tracy.england
American looking for information about Dominican Republic
Forum posts
56
Contacts
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About me
American
Speaks English
Registration: 01 March 2019
Thinking of buying a Condo by Monique SL
Hello my name is Monique. I live in Florida. My husband and I are retiring within the next two years. But we are trying to buy an apartment from the Urban Group builder in La Romana. I have been to DR only once in my life and that was more than 30 ...
I agree with everyone about coming to stay first. We looked in various parts of the Caribbean for many years before settling on the DR. Then took several vacations to various parts of the island before deciding on LT. And then looked at ... Read More
Buying new development in cap cana by Buckeye1990
Hello expat community, I am new here and looking for advice on a specific development which is just outside of Cap Cana resort area. The development is called Cana Alta and the link is https://canaalta.do/ As I have no prior experience with ...
First off, congratulations on considering buying a home in this lovely place. It is beautiful here. The people are wonderful and the culture and environment can't be beat. That said, I don't want to come across as a Debbie Downer but I ... Read More
Resort purchase? by SunshineMoran19
When thinking about retirement is it a good idea to purchase a property at a resort? Any experiences to share? TIA My husband and I LOVE the DR and it鈥檚 people.
We purchased an apartment in Las Terrenas. Half the apartments are owned by the resort, the other half are privately owned. Some owners enter the rental pool and let the resort manage the rental for a fee, some owners manage their own rentals via ... Read More
Medical Test For Visa by bluej91
For anyone that has went through the medical exam for the visa process, I would like some advice. Is there a specific service that should be requested to get the medical certificate? I have all my required paper work with the exception of the ...
Our attorney scheduled and accomoanied us to the mdical facilty as well as the immigration office. She translate when needed. If you have an attorney, then it should be one of the services they provide Read More
Buy in US or DR to furnish a new apt in Punta Cana by SteinSol
Hi, we are new to this forum, my husband and I live in NY. We are buying a 2 bedroom apt in Punta Cana, new construction. We are looking for best & economical way to furnish it, from appliances to couch to mattresses etc. The DR Consulate ...
We shipped a smaller container from Washington state with primarily personal items but did ship 3 memoryfoam bed mattresses, which we are thankful for. We purchased a sofa from the Ashley store in Santiago and household items (plates, towels, etc ... Read More
What mailing service do you use? by naturalhorse
I am looking for suggestions for a mailing service in FL that we can have a physical address, get packages and regular mail. Then have that sent over to us in the DR. Any suggestions? Lisa
We use MBE (mailbox etc). They are a bit more expensive than the other company we tried but are far more reliable and reaponsive. We sent an overnight letter from Las Terrenas to North Carolina using the other local company. We mailed it on ... Read More
Moving companies? by naturalhorse
I would appreciate any input on what moving companies people have used. I am getting quotes all across the board. Shipping from AZ in USA to Puerta Plata, DR. Thanks much. Naturally, Lisa
They didnt get so far as to give us a quote for those items. Continental notified us. Both items were tv sets one of which still had the wall mount attached. We indicated that both were used; neither were in their original packaging. We pointed ... Read More
Moving companies? by naturalhorse
I would appreciate any input on what moving companies people have used. I am getting quotes all across the board. Shipping from AZ in USA to Puerta Plata, DR. Thanks much. Naturally, Lisa
We moved in April from Seattle to Las Terrenas and used Continental. Overall we wete pleased with the service and the cost seemed fairly competitive. Nothing was lost and 2 items were victims of some minor damage. The only snafu we ran into was ... Read More
Temporary Resdidencia - first steps! by planner
As a regular person, not applying for work visa or a retirement special status recidencia, you can apply for the temporary residencia. The principal difference is that you will require a local sponsor to vouch for you and your family when applying ...
Lily is fabulous. She was recommended to us by "Planner". We have been working with her for the last few months preparing for our interview and medical exam in the capitol. Read More
Wine lovers in the DR by tracy.england
In another thread the topic of wine was initiated. I am taking this opportunity to start this thread to talk about wine for all you wine snobs, foodies and lovers of the grape. Coming from Washington State and living 15 minutes from Woodinville ...
You are my kind of gal! Read More
Wine lovers in the DR by tracy.england
In another thread the topic of wine was initiated. I am taking this opportunity to start this thread to talk about wine for all you wine snobs, foodies and lovers of the grape. Coming from Washington State and living 15 minutes from Woodinville ...
I do love good chocolate!!! and it does pair quite nicely with red wine. Read More
Wine lovers in the DR by tracy.england
In another thread the topic of wine was initiated. I am taking this opportunity to start this thread to talk about wine for all you wine snobs, foodies and lovers of the grape. Coming from Washington State and living 15 minutes from Woodinville ...
