Profe Agayu
American and Dominican expat in Dominican Republic
Forum posts
76
Contacts
6
About me
American and Dominican
Speaks English and Spanish
Registration: 30 March 2022
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 ...
@planner This is very insightful. I will get some black curtains to keep out some of this heat 🥵 and the ceiling fans along with the AC. Thanks for the tips! 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 ...
@ddmcghee Great idea! I will try this. Read More
OUCH!! I flunked the DR's "practical" Driving Test!!! by ExpatRusher
Woe is me. I must report a failure on my part. (after crowing about how I passed the written test with a great score, I figure I full disclosure on the practical test is appropriate). Late last week we went from Punta Cana over to the Intrant ...
@ondami No problem. Here is the link with detailed info on my process and experience: https://youtu.be/A9iyv8e9zvw?si=3KVnIFHN9RpXVwlr Read More
OUCH!! I flunked the DR's "practical" Driving Test!!! by ExpatRusher
Woe is me. I must report a failure on my part. (after crowing about how I passed the written test with a great score, I figure I full disclosure on the practical test is appropriate). Late last week we went from Punta Cana over to the Intrant ...
@ExpatRusher Congrats! Read More
OUCH!! I flunked the DR's "practical" Driving Test!!! by ExpatRusher
Woe is me. I must report a failure on my part. (after crowing about how I passed the written test with a great score, I figure I full disclosure on the practical test is appropriate). Late last week we went from Punta Cana over to the Intrant ...
@ddmcghee I got my Dominican license back in 2022 using this process in Santo Domingo. I just followed the instructions laid out on the website, gathered the docs, booked an appointment, presented my docs, and got a Dominican license. I made a ... Read More
OUCH!! I flunked the DR's "practical" Driving Test!!! by ExpatRusher
Woe is me. I must report a failure on my part. (after crowing about how I passed the written test with a great score, I figure I full disclosure on the practical test is appropriate). Late last week we went from Punta Cana over to the Intrant ...
@ddmcghee I did it with my US driver's license. It is definitely possible. You just need to apostille your state's driving record which shows your license is in good standing. In my case, I got a copy of my recent 3-year driving record from Maryland ... Read More
OUCH!! I flunked the DR's "practical" Driving Test!!! by ExpatRusher
Woe is me. I must report a failure on my part. (after crowing about how I passed the written test with a great score, I figure I full disclosure on the practical test is appropriate). Late last week we went from Punta Cana over to the Intrant ...
@ExpatRusher Did you both take the Dominican driver's test kicks and giggles or you never had a driver's license in the US? 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 ...
@CHRISTOPHER DAVID56I second Chris. That was my experience, but things could have changed over the years. Read More
New Find: A clean, safe, inexpensive AirBnB in SD by ddmcghee
Hi All! I had to be in SD for an early morning doctor's appointment Friday and didn't want to take the 5:00 AM bus from Las Terrenas. I found an apartment in Bella Vista for $34/night - all in! Pros: Good location, right off 27 de Febrero with easy ...
Thanks for the recommendation. Occasionally, I need an Airbnb in Santo Domingo. Read More
Can you deposit a US check into a Dominican bank account? by wondering9
I'm hoping it won't come to this, but I might end up receiving a paper check at the last minute before I leave the US. Is a Dominican bank likely to accept it as a deposit?I imagine there would be a long hold on the funds, which would be OK in this ...
@CHRISTOPHER DAVID56 Yes, I find this to be the best option for me. Although, I never tried depositing a foreign check into a Dominican bank. 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 ...
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 ... 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 ...
@huddleston1 Great to hear! Congratulations! Read More
Changes in Immigration policy by planner
Lishali and I were chatting! We started this thread to detail the changes that are happening! Lishali will post about them.By the way- her user was eliminated by Expat! So you will see her under a new name
@ExpatRusher I agree. Though my interview at the naturalization office was very quick without issues, I witnessed many couples who were being interviewed for nearly 25 minutes while my interview lasted 4 minutes. On another note, it sucks that ... Read More
Ministerio de Relacioned Exteriores visit by Slin1953
Hi allI will be in Santo Domingo June 9th to turn in my application for visa/residency I am planning to represent my self How can I get an appointment for the Ministerio De Relaciones ExterioresIf somebody been thru the processed please just let ...
