cshelly12
American expat in Dominican Republic
Forum posts
54
Contacts
3
About me
American
Lives in Santiago de los Caballeros, Sa
Speaks English Spanish
Registration: 18 May 2017
Retirement and Tax advice by cshelly12
Hello. I'm currently in Santiago de los Caballeros on a tourist visa. I go back home often enough so that I don't overstay my welcome ;) I currently work as an independent contractor through a U.S.-based company as well as another ...
Thank you Planner! Yeah, I'm trying to find a professional. It's just been a struggle to say the least. :S Read More
Retirement and Tax advice by cshelly12
Hello. I'm currently in Santiago de los Caballeros on a tourist visa. I go back home often enough so that I don't overstay my welcome ;) I currently work as an independent contractor through a U.S.-based company as well as another ...
I'm just trying to understand the tax law there. I am not employed by a Dominican Company, but the tax laws are not clear to me. :/ I'm not sure whether or not I will have to pay taxes there. It sounds like I will be considered a ... Read More
Retirement and Tax advice by cshelly12
Hello. I'm currently in Santiago de los Caballeros on a tourist visa. I go back home often enough so that I don't overstay my welcome ;) I currently work as an independent contractor through a U.S.-based company as well as another ...
I am trying to figure out what taxes I will be required to pay in the Dominican Republic - not here in the US - based on how many days I spend there this year. Does anyone have any recommendations of a professional I could contact to help me ... Read More
MEDDEAS Public School Program by cshelly12
Has anyone heard of the public school Language Assistant program through MEDDEAS? http://www.meddeas.com/public-schools-spain/ I've read a lot of info about the program MEDDEAS has for language assistants in private schools, as well as ...
Unless it has changed since I was excepted last summer, you will most likely be placed in a small town in the community of Madrid. I don’t know if there is a possibility that she will be placed in the city of Madrid or not, which was part of ... Read More
Retirement and Tax advice by cshelly12
Hello. I'm currently in Santiago de los Caballeros on a tourist visa. I go back home often enough so that I don't overstay my welcome ;) I currently work as an independent contractor through a U.S.-based company as well as another ...
Yeah, I thought it was very strange when they said that my account would be immediately closed. I guess she didn't like me for some reason and decided to give me that information. :/ Anyway, thank you so much for your referral. I'm going ... Read More
Housing (Santiago) by cshelly12
Hello. I'm currently in Santiago de los Caballeros on a tourist visa. I go back home often enough so that I don't overstay my welcome ;) If I'm not mistaken, U.S. citizens are allowed to purchase property just as Dominican citizens ...
Thanks Planner! Considering I had about 3 days to find a place to rent and wanted to stay in the same sector I was in before, I think it was a decent deal for a new foreigner haha. The apartment is pretty open, which is nice right now, but is not ... Read More
Retirement and Tax advice
Hello. I'm currently in Santiago de los Caballeros on a tourist visa. I go back home often enough so that I don't overstay my welcome ;) I currently work as an independent contractor through a U.S.-based company as well as another ... Read More
Housing (Santiago)
Hello. I'm currently in Santiago de los Caballeros on a tourist visa. I go back home often enough so that I don't overstay my welcome ;) If I'm not mistaken, U.S. citizens are allowed to purchase property just as Dominican citizens ... Read More
Rooms/Apartments for rent in Santiago (Jardines Metropolitanos)
Does anyone have any references or recommendations as to whom I could contact/where to go to find a furnished room or apartment in Santiago (preferably in the sector Jardines Metropolitanos). Thanks! Read More
Food safety - fruits and vegetables by cshelly12
I have heard that fruits and vegetable can be unsafe here in the DR due to poor water sanitation. I've been told only to eat fruits and veggies that I have peeled myself. However, there are a ton of vegetables that aren't typically peeled ...
Cool thanks, that's what I just did :) Read More
Food safety - fruits and vegetables by cshelly12
I have heard that fruits and vegetable can be unsafe here in the DR due to poor water sanitation. I've been told only to eat fruits and veggies that I have peeled myself. However, there are a ton of vegetables that aren't typically peeled ...
How do you guys wash off broccoli you get here? Thanks again! :D Read More
Food safety - fruits and vegetables
I have heard that fruits and vegetable can be unsafe here in the DR due to poor water sanitation. I've been told only to eat fruits and veggies that I have peeled myself. However, there are a ton of vegetables that aren't typically peeled ... Read More
Health Care by ducketts
How much does local DR insurance cost per month please?
I know this thread is a bit old, but I am trying to find out about getting contact lenses in the Dominican Republic. I will be in Santiago de los Caballeros (in case that matters). Last time I lived abroad, I brought a year's supply of contact ... Read More
Best cities/areas for a single woman in her 30s by cshelly12
I'm thinking of moving to the Dominican Republic, but I am a single woman and am a little worried about safety in certain areas of the DR. I loved Santo Domingo when I was there 5 years ago, but I've heard it's gotten much more ...
