exservdr
American expat in Dominican Republic
Forum posts
65
Contacts
6
About me
American
Lives in Santo Domingo, Nacional
Speaks English, Spanish
Registration: 21 May 2018
Thinking of buying a Condo by Monique SL
Hello my name is Monique. I live in Florida. My husband and I are retiring within the next two years. But we are trying to buy an apartment from the Urban Group builder in La Romana. I have been to DR only once in my life and that was more than 30 ...
Yes. I would definitely recommend you visit first. Read More
Residencia - 2020 - How to get it done. by planner
Its time for a new thread laying out how to apply for residencia! Our resident lawyer, Lishali, will assist us. Lets break it down into sections: 1. Who qualifies 2. First step in your home country. 3. What you need and how to apply for your ...
Step 2 means: Verify the visa category that you qualify for. 1. Student 2. Work 3. Retiree 4. Family reunification 5. and others Step 3 means: Once you determine which visa category you qualify for the applicant will need to submit a number of ... Read More
Temporary Resdidencia - first steps! by planner
As a regular person, not applying for work visa or a retirement special status recidencia, you can apply for the temporary residencia. The principal difference is that you will require a local sponsor to vouch for you and your family when applying ...
Connie, Those who overstay their visa are only asked to pay an exit fee. Read More
Obtaining a cedula/residency? by shascallreyes89
Hello Bob K. You seem lile you really know your stuff! So here is my situation and question. I recently (temporarily) moved here from Michigan, US so.my daughter and I could stay with my husband while we wait for his green card paperwork to be ...
Normal residency is temporary residency which is renewed anually. The “special status” residency which retirees who receive over US$1,500 a month qualify for grant your permanent residency which comes with some tax breaks. This type of ... Read More
Itbis (18%). by Kat11
Can someone confrim if the Itbis (18%) tax in DR is on HOA monthly fees? I was told by 2 realtors that it is and now I'm being told it isn't by a developer and I know he lives in nearby community with HOA fees that he must pay, so I am ...
Here is an answer found on the DGII website: https://ayuda.dgii.gov.do/dgii/topics/buenas-tardes-quisiera-saber-si-los-servicios-comunes-agua-y-mantenimiento-deben-facturarse-con-itbis Translation of website: In the case of the maintenance ... Read More
Investment Property in DR by jackielopez3
Hello! Hi, I'm new to this forum and excited to be here! Lots of helpful tips as I've been reading through threads so hoping I can gain some insight on investment opportunities in DR. I've visited DR and stayed in Santo Domingo/Juan ...
Yes. The 3% transfer tax needs to be paid within six months of buying the property or additional monthly interest will be charged on the amount due. Read More
Drought by Guest2022
There is a drought in the Dominican Republic which is said to be the worst for 30 years. We should all be aware and do our small part in conserving water. Water flows are being restricted to many communities yet there is an absence of an effective ...
I saw a new pipeline being installed in Juan Dolio on its way to the city of Santo Domingo. Read More
Investment Property in DR by jackielopez3
Hello! Hi, I'm new to this forum and excited to be here! Lots of helpful tips as I've been reading through threads so hoping I can gain some insight on investment opportunities in DR. I've visited DR and stayed in Santo Domingo/Juan ...
You could also buy insurance on the property that includes protection against lawsuits. Read More
Shipping my prescriptions by cindyscruise
I know mail forwarding has been addressed but I am so overwhelmed with our move at this point I need to get it clear. My husband gets medicine mailed to him from the VA. My Mom also has mailed to her. How do I now get this to us in Punta Cana. Our ...
Please check will the mail forwarding provider. They should have experience with these cases and should know what is allowed. Read More
Residencia renewal - actual process by planner
I am reposting this with permission, it was originally posted on FB and has great information! Temp to Permanent Residency - a tale of 220 days! For whomever it may help, here's the process with timeline that I followed to change from ...
