snowinpalm
American looking for information about Dominican Republic
Forum posts
117
Contacts
15
About me
American
Lives in Cabarete, Puerto Plata
Speaks English Spanish
Registration: 20 July 2020
New members of the Dominican Republic forum, introduce yourselves here - 2026 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 ...
Welcome! Was a question cut off? Read More
Can I find a 1-bedroom apartment near the beach for $500/month? by danielancew
Hello everyone,I am planning to move to the Dominican Republic around August and stay for 1-2 years.I am looking for a long-term rental and would like to know what realistic local prices are when searching on the ground instead of Airbnb or tourist ...
@danielancew Take a look at Las Galeras. Meets most of your requirements. Read More
Hoping to connect with some expats by iris lendor
Good afternoon. My name is Iris and I just joined this excellent group. I am a real estate agent in NYS and Broker in DR (BRpro Inmobiliaria). If anyone is looking to relocate to DR and it is located in the US, I am available in ...
@iris lendor Hi, good to hear from you. We are realtors in Samana (BuySamana.com). Please let us know if we can be of assistance. Read More
Financial advisors for US expats living in the DR
Anyone on this thread have experience sending items (more than a few, like a barrel) to the US from the DR? 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. ...
@karynllanders HI Karyn,We pay 1700 for one time. Our place is about the same size as yours. She spends 4 hours here. Best,John 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 ...
@wondering9 One road = only way through the city. Causes bottlenecks and slow traffic. 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 ...
@wondering9 We live here and you make a point about the "one road" issue. But, we don't have the throngs of people like Cabarete (terrible one road issues) or Las Terrenas. The cruise ships are in one day and gone. They affect us very little. 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 Hi - we lived for a year in Cabarete before moving to the City of Samana (NOT Las Terrenas). It is rustic and not as developed as Las Terrenas, but the jungle Peninsula has a "last frontier" charm. You have to put up with the usual ... 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 ...
following 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 ...
following Read More
Moving companies DR=> US reccos by Jwoddis
At some point we’ll need a moving company and o move us back to NY from las terrenas. Anyone had any experiences that weren’t horror stories?
Following Read More
Solar Energy in Punta Cana by Ethen Royal
Hello, I am look for some information to have solar energy installed at my villa. Does anyone have any contacts in the area who can do this, or does anyone know the price range this should be around?
Following. We are working on a large solar project in Samana. Read More
Credit cards and other ways to pay bills by wondering9
So when I arrive (hopefully soon! seeing some progress!) I will be staying ~full time/year round, renting rather than buying a home, my main income source will be US Social Security, I will not have a car at least at the start, and I will be on a ...
@wondering9 Hi,We are in a similar situation where Social Security is a large part of our income. We actually wrote a book about the whole dynamic of moving here to the DR.As to your questions, in order: A local bank account is essential to obtain ... Read More
To move or not to move ? by Locomotionone
I have been planing for a while to move to Dominican republic this month ,I am a disabled cancer survivor ,I just recently found out if I stay in a foreign country more than 30 days I could lose my benefits,any suggestions ?
@LocomotiononeHi. What kind of benefits are you receiving? Am also a cancer survivor and recipient of a double hip replacement. No difficulties living here. Read More
I have my visa to Dr by Slin1953
Hi allafter I turn in the original documents to the Ministerio De Relaciones Exterior in Santo DomingoHow long will it take to receive the residence thanksslin
@Slin1953 following Read More
Hoping to buy property in the next 6 months by dpatient63
Hi my name is Debra, me and my husband Andrew are hoping to buy a property in the next six months.We have 5 years left before we retire but would like to be established in the DR before then.I'm a receptionist in a care home and my husband is a ...
@dpatient63 Welcome! If you want to get away from the usual tourist hotspots and enjoy untouched beauty, consider Samana Province. We have been here for three years and are continually discovering unique experiences. PM me if you ... 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 ...
@Lesjob4d Technically , yes. You are in overstay after 30 days. But, virtually no one complies with that. The only penalty is a charge when you leave the country which is variable according to the amount of time you have spent here. Usually ... Read More
Forming LLC Company in the DR by L Alan Williams
I'm looking for a recommendation legal company that can form an LLC company for me within the DR for real estate purposes. Thank you
In what area of the country? Read More
Citizenship of the Dominican Republic or just resident by emetz55
What are the advantages of becoming a citizen of the Dominican Republic instead of just a resident.
