bman
American expat in Dominican Republic
Forum posts
49
Contacts
1
About me
American
Speaks English and am learning Spanish ( very slowly!! )
Registration: 08 March 2024
Dogs in the airport by tosharogers
Hello, my name is Tosha and I will be moving to Sosua from the States and with me will be my two dogs. Will I be able to fly into Puerto Plata International Airport with one as "cargo?" Thank you.
@Tippj no problem - i love to drive - you will have to love Brazilian jazz and frequent stops for chicharron. Read More
Dogs in the airport by tosharogers
Hello, my name is Tosha and I will be moving to Sosua from the States and with me will be my two dogs. Will I be able to fly into Puerto Plata International Airport with one as "cargo?" Thank you.
@Flatlanders2025 If you have driven in a major city during rush hour it’s like that but the problem is it’s like that most of the time. The rush hour traffic in Santo Domingo is the worst. I can do it because I do not rattle. I drive in ... Read More
Dogs in the airport by tosharogers
Hello, my name is Tosha and I will be moving to Sosua from the States and with me will be my two dogs. Will I be able to fly into Puerto Plata International Airport with one as "cargo?" Thank you.
@Flatlanders2025 It will take skills to drive, if you can avoid being in the rush hour time zones , that will help. I use my gps every single day , the only one that seems to work reliably is google maps. I drive in Santo Domingo all the time I am ... Read More
Dogs in the airport by tosharogers
Hello, my name is Tosha and I will be moving to Sosua from the States and with me will be my two dogs. Will I be able to fly into Puerto Plata International Airport with one as "cargo?" Thank you.
@Flatlanders2025 Hello, I always use Full Throttle Rent A Car - they have good rates and most importantly, they have integrity. The main office is in Acropolis Center , but for an extra $30 dollars they will bring the car to the airport and meet you ... Read More
Dogs in the airport by tosharogers
Hello, my name is Tosha and I will be moving to Sosua from the States and with me will be my two dogs. Will I be able to fly into Puerto Plata International Airport with one as "cargo?" Thank you.
@CHRISTOPHER DAVID56 Hello, I always use Full Throttle Rent A Car - they have good rates and most importantly, they have integrity. The main office is in Acropolis Center , but for an extra $30 dollars they will bring the car to the airport and meet ... Read More
Filling out the immigration e-Ticket form by wondering9
I can bug my lawyer if necessary but I'm hoping there's an easy/obvious answer to this. I have my initial visa (the one that allows me to come to the DR and apply for residency) only. So to the question on the e-Ticket "are you a foreigner ...
@planner Nor does the place you are staying in the Dr , pick what sounds logical to you and don’t worry about it. Print a hard copy of the e ticket and also send it to your email. Read More
Getting through SDQ with luggage, step by step by wondering9
So my questions are getting nitty-grittier the closer I get to takeoff ... I so appreciate everyone's advice, especially Planner's!I am trying to picture how this will work (at Santo Domingo airport) from the luggage carousel to the taxi. It has ...
The thieves will tell you uber is not allowed at the airport. That is a lie. Do not rent a car at the airport!!! Ever . If you need a car use full throttle agency near the blue mall. They are honest and reliable. Read More
Getting through SDQ with luggage, step by step by wondering9
So my questions are getting nitty-grittier the closer I get to takeoff ... I so appreciate everyone's advice, especially Planner's!I am trying to picture how this will work (at Santo Domingo airport) from the luggage carousel to the taxi. It has ...
@wondering9 well fella the porter will meet you at the carousel with a cart. The price is $10 us and worth it, they can normally blow right thru customs. Helpful if you have more than 3 bottles of wine in your luggage!! If you appear cool the ... Read More
Updates on club Jet Set by planner
As most should know, club Jet Set in Santo Domingo was the scene of a horrific tragedy. It was an upscale, very popular club. Current death toll now sits at 230.The fall out from this is considerable. The city has gone very quiet. Most clubs are ...