The additional costs include: Repatriation Insurance Certificate of Good Conduct/Criminal History Report Bank Statements (depending on category) Medical exam (depending on category) Late fees in card is expired Read More
Travel - Medical Insurance by tdanielsns
Asking for a friend - Best travel insurance for stays of 30 days or less for 65 and older and smokes
Thank you the links shared. Read More
Residencia renewal - actual process by planner
I am reposting this with permission, it was originally posted on FB and has great information! Temp to Permanent Residency - a tale of 220 days! For whomever it may help, here's the process with timeline that I followed to change from ...
The fees are listed on the Immigration website. But there are other costs in addition to the Immigration fees. Read More
Car Buying Advice by cruffman
a word of advice to expats moving to the DR, and planning to buy a vehicle..... always keep in the back of your mind the little remark about ''the best laid plans of mice and men''. some of you come here with a predetermined time ...
True. CarFax would be used mostly for recently imported vehicles from the USA. Read More
Best cities for retirement in Dominican Republic by Bhavna
Hello everyone, An increasing amount of people want to spend their retirement abroad. Would you consider giving a few tips to those looking into the Dominican Republic for their retirement? What are the most attractive cities for retirees in ...
I love LT. Just don’t like all the tolls to get there. Read More
Mail Forwarding Registration with Aduanas by planner
Soon you will need to be registered with Aduanas in order to receive your mail forwarded packages. This has been enacted to prevent purchases meant for resale. People have used multiple accounts and multiple mail forwarders to buy in quantity and ...
I received a message many months ago by MailBoxes Etc. to register with Customs. I did. I have not had any issues. Read More
one way flight by cirock
what is the worst case scenario on purchasing a ticket one way? Is it more expensive to get a flight back to Toronto? Just planning on staying 5 days. is it difficulty to fly out of Dominican republic?
It depends on the airline. Read More
Migration detains 2,352 foreigners; deporta 1,787 to Haiti by windeguy
https://www.migracion.gob.do/Public/detail?detailid=80&menuid=44 Migration detains 2,352 foreigners; deporta 1,787 to Haiti during the first weeks of May
Seems like that number is about the monthly average. Read More
Residencia renewal - actual process by planner
I am reposting this with permission, it was originally posted on FB and has great information! Temp to Permanent Residency - a tale of 220 days! For whomever it may help, here's the process with timeline that I followed to change from ...
It depends on the type of residency: temporary, permanent, investment. Prices for cédulas renewals did go up recently for most categories. Read More
Residence Medical test
A drug test is performed, including cannabis. Read More
Property Valuation/Appraisal
Yes. Banks can refer you to property appraisers. Read More
Car insurance$ by Kat11
I have heard several times if you get on an accident you have to sit in jail for up to 72 hours until its figured out who's fault it was. That being said I also hear its usually blamed on the Expat/Gringo?? And they end up paying out$$. My ...
Car owners are legally required to have insurance. Full-coverage car insurance includes money’s to be paid to a third party and also includes legal representation if needed. The degree of coverage vary depending on the insurance provider. The ... Read More
Paypal by DM1
What DR banks can you use to setup besides Banco Popular if any?
The only other alternative is linking your PayPal to a bank in your country of origin. For example if from the US, you can request PayPal to issue you a debit card which could be used in the DR for purchases or to withdraw cash from the ATM. Read More
Investment Property in DR by jackielopez3
Hello! Hi, I'm new to this forum and excited to be here! Lots of helpful tips as I've been reading through threads so hoping I can gain some insight on investment opportunities in DR. I've visited DR and stayed in Santo Domingo/Juan ...
Hi Jackie, Do you plan on living in the property part of the year or rent it out all year long? If renting, are you planning to rent it short-term (i.e. AirBnb, Booking, etc.) or long-term (i.e. 6-12 month lease)? Will the developer manage the ... Read More
to become a resident of DR or not by 49north
my mother has owned a place in Caberete for approximatly 8 years and is now thinking of staying there permanatly. my question is wether or not she should become a resident of the DR or not. any input would be appreciated
If she is going to live here permanently she needs to obtain legal residency. Read More
Shopping for household items in Las Terrenas by tracy.england
Good evening all, We are into our 2nd week living in Las Terrenas. The completion of our apartment has been delayed, and while we are a bit disappointed we are spending this time to walk about town, meet some of our new neighbors and locate the ...
