gainkeeper
American looking for information about Dominican Republic
Forum posts
57
Contacts
2
About me
American
Registration: 14 July 2023
Starting New Business in DR by gainkeeper
How user friendly is DR to foreigners starting a new business? You've seen people selling products at busy intersections. I'd like to start a business selling vape products at stop lights. People selling the products for me could earn a good income. ...
I wouldn't have employees ... except a delivery driver. I would only sell my products to a vendor that can afford to pay my wholesale price for them up front. They would "own" that corner and would hire their own employees for all the different ... Read More
Starting New Business in DR
How user friendly is DR to foreigners starting a new business? You've seen people selling products at busy intersections. I'd like to start a business selling vape products at stop lights. People selling the products for me could earn a good income. ... Read More
Buying a house
What is the tax or transfer paper that's needed when buying a house? Is it madula or something like that? Does the seller provide that or does your attorney take care of that? How do they prove they have a title to the home as opposed to only ... Read More
Buying a home by gainkeeper
I don't see the thread about what paperwork from the seller is needed to buy a home.Larry
Thanks Read More
Buying a home
I don't see the thread about what paperwork from the seller is needed to buy a home.Larry Read More
Traffic tickets by gainkeeper
I hope people on here aren't too cautious to give an honest answer. My experience is that DR police look for any excuse to stop a gringo. I've been stopped several times for very minor infractions while 3 Dominican drivers drove on the wrong side of ...
@planner great advice Read More
Traffic tickets by gainkeeper
I hope people on here aren't too cautious to give an honest answer. My experience is that DR police look for any excuse to stop a gringo. I've been stopped several times for very minor infractions while 3 Dominican drivers drove on the wrong side of ...
I'm not a resident. I rent whatever small car I can get from the airport. Read More
Traffic tickets
I hope people on here aren't too cautious to give an honest answer. My experience is that DR police look for any excuse to stop a gringo. I've been stopped several times for very minor infractions while 3 Dominican drivers drove on the wrong side of ... Read More
BUYING A VEHICLE IN DR by 2VPsoldier
Okay, I am getting close to being ready to purchase a vehicle. What I would like to know is how it generally works here in the DR. I will only be able to give a deposit and then "finance" the remainder. Just wondering how it works and if ...
What paperwork do I need if I buy a used car? Does the seller have to show the entire chain of ownership? How and where do I register it? Should it come with a license plate or do I get that later? Read More
Shipping business products to DR
I'm likely going to open a new business in the DR. I'm going to need to ship a pallet of products on a regular basis from a Chinese manufacturer to a reliable shipping company in Santiago De Los Caballeros. The products, I'm sure, would have to go ... Read More
Local Wages by gainkeeper
I'm considering hiring a local to work for me and my business. This person would be responsible for inventory control, product deliveries (my vehicle, insurance and gas), collecting payments due from merchants, making bank deposits and receiving and ...
Thanks for your replies. What are TSS, INFOTEP, healthcare, and several DGII taxes? Read More
Local Wages
I'm considering hiring a local to work for me and my business. This person would be responsible for inventory control, product deliveries (my vehicle, insurance and gas), collecting payments due from merchants, making bank deposits and receiving and ... Read More
Any tips on advertising small landscaping business? by Chazzy
Hello all. I'm Charles. I have been living in La Romana for a year, Bonao for 4 years prior to that. I am originally from the States. I have done remote work since I've been on the island, but I was hoping to pick up some extra work doing ...
You might try posting on Facebook and Instagram. Read More
Car purchase by gainkeeper
What paperwork do I need to transfer ownership of a car purchased in DR into my name? How do I file it with the authorities? How do I get a license plate (or does the plate transfer with the car)? How do I get insurance?
Thank you so much Read More
setting up a small construction company as a non resident in DR by hocevartomi
Hi all,I was wondering if anyone has any experience with opening a company in DR and how stringent and time consuming is the paperwork side of something like this.Thanking you all in advance for your input.Tomaz
Can I open this as an LLC? What do you charge to assist with this? Read More
Car purchase
What paperwork do I need to transfer ownership of a car purchased in DR into my name? How do I file it with the authorities? How do I get a license plate (or does the plate transfer with the car)? How do I get insurance? Read More
DR Free Trade Zones by gainkeeper
Does anyone know where the free trade zones are located and the rules for importing goods into the DR? What can be imported? What taxes are due?
I would like to read this but I'm getting this popup on my computer:Your connection isn't privateAttackers might be trying to steal your information from drfreezones.com (for example, passwords, messages, or credit cards). Learn more about this ... Read More
DR Free Trade Zones
Does anyone know where the free trade zones are located and the rules for importing goods into the DR? What can be imported? What taxes are due? Read More
DR Gasoline stations
The worldwide price of oil goes up and down; but All the gas stations here have the same prices that never change. What's up with that? Read More
Property and business for sale by sharonnickerson
Where can i post on this platform the inFormation on my propery being for sale
What, where and how much is it? Read More
Casual Labor
I'm going to be plastering and painting some exterior, concrete block walls. How would I go about finding a casual laborer with SOME experience to help me and what would be a fair wage? Read More
Auto insurance by gainkeeper
What do people pay here for auto insurance with the Casa coverage? What insurance company do you use? I'd like to see monthly, 6 months and annual rates if possible
@SandyS_retiredThanks for the info Read More
New members of the Dominican Republic forum, introduce yourselves here - 2024 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 ...