@planner I for one am VERY glad you did not go!! Sending my love and energy to the families of the fallen! Read More
FOODS/SHOPPING/ETC by itsnuthinbfree123
THE FOOD HERE IS GREAT THEY HAVE IT HOW EVER YOU LIKE IT, DON'T JUST DO ANY STREET VENDOR CHECK FOR CLEAN NAILS N FREQUENT HAND WASHING, THE COCONUT WATER IS OUT O THIS WORLD NO ICE, I ALSO GET THE FLESH TO SNACK ON OR BLEND AT HOME, IF BUY FRUIT ...
@planner so I am a tech guy, I read more than I speak and when I read all caps , I hear yelling. Honest I really do. 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 ...
@Francescamunroei hope it all falls into place for you friend . i will say this , you selected a good place to plant roots . the DR is paradise , with a few road bumps along the way. Thank goodness , there are many people on this site that will help ... Read More
Rude & Disrespectful Folks in Punta Cana by Conifer
no respect for personal space.no order, everyone cuts in linepeople look you up and down to judge you based on appearance.no smileno seeking to understandif they can cheat you off of 50 pesos at the market, they willno one follows instructionsyou ...
@rfmauroneas do i , i mean love this place. its an amazing country! Read More
Container houses by hocevartomi
Buenos dias ,I am planning to get a small plot of land and put a container house on it, I have just started my research.I would do the majority my self but I dont know where to start paper-wise, what permits do I need, do I need an architect ...
@UncleBuckduly noted sir. Your input is important to me. thank you! Read More
Container houses by hocevartomi
Buenos dias ,I am planning to get a small plot of land and put a container house on it, I have just started my research.I would do the majority my self but I dont know where to start paper-wise, what permits do I need, do I need an architect ...
Good Morning fellow expats! I like this subject as I am exploring ways to build housing on land and I like the idea of using modern building ideas to do so. Some of the container homes in the USA are quite clever and ascetically pleasing to the ... Read More
Cost of living in Dominican Republic in 2024 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, As every year, we invite you to share your experience regarding the cost of living in Dominican Republic, and if possible, in the specific region or city where you live. This will help members who are planning to relocate in ...
@Steverino7777 amen brother! I agree 100% its a tropical paradise. beautiful country! Read More
Moving to Punta Cana with 2 kids from Canada by Kriss1989
We are considering moving to Punta Cana or Sosua. We have 2 kids (5 and 10). I don't think we will have an issue with the residency as we do have a property in Punta Cana and we do have our own business that allow us to WFH (in fact we are 100% ...
@Dave1967 well... i have watched his videos, and for me he does not work, i find him annoying. there are others in the dr with you tube channels that are much better then that guy. in my humble opinion Read More
Dating, getting engaged and marrying a Dominican Girl by Jay012394
Good afternoon, I am new to the expat community/forums and I wanted to create an updated forum/article related to dating in the dominican republic, as well as getting engaged and marrying a dominican. My dominican friend introduced me to one of ...
@Oscarsahony Sanchezyou are the luckiest man I know. Blessed for sure, you are bro!! Read More
SENDING BARRELS FROM CALIFORNIA TO SAMANA, DR by annamayking19
Does anyone know of a service to send barrels from cali to the dr?
Hello, I would like to find out about that also. I have barrels to send to the DR from Socal. Thanks, Brandon Read More
DHL versus FedEx by Mark Mclaurin
Maybe someone can help me my job had to send me a computer and they sent it through FedEx which charge me custom fees which was fine. I went to the FedEx office and paid it and they gave me my package. It took a few extra days but I was OK with ...
@Mark Mclaurinok so here is the deal friend. I no longer use DHL in the DR, they are the worst. I could share my horror story with DHL in SD but no point really. Avoid shipping anything to the DR using them, FED-EX Is only slightly better. The best ... 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 ...
@SandyS_retiredI called mike and he responded quickly. very professional. Read More
Apostille process from abroad by Gylla
Hi all👋🏼Has anyone successfully had their documents apostilled online? I’m living in the DR full time and need my birth certificate and certificate of single status translated, apostilled and notarized. I’ve found some ...