My wife (non-resident, US Citizen) has SENANSA. Quite inexpensive ($50 a month). I (US Citizen over 70) tried to get it and they took an application. Was rejected for some unknown reason after the labs and filing the application. Do have medical ... Read More
Fresh cranberries? by colmcb
Do any of the stores sell bags of fresh cranberries? They usually start appearing in the stores in the U.S. right around this time. Just wondering. For Thanksgiving?
Sirena has fresh Read More
Starlink Internet in the Dominican Republic Update … by Ian1272
Great news for those with poor internet service/provider for all that reside in the Dominican ...
What is the cost now in the DR for the unit and how much a month for the basic package? Read More
New members of the Dominican Republic forum, introduce yourselves here - 2023 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 ...
Are you coming by boat and need dockage? Read More
Security System Installation by DRCulture
Hi Everyone,I am looking for some suggestions of who could install security cameras for me. I have Blink and Nest cameras, but I am not committed to using them if there is a better suggestion from the person who would be doing the installation. In ...
I can speak to Blink camera systems - they are great and inexpensive. We use them 24 hours a day outside our home in Orlando and they are totally wireless. Just replace the lithium battery about once a year. We have them wired here (because we ... Read More
TRT in the DR by Mark Mclaurin
Help !!! I’m on testosterone replacement therapy and I have an American prescription for my cream but I need to get a refill here because I stayed longer than I thought I would- any ideas ???
Referencia Labs in many cities are great. If you have something like a doctor's order to give them it helps but is usually not essential. I have to watch a couple of results and have them draw regularly. Read More
Some questions about health insurance by wondering9
Hello again all. These are some pretty specific questions, but I'd like to float them here just in case someone might know the answers. Does anyone know ...... if it's possible for a 70-year-old, applying for the first time, to get any sort of ...
I'm 76 and applied to SENASA for their insurance. They required several blood labs, urinalysis and fecal analysis. Then there was a long application. The good news is that they accepted the application and fully processed it. My bad news was that ... Read More
Sea Shore Properties by ondami
Hola amigos!Although my partner and I are not moving to DR until about 2026, we are thinking of buying a condo as an investment property. Has anybody done this so far? We were thinking about Sea Shore Properties in Punta Cana.Gracias!
Yes. Several. I'll PM you. Read More
Traveling with dog by Jamiemelissa
Hi! We are moving end of July and I know I need to get my dog a Health Certificate within 30 days of travel. Am not sure which form?. I found several...and then I was reading on the DR embassy site that we need to get it certified by the state USDA ...
Not really. I have a certified service dog. We have lived in Cabarete and Samana (quite rural) and they don't seem to have any idea about service dogs (mascotas de ayuda) unless you really explain the concept to them. Stores resist letting mine in ... Read More
Dominican Republic Investment Guide-Retirees by aurincdisla
Here are some of the benefits to Foreign Investment Retirees in the Dominican Republic:Investment Residence Permit Program.Exemption from the payment of personal property taxes.Partial tax exemption on the import of vehicles. Tax exemption on ...
It's on Amazon. Read More
Dominican Republic Investment Guide-Retirees[B]Dull clash by planner
This person is in real estate and is not a lawyer.
I guess you referred to me when I requested citations, and I am a retired attorney. Let's dial it down a little. We are generally informal on this site. Try not to take things personally, if possible. I have done a fair amount of research about ... Read More
Dominican Republic Investment Guide-Retirees by aurincdisla
Here are some of the benefits to Foreign Investment Retirees in the Dominican Republic:Investment Residence Permit Program.Exemption from the payment of personal property taxes.Partial tax exemption on the import of vehicles. Tax exemption on ...
@aurincdisla Hi! Do you have references/citations to the laws you mentioned? Read More
US State Dept. re-issued warning by brodies2013
For the people who have been there for a while now. Is there anything noticeably different in DR in terms of crime lately? Or is this an atempt to scare people to vacation domestically?? 🤪I can say there are WAY more gringos in our area than ...
In 3 years here, I have not seen nor heard of one example of "armed robbery, homicide or sexual assault" of tourists either in the North Coast or Santo Domingo. It might be occurring, but I would think we'd see reports in the major newspapers or ... Read More
US State Dept. re-issued warning by brodies2013
For the people who have been there for a while now. Is there anything noticeably different in DR in terms of crime lately? Or is this an atempt to scare people to vacation domestically?? 🤪I can say there are WAY more gringos in our area than ...