Thanks much for all the great links and information. I believe that Ocoa was the winery that I had read about. Might have to set up a visit. Or perhaps it could be the location for an expat gathering in the near future. Read More
Wine lovers in the DR by tracy.england
In another thread the topic of wine was initiated. I am taking this opportunity to start this thread to talk about wine for all you wine snobs, foodies and lovers of the grape. Coming from Washington State and living 15 minutes from Woodinville ...
Thanks so much. I was able to find the website. I will definitely make that a stop on our next visit to Santo Domingo or Santiago. Read More
Wine lovers in the DR by tracy.england
In another thread the topic of wine was initiated. I am taking this opportunity to start this thread to talk about wine for all you wine snobs, foodies and lovers of the grape. Coming from Washington State and living 15 minutes from Woodinville ...
Sweet! We don't have Bravo in LT and have not seen it in my trips to Santo Domingo and Santiago. I googled it but am not sure if there is a longer name for the store. Where exactly is it located? Is there more than one on the island? Read More
Wine lovers in the DR
In another thread the topic of wine was initiated. I am taking this opportunity to start this thread to talk about wine for all you wine snobs, foodies and lovers of the grape. Coming from Washington State and living 15 minutes from Woodinville ... Read More
Things to do with little people in Las Terrenas and beyond
Good morning all, Our grandsons (6 and 8) are coming to visit us for a week in August. They will most likely just want to spend time in the pool and building sandcastles on the beach with grandma and grandpa, however, I am looking for ideas for ... Read More
ExPat Fatigue by Steverino7777
Hello, This is my second winter in Casa de Campo and I am just realizing I may be experiencing Expat fatigue. Is there anyone out there that has encountered this situation? Do you have any advice. I will be here for a total of 7 months this ...
Today is the start of month number 3 for us in Las Terrenas. We are currently renting until our apartment is finished and have met some very nice Ex-pats in the rental community. When we are out wandering our little town, I keep eyes and ears ... Read More
A Large Percentage of Expats Don't Stay and Return Home by Guest2022
'Rocky M' and 'planner' highlighted in another thread, that apparently a large number of expats who relocate to the Dominican Republic don't stay beyond two years and return to their home country. I've heard this too through ...
My husband had done quite a bit of research prior to us starting our search. We visited many of the islands, rented short term and lived like locals. It was important for us to know what daily living looked like. We learned about milk that is ... Read More
Where to stay in SD while applying for Residence. by Rfernandez1
Hello, my wife and I are moving to the DR within weeks. Our first stop will be SD so we can apply for the residence. Does anyone have suggestions on where to stay while we deal with immigration, about two weeks is what our attorney ...
Not knowing your budget might be difficult for members of the forum to make recommendations. However, we stay at the Holiday Inn in Santo Domingo. It is a very nice hotel; close to many restaurants. It is within walking distance of Agora Mall and ... Read More
How to pay resettlement tax on items imported into DR?
Thanks CapnRick, Are there any forwarding services you reconnend for oversize packages? We have been pleased so far with MBE service and on this particlar shipment i assumed it was customs who set the charges. Is that not the case? Read More
How to pay resettlement tax on items imported into DR?
Good evening all, We purchased some items online. They were held in customs for over a week and Mailbox etc notified us yesterday that we owe a "resettlement" tax as the items. Items cost more than $200. I have looked and looked at the ... Read More
Vehicle Purchase
Good morning all, Moving into our 2nd month living in this lovely little town and are now ready to stop renting a vehicle to get around and put some serious consideration into buying one of our own. I searched for a previous thread that had the ... Read More
Water filtration system?? by tracy.england
Hi all, Shopping day in the capitol. One of the items on our list is a water filtration system for our new home. We have been shopping around. The only place we found one is at Ferreteria Americana. I seem to recall a thread about a company ...
Thanks much WillieWeb. Appreciate the quick response. Read More
Water filtration system??
Hi all, Shopping day in the capitol. One of the items on our list is a water filtration system for our new home. We have been shopping around. The only place we found one is at Ferreteria Americana. I seem to recall a thread about a company ... Read More
Amazon/Ebay/Online Shopping by UncleBuck
Has any other non-US person had a problem shopping online at the typical sites? I say non-US, because if you are American, shipping to Miami with a US billing address, your bank is likely not to flag anything as fraud. I am Canadian, with a ...