@ddmcghee You and @UncleBuck are correct. I should have addressed that @Slin1953 was referring to wrong government agency. That is why I specified migracion. Hopefully, they are able to accomplish what they need whether it is with or without a ... Read More
Ministerio de Relacioned Exteriores visit by Slin1953
Hi allI will be in Santo Domingo June 9th to turn in my application for visa/residency I am planning to represent my self How can I get an appointment for the Ministerio De Relaciones ExterioresIf somebody been thru the processed please just let ...
@Slin1953 Greetings! If you entered DR with a residency visa, all you need to do is open an account online with migración, select the corresponding residency, upload all the required documents, submit, and wait for migración to accept ... Read More
My Personal Experience with the Naturalization Process in the DR by Profe Agayu
First, it is a must to point out that I love the Dominican Republic! This country, with all its good and not so good, is one of my favorite places to be. However, this place gets a bad rep, especially when dealing with services, specifically legal ...
When I received naturalization via marriage, there was no interview of my spouse involved. That is something new from when I did mine. I used a lawyer for nothing except notarizing some documents. In order to be a Notary in the DR they have a silly ... Read More
My Personal Experience with the Naturalization Process in the DR by Profe Agayu
First, it is a must to point out that I love the Dominican Republic! This country, with all its good and not so good, is one of my favorite places to be. However, this place gets a bad rep, especially when dealing with services, specifically legal ...
@DRVisitor Great point. Read More
My Personal Experience with the Naturalization Process in the DR by Profe Agayu
First, it is a must to point out that I love the Dominican Republic! This country, with all its good and not so good, is one of my favorite places to be. However, this place gets a bad rep, especially when dealing with services, specifically legal ...
@KaiserS I do no think it is appropriate to tell. However, I will say she is worth every penny. Also, be aware that many lawyers in DR that offer immigration services try to undercut market prices. Meanwhile, they do nothing to assist you with ... Read More
My Personal Experience with the Naturalization Process in the DR by Profe Agayu
First, it is a must to point out that I love the Dominican Republic! This country, with all its good and not so good, is one of my favorite places to be. However, this place gets a bad rep, especially when dealing with services, specifically legal ...
@Mila V Yes, Lishali notified me as soon as she had an appointment for the written exam and interview. I recieved a study guide which is a list of questions prepared by the Ministry of Interior and Police. The written exam consists of 3 sections: ... 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.
@DRVisitorI am curious to know from someone who has actually taken the test and/or gone through the interview process. I heard it was easy and that they take it easier on applicants married to Dominicans than those who are not. When I finish the ... Read More
Best location to stay in Santo Domingo to continue Residency process by ondami
Good afternoon/everning all.I believe my visa application is in the final stages of approval as I only needed to supply two additional documents (in English) along with my packet.I know that after my visa is approved I have 30 days to travel to DR ...
@ondami I think you have to stay until your packet is accepted by Migración and you have an acceptance letter by Migración in your hand to show when you are leaving the country. That was my case. Definitely check with Lishali before ... Read More
Cost of living in Dominican Republic in 2025 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Every year, we invite you to share your experiences with the cost of living in in Dominican Republic, especially in the region or city you live in. Your insights will greatly help members planning their move to the Dominican ...
@Maggz Where is Santa de Barbara? I have never heard of this place in DR. Read More
My Personal Experience with the Naturalization Process in the DR by Profe Agayu
First, it is a must to point out that I love the Dominican Republic! This country, with all its good and not so good, is one of my favorite places to be. However, this place gets a bad rep, especially when dealing with services, specifically legal ...
@plannerThank you for allowing me to share! Read More
My Personal Experience with the Naturalization Process in the DR by Profe Agayu
First, it is a must to point out that I love the Dominican Republic! This country, with all its good and not so good, is one of my favorite places to be. However, this place gets a bad rep, especially when dealing with services, specifically legal ...