In 3 years here, I have not seen nor heard of one example of "armed robbery, homicide or sexual assault" of tourists either in the North Coast or Santo Domingo. It might be occurring, but I would think we'd see reports in the major newspapers or ... Read More
Mail Forwarding companies? by crabelramble
I'm looking for current info on mail-forwarding companies and a primer on what needs to be done to use them. I've searched but came up empty. Is there already a topic that has that info?
Which ones do NOT round up? Read More
What are the US tax implications? by brodies2013
Have any US citizens/residents sold property in DR? We are potentially looking to sell for a profit our house and lots in the DR. I read some threads, but they weren't super detailed. I'm fairly convinced we will be paying 27% capital gains to the ...
Check with government sources as well as private attorneys. A couple of the larger firms have tax specialists. Read More
Health Insurance over 65 by planner
I now have all the information for those looking for Medical insurance over age 65. Anyone can subscribe to this program, not just over 65. It is a good plan with Air Ambulance inside the country, ground ambulance, DENTAL, basic eye coverage ...
Very basic and minimal coverage. Get something with better limits if you qualify. It's all I can get at age 76 unless I get one of the real expensive international plans. Read More
Health Insurance over 65 by planner
I now have all the information for those looking for Medical insurance over age 65. Anyone can subscribe to this program, not just over 65. It is a good plan with Air Ambulance inside the country, ground ambulance, DENTAL, basic eye coverage ...
Better get coverage before you are 70. After that, SENASA is about your only affordable option locally. Read More
Health Insurance over 65 by planner
I now have all the information for those looking for Medical insurance over age 65. Anyone can subscribe to this program, not just over 65. It is a good plan with Air Ambulance inside the country, ground ambulance, DENTAL, basic eye coverage ...
Better get coverage before you are 70. After that, SENASA is about your only affordable option locally. Read More
Overstay penalty by olgaglenn
Anyone knows how much is the overstay penalty?I know it have to be pay at the airport in the immigration kiosk. I overstay for 3 months. How much is the penalty for 3 months?Thank you
Either. Done both a lot of times. Read More
Health Insurance … by Ian1272
I remember reading on this board when I first discovered this board that there were no Health Insurance companies that would not start a policy if you were older than 65. I did read sometime after on this board, that someone had found a provider for ...
All of the in-country companies I contacted said they could not issue any type of health insurance to a foreigner if that person is over 70 and did not enroll before their 70th birthday. However, a couple of agents have told me that the apparently ... Read More
To purchase a car by Daniella Maugeri
What do I need to purchase a car from New York in dominican republic mu fiance there and I want to purchase a car I have one here that is paid off through a dealer in the United States
Individual middlemen are not your only alternative. They may live a distance away and you are relinquishing any opportunity to review a large number of cars that may be available. We chose a major dealership (Espaillat Motors) and had a great ... Read More
Anyone know of a licensed honest real estate attorney local to Samana? by GuestPoster21013
I am trying to sell a property in Samana and need a licensed honest real estate Attorney with experience local to Samana.
Liz Garrido is an excellent realtor and lives in Samana. She speaks English and is Venezuelan. PM me for contact info. Read More
Buying a resonable car in the Dominican Republic by lacroixbc
Good evening everyone,Does anyone in the forum have a good resource of where I can find a good used car without the car dealerships taking me to the cleaners. I was thinking a Honda Fit or similar, so my wife can drive the car as well. ThanksCalvin
Had a very good experience with Espaillat Motors. There are advantages to dealerships over a privately brokered sale. Read More
Planning to be an expat by layfetteburwell
Hello everyone, I plan on living the expat life starting in the DR. I will be running my business here in America, but I plan on living in Puerto Plata. I also plan to open a small bar/food hub/barbershop on the beach preferably near or on Playa ...
@layfetteburwell Hi! Watch out for regulations that prohibit some businesses operating on or near the beach. Not saying there are any, but very wise to get a local attorney. Check out: ******** Read More
Some fun - Dominican SLANG by planner
Something a little more fun to lighten things up.DOMINICAN SLANGWe joke here often that we do not speak Spanish, we speak Dominican. It's true. One of the hardest things to get a handle on is slang. After more than 19 years here, I still get ...