Well that sounds like a sweet option. We currently pick packages up from Mailbox Etc. Does shipping them by sea chamge how you receive them in Sousua, maybe we need to make a special request for delivery to out new home or perhaps that may not be ... Read More
Amazon/Ebay/Online Shopping by UncleBuck
Has any other non-US person had a problem shopping online at the typical sites? I say non-US, because if you are American, shipping to Miami with a US billing address, your bank is likely not to flag anything as fraud. I am Canadian, with a ...
Good evening all, We are at the beginning of week #4 of adjusting to our new home. We set up an account with the Las Terrenas branch of Mailbox Etc and have shipped a couple of small, fairly low value things to see just how it all works. To our ... Read More
Shipping furniture to DR by Launica
I'm planning on bringing some furniture (not a whole lot, just favorites) plus household items and some clothes (who am I kidding, lots and lots) from Fl. Would like some recommendations and information. Haven't moved in a while so I'm a ...
My apologies i misspelled your name. Read More
Shipping furniture to DR by Launica
I'm planning on bringing some furniture (not a whole lot, just favorites) plus household items and some clothes (who am I kidding, lots and lots) from Fl. Would like some recommendations and information. Haven't moved in a while so I'm a ...
Thank you Christine. We do have one of those waiting on this end to help push our property through when it arrives. Read More
Shipping furniture to DR by Launica
I'm planning on bringing some furniture (not a whole lot, just favorites) plus household items and some clothes (who am I kidding, lots and lots) from Fl. Would like some recommendations and information. Haven't moved in a while so I'm a ...
Please forgive my ignorance but what is a mudanza? Read More
Shipping furniture to DR by Launica
I'm planning on bringing some furniture (not a whole lot, just favorites) plus household items and some clothes (who am I kidding, lots and lots) from Fl. Would like some recommendations and information. Haven't moved in a while so I'm a ...
Have you received a quote to ship from Miami? Is there a substantial cost savings by going that route? We shipped a partial container from Seattle with 3 mattresses that could not be replaced here for what we paid in Seattle and personal ... Read More
Importing new UTV - pros / cons?
Good evening all, Input, thoughts, and guidance desired. After several weeks in our new little town, we are thinking that a UTV would be the best option for transportation to get around. If we need a car to run into Santo Domingo or up to the ... Read More
How to go about finding a local craftsman? by tracy.england
Greetings all! as we start gathering household items, we are thinking about having bedframes with underbed storage and headboards made locally and preferably using locally sourced materials. I already know what I am looking for and will provide ...
Thanks much. We received 2 leads in Las Terrenas that we are going to follow up on. Planning a trip to one workshop tomorrow but if these don't work out, I will definitely reach out to you and have him provide pictures. Read More
How to go about finding a local craftsman? by tracy.england
Greetings all! as we start gathering household items, we are thinking about having bedframes with underbed storage and headboards made locally and preferably using locally sourced materials. I already know what I am looking for and will provide ...
Thank you CapnRick. Does he have a Facebook page or website with some examples of his work? Read More
How to go about finding a local craftsman? by tracy.england
Greetings all! as we start gathering household items, we are thinking about having bedframes with underbed storage and headboards made locally and preferably using locally sourced materials. I already know what I am looking for and will provide ...
We are looking for someone who is skilled with wood especially any of the woods that are indigenous to the island. Thanks. Read More
How to go about finding a local craftsman?
Greetings all! as we start gathering household items, we are thinking about having bedframes with underbed storage and headboards made locally and preferably using locally sourced materials. I already know what I am looking for and will provide ... Read More
Shopping for household items in Las Terrenas by tracy.england
Good evening all, We are into our 2nd week living in Las Terrenas. The completion of our apartment has been delayed, and while we are a bit disappointed we are spending this time to walk about town, meet some of our new neighbors and locate the ...
Thank you exservdr and lennoxnev for your responses. I have looked all the stores up online and have a great idea of where we need to start our shopping. Your input is greatly appreciated. Tracy Read More
See you in Jarabacoa by Pierre Rep Dom
Hello. I'M an animator at the French forum in the Dominican Republic. I propose to know, as well as the French, but also the Spanish, as well as the English, who are linked by the site 天美麻豆. We Will Leave the virtual aspect of the ...
Wow! This sounds like a wonderful gathering I would love to join and will speak to my husband to see if we can arrange it. It is possible the timing might conflict with us flying to the US for our visa stamp so our attendance may be contingent ... Read More
Shopping for household items in Las Terrenas
Good evening all, We are into our 2nd week living in Las Terrenas. The completion of our apartment has been delayed, and while we are a bit disappointed we are spending this time to walk about town, meet some of our new neighbors and locate the ... Read More
The CONFOTUR LAW and its benefits by Kat11
When looking in Punta Cana at New Villas or condos there is a law that applies...the CONFOTUR Law No.158-01 which is "Promotion of Tourism". The law is aimed at projects in tourist real estate destinations in order to encourage tourism in ...