@DRVisitorThe process for being naturalized as a Dominican citizen, the entire process takes place in DR. I started gathering documents 6 months ago and it was accepted by the Ministry of Interior this week. It likely be a few months to finish with ... Read More
My Personal Experience with the Naturalization Process in the DR by Profe Agayu
First, it is a must to point out that I love the Dominican Republic! This country, with all its good and not so good, is one of my favorite places to be. However, this place gets a bad rep, especially when dealing with services, specifically legal ...
@UncleBuckThanks for the question for clarification. When I say "Naturalization", I mean becoming naturalized as a Dominican citizen after having temporary residency for 3 years through marriage to a Dominican citizen. Read More
My Personal Experience with the Naturalization Process in the DR
First, it is a must to point out that I love the Dominican Republic! This country, with all its good and not so good, is one of my favorite places to be. However, this place gets a bad rep, especially when dealing with services, specifically legal ... Read More
Requirement to register a four wheeler with USA license by FranciscoCornelioJaquez
What would be the process?
@UncleBuck Thanks for the correction. Read More
Requirement to register a four wheeler with USA license by FranciscoCornelioJaquez
What would be the process?
You will need to get a Dominican cedula to register it in the Dominican Republic. When I registered my vehicle, all that was required was my cedula. Read More
Pros and Cons between Scotiabank and Banco Popular? by Gylla
I am opening a bank account here in DR. I have heard mixed reviews about both banks. I was thinking about opening a Banco Popular account because their offices are everywhere. But a friend advised me that Scotia follows international banking laws ...
@GyllaApplying the the original post, I use both banks with a slight preference to Scotiabank over Popular. The biggest reason I have a American Express credit card with Scotiabank and I have had good customer service so far. The Scotiabank website ... Read More
Pros and Cons between Scotiabank and Banco Popular? by Gylla
I am opening a bank account here in DR. I have heard mixed reviews about both banks. I was thinking about opening a Banco Popular account because their offices are everywhere. But a friend advised me that Scotia follows international banking laws ...
@plannerThat is exactly what I do. In DR, I pay everything with my Dominican credit cards and take out cash as needed. At this point, I have not needed to do a large international bank transfer so I use for money transfer companies such as Remitly ... Read More
ScotiaBank by Xenchu
Has anyone been asked by ScotiaBank to provide their US tax statements to the bank? We've gone there a few times and they give us a hard time about needing this. I was born in DR, but am a US citizen and live there now, but obviously have an account ...
I bank with Scotiabank and have an American Express Gold Credit Card with them. They never asked me for my US income tax return, but they did ask for my SSN which is required for all Americans. The U.S. wants to keep an eye on us. Read More
Changes in Immigration policy by planner
Lishali and I were chatting! We started this thread to detail the changes that are happening! Lishali will post about them.By the way- her user was eliminated by Expat! So you will see her under a new name
@windeguy Congratulations! Read More
KEEPING US CELL PHONE NUMBER by alvarez7361
Hello everyone, I am planning a permanent move from Florida to Puerto Plata. Will be looking for a house or apartment to rent and hope to get residency as a pensioner in the near future. I plan on maintaining a physical address in Florida, so I can ...
@alvarez7361 Good afternoon. Initially, I moved to Santo Domingo from the DC area with two phones, one for T-mobile and the other for Claro RD. I had no issues with the services, but it gets annoying carrying two phones. I spent $120 monthly for ... Read More
WillieWeb Has Passed by UncleBuck
I just read on another blog that WillieWeb has passed. He had been battling cancer, and a new lump showed up in his jaw/throat. He was not seeking treatment for this particular issue.He was a very active and informative contributor, with a ...
It is very sad to hear this. He was a huge contributor to the forum. He will be missed. Read More
French Driver's License by jayinoregon
Hi All,I am considering retiring in Normandy and was wondering about driver's licenses. I have heard that the driving test (both written and practical) are difficult. Does anyone have any experience in taking the practical test in a rural area, such ...
@chaslaw Here are the US states that have reciprocity with France.Driver’s licenses from the following states are eligible for exchange: Arkansas (limited to Class B), Colorado (limited to Class B), Connecticut (limited to Classes A and B), ... Read More
DUOLINGO ISSUES by goinforit
Just wondering if anybody else is having issues accessing Duolingo over the last week or so.