IKEA - Delivery available after a certain amount PRICESMART - membership required ALMACENES UNIDOS CASA CUESTA JUMBO LA SIRENA Among others. You can find appliances in most of the stores above and also in CORRIPIO. Read More
BUS SERVICE TO SANTO DOMINGO by 2VPsoldier
Greetings all. Can anyone advise where the Bus depots/stops are in Santo DOmingo. I am considering taking the bus from Moca to Santo Domingo and will stay likely at the Westin Inns and SUites again or the Ramada (if I recall) just farther north past ...
The Caribe Tours bus station depot (last stop) in Santo Domingo is on the corner of Avenida 27 de Febrero and Avenida Leopoldo Navarro. Taxis are available outside of the bus station. Read More
filtration/purification for potable water from kitchen tap by *Juan18
We are looking for recommendations for water filtration/purification for the kitchen. Yes, we can haul bottles of water but would prefer to simply have potable water from the kitchen tap. What are the experiences of others who have taken this ...
Here is a link to a water filtration company found in the Dominican Republic. Read More
Bank accounts cannot be opened by those who overstay in DR by windeguy
It has been confirmed by a poster on DR1 that those not legally in the DR can no longer open bank accounts here. That means if you overstay a tourist card which is valid for 30 days, you cannot open a new bank account, since after 30 days you are ...
This has been the case for at least several months. It is standard practice for the bank representative to first look for the last entry stamp on the passport to confirm that you have not overstayed prior to opening the account. Read More
Financing
Banks are willing to provide financing to those that prove their creditworthiness. Please note that interest rates in the DR are much higher than the US. Read More
Medical Transport by Harry19076
My research shows that The Hospital Metropolitano de Santiago (HOMS) is the largest hospital in the Dominican Republic and one of the most modern in Latin America. I have also learned that it will accept my international insurance (I do not ...
There are insurance plans available just for medical transport including ambulances and helicopters. Emergency medical services (911) is also available. But due to the urgency of the medical emergency you may be taken to the closest hospital instead ... Read More
Can a Canadian expat open a business in the Dominican Republic? by Kim+Two
Hello all, Newbie here who has been looking online for some information about the possibility of opening a business in the Dominican Republic and have decided it is probably more informative to ask those who already live there rather than random ...
A lawyer can assist you with the process to register a business. What would the business do? Some businesses require a license to provide certain service for example in tourism. Accounting services are also available to file any required tax forms ... Read More
Bank Accounts - Pesos or US Dollars by Freedom55
Good day to everyone !! Four years ago we purchased a little villa up in La Mulata, Sosua. Our realtors recommended we open a bank account for money transfers. We had the option of having a US dollars account or a pesos account. At ...
The customer service experience at Banco Santa Cruz is excellent. Very little waiting time. I average over 30 minutes every time I go into a Banco Popular. Read More
Residency - I want to be able to travel between U.S. and D.R. by kendusan
I want to be able to travel between the U.S. and D.R. and stay as long as I want in either now, and when I retire within the next 5 years. I have new family in D.R. and a place to stay. 1. Do I need to establish residency in DR for extended ...
Having legal Dominican residency is beneficial for those who want to live most of the year in the DR and planning to move full-time in the future. You may request info from the Dominican consulate in Glendale. Read More
Cost of living 2019 in Dominican Republic by Priscilla
Hello everyone, As we usually do each year, we invite you to share your experiences and tell us more about the average prices of products and services in your town/city/area, so that we have updated information regarding cost of living and ...
Yes. 3,000 USD a month is sufficient to live in Las Terrenas as long as your rent and eating-out budget is not exorbantly high. Read More
The CONFOTUR LAW and its benefits by Kat11
When looking in Punta Cana at New Villas or condos there is a law that applies...the CONFOTUR Law No.158-01 which is "Promotion of Tourism". The law is aimed at projects in tourist real estate destinations in order to encourage tourism in ...
