3 ...
@Jennifer Storm Nelson No, we handled all the paperwork and flight arrangements ourselves. At the time, American Airlines Cargo was our only option, but we were flying with him from Miami, so it worked well. Read More
Timing of the residency application process (2025) by wondering9
I was looking for an existing thread to tack this onto but couldn't quickly find one, so here's one more input to the "how long does it take?" question.I initiated the process of applying for a retirement residency in December 2024. It took...3 ...
When you receive your Visa from the consulate, you have 60 days to enter DR and apply for residency. If you enter DR early, you have 30 days from the day you enter to apply for residency, not the full 60 days - this is because even with the ... Read More
Any Romanians in Las Terrenas? by Dan Dulan
Hi everyone! We’re planning to relocate to Las Terrenas and were wondering if there are any Romanians living in the area. Would love to connect. Thanks!
@Dan Dulan I suggest waiting until at least April 8 or so. You do NOT want to be in Las Terrenas during (un)Holy Week! From Palm Sunday to Easter Monday, traffic is insane! You'll also find rentals are a lot higher that week. Many of us who live in ... Read More
Using DR courier services for sensitive documents by wondering9
Would you consider it safe to use a service like Domex to receive a new ATM card or credit card?I'm assuming that Domex would be a good bet because that's who the US embassy uses. Also in my brief dealings with them they have seemed pretty ...
@wondering9 Envelopes are the only things I've had go missing or get delayed by months! A friend sent a Christmas card to my CPS address in Florida, and two years later, I've never seen it! Same with an envelope my parents sent with some accumulated ... Read More
Timing of the residency application process (2025) by wondering9
I was looking for an existing thread to tack this onto but couldn't quickly find one, so here's one more input to the "how long does it take?" question.I initiated the process of applying for a retirement residency in December 2024. It took...3 ...
@Jennifer Storm Nelson You need to wait until the consulate (in the US) issues your residency visa. It has to be added to your passport. We chose to leave our passports with the consulate, along with a prepaid Priortity-Express return envelope, so ... Read More
Managing meals in Dominican Republic by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Managing meals day-to-day can sometimes be a real mental challenge, even more so when you land in a new environment, with different schedules, habits or ingredients. How do you manage your meal routine as an expat in Dominican ...
We've sometimes gone weeks without being able to find ginger. limes or carrots - and all are grown here in DR! I don't think of Las Terrenas as being that small of a town, but we are somewhat isolated on the peninsula! Read More
Managing meals in Dominican Republic by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Managing meals day-to-day can sometimes be a real mental challenge, even more so when you land in a new environment, with different schedules, habits or ingredients. How do you manage your meal routine as an expat in Dominican ...
We cook almost all of our meals in, only going out a few times a month. We have had to adapt to the foods we find available! There are far fewer options in Las Terrenas than in the larger towns and cities. Good lettuce is a rare find, so we rarely ... Read More
New members of the Panama forum, introduce yourselves here - 2025 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Panama forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
When I posted back in March, I thought we were just months away, but we got delayed a bit!We were just in Panama last week for a house-hunting trip and will be moving to Alto Boquete in January! Is anyone here in Boquete? Or specifically Boquete ... Read More
Selling a vehicle by ddmcghee
If you have sold a vehicle in DR...did you have to get a Piloto Plan from the police that shows the car hasn't been stolen? Evidently, these certificates can only be obtained in Santo Domingo and Santiago!
@planner Yeah, it's inexpensive, but if you aren't in the capital, it's a pain in the ass to handle! From LT, it's 1800 DOP in tolls round trip! Add to that the time (6 hours just driving time), gas, wear and tear on your car, etc., and the 100 ... Read More
Selling a vehicle by ddmcghee
If you have sold a vehicle in DR...did you have to get a Piloto Plan from the police that shows the car hasn't been stolen? Evidently, these certificates can only be obtained in Santo Domingo and Santiago!
@UncleBuck It might not be necessary with a new vehicle from a dealer. Read More
Getting Address for new Construction by Stacy ST
Does anyone have experience getting their land/lot registered with an address? We purchased a plot of land in an industrial area that is all new construction. We are told the street has name, but we do not know what it is and it is not yet ...