Love these! I speak fairly fluent Spanish, but some of them are new (Toy Rulay, etc.). Using them I get my Dominican friends laughing. Any more are welcome ... Read More
Water filters - whole house vs drinking/cooking only by planner
I need everyone's help now. I do not have any info on water filtration systems available here or any idea on current costing. Tell me - what are my options for a whole house? What are my options for just drinking and cooking water? Remember ...
@WhereDoIGoNext Countertops do eliminate bacteria if they use the 'light'. We have one (Watts under counter) we purchased from EcoServe. It also has the conventional 3 filters for sediment, flavor, etc. 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 ...
@Lronny1998 Read More
Mortgage in Puerto Plata by cynthymon
My husband and I am trying to buy a condo in Puerto Plata. In June 2022, we approached Scotiabank about a loan as they advertised they offer mortgages for Foreigners wanting a vacation home. We were told that we have to have a "Offer to Sale" to ...
Is there a clause in your purchase contract giving the seller an "out" if you are not closing within a fixed period of time? We applied to Scotiabank and obtained a committment. They move very slowly. Read More
Tropical Storm Fiona by planner
I am starting a thread for all of us to be aware. Currently she is off the east of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. She dipped a little south and has slowed her speed down.It is projected she could be near Hurricane strength when she ...
I have a problem with people who are not professionals representing the status of something as serious as a developing hurricane. If you want professional guidance either the National Hurricane Center or The Weather Channel Hurricane Story are ... Read More
New Samana Cruise Port, How will that effect Las Terrenas? by Ian1272
I read with much interest the construction of the new Samana Cruise Port that will be completed in the end of 2023 or the beginning of 2024. How many day excursions, visitors will the cruise ships bring to Las Terrenas ? Will these cruise ship ...
Barbecoa to Samana city limits about 25-30 minutes Read More
Ebike /bicycle safety by renzom667
How safe are bicycles riders in Dominicana? I want to bring my ebike to Dominicana, it's better to purchase one there? Can you provide me with a Name of a store where I can inquire about a purchase? Please! Gracias
Last year we lived in a community right on Cabarete Bay (Bahia de Arena) and I own a fat tire bike I rode up and down the beach. There were several others, as well, and no one bothered us or even seemed to notice. Read More
New Samana Cruise Port, How will that effect Las Terrenas? by Ian1272
I read with much interest the construction of the new Samana Cruise Port that will be completed in the end of 2023 or the beginning of 2024. How many day excursions, visitors will the cruise ships bring to Las Terrenas ? Will these cruise ship ...
About 25 minutes from LT to Samana. I drive the Limon Road (which is excellent by DR standards) weekly, connecting the two cities.Los Haitises National Park draws many tourists from LT and further. Most take tour boats from ... Read More
New Samana Cruise Port, How will that effect Las Terrenas? by Ian1272
I read with much interest the construction of the new Samana Cruise Port that will be completed in the end of 2023 or the beginning of 2024. How many day excursions, visitors will the cruise ships bring to Las Terrenas ? Will these cruise ship ...
Don't forget Los Haitises which is quite a draw. Over time, I can see the tourism out of Samana matching or eclipsing that of LT. There aren't many expats in Samana but a lot of tourism. It appears that there will be room for ... Read More
Motorcyclists to Wear ID Vests from 1st June. by Guest2022
[i][b]Abinader: From June 1 motorcyclists will have to wear vests with an identity ...
They should be enforcing in Cabarete and Sosua, as well. Read More
Bull Fighting in El Seibo by Guest2022
During the week of the Fiesta Patronale in El Siebo in the Eastern Region of DR during the first 10 days of May, bull fighting is the order of the day and the only place to see such an activity in the Caribbean.The bulls are having the better so ...
I disagreed on the issue of Vaccine effectiveness and natural immunity and was told by the "team" to keep my opinions to myself! You're not always that "open" to contrary views. Read More
Property websites by Duanaibh
Hello,I have a question about property websites in the Dominican Republic and I thought this forum might be a good place to ask it on: I am thinking of buying an apartment in the Dominican Republic and there are a few websites I've come across that ...
Agreed. Spend time here and investigate. Sometimes the projects will be built and developers have the best of intentions, but the pace is inevitably slower than you are probably used to. Then there are the projects that never get ... Read More
Rio Camu Bridge in Cangrejo POP Out by Tripp789
Yesterday a support of this key bridge broke and Route 5 is now closed in both directions. This blocks traffic between the POP airport and Puerto Plata. Apparently a smaller bridge over the same river later collapsed after large trucks ...