@goinforit Yes, I have had issues with the Android app. One workaround that works is to force stop the application. When it comes back up, it works again. I have been doing that for the past 3 days. 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 ...
@TippjThat's a great question. I am confused on how the renewal time frames work. If someone knows for sure, please chime in.In my case, under family reunification, as I understand I have to renew yearly four times. For my first renewal back in ... 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 ...
@Pat KitchenBe careful! Some lawyers and facilitators are not honest actors. So you know, you could do this entire process on your own with some time and patience. 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 ...
@mem1219I agree with you. It is much faster and cheaper to do it yourself. That's what I did. 1. Contact the nearest consulate2. Gather documents 3. Call consulate to get an appointment 4. Submit documents and Passport5. Pick up passport with visa ... Read More
The Expat Lounge (the place to be on the DR Forum) by planner
I would like to introduce to you our new free expression thread: The Expat Lounge for the Dominican Republic forum.Here you can talk about everything and anything you want.Talk about your passion (sport, movies, arts, dancing, etc…), what ...
@bryankieronlynch I had the same experience with her. Maybe she is just swamped and overlooks a lot of emails/phone calls.Are there any other recommendations? I would like apply for naturalization and prefer to have someone handle the process for me ... 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 ...
@ddmcghee I also used the DC consulate and had no issues. I received the visa in my passport after 6 weeks. The residency process is another story, but it all worked out in the end. I reached out to Lishali through email for the naturalization ... 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?
@Dominicanborn That's correct. I renewed my passport in DR and had to mail it using DOMEX. My passport book and passport card came back in a month.Personally, I have been using BM Cargo (Villa Mella office) without any issues for the past 2 years. Read More
Dominican Credit Card by GuestPoster200723
Went to my bank (Scotiabank) today for probably the last time.Went in to apply for a DR credit card, for booking travel tickets and such with funds I have here.Wow, the rate on a Scotiabank Visa is 60% annual!!!And, they require a term certificate ...
@planner Popular has also been extremely difficult for me. I have been approved for a credit card but they have yet to issue. In my experience, Banreservas is much easier work with. Read More
Dominican Credit Card by GuestPoster200723
Went to my bank (Scotiabank) today for probably the last time.Went in to apply for a DR credit card, for booking travel tickets and such with funds I have here.Wow, the rate on a Scotiabank Visa is 60% annual!!!And, they require a term certificate ...
@planner I have that same US dollar debit mastercard with Banreservas. Since I had 1.5 years with my BHD pesos credit card, I accumulated enough credit history to get a credit card with Banreservas which has separate pesos & USD limits. It is ... Read More
Dominican Currency by Mark and Al
What actual currency denominations should we carry while in Sosua/Cabarete? I hope to use our credit card as much as possible, but I'm assuming there will be a lot of places that only accept cash and apparently getting change back (at smaller ...
@Mark and Al I recommend having many bills of 500, 200, 100, and 50. No one ever has change. Nearly all the ATMs give bills of 1000 which does not help you on the street. I recommend going to the ATM of Asociación Cibao which allows you to ... Read More
US Passport Renewal in Santo Domingo by ddmcghee
Hey - any Americans who have renewed their passports at the embassy in Santo Domingo? I have about 14 months left on mine, but I need 18 months when I renew my residency, so I'll have to renew early. I'm wondering how long it normally takes.
@ddmcghee I renewed my passport back I'm October 2022 and it took exactly 30 days from the time I turned in the passport and paperwork into DOMEX. The passport was delivered to my house. DOMEX sent me and email the day before delivery and the ... 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 ...
@T.DRRR A boat ride to San Juan from Santo Domingo (Zona Colonial) is 12 hrs overnight and less than $95 USD with a private bunk. At least your not breaking the law if you leave and return after your visa expires. Odds may be very low that you will ... Read More
Puerto Plata/ Sosua area - all inclusive resorts by Solar39
Does anyone have a suggestion for a good one? Looking to stay about a week.