I was able to add our home to Google Maps without an address. I believe I had to share my location with a Google Customer Service representative during a chat. They initially said they had to mail something, but when I explained that there was not ... Read More
Selling a vehicle by ddmcghee
If you have sold a vehicle in DR...did you have to get a Piloto Plan from the police that shows the car hasn't been stolen? Evidently, these certificates can only be obtained in Santo Domingo and Santiago!
So the buyer goes after the sale is complete? That's kind of putting the cart before the horse, isn't it? What happens if you've already paid for the car and you find out there is an issue? I guess we leave that to the buyer to deal with!We just ... Read More
Selling a vehicle
If you have sold a vehicle in DR...did you have to get a Piloto Plan from the police that shows the car hasn't been stolen? Evidently, these certificates can only be obtained in Santo Domingo and Santiago! Read More
Residency - 2025 by classygringo
I have been renewing my residency for a number of years and every single year I experience the same thing. I am told to upload it again in jpg format. I carefully check all the documents and am sure they are in jpg. I also work heavily on a computer ...
What harm is there in bringing it? Better safe than sorry! Read More
Shopping questions by wondering9
does anyone happen to know whether there's a place to buy... snorkeling gear in Las Terrenas? one of those folding, ultra-portable backpacking stools or chairs, anywhere in the DR? (I imagine you can get normal folding chairs in a lot of places, but ...
You might check with The Dive Academy and other diving companies to see if they can tell you where to buy the snorkeling gear.As for chairs, I've never seen anything like that in LT. Read More
Dominican Republic Taxes by Adalharis
HiHope everyone is doing well. Can somebody help/guide us how do you your taxes when you live our DR but bought a property in the DR. We bough a house in Terrenas Samaná and put it in Airbnb (which is providing some income). We furnished the ...
The IRS wants a piece of everything! As a US citizen, you are liable for taxes on income earned anywhere around the world. You can get a foreign income tax credit for the amount of taxes you pay to the DR on that income. Read More
Residency - 2025 by classygringo
I have been renewing my residency for a number of years and every single year I experience the same thing. I am told to upload it again in jpg format. I carefully check all the documents and am sure they are in jpg. I also work heavily on a computer ...
For the rentista residency, you have to have a 5-year history of passive income to qualify. Read More
Banking (mostly ATM) questions by wondering9
I don't think this has been asked before; apologies if I missed something.I'm still drawing money out of my US bank account via ATMs and probably will be for a couple more months (for longwinded and boring reasons not worth going into). Banco ...
When you withdraw from Popular, it gives you an option of sending the peso amount or the converted dollar amount to your home bank, Always go for pesos!! I made the mistake and hit the wrong button one time and lost about $20 on the exchange! Read More
New members of the Dominican Republic forum, introduce yourselves here - 2025 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Dominican Republic forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more ...
@Ocshmavia Sorry - just seeing your message. We came in as pensioners. That process is pretty simple and straight forward. We used an attorney, Lishali Baez, and she really made it easy. I can't speak to any other type of residency or trying to do ... Read More
Boquete Anyone? by kwik6six
Hello all.I am an American in Wisconsin. I've been considering becoming an expat and my research is leading me to the Boquete area for the lower temps and humidity than Panama City, plus I just want a quiet peaceful retirement away from the ...
@kristc99 We love the Boquete area, but have decided not to settle in Bajo! We have been living in the Dominican Republic for the past five and a half years, so we know we don't want noise! We are looking at homes in Alto Boquete, Dolega, and ... Read More
Boquete Anyone? by kwik6six
Hello all.I am an American in Wisconsin. I've been considering becoming an expat and my research is leading me to the Boquete area for the lower temps and humidity than Panama City, plus I just want a quiet peaceful retirement away from the ...
@Ocshmavia It's going to vary by elevation - and the entire Boquete area has a pretty significant range of elevations. There are many areas that never require air conditioning and even need heat at night. As you get down into Alto Boquete towards ... Read More
"Anything Goes" thread by planner
I have created a new thread where you are free to discuss any topics you want! Rules that apply: no name calling, no insulting. Feel free to exchange ideas on politics etc! I will ask to have this pinned so we don't lose it.This is where you can ...