@aurincdislathank you nice lady! Read More
Apostille process from abroad by Gylla
Hi all👋🏼Has anyone successfully had their documents apostilled online? I’m living in the DR full time and need my birth certificate and certificate of single status translated, apostilled and notarized. I’ve found some ...
@aurincdislawhat did they charge you for the service? Read More
Shipping EV to DR by Neil st surin
I want to ship my 2014 Tesla to DR. The rule is that cars can't be more than 5 years old. The rule is for ice vehicles for emission purposes. So if you have a car with no emissions does that rule still apply? I also read that there are different ...
@Neil st surinexcellant question , something for me to consider also. In california, the used tesla market is great. they are giving them away practically. I would love to hear what the verdict is for 100% electric. BTW, I have seen 2 Rivian ... Read More
Navigating administrative procedures in Dominican Republic by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Navigating through the administration in Dominican Republic can be quite a challenge. With the variety of procedures, their complexity, and the local specifics, many factors need to be considered. Here are some questions worth ...
@ondamiright, so am I , I haved reached out to Lishali for professional help. Read More
Rental Apartments for XPAT's by CHRISTOPHER DAVID56
I have recently seen many post about short term rentals and long term rentals. As an American XPAT living in the Dominican Rep for over 24 years, and recently retired here the last 4 years, I have seen, observed, worked with Govt, introduced a ...
@CHRISTOPHER DAVID56chris you are awesome! A wealth of information. you exemplify what sharing of knowledge is all about. To give , freely, willingly and sincerly. Kudos sir, well done! 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 ...
@CHRISTOPHER DAVID56 correct me please, but I think the cost of the tourist visa is $10 dollars? 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 ...
@CHRISTOPHER DAVID56thank you sir, I notice that you ALWAYS respond and are helpful on this forum. I appreciate that Chris! Thank you! 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 ...
@CHRISTOPHER DAVID56 what are they looking for on the fbi report. what will make them say , its ok or not ok?thanks 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 ...
@VallyDohellocan you send the attorney contact info to me please? thanks Read More
Macao Hills Phase 2 by mills2912
Anyone here purchasing in Macao Hills? My Husband and I just made our downpayment. Excited to get to know our neighbors and to have resources of knowledge throughout the process of development.
@RockyMYes that is right. want to test the game face theory? At SDQ Airport, have your exit strategy already in place. But observe how many sharks circle you when you step out of the airport. As soon as you approach the doors to get to ... Read More
Travel Documents by Mark and Al
So I have completed (online) the mandatory travel declaration form for us - both entry and exit forms. American Airlines shows there are no longer any Covid requirements or paperwork to fill out.Obviously we have our passports, IDs, etc as well. ...
@SandyS_retiredI totally understand. Had the same thing happen at SD airport. phone failed, not good wifi at the airport. I was hosed and could not get out of the airport I was at the mercy of the dr sharks that wait for tourists getting off the ... Read More
2023 Construction Costs - Punta Cana Area by MTPinCC
Hello. I am wondering if anyone could shed some light on 2023 construction costs. A year or two ago, we were hearing that villa construction would be about $800 - $1,000 per square meter. I am assuming these costs have increased, but wondering if ...
@Sunbiz1GREAT answer and I think you are correct, this is a good opp for you in the DR. Read More
Why are people drawn to move to the DR? by Nanosaso
Everyone has their own personal reasons. I'm opening this thread because I see the expat community has plenty to say on all kind of topics. Most basically, I see the two main reasons people are drawn to the DR is for it's a beautiful lush country ...
@Sunbiz1el presidente ice cold is the best beer I have ever tasted. SO good! Read More
Ship my car or buy one in the DR? by GregInTheDR
[b]First and foremost, it’s my first post to the forum. I’ve used this site as a reference and it contains a wealth of information. Thank you[/b] So here’s the plan - I’m buying a condo in preconstruction in Santo Domingo ...
@cruffmanHello I hope you are well . I need your advice. I have been to the DR a few times. a week, sometimes a few weeks and each time i rent a car. I plan to move there next year and from what I have been reading . bringing my 2021 honda crv is ... Read More
Customs ?!?! by Mark Mclaurin
Help !! My job fedexed me a new laptop but it’s been held in Customs for some strange reason for over a week and I have had endless emails from FedEx AND Customs asking for my passport which I have sent multiple times. Now TODAY someone calls ...