That's OK. Santiago it is! :D Read More
Tax on Gross salary? by Sunny_side
Hi all, I just received a offer to move in DR in a hotel close to Río San Juan, I'm single and wishing to live in small studio accommodation. As stated on my contract They will pay me 3200 USD monthly gross salary. Do you have any idea how ...
Planner, are you referring to taxes that need to be paid during "tax season", or to the ISR? Right now, my focus is on the amount that will be withheld from my paychecks. I'm not sure if I'm making sense lol - taxes are not my ... Read More
Tax on Gross salary? by Sunny_side
Hi all, I just received a offer to move in DR in a hotel close to Río San Juan, I'm single and wishing to live in small studio accommodation. As stated on my contract They will pay me 3200 USD monthly gross salary. Do you have any idea how ...
I too am confused about the taxes, despite having being reading tons of information. I will use the calculator you provided gringolazo. Thanks for that! Just to be clear, that is the amount that will be due during tax season, correct? And ... Read More
Best cities/areas for a single woman in her 30s by cshelly12
I'm thinking of moving to the Dominican Republic, but I am a single woman and am a little worried about safety in certain areas of the DR. I loved Santo Domingo when I was there 5 years ago, but I've heard it's gotten much more ...
Do any of you know anything about the cost of living in Santiago vs. the cost of living in Las Terrenas? It's hard to find solid info - especially for Las Terrenas - so any comparative data/prices would be very helpful! Read More
Latin dance scene
This is probably a stupid question, but what is international style? 🙈 I do remember the salsa being different from what is taught here, but it reminded me a lot of the way a lot of South Americans I know dance. Anyway, it's nice to ... Read More
Latin dance scene
Yeah, I figured finding actually classes would be much more difficult to find there than here in the US, but I'm hoping someone proves me wrong hahaha. Thanks for your input! Read More
Latin dance scene
Hi! I'm currently trying to decide where to move, and am having a tough time! One of my major hobbies is dance. I love to dance bachata and salsa, as well as learn other types of (primarily) latin dances, such as zouk and kizomba. I'm ... Read More
MEDDEAS Public School Program
I have been offered the opportunity to go to Spain as a Language and Culture Assistant through the organization MEDDEAS. I can find a ton of information and student reviews on their program in private schools, but NOTHING regarding their public ... Read More
Teaching Salary in Mexico by cshelly12
Hi everyone! I'm an experienced teacher currently living in the U.S. I have been a bilingual teacher for 8 years here, and am considering moving to Mexico. However, I'm unsure what teacher salary expectations I should have. Does anybody ...
Thank you! I've been looking into international schools, but there is a huge variety of student populations at those schools. Some have a lot of expats, while others have mainly Mexican students. Either way, your information was definitely ... Read More
Teaching Salary in Mexico by cshelly12
Hi everyone! I'm an experienced teacher currently living in the U.S. I have been a bilingual teacher for 8 years here, and am considering moving to Mexico. However, I'm unsure what teacher salary expectations I should have. Does anybody ...
I'd actually come across that article before. It's weird (and confusing) because I've also found a lot of information about how low teacher salaries are there :/. I guess I'm more interested in teacher salaries for foreigners anyway Read More
Teaching Salary in Mexico by cshelly12
Hi everyone! I'm an experienced teacher currently living in the U.S. I have been a bilingual teacher for 8 years here, and am considering moving to Mexico. However, I'm unsure what teacher salary expectations I should have. Does anybody ...
Thank you, I will check out the link. I have been offered a position with a school that will help me with the visa applications process. I'm just trying to figure out whether or not I will be able to pay my bills on the salary offered. Thanks ... Read More
Best cities/areas for a single woman in her 30s by cshelly12
I'm thinking of moving to the Dominican Republic, but I am a single woman and am a little worried about safety in certain areas of the DR. I loved Santo Domingo when I was there 5 years ago, but I've heard it's gotten much more ...
Thank you! Yes, I totally agree with you about Punta Cana! Of course, it is beautiful, and the shows were entertaining, but I didn't even feel like I was out of the country there lol. I've been leaning toward Santiago, so it's good to ... Read More
Cost of groceries/toiletries and health care in Las Terrenas
I've seen some info regarding this matter, but not much. Does anyone have any info regarding the cost of groceries (provided I'm not purchasing a lot of imported goods)? Also, how is the health care in the area? Does one need to travel to ... Read More
MEDDEAS Public School Program
Has anyone heard of the public school Language Assistant program through MEDDEAS? http://www.meddeas.com/public-schools-spain/ I've read a lot of info about the program MEDDEAS has for language assistants in private schools, as well as ... Read More
Best cities/areas for a single woman in her 30s by cshelly12
I'm thinking of moving to the Dominican Republic, but I am a single woman and am a little worried about safety in certain areas of the DR. I loved Santo Domingo when I was there 5 years ago, but I've heard it's gotten much more ...