@wondering9 I didn't even try calling anyone. I was able to find answers to all my questions on the website. I tried helping an elderly friend reach the embassy a while back, and it was a real pain! Read More
Best Bank for US Expats by brodies2013
We are finally in the planning stages of our move to DR! (We've been members here since 2014 and purchased a fixer upper on the north coast in 2015!) We are also shopping for a new bank...what bank would US Expat.com members recommend?
We've used Banco Santa Cruz for over 5 years with only a couple of minor issues - biggest issue is that we have a joint account and even though we were each given a debit card when the account was opened, when Dave's card expired, they claimed that ... Read More
Bill of sale for auto
Does anyone have a bill of sale for a car that they can share as a template? We are selling our car to friends, so I'm not concerned about having an attorney create a contract, but I need to have documentation to transfer the title and support the ... Read More
"Anything Goes" thread by planner
I have created a new thread where you are free to discuss any topics you want! Rules that apply: no name calling, no insulting. Feel free to exchange ideas on politics etc! I will ask to have this pinned so we don't lose it.This is where you can ...
Passport renewal is relatively easy! I think priority is given to those outside the country. I submitted mine through the embassy the same week that a friend submitted hers in the US. Mine came back almost a month sooner. Mine was about 5 weeks from ... Read More
Residency Renewal 2025 by UncleBuck
I have successfully completed the online renewal application for Temporary Residency. My Residency and Cédula both expire mid-November this year. The date being offered to pick up my card is end of January 2026.I know they are changing the ...
@karynllanders And Lishali makes things happen! Read More
Residency Renewal 2025 by UncleBuck
I have successfully completed the online renewal application for Temporary Residency. My Residency and Cédula both expire mid-November this year. The date being offered to pick up my card is end of January 2026.I know they are changing the ...
Wow! Ours were set to expire September 15. We submitted our application for renewal on August 13, it was approved on August 20, and we had our appointment on August 26.@jwronasc - we use Lishali Baez. 809-860-1231. She handled our initial residency ... Read More
Residency - 2025 by classygringo
I have been renewing my residency for a number of years and every single year I experience the same thing. I am told to upload it again in jpg format. I carefully check all the documents and am sure they are in jpg. I also work heavily on a computer ...
@wndrmutt Are you using lbaez@lishalibaez.com? Read More
Residency - 2025 by classygringo
I have been renewing my residency for a number of years and every single year I experience the same thing. I am told to upload it again in jpg format. I carefully check all the documents and am sure they are in jpg. I also work heavily on a computer ...
For those not getting responses from Lishali, how are you trying to reach her? WhatsApp? Email? Phone calls? Read More
Retirement Visas by Pat Kitchen
My wife and I are in the process of obtaining retirement visas for the DR. We have been in contact with a couple of Dominican law firms. We are a bit taken aback with the fees they are charging. Also, we know there are going to be ...
@DRforme You can also read all the rules and regulations for Residencia on the Migracion website. Read More
Retirement Visas by Pat Kitchen
My wife and I are in the process of obtaining retirement visas for the DR. We have been in contact with a couple of Dominican law firms. We are a bit taken aback with the fees they are charging. Also, we know there are going to be ...
I would definitely suggest speaking with an attorney. I believe that family reunification is the cheapest and easiest path to residency and eventual citizenship if you qualify. Read More
Hospital traumatológico de Sosúa by hwcems
Looking to relocate from NY to North CoastAny information on the new trauma hospital and where to apply for employmentThanksHoward
A few things to keep in mind:1) Salaries here are much, much lower than in the US.2) You will likely need to be fluent in Spanish. IIRC, your wife is Dominican, so you might already speak Spanish.3) You'll need to either have a cedula or get a work ... Read More
Ferries Del Caribe by pharrison742
There is a Ferry that sail from PR to Santo Domingo. This is cruise line type of ship. Looks more like a Navy ship, the ferry is 13hrs long, cost is $65.00. It is dog friendly and offers food and beverages same as the cruise line, etc, Dining room, ...