Each individual developer or construction company needs to apply for this tax exemption. The exemption only applies to the first buyer of the property. In several instances I’ve observed that even though the buyers who benefit from this law ... Read More
By Appointment Only at DGM from April 1st by Guest2022
Take note for those involved in residency and other immigration related matters at Migration: [i]PRESS RELEASE Migration will implement new appointment system for immigration services The Directorate-General for Migration (DGM), in order to ...
All lawyers now require to have a POA signed and notarized to be able to accompany the clients. Without the POA Immigration may not allow the lawyer to enter the building or represent the client. Read More
Canadian wanting to relocate to Puerto Plata, Dominican republic by Guest45823
Hello, I am a 36 year old Canadian woman and I am just at the beginning of starting to look into what I need to do in order to relocate to the Dominican Republic (Puerto Plata). I have been seriously considering this for a few years but I believe ...
It will be easier to apply from your country since you will need to gather several documents that can be more easily be obtained from your country. Read More
Canadian wanting to relocate to Puerto Plata, Dominican republic by Guest45823
Hello, I am a 36 year old Canadian woman and I am just at the beginning of starting to look into what I need to do in order to relocate to the Dominican Republic (Puerto Plata). I have been seriously considering this for a few years but I believe ...
The process starts in one’s home country or country of legal residency where a visa needs to be applied for at the nearest Dominican embassy or consulate. Read More
Visa Application Letter by tracy.england
Good afternoon. My name is Tracy England. My husband and I have purchased a home in the Dominican Republic with plans to retire there full time. The instructions we received from the consulate stated that we will be required to provide a Visa ...
Hi Debbiwymenga, A Dominican bank account is not a requirement to be able to apply for a VISA. Some category of RESIDENCY may require a Dominican bank account. The Dominican embassy or consulate offers the service of translating and legalizing the ... Read More
Pension Tranfer by Rfernandez1
My pension will be deposited in a US bank. How do current expats where the same situation applies access this pension or move the funds to a local bank? In advance thanks for your input
The exchange rates can be on the homepage of most Dominican bank websites. The exchange rates are better in Dominican banks. Banks may require you to have an active account in order to exchange. Read More
Residencia and husband with dominican mother
Good morning, Technically your Dominican husband qualifies for Dominican citizenship since his parents are Dominican. In your case if you are married to a Dominican your visa and residency processes should not be difficult. Read More
Migratory Category? - Translation notice 30 days for visa application
Hi Tracy, If you are referring to the Letter of Intent (Carta de Compromiso) you’ll need to check the boxes that say Visa de Residencia and RT9. This document should be filled out in blue ink. Read More
Investing in Property by northvanman
Hi all, is buying an apartment building a bad Idea in the north region as an investment and for renting? I know I have to be living for a while in DR! If you can Please explain the worst case scenario? thank you.
On a positive note the Santo Domingo City Hall is working on the 2030 city planning. They have consulted with international leaders on the subject and will begin implementation based on their finding soon. To begin improving congestion in the ... Read More
Buying a car by jcrenshaw
I'm To DR trying buy me a used car any advice are help
Try supercarros . com website and verify the cars you like with CARFAX. Read More
Is Lyft available, or only Uber? by Covenant
I arrive Punta Cana tonight. Thinking I should add Uber app just in case. But if someone knows for sure there is Lyft I won’t add Uber to my plethora of apps. Thanks in advance.
So far UBER is available in Santo Domingo, Santiago and Puerto Plata. Another similar company called Cabify is available in Santo Domingo. Read More
Uber in Puerto Plata by Harry19076
I think I read that Uber is available in Puerto Plata. If so, what is the quality of the service? A couple people I know that live in SD told me that sometimes Uber drivers will pick up passengers, drive a short distance and then try and demand a ...
UBER informs the passenger of the fee prior to requesting the ride. If the driver tries to charge a different amount you have the option of cancelling the ride and reporting the driver. I use UBER often. Read More
Good hospital review by planner
Well I managed to slip on a wet floor at home and fall. I managed to "only" fracture my tailbone. Yup, only. I thought I also broke my wrist but no. So let me tell you, it bloody well hurts. It hurts to sit, hurts to stand, hurts to ...