The Moca road is terrible right now. Normally a lot of potholes, but now they have torn up a good part of it for resurfacing the road. Read More
Rio Camu Bridge in Cangrejo POP Out by Tripp789
Yesterday a support of this key bridge broke and Route 5 is now closed in both directions. This blocks traffic between the POP airport and Puerto Plata. Apparently a smaller bridge over the same river later collapsed after large trucks ...
Did you mean between POP and "Puerto Plata"? (you said Puerto Playa) Read More
car buying by pareilly2000
If you buy a new vehicle in the DR, will I have to pay ITBIS tax of what percent? Also does that primera placa tax apply? This will help me decide whether I import or purchase locally. Thanks
Are the rules the same as for a car (less than 5 years old, ownership for a year) for a new "resident" to bring either a motorcycle or boat? Read More
Where can I live in the real DR—help!! by sandiecs
I’ve been reading these posts & looking thru realtors listings & im getting really discouraged!!! I love the DR: people, music, food, mtns, beaches, etc. but it looks like it’s getting overrun by investors out for a quick buck. ...
An area with few expats is the small city of Samaná. They are improving the malencon and you have little "big city" influence. Easy access to Las Galeras (although I disagree that there is little expat influence - it's ... Read More
Furniture and household goods stores?????? by casmichele
We are building a villa in Sosua and would like to come down in June to buy all of the furniture, appliances and housewares for it. I am trying to find out names of stores that we could go to for these items. Also, would it be advantageous to go ...
System sent me that note and I didn't even look at the date. Read More
Furniture and household goods stores?????? by casmichele
We are building a villa in Sosua and would like to come down in June to buy all of the furniture, appliances and housewares for it. I am trying to find out names of stores that we could go to for these items. Also, would it be advantageous to go ...
Inoa y Reyes in Sabaneta (Yasica) has just about everything for furniture. It's about 45 miles from you due west on Highway 5. As far as I can tell, they have as much as any similar store in Santiago and possibly SD. Read More
Documents required to open bank account in Dominican Republic by pfaure
Hello Does anyone know a bank here that does not ask too many documents ? I went to Banco Popular and Scotiabank in Santo Domingo and both ask for a list of documents, including last taxes statement which is document that I don't have... Thanks ...
Money laundering. Read More
Ukraine Invasion and Impacts on DR by Guest2022
In January, DR received record arrivals. Most came from USA (123k), but in second place by some margin was Russia (50k) which was well ahead of Canada (28k) and Germany (18k). Interestingly Ukraine accounted for 14k arrivals. Clearly DR benefits ...
Has there been confirmation of the devaluation of the dollar here? 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 ...
Can't remember the Pesos, but about $80.00. Read More
COVID-19
You are so correct. As soon as "disinformation" appears along with censorship someone is adopting someone else's opinion. I was just shut down because someone thinks there was disinformation here. Read More
COVID-19
The whole masking and vaccination kabuki dance has been shown to be a farce. Read More
Mortages In DR by NMoose
Hi All and Good Morning, New to the forum but joined due to the energy and great quality of conversations-responses! We live in Ontario but plan to make DR a place to hang our hats in winter and eventually spend all the time there. Sosua, ...
We, too, have applied for a mortgage with Scotiabank. How many months did it take from application to approval? What loan percentage of the purchase price did they approve? We observed that they (Scotiabank) made statements about information off ... Read More
New members of the Dominican Republic forum, introduce yourselves here - 2022 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 ...
Welcome to Cabarete! You can certainly bring your dog as long as you obtain the 10 day international certification from a qualified vet. You may want to get a 3 year rabies vaccine for the dog in case you want to bring it back to the U.S. You ... Read More
Dual Citizenship pros and cons by Solomente
I just retired at 65 and I decided that I will live in the Dominican Republic 8 or more months a year. I own 2 rental properties and a villa. My wife is Dominican born and I am American born. I will be living off of my Social Security, 401k and ...
No Medicare here. Read More
Buying a car as a new resident by *Juan18
So its 2018 and we arrive in the DR as brand-new residents. We rent a car for a few weeks to get situated, then we decide to purchase a vehicle. We purchase insurance then set out to buy. Is a cedula or a DR driving license required? Are US bank ...