@rfortinszBuying a house. Can you give me the name, number and location of the real estate attorney? Read More
Real estate attorney
Buying a house. What was the name, phone number and location of the real estate attorney that has been highly recommended several times here? Read More
Auto insurance
What do people pay here for auto insurance with the Casa coverage? What insurance company do you use? I'd like to see monthly, 6 months and annual rates if possible Read More
Room for DR real estate negotiation?
I'm not asking about new construction. Has anyone purchased an existing home? Does anyone know how much wiggle room there typically is to negotiate? If someone is asking $11 mil negotiable , will they typically stick close to the asking price or ... Read More
Scams in D.R. by Terryo
Have we made a mistake, my wife and l arrive next week for 3 months from Canada. We have visited 5 times before over the years at different resorts this is the first time for an extended stay, l am coming with some trepidation after watching ...
The biggest scams in DR are the police. It doesn't matter what city. They seem to recognize immediately that I'm from the USA, even though I'm sitting in my rental car. They look for something, anything I could possibly have done wrong, whether it's ... Read More
Church in Santo Domingo by Lorenzito1809
Hello everyone, is there a non denominational church in Santo Domingo that has English speaking services? Thanks for your help
Calle Luis Amiama Tió 105, Santo Domingo 10510, Dominican Republic. You can Google it. Read More
Church in Santo Domingo by Lorenzito1809
Hello everyone, is there a non denominational church in Santo Domingo that has English speaking services? Thanks for your help
The Biblical Church of Jesus Christ in north central Santo Domingo is a very nice non denominational church. They bent over backwards to make me welcome. They gave me headphones and had an English translator Read More
Drink the water?
Has anyone made the effort to get used to drinking the local water? Read More
Personal Update by planner
Many of you know me in person as well as on here. I am active pretty much every single day. I will be away starting Monday December 11 as I am having surgery in Santo Domingo.Some weeks ago I damaged my left shoulder and it just kept getting worse. ...
Get completely well soon Read More
30-day time limit near by LadyYankee
Hello. I am nearing the 30-day timeframe for visiting and I understand that I must leave DR. I have not yet applied for a residency. What do people usually do? Fly out to Puerto Rico for a day and then fly back? That is the ...
Suppose I wanted to ask my local DR consulate to extend my stay to 120 days instead of 30. I know I must make that request from the USA. Could I then fly to Florida at the end of 120 days (to reset the calendar) and request a new 120 days? Read More
30-day time limit near by LadyYankee
Hello. I am nearing the 30-day timeframe for visiting and I understand that I must leave DR. I have not yet applied for a residency. What do people usually do? Fly out to Puerto Rico for a day and then fly back? That is the ...
Clarification: Did Planner say that your car insurance is voided when you overstay your 30 days? Read More
Purchasing a hotel in the Dominican Republic by Catlover21
Hello all;Has anyone on the forum purchased a hotel in the DR? or maybe owns or manages same?I would like to know the 'unknowns ' before venturing into such a transaction.Thanks!
Thanks for this post. It is inspiring, eye opening. Read More
Purchasing a hotel in the Dominican Republic by Catlover21
Hello all;Has anyone on the forum purchased a hotel in the DR? or maybe owns or manages same?I would like to know the 'unknowns ' before venturing into such a transaction.Thanks!
I'm also considering buying a commercial property in the DR. I will definitely hire an attorney when the time is right; but I would like to know as much as possible beforehand, so I know the right questions to ask.I would appreciate it if you can ... Read More
Property taxes by markrosenbaum51
How does the government communicate to property owners the yearly amount of property taxes? I have lived in Sosua for 2 years and recently sold my condo. I knew about the $150,000 threshold on property value so since I never received a bill, I ...
What government agency do you pay the real estate taxes to; and where are they located? Read More
DR Gasoline by gainkeeper
All DR gas stations sell gasoline for the same price. The price doesn't change. Does the government own and control the gasoline and just hire individuals to dispense it at their personal stations; or, does the government own the stations too?
I saw a Santiago gas station for sale online at what appears to be an attractive price. Do you think the various chains and the government would/could team up against an expat and try to choke out the competition? Read More
DR Gasoline
All DR gas stations sell gasoline for the same price. The price doesn't change. Does the government own and control the gasoline and just hire individuals to dispense it at their personal stations; or, does the government own the stations too? Read More
What to do with US Mail by bonnie28
We are spending three months Las Terrenas. We will remain at the same address for the duration. Should I have my mail from Rhode Island forwarded the that address?