Are the rooms really like a cruise ship? I haven't been on it, but from what I read, I thought the "rooms" were more like train berths. Read More
Retirement Visas by Pat Kitchen
My wife and I are in the process of obtaining retirement visas for the DR. We have been in contact with a couple of Dominican law firms. We are a bit taken aback with the fees they are charging. Also, we know there are going to be ...
@DRforme One thing to keep in mind is that the consulates only handle visas, not residency! The consulate is like our state department and Migración, which handles residency, is like our USCIS. Two different government agencies and I would ... Read More
Moving to Las Terrenas or Semana by Steverino7777
Hello,As I approach my 10th anniversary living seasonally in La Romana and Casa de Campo, I am seriously considering moving to a new winter home in the Las Terrenas / Semana area. I have only been to the cities of Semana and Las Terrenas but I am ...
@Steverino7777 I'm not sure what apartments are currently renting for. I have a friend with an apartment that is very reasonable. We used one of her apartments for a recent clothing swap, and it looked nice. I'll PM you a link to a listing. She ... Read More
Moving to Las Terrenas or Semana by Steverino7777
Hello,As I approach my 10th anniversary living seasonally in La Romana and Casa de Campo, I am seriously considering moving to a new winter home in the Las Terrenas / Semana area. I have only been to the cities of Semana and Las Terrenas but I am ...
The new Marriott hotel here has had its opening delayed several times. I know for sure that the first delay (of the March 2025 opening) was because a planned update to the sewage system on Playa Ballenas was never done. The city provided pipes for ... Read More
Best ant killer available in the DR? by wondering9
I'm suddenly getting a lot of ants, despite being pretty religious about not leaving food out & washing up right after eating. My landlady says they do this every fall and recommends something called Baygon. I looked it up and it looks pretty ...
@wondering9 I was a certifiable arachnophobe when we moved here 5+ years ago! They can still startle me, especially the speedy Huntsman spiders, but my appreciation for them has grown and converted me into an arachnophile! I've even said that if I ... Read More
Cost of Living for Expats – Housing, Utilities, and Daily Expenses by Mical Jhon
Hello everyone,I’m currently researching the cost of living for expats and would love to hear from those who have first-hand experience. While online data gives a general idea, real-life insights from people living abroad are always more ...
As SimCityAT says, there is a lot of good info on this topic in the thread shared.Some things are much cheaper - like healthcare. We pay about $130/month for good health insurance for two of us. In the US, that would be $1500 or more. We have both ... Read More
Moving to Las Terrenas or Semana by Steverino7777
Hello,As I approach my 10th anniversary living seasonally in La Romana and Casa de Campo, I am seriously considering moving to a new winter home in the Las Terrenas / Semana area. I have only been to the cities of Semana and Las Terrenas but I am ...
@DRVisitor Using existing! So more homes, apartments, and hotels with the same electricity, water supply, and roads. Read More
Best ant killer available in the DR? by wondering9
I'm suddenly getting a lot of ants, despite being pretty religious about not leaving food out & washing up right after eating. My landlady says they do this every fall and recommends something called Baygon. I looked it up and it looks pretty ...
If you can find Borax, mix it with a little sugar and water in a bottle cap. The sugar attracts the ants, and they carry the Borax back to the nest to kill the colony. It's not immediate, but it will take care of the ones you can't see either.We ... Read More
Moving to Las Terrenas or Semana by Steverino7777
Hello,As I approach my 10th anniversary living seasonally in La Romana and Casa de Campo, I am seriously considering moving to a new winter home in the Las Terrenas / Semana area. I have only been to the cities of Semana and Las Terrenas but I am ...
@Steverino7777 I don't know much about the areas in Samana outside of Las Terrenas. I have heard from folks in Samana town and Las Galleras that they have to come to Las Terrenas for shopping. There are colmados and small grocery stores elsewhere, ... Read More
Moving to Las Terrenas or Semana by Steverino7777
Hello,As I approach my 10th anniversary living seasonally in La Romana and Casa de Campo, I am seriously considering moving to a new winter home in the Las Terrenas / Semana area. I have only been to the cities of Semana and Las Terrenas but I am ...