@NanosasoAND I would like to know were they paid in full BEFORE they did the job? Read More
Intercultural relationships in Dominican Republic by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share some fun anecdotes and information regarding intercultural marriages and relationships in Dominican Republic. This will provide some insight to current and future expats regarding relationship norms in mixed ...
@JulianTorrezdoes she have a sister? hook a brother up, JT Read More
The work culture in Dominican Republic by Mickael
Hello everyone, As an expatriate, [b]working in Dominican Republic[/b] can present unique opportunities but also challenges. Discovering new communication styles, adapting to new cultural norms... [b]working in Dominican Republic[/b] can be both ...
@plannerthank you dear lady! Read More
The work culture in Dominican Republic by Mickael
Hello everyone, As an expatriate, [b]working in Dominican Republic[/b] can present unique opportunities but also challenges. Discovering new communication styles, adapting to new cultural norms... [b]working in Dominican Republic[/b] can be both ...
@plannerok I can dig it, so all 85 are always on time and never late? What is your work policy , if I may ask. I am considering starting a tech school in the DR and I am doing research as to feasability. My plan is to line up technical companies ... Read More
The work culture in Dominican Republic by Mickael
Hello everyone, As an expatriate, [b]working in Dominican Republic[/b] can present unique opportunities but also challenges. Discovering new communication styles, adapting to new cultural norms... [b]working in Dominican Republic[/b] can be both ...
@UncleBucki agree , we are in their world. its a part of the culture I do not understand and THEY do not understand why I dont understand. When I question tardiness , they just give me a whimsical look. The being late thing is not some of the time , ... Read More
The work culture in Dominican Republic by Mickael
Hello everyone, As an expatriate, [b]working in Dominican Republic[/b] can present unique opportunities but also challenges. Discovering new communication styles, adapting to new cultural norms... [b]working in Dominican Republic[/b] can be both ...
@planneryep , that late thing is a pet peeve of mine. in the DR , they show the kids its ok to be late. In my world, on time is 15 minutes late. My first date in the DR the woman was an hour and a half late! And the guys I met while in the DR just ... 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 ...
@Yessir Punta Canatraffic traversing the wrong way on a one way street 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 ...
@stevehombredelmarIs there a way to check if a ticket is in the Dominican system? 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 ...
@stevehombredelmarhey thats good intel, i have always seen the transport from the airport to whatever hotel as an opportunity for a honest driving company , with fluent english speaking drivers, to get steady customers. It will just be a matter of ... 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 ...
@gainkeeperI sort of disagree, I have found a mix or maybe they looked at me differently then you. When I got my first ticket for going down a one way. It was kind of funny, when I made my turn to soon and was going the wrong way, people were trying ... 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 ...
So I am from Los Angeles and in LA, the guy or girl that offers to "help" is not trying to help you. They either spotted you from a distance ( working alone ) or the "spotter " saw you and the team of crooks has their next victim lined up. As long ... 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 ...
@Terryojust know what to pay BEFORE you pay it. and i have learned to ALWAYS ask the price when they don't tell me. I have been there a few times and each time I get better at moving around. The good folks TELL you the price BEFORE you pay.Stick ... Read More
greetings all! Does anyone know of technical jobs in the DR? by bman
I am a technical person, currently working as a laboratory manager for a energy storage company that is international. I would like to find us based companies that have r and or manufacturing plants in the DR. Can anyone suggest a way to find leads, ...
@ddmcgheeI dont have it yet, but I will be able to get it done. my Spanish is not great. but I am taking classes and I have Dominican friends that are bi lingual.thanks , brandon Read More
greetings all! Does anyone know of technical jobs in the DR?
I am a technical person, currently working as a laboratory manager for a energy storage company that is international. I would like to find us based companies that have r and or manufacturing plants in the DR. Can anyone suggest a way to find leads, ... Read More