Could I buy products on Amazon and have the packages forwarded to the DR the same way; or do you recommend something else? Or, do you buy from Mercadolibre? If so, how do you get those packages? Read More
BUYING A VEHICLE IN DR by 2VPsoldier
Okay, I am getting close to being ready to purchase a vehicle. What I would like to know is how it generally works here in the DR. I will only be able to give a deposit and then "finance" the remainder. Just wondering how it works and if ...
The import tax for a new car shipped in can be HUGE. Also, have you seen the crazy drivers in DR? No way I would drive a new car. Read More
Facebook Marketplace by Brewpub56
In the US, FB marketplace is a huge scammer site. Basically worthless imho. My friend tells me it actually works pretty well in DR. Anyone have any positive experiences using it to buy or sell household items?
Why are many things on FB Marketplace listed as "free' or $1 when you know that can't possibly be the right price? What's the game being played? Read More
Business zoning?
I'm considering opening a cafeteria in Santiago. Could I buy a 2 story house on a relatively busy street, convert the first floor into my restaurant and live upstairs? Does DR have any zoning rules to prevent that?Thanks Read More
Learning a currency system and saving money in multiple currencies by Erik Anderson
No apologies for this post. I didn’t find the information for these questions I had before coming here in your forum, so I’m putting it in there to the next guy that comes here and I learn. Situation is this I left Colombia using the ...
Try renting a car sometime in the DR. They give you a terrible rate of exchange if you're paying with cash; and, they charge you all kinds of extra fees if you want to pay by credit card. I think it's a license to steal. Read More
Buying a car in Punta Cana by bsander5573bs
Can a expat buy a car in DR witout residency
I was driving a rented car from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo. I cop stopped me and said I was speeding. I told him I didn't think so; cars were passing me left and right He said, "I didn't catch them, I caught you. You were 14 mph over." He told the ... Read More
buying a house in DR by Dou08
I'm from Canada. Did anyone know when you buy a house in DR the process to be protected?
I'm sure it can vary; but how much do attorneys typically charge per hour in the DR? Do you think the price goes up if you're an American? 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 ...
@windeguyI believe they charge a small down payment so they have your credit card number in case there's any damage to the car that you refuse to pay. They always tell me that they would need to charge me 18% tax if you don't pay the balance in ... 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 ...
Everyone seems to have bars on all windows and doors. Where do you get them? Are they all custom made? Read More
completing eticket for immigration by PatriciaPMC
Hi there. I am trying to complete my entry eticket for immigration. I am having difficulty completing the portion requiring information about the address of where I will be staying. It doesn't recognize the names I am giving. It accepts the province ...
@PatriciaPMC I experienced the same problem. I just chose something, anything, from the list. No one checks or verifies it. Read More
Healthcare
Is it true that Dominicans get free healthcare? Is it any good? If I became a resident, would I be entitled to free healthcare? What do the rest of you do for healthcare? Would my US social security do me any good in the Dominican Republic? 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 ...
Why do many car rental places and hotels in the DR ask for a small down payment, like 10%, to make the reservation and then require the bulk of the payment in US cash? 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!
Thanks so much. I'll anxiously wait for your pm. 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!
I'm considering buying a beachfront hotel as an investment. Are there any licenses or permits that are required? Read More
Residencia, import. Taxes and shipping by emetz55
I am getting my residency soon and we'll be building a house near Sosua. I hear different things some people tell me that the first shipment is tax free and my next question is what is the best way to ship a lot of household items but not ...
@L Alan Williams I just Googled Houston Texas shipping companies. Here's what came up. I don't have any recommendations Elite Shipping, Inc.1308 S Loop W, Houston, TX 77054Map of elite shipping, inc.Serves HoustonClosed ⋅ Opens 9 AM ... Read More
ferry from florida to the DR? by MGarrison
Are there any ferry boats from Florida to the DR that we can take? We are looking for all kinds of ideas. If they do Ferry, it could be a semi painless way for us to permanently move to the DR. We have less than 3 years!! Cannot wait... we will be ...
@the tinker40 How much does it cost to ferry a car from Miami to DR; and what does it take to get it registered in DR? Read More
Real estate recommendations in Santo Domingo by Natalie P15
Hello,Hope all is well. My grandmother has an apartment complex in Santiago Domingo. She has about 8 tenants that haven’t paid rent in over a year. Does anyone have a real estate attorney they can recommend for this situation?
I'm interested to follow this discussion. Can they be evicted? Read More
apartment building or motel by gainkeeper
I've visited Puerto Plata, Sosua, Santiago and Santo Domingo a few times. I'll be in RD 8/7 to 8/26/2023I'm interested in an apartment building or motel anywhere in the areaLawrence Mann***
I'm considering buying an apartment building or hotel somewhere in the Puerto Plata, Sosua, Cabarete, Santiago, Santo Domingo or Boca Chica area. I would appreciate networking with you and sharing knowledge.Larry Read More
apartment building or motel
I've visited Puerto Plata, Sosua, Santiago and Santo Domingo a few times. I'll be in RD 8/7 to 8/26/2023I'm interested in an apartment building or motel anywhere in the areaLawrence Mann*** Read More