@DRVisitor And infrastructure has not kept pace! LT has major issues with electricity, water supply, and traffic. Read More
Managing mailboxes or PO boxes in Dominican Republic by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Something as simple as receiving mail can become a whole new experience when you settle in Dominican Republic as an expat. Mailing management can indeed be different from what you are used to. In order to help other expats and ...
There is no postal service, at least not in Las Terrenas! There is a post office, but those who have tried to have things mailed here have either experienced tremendous delays or had the items disappear. I'm not sure how mail delivery would even ... Read More
Medical Insurance for over 65 by carlvelas
Does anyone know of a private company offering medical insurance for persons over the age of 65?
@ryzik68 I'd suggest starting a new thread. By asking this question in this thread, only people reading the medical insurance thread will see it Read More
Shipping pallets OUT of DR by ddmcghee
Does anyone have experience shipping pallets out of DR? I'm looking for a reliable freight company.
@TippjThanks, but Awilda only ships out to New York. I need to ship to Panama. Read More
Residency - updates and changes 2024 by planner
We are seeing changes in processes here and it's time for a new thread with updates.LIshali had agreed to update us here on those changes and to clarify a number of issues as we go along!First let's talk the basics: how you start and which type you ...
With Pensionada Residency, you get one year to start, then each renewal gives you two more years. This was our third two-year renewal. Not sure when it gets longer than two years. Read More
Residency - updates and changes 2024 by planner
We are seeing changes in processes here and it's time for a new thread with updates.LIshali had agreed to update us here on those changes and to clarify a number of issues as we go along!First let's talk the basics: how you start and which type you ...
We renewed our residency this morning and the process was much more efficient than in years past! Our appointment at Migración was at 9:00. We were walking out the door with our new Residencia cards just before 10:00. We then drove across ... Read More
Managing retirement savings in Dominican Republic by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Saving for retirement as an expat in Dominican Republic can be challenging. With different options, rules or even taxation, expats have to understand how it works to make informed decisions. We invite you to share your insights in ...
We retired prior to becoming expats, so our days of contributing to retirement savings are behind us!We maintain bank accounts in the US and use those for accepting pension payments. We’ve had no issues accessing our accounts from here. Read More
Residency - updates and changes 2024 by planner
We are seeing changes in processes here and it's time for a new thread with updates.LIshali had agreed to update us here on those changes and to clarify a number of issues as we go along!First let's talk the basics: how you start and which type you ...
Update on renewal timing!Current Pensionado residency expires on 9/15/25Application for renewal submitted on 8/13/25Application approved on 8/20/25Appointment at Migración scheduled for 8/26/25We are working with Lishali, so she made sure ... Read More
Hurricane season 2025 by planner
Lets use this to track the storms that are on the way! Our last one Erin passed to the north of us and had few serious affects on us. I do not think we will always get this lucky so lets keep track of whats going on here!Currently we are watching ...
I have recently seen Hispaniola referred to as the hurricane "Donut Hole" of the Caribbean. Statistically we take few direct hits. This is for at least two reasons. One, the Mona passage between DR and Puerto Rico is a very turbulent area of the ... Read More
Hurricane season 2025 by planner
Lets use this to track the storms that are on the way! Our last one Erin passed to the north of us and had few serious affects on us. I do not think we will always get this lucky so lets keep track of whats going on here!Currently we are watching ...
The winds on the back side of Erin are still strong! We just had our doormat blown into the house, and a dog bowl was sent flying across the floor! We haven't closed the doors though!😂 Read More
Real estate process by karynllanders
Could someone please explain the real estate market? Where we come from there is one site of listings that any realtor can show from. The buyers are represented by their own agent and the seller has there own representation as well.Here it appears ...
The only "Se Vende" signs I've seen in LT have been on undeveloped land, never on homes or apartments.We don't have one on our house because we're off the beaten path, we don't want lookie-loos trying to see it, we don't want anyone to think the ... Read More
Real estate process by karynllanders
Could someone please explain the real estate market? Where we come from there is one site of listings that any realtor can show from. The buyers are represented by their own agent and the seller has there own representation as well.Here it appears ...
@karynllanders It would be so nice if there were an MLS here! The reality is that exclusive listings are extremely rare and not beneficial to the seller. Agencies end up duplicating listings from other agents without any contact with the seller! We ... Read More