So, what happens if you get an extension to remain in the DR after the 30 days? Does the insurance cover in that instance? Read More
Moving to the Dominican Republic solo by Cheryl
Hello everybody, Moving to the Dominican Republic is a challenge in itself, but even more when you decide to go alone. If this was your case when you arrived, we would like you to share your experience. It might help other people who are also ...
I can relate to your frequent relocations in the past. I was a military family child and was in the Navy: had 23 addresses before I was 21. You can rent in different areas and test the waters. There are Veteran clinics mentioned in other threads ... Read More
Help with BM Cargo? by GuestPoster114852
Hey Folx, Im super new and green here and looking for a little bit of help. I signed up for BM Cargo per the research done on the forums and I was wondering if someone can help me out. Im a little confused on when my packages will arrive in the DR ...
$239 was the item cost and shipping from NJ to Miami. About another $150 for shipping from Miami to Cabarete.. They added about $125 customs duties. So, a $179 item ended up costing about $500. Mind you, it was heavy.. Read More
ENGLISH AUDIO ON CABLE TV by goinforit
We just had Telenord installed at our condo yesterday. We are currently only getting Spanish audio on all our sports feeds from ESPN and Fox etc., Can somebody confirm we can switch the audio feed to English similar to the how the SAP button works ...
We have Cable del Norte (Cabarete) with all possible channels. We have 4 Miami stations in English as well as 3 ESPN and several others in English. Also several channels in other languages. Can turn off subtitles any time. Read More
Confirmed issues with OVERSTAY OF TOURISM VISA
Please keep your political views (US being racist) out of these threads 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 ...
From a policy perspective, the government would be well served to incentivize expats to invest and spend as seamlessly as possible even benignly, as soldbymike implies. Besides tourism, those retired or remote working expats provide a stream of ... Read More
COVID-19 by Guest2022
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-51611422 https://www.diariolibre.com/actualidad/la-organizacion-mundial-de-la-salud-alerta-sobre-riesgo-de-pandemia-IC17269212 [b]Coronavirus: World should prepare for pandemic, says WHO[/b] Worrying signs, with ...
Are you serious? Do you mean we should not opine as to the DR government edicts or information from the US CDC and other governmental sources? Read More
Insurance over 65 by planner
This has been discussed multiple times here on the forums. Its fairly easy to get coverage under age 65 but almost nothing available over 65. Well now there is! I have a group package available to expats for anyone from age 50 and up to ...
Am interested. Please forward info. Read More
Can the water be filtered? by Tropicalcandy88
So I want to buy a berkey water filter to move to DR so that I dont have to be always buying the botellones. Is the type of filter that is used for natural disasters and stuff like that. I just wonder if the water there can be filtered...I mean ...
Municipal water. Check with EcoServe in Sosua, but my understanding is that the level of "pathogens" in the water after the EcoServe application is comparable to RO and other filtration systems. Read More
Can the water be filtered? by Tropicalcandy88
So I want to buy a berkey water filter to move to DR so that I dont have to be always buying the botellones. Is the type of filter that is used for natural disasters and stuff like that. I just wonder if the water there can be filtered...I mean ...
EcoServe has good service. Very convenient to have drinkable water at all the taps. Read More
Help with BM Cargo? by GuestPoster114852
Hey Folx, Im super new and green here and looking for a little bit of help. I signed up for BM Cargo per the research done on the forums and I was wondering if someone can help me out. Im a little confused on when my packages will arrive in the DR ...
And they include "shipping fees" in calculating the value of the order. Learned that the hard way: with shipping an order was about $239. It was held up because it was over $200, and I had to pay import duty. Read More
Cabarete expats meeting by PabloRutz
Heey people from Cabarete! Recently I just moved to Cabarete, so I’ve got this thought, why not to meet for a drink and have a chat ? If anyone fancy that I would be delighted! Have a nice day everyone and looking forward for someone who is ...
Same here. Covid is not holding us back! We are here in Cabarete for at least a year. Would like to meet other expats here. Read More
Is driving from Santo Domingo to North coast safe?? by SayMen25
Hello, We are thinking about visiting in the summer and renting a car in Santo Domingo to travel to the North Coast. The idea is to drive there and stop at different towns and beaches to get to know the areas to see which one we like best to ...
The road from Las Terrenas to Sanchez is quite dangerous because of many cars in a rush and passing on blind corners of which there are many. Read More
Insurance over 65 by planner
This has been discussed multiple times here on the forums. Its fairly easy to get coverage under age 65 but almost nothing available over 65. Well now there is! I have a group package available to expats for anyone from age 50 and up to ...