Thanks for your response! I do love the beach, but I prefer places that aren't quite as "touristy" as Punta Cana (the only city in the DR I've spent time in other than Santo Domingo). My main hobby is dancing (salsa, bachata, and ... Read More
Best cities/areas for a single woman in her 30s
I'm thinking of moving to the Dominican Republic, but I am a single woman and am a little worried about safety in certain areas of the DR. I loved Santo Domingo when I was there 5 years ago, but I've heard it's gotten much more ... Read More
Teaching Salary in Mexico by cshelly12
Hi everyone! I'm an experienced teacher currently living in the U.S. I have been a bilingual teacher for 8 years here, and am considering moving to Mexico. However, I'm unsure what teacher salary expectations I should have. Does anybody ...
Thank you Barb! I took a Spanish course in Guanajuato and loved it as well! I am definitely not planning on going for the money lol. My concern is the fact that I have credit cards and student loans that need to be paid off in USD, so thinking I ... Read More
Teaching Salary in the Dominican Republic by cshelly12
Hi everyone! I'm an experienced teacher currently living in the U.S. I have been a bilingual teacher for 8 years here, and am considering moving to the Dominican Republic. However, I'm unsure what teacher salary expectations I should ...
Yes - just getting in touch with the Dominican Consulate here took quite an effort lol. Read More
Teaching Salary in Mexico by cshelly12
Hi everyone! I'm an experienced teacher currently living in the U.S. I have been a bilingual teacher for 8 years here, and am considering moving to Mexico. However, I'm unsure what teacher salary expectations I should have. Does anybody ...
I have. I'm just trying to make sure I don't get taken advantage of as a foreigner. ;) Read More
Teaching Salary in the Dominican Republic by cshelly12
Hi everyone! I'm an experienced teacher currently living in the U.S. I have been a bilingual teacher for 8 years here, and am considering moving to the Dominican Republic. However, I'm unsure what teacher salary expectations I should ...
I'm sorry, I should have explained myself better. I have some offers from other countries as well, so I'm trying to decide which one to accept. It seemed that trying to get a visa after arriving in the country would be difficult if not ... Read More
Teaching Salary in the Dominican Republic by cshelly12
Hi everyone! I'm an experienced teacher currently living in the U.S. I have been a bilingual teacher for 8 years here, and am considering moving to the Dominican Republic. However, I'm unsure what teacher salary expectations I should ...
Thank you both for your responses. I'm a little confused about the residency requirements you mentioned though, Bob. I've already been offered a job and currently live in the U.S. According to the information the consulate/embassy sent ... Read More
Teaching Salary in Mexico
Hi everyone! I'm an experienced teacher currently living in the U.S. I have been a bilingual teacher for 8 years here, and am considering moving to Mexico. However, I'm unsure what teacher salary expectations I should have. Does anybody ... Read More
Teaching Salary in the Dominican Republic
Hi everyone! I'm an experienced teacher currently living in the U.S. I have been a bilingual teacher for 8 years here, and am considering moving to the Dominican Republic. However, I'm unsure what teacher salary expectations I should ... Read More
Internet Speed
I was planning on moving to Las Terrenas. I haven't heard good things about the internet there, though. If anybody has had any experience or has any information to offer, it would be much appreciated. Thanks! :D Read More
Internet Speed in Las Terrenas
I am considering moving to Las Terrenas, but am concerned about issues with internet speed and connection, as I work remotely. Any info would be much appreciated! Read More
Internet Speed
Hi, I am looking into possibly moving to the DR while teaching online. I already have the teaching job, but am not sure of the best internet providers and best areas for good connection and internet speed (hopefully AT LEAST a 6mbps download speed, ... Read More
U.S. Citizens and Visas by cshelly12
Hi! I am very interested in living in Spain, either short-term or long-term. I am an experienced bilingual (Spanish/English) and ESL teacher and am considering the following options: 1) Looking for a teaching job in Spain 2) Continuing to ...
Oh OK, thank you! Maybe I'll send them an email. I thought that I would need to apply for a "self-employed" Visa, but there were so many I may have been mistaken. Thanks again! Read More
U.S. Citizens and Visas
Hi! I am very interested in living in France, either short-term or long-term. I am an experienced ESL teacher and am considering the following options: 1) Looking for a teaching job in France 2) Continuing to teach online to support myself ... Read More
U.S. Citizens and Visas
Hi! I am very interested in living in Spain, either short-term or long-term. I am an experienced bilingual (Spanish/English) and ESL teacher and am considering the following options: 1) Looking for a teaching job in Spain 2) Continuing to ... Read More
Mental Health (ADHD and Anxiety)
I have been taking medication for ADHD on and off (mostly "on") for about 10 years. I am currently 31. I am very interested in teaching and/or studying French in France. However, I am concerned about the following possible situations: 1) ... Read More
Mental Health (ADHD and Anxiety)
I have been taking medication for ADHD on and off (mostly "on") for about 10 years. I am currently 31. I am very interested in teaching in the Dominican Republic. However, I am concerned about the following possible situations: 1) Not ... Read More