@Solar39 Though the room and scenery was comfortable and beautiful, I do not recommend Viva Wyndham Tangerine in Cabarete for the food. However, it's a nice place and is in walking to the main strip of Cabarete. I believe Be Live ... Read More
Cell phone providers by SFP203
Who is the best cell phone service provider and is it easy to get a cell phone contract? What does one need to do/show to get a contract. Thanks
@Tripp789 From my experience, I believe you need a debit/credit card in pesos. When I was in the Claro store, I remember the lady had told me I could only pay in pesos.Also, I was never able to link my Banco BHD debit card for some reason. ... Read More
SD to Puerto Rico Ferry by polo1club
Has anyone gone on this ferry? It leaves from el Puerto off El Malecon to PR. If so how was it? Are you able to go shopping and bring it back? What is allowed to be brought back to DR? I am thinking it will be a nice getaway from DR to go shop in PR ...
@carla5contreras What?!!! You can bring your car from PR to use in DR vía the ferry? I never knew that. I am very curious to know how that works. I'd be interested in doing that Read More
Cell phone providers by SFP203
Who is the best cell phone service provider and is it easy to get a cell phone contract? What does one need to do/show to get a contract. Thanks
@SFP203 I live in Santo Domingo and I found the both Claro and Altice work well. However, since nearly everyone in my circle has Claro, I choose to use Claro. 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 ...
@Guest493583 There are milliond black people here of all shades that are Dominican and non-Dominican. Whether you speak Spanish or not, they will know you are not Dominican based on your accent. Whether being confused with being Haitian, that ... Read More
Pros and Cons between Scotiabank and Banco Popular? by Gylla
I am opening a bank account here in DR. I have heard mixed reviews about both banks. I was thinking about opening a Banco Popular account because their offices are everywhere. But a friend advised me that Scotia follows international banking laws ...
It really depends on your location. I have BHD, Santa Cruz, and Banreservas. My wife has Popular. Out of all, BHD is my least favorite as they tend to be less organized and inconvenient to the customer. Santa Cruz has been great but they ... Read More
Working remote in the dom rep by tcantey
I wanted to ask are there any precautions working a remote us job while in the Dominican Republic
@tcantey I work remotely. My issues are thogugh the claro Internet in the house is fast, it goes in and out throughout the day. Also, the electricity goes out and sometimes out for extensive periods of time. I have a battery but it only gives 4 ... Read More
Veterans from the USA by scoldoc
Im looking for a way to reach Disabled Veterans to inform them they can get Chiropractic care with no out of pocket expense. Does any one know if there is a VFW post on the island.
There are many US veterans in DR, but I would guess that there are more in Santo Domingo than anywhere else. Read More
Bank Account Minimums by DRVisitor
What is the minimum before fees and everything starts? Also, any different for kids accounts?
@arisandmarion Same with Banco Santa Cruz, $500 USD minimum to open the dollar account, but $3000 pesos to open the peso account Read More
Bank Account Minimums by DRVisitor
What is the minimum before fees and everything starts? Also, any different for kids accounts?
@gmccargin I just wanted to say that you are paying way too much for those wire transfers that take 2 days. If you use Ria Money Transfer or Remitly, you can send money for $3 and $5 respectively to your Dominican bank account and the funds ... Read More
Veterans from the USA by scoldoc
Im looking for a way to reach Disabled Veterans to inform them they can get Chiropractic care with no out of pocket expense. Does any one know if there is a VFW post on the island.
@salfasi Great question! Currently, there few US veteran groups in Santo Domingo that are taking on the task to do a census on how many US veterans live in the Dominican Republic. I know it is at least in the thousands. Read More
Veterans from the USA by scoldoc
Im looking for a way to reach Disabled Veterans to inform them they can get Chiropractic care with no out of pocket expense. Does any one know if there is a VFW post on the island.
@Jbat I don't know about Puerto Rico, but a few US veteran groups worked out a deal with a hospital in Costa Rica so that veterans can have their service-connected surgeries without paying anything up-front. This includes transportation, ... Read More
Opinions on your biggest fears about moving to DR by polo1club
So I decided to list my biggest fears about my upcoming relocation to DR. Hoping someone has a counter answer to alleviate some of my concerns? Here it goes and please tell it to me straight out I promise not to get offended lol. Mind you this ...