We were told that developers or builders could only apply per property every 5 years. Even though there is expansion planned for our community in Las Terrenas, it most likely will not take place for 5 years until they can apply for it again. ... Read More
Residency Sponsor by tracy.england
I have searched the forum, so my apologies if this question has already been asked We submitted our application and applicable documents to the consulate in California for temporary residency. We qualify as both retirees and property owners ...
Just an update - Again thank you all for your assistance. I took Planner's advice and reached out to Lily this morning. (a most delightful and helpful young lady. After some back and forth dialogue, and filling out a couple forms, we have ... Read More
Residency Sponsor by tracy.england
I have searched the forum, so my apologies if this question has already been asked We submitted our application and applicable documents to the consulate in California for temporary residency. We qualify as both retirees and property owners ...
Thank you all for the guidance, support and suggestions. I had a pretty good idea of the necessary steps but my husband (bless him) was eager to get things moving along and may have jumped the gun on some steps. He has been retired for 3 years and ... Read More
Residency Sponsor by tracy.england
I have searched the forum, so my apologies if this question has already been asked We submitted our application and applicable documents to the consulate in California for temporary residency. We qualify as both retirees and property owners ...
Thanks Uncle Buck. I believe you provided the name of your lawyer before. If memory serves he is located in Puerto Plata(?) is that correct? Were you able to retain him via the internet for the first step, or did you go to his office to ... Read More
Residency Sponsor
I have searched the forum, so my apologies if this question has already been asked We submitted our application and applicable documents to the consulate in California for temporary residency. We qualify as both retirees and property owners ... Read More
Southern coast retirement by Rick9255
Hi all, I鈥檓 just getting my residency visa this week and I鈥檝e been researching mostly the northern coast, Sosua, Las Terrenas etc. I was wondering if anyone could suggest good retirement sites on the south coast. Where do most expats ...
Hi Gary, My husband and I plan on moving to Las Terrenas in a few weeks. Have you already applied for residency? We are in the middle of the process right now and would love to hear any tips you can provide. Also, would love it if you could ... Read More
English Cable Channels - Claro or ?? by tracy.england
Good morning, We are researching cable packages for when we make our move to Las Terrenas. Since this will be our primary residence, we are hoping to at the very least have some of the more popular cable channels (that we watch in the US) ...
Thanks so much. Happy to know that there will be options for English televised channels. Read More
English Cable Channels - Claro or ?? by tracy.england
Good morning, We are researching cable packages for when we make our move to Las Terrenas. Since this will be our primary residence, we are hoping to at the very least have some of the more popular cable channels (that we watch in the US) ...
Thanks so much for the link and information about Telenord. Greatly appreciated. Read More
English Cable Channels - Claro or ??
Good morning, We are researching cable packages for when we make our move to Las Terrenas. Since this will be our primary residence, we are hoping to at the very least have some of the more popular cable channels (that we watch in the US) ... Read More
Migratory Category? - Translation notice 30 days for visa application
Good morning all, We are applying for our visa through the DR consulate located in California. We were notified that we needed to fill out the translation notice 30 days and return it. On the notice is an area titled Migratory Category with check ... Read More
Hair salon
We will be moving there within the month and I would also be interested to find a new salon. Have you found one yet? Read More
New members of the Dominican Republic forum, introduce yourselves here - 2019 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 ...
Good morning, My husband, Damon and I have spent the last 9 years vacationing on many of the islands in the Caribbean. Coming from Washington State, we knew that we wanted to retire somewhere warm and sunny. Our first trip to the DR was 4 years ... Read More
So Much to Share by bridgetanddav
Hi Everyone, My name is Bridget and I joined the site last year. Then in the planning stages of moving full-time. Well we're here. We said, "we'd be living on an Island by the age of 50." My husband turned 50 Feb 4th and we ...
I am new to the board. We purchased new construction in Las Terrenas and are in the process of packing up to make the move. We have already done our check with the FBI but am wondering if the FBI will accept fingerprints taken from an approved ... Read More
Visa Application Letter by tracy.england
Good afternoon. My name is Tracy England. My husband and I have purchased a home in the Dominican Republic with plans to retire there full time. The instructions we received from the consulate stated that we will be required to provide a Visa ...
Thank you Uncle Buck for the information. How long did it take for your Visa to be approved? Tracy Read More
Visa Application Letter
Good afternoon. My name is Tracy England. My husband and I have purchased a home in the Dominican Republic with plans to retire there full time. The instructions we received from the consulate stated that we will be required to provide a Visa ... Read More