Please send info to snowinpalm@yahoo.com Read More
Amazon Prime Day by Brewpub56
A little heads up. I have not experienced this but have heard tell of. Sometimes reshippers use the before sale price to access value and in turn taxes on goods. Not sure what you can do about it. But something to think about the next couple days ...
Enroll with a shipper and they provide the address to which Amazon ships in the U.S. Most are in Miami. EPS, CPS, Pacnsend are some that deliver in the DR and have sites online. You then pick up the package at their office. Charge is usually ... Read More
Tankless Water Heaters by wishinguwell
Hi all: I am building a house in Bonao and strongly looking at putting in a whole house propane gas hot water heater. My problem is I don't know if there are any dealers or installers in the country. Can any one help?
We are stuck with a gas TWH and have the low pressure issues outlined above. Would a whole house water pump help? Read More
Medication in Dominican Republic by Loïc
Good morning everyone, Whether it's a simple cold or a chronic illness, medication and medicine use vary from country to country and culture to culture. When you are used to certain brands or types of drugs, being in a country like the ...
How old are you? As I understand it, if you are over 65 and have not had the insurance here, you are out of luck. Read More
Tankless Water Heaters by wishinguwell
Hi all: I am building a house in Bonao and strongly looking at putting in a whole house propane gas hot water heater. My problem is I don't know if there are any dealers or installers in the country. Can any one help?
We have had the exact same issues with the "Lorenzetti" TWH (gas) at our house. Strange occurrences: immediate hot water at the guest bathroom and the bathtub in the Master bathroom. Shower in the master bathroom and faucet in the ... Read More
Water filters - whole house vs drinking/cooking only by planner
I need everyone's help now. I do not have any info on water filtration systems available here or any idea on current costing. Tell me - what are my options for a whole house? What are my options for just drinking and cooking water? Remember ...
We have one (whole house filtration and purification system) at the house we rent and it's fabulous. You never have to think about the water issue or be concerned children may inadvertently drink bad water, etc. I believe it's called a ... Read More
Not belonging in the DR (How to thrive here) by Guest123089
Hi! I moved from a major US city to Punta Cana pre-pandemic, and for the moment, have nowhere else to live but here. I’m struggling, buddies. I’m not finding anyone like me, I don’t seem to mesh in with locals (Dominicans). ...
We came here two years ago on a vacation and stayed between Cabarete and Sosua. We loved it then and felt we wanted to stick our toes in a little longer. As seniors, we would have moved here last year except for the pandemic. Now, we have landed ... Read More
Housing rental prices Puerto Plata by Gman123
My realtor is trying to tell me that the rental prices for a house in Puerto Plata have gone up by like $300US per month in the last few months. Can anyone confirm this strange phenomenon? Anyone got an agent in Puerto Plata who doesn't assume ...
We found a great deal in Cabarete on VRBO (did not do the rental through them, though). Read More
Tourist Visa Overstay 12/20 by RobertH66
Hi. I know this topic has been brought up before, but what happens if I overstay my 30 day tourist entry by a couple of weeks? Is there a standard fee paid at the airport? Can I get a new 30 days by crossing into Haiti for an hour? Is there ...
Under the tourist visa, if we stay through all the extensions and then go to Florida, when we return do we start a new clock for the 30 and 120 day extensions? Sorry if this has been covered elsewhere but I didn't see the question in the ... Read More
Criminal record and residency by Alextrucking
Maybe someone here can help. I will try to make it short but it’s a long history. After 20 years of an excellent conduct and clean record a year ago I was driving my semi truck in the estate of Ohio when the police stop me for going 5 miles ...
I had similar problem and am working on it with Attorney Lishali. 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 ...
We are moving to the DR and would like to acquire rental or hotel investment property. We would like to have a small number of units and wonder if we have to register as a "hotel" or can we just use the Airbnb/VRBO type of sites? We have ... 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 ...
HI, how do I reach your attorney, Lishali? Thanks. Read More
permanent visa by estella
Hola. I wondered if someone would share with me their recent experience with obtaining a permanent DR visa. My husband and I are working with a good lawyer, but I was also interested in a first hand experience from someone. Did it just take one ...
HI, I'm planning to go through the residency process. Could you give me the name and contact information for your immigration attorney? Read More