1. Electrical blackouts (was thinking I get a generator and Inversol- Unfortunately, this is true for much of the country so a generator or inverter is necessary. 2. Buying transportation verses shipping it out there ( will surely miss my ... Read More
Mail Services by Sean Collins
I am moving to the Dominican Republic from Puerto Rico on July 5th. I receive all my medications and stoma supplies from the veterans hospital in San Juan, which are currently mailed to my PO Box here in Puerto Rico. I was wondering if anyone can ...
@Sean Collins Welcome Sean! I use the BMCargo service for forwarding mail and I also maintain a PO Box in Puerto Rico since I go back frequently. It would be to your advantage to have medications shipped to your BMCargo box in Miami which would ... Read More
Pre Construction In Vista Cana, Punta Cana by sweetapplecee
Hello All! My name is Renee. I visited Cap Cana last year and fell in love. I started looking into possible investing in a pre construction for rental and would be our vacation home a couple months out of the year and was told the new area of Vista ...
@nella501 Nella, I saw this project and my wife and I immediately contacted the construction company. The location is near the border of San Pedro and La Romana provinces on the main autopista. The plans are attractive and prices are not as ... Read More
Should I get residency by jperryjr1
I know this subject has been covered but I'm wondering if I should get one now. My wife and I will own a house in Cabarete and will be spending the winters there only, for a few more years (as we still have to work) We are still unsure if we will ...
@Tripp789 I agree 100%. Read More
Military on the Streets Again by Guest2022
Travelling around DR you will again be seeing military on the streets as mixed police and military units will be operating to combat the recent increases in crime around the country.This happened six times during the government of President Medina ...
I was in Santo Domingo Norte yesterday and I saw a nearly a dozen trucks filled with military personnel. 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 ...
Thanks for the details. I just completed the entire process and received my residency and cedula. Your explanation pretty much sums up my experience in addition to a few hiccups. Read More
Any Regrets by JoshGV143
My wife & I have started discussing what we would ship down vs. sell/donate/not bring…Are there any regrets of items you wish you had brought, but didn’t? Or vice-versa, things you brought that you really have no use for in the DR? ...
@JoshGV143 I did not leave anything of importance in the US. However, I do regret bringing so much clothes and shoes that I will never wear. Read More
Should I get residency by jperryjr1
I know this subject has been covered but I'm wondering if I should get one now. My wife and I will own a house in Cabarete and will be spending the winters there only, for a few more years (as we still have to work) We are still unsure if we will ...
@jperryjr1 Yes, you should get residency. It will help solidfy your place in Dominican society as part-time residents and it will lead you on the path to citizenship if that is your ultimate goal 😉. Read More
Getting a Dominican Driver's License by LZoe
Hi all: I'm looking for information about getting a dominican driver's license. I understand the process is different depending on what country you are from. I am from the U.S. My questions are: 1) I am here on a work visa. Can I get a ...
@ddmcghee Thank you! I plan on getting the license once I get the residency and cedula. Read More
Bank and credit card payments for Claro cell phones by Tripp789
Hi all, My wife and I now have Claro DR cell phones on a monthly billing cycle. I’ve attempted several times to get my Banco debit card signed up to pay for the service. So far it hasn’t worked. Also tried my USA MC and no joy. We ...
@Tripp789 I had this same exact issue with my Banco BHD debit and credit card. Later, o opened an account with Banco Santa Cruz and uploaded that debit card worked. 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 ...
@Julien Hello Julian Dominican Expat community. I came to Santo Domingo on a part-timw basis 2 years ago and made it full-time 6 months ago. I live with me wife in Santo Domingo we started a couple of businesses and I work online. I am not ... 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 ...
@Rajko85 I just submitted my residency paperwork and had my medical exam in country about 2 months ago. For me it was not advised to leave before your paperwork and medical exam is completed. I believe it is because the immigration officers ... Read More