I will consider Hospiten if I have an emergency in the future. Read More
Earthquakes/tsunami by Usiba
Hi there! I was wondering how prepared Las Terrenas is for earthquakes/tsunamis? Are the buildings ‘earthquake proof’ in so far as they can be? Is there a tsunami warning system in place? Do they cover what to do in the event of an ...
I don´t recall there being much damage on the DR side of the island in the 2010 earthquake with exception of a few 50+ year old buildings which showed some damage. Read More
Bank loans in Dominican Republic by Priscilla
Hello, Finances and banking can sometimes be a headache for many expats, especially when it comes to taking out bank loans. Is it difficult for an expat to get approved for a bank loan in Dominican Republic? What are the types of bank loans ...
I´ve had good experiences with Banco Santa Cruz. As long as you have good credit the bank is willing to give you a loan. Read More
Hi guys by tektonac
My Name is Milos and I come from Serbia. I am 40 years old and currently work as an internet freelancer in a number of companies. I am fluent in English, I speak French, a little German and Chinese. The reason why I am here Is that I want to move ...
It´s very challenging to find low rents in tourist areas. Often there may be issues with the apartment. I´ve seen apartments for US$500 that look good though. 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 ...
My friend requested an extension via the Puerto Plata Immigration office. Read More
Cost of motortaxi by Bonga48
Anyone know motortaxi cost in Boca chica?
I agree. Confirm or negotiate the price prior to using the mototaxi. Read More
OBGYN English speaking doctors in Sosua, Cabarete or Santiago?
I believe the US Embassy’s website has a list of recommended English-speaking doctors on their website. Read More
Temporary Resdidencia - first steps! by planner
As a regular person, not applying for work visa or a retirement special status recidencia, you can apply for the temporary residencia. The principal difference is that you will require a local sponsor to vouch for you and your family when applying ...
The Dominican Embassy’s website has the following requirements for those who qualify for permanent residency: If you are applying for the Pensioners/Retirees category, you need to submit additionally the following documents: 1. Original ... Read More
Temporary Resdidencia - first steps! by planner
As a regular person, not applying for work visa or a retirement special status recidencia, you can apply for the temporary residencia. The principal difference is that you will require a local sponsor to vouch for you and your family when applying ...
From what I have noticed provisional/temporary residencies are taking around 8 months or longer. But, those that apply for permanent residency as retirees or investors on average take about 4 - 5 months. Read More
Convert your Canadian Driver's licence - what is the process called? by JoHickey
Evidently there is a process where you get your Canadian licence to the embassy and they certify them. Than you go to Santo Domingo and they convert it to a dominican licence. Does anyone know what this process is called? (In spanish please, so I ...
The government agency´s contact info and address is listed there as well in case someone would like to have a Spanish-speaking friend ask them some questions. It´s: Tel.: 829-893-4886 Ext. 6602- 6603- 6642 | Correo: ... Read More
Convert your Canadian Driver's licence - what is the process called? by JoHickey
Evidently there is a process where you get your Canadian licence to the embassy and they certify them. Than you go to Santo Domingo and they convert it to a dominican licence. Does anyone know what this process is called? (In spanish please, so I ...
I found a link with the requirements in the following government website: https://intrant.gob.do/index.php/servicios/item/315-cambio-de-licencia-de-conducir-extranjera-a-dominicana The following is a Google Translate translation: REQUIRMENTS Be ... Read More
Temporary Resdidencia - first steps! by planner
As a regular person, not applying for work visa or a retirement special status recidencia, you can apply for the temporary residencia. The principal difference is that you will require a local sponsor to vouch for you and your family when applying ...
A lawyer sent me this timeline: ESTIMATED TIME-FRAME TO OBTAIN RESIDENCY (duration varies depending on consulate used) 3-4 months minimum - client gathers and apostilles (legalize for international use) all necessary documents 4-5 months ... Read More