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Freedmeister

Freedmeister

Active member

American looking for information about Dominican Republic

Forum posts

35

About me

American

Lives in Las Terrenas, Saman谩

Speaks English un poco de Espanol

Registration: 07 March 2019

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
3 years ago
renzom667

Ebike /bicycle safety by renzom667

How safe are bicycles riders in Dominicana?聽I want to bring my ebike to Dominicana, it's better to purchase one there?聽 Can you provide me with a Name of a store where I can inquire about a purchase? Please! Gracias聽

Freedmeister

Contact Louis ay Real Bike Las Terrenas. Tell him Josh sent you.https://www.mtbvacationsdr.com/ Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
3 years ago
renzom667

Ebike /bicycle safety by renzom667

How safe are bicycles riders in Dominicana?聽I want to bring my ebike to Dominicana, it's better to purchase one there?聽 Can you provide me with a Name of a store where I can inquire about a purchase? Please! Gracias聽

Freedmeister

@renzom667 I live in Las Terrenas, and mountain bike ride all over the DR. We have a good shop here that has specialized e-bikes and a few other brands, both for the town and the Enduro crowds. Plenty available in the capitol.Safety is fine for ... Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
3 years ago
Bigskydomes

Ikea kitchen cabinets ??? by Bigskydomes

I have done a LOT of rehabs in the US and have had great luck with the Ikea kitchen cabinets (their better grade / not the lower entry price-point ones) -- BUT will they hold up to the moisture here in the DR? I have under contract a couple of ...

Freedmeister

We have ours made by local carpenters. Much better quality. Solid wood, immune to bugs, fits each kitchen. Not expensive. MDF and soft wood will fail quickly here. Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
3 years ago
Guest2022

Marbete (Car License) Renewal by Guest2022

Since Monday, renewal of one's car license (marbete 2019) is possible at various outlets throughout the country. This year INTRANT are making it very clear that the marbete cannot be renewed if there are outstanding fines to be paid by the ...

Freedmeister

The papers should be kept in the car, just like anywhere else in the world. I think you are screwed I'd you get stopped, but that may never happen. Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
3 years ago
Guest2022

Marbete (Car License) Renewal by Guest2022

Since Monday, renewal of one's car license (marbete 2019) is possible at various outlets throughout the country. This year INTRANT are making it very clear that the marbete cannot be renewed if there are outstanding fines to be paid by the ...

Freedmeister

@Guest2022 only requires the vehicle registration. No ID required for the person. Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
3 years ago
carolmarchena

Internet providers in Las Terrenas by carolmarchena

Hello Everyone, I know that LT offers services from several companies. We will be moving to LT near where Los Pescadores used to be (sniff 馃槩). Claro does not offer fiber optic within that area, although where the ships are, they offer ...

Freedmeister

CVhotspot fiber has been great for us. Various speeds available. Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
4 years ago
Guest2022

Offices to Register Foreigners by Guest2022

The first two Foreign Registry offices of 38 have been opened in Dajabon and Elias Pina provinces: [i][b]Government today opens offices for the registration of foreigners in Dajab贸n and El铆as ...

Freedmeister

This will be fantastic, if it works and doesn't result in unfair expulsions. These folks come here, work hard, and often get taken advantage of, since they don't have legal status and can't file a complaint w/o consequences for ... Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
4 years ago
wishinguwell

Tankless Water Heaters by wishinguwell

Hi all: I am building a house in Bonao and strongly looking at putting in a whole house propane gas hot water heater. My problem is I don't know if there are any dealers or installers in the country. Can any one help?

Freedmeister

I have two tankless propane water heaters. The only issues are clogging inlet and if your water pressure varies a lot, between the water pump cycles, the heater may turn off. It can be a little tricky to get everything adjusted properly so the water ... Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
4 years ago
carolmarchena

getting around in Las Terrenas by carolmarchena

I tried finding a topic related to what I need to no avail. So here it is: We will be moving to Las Terrenas and initially, we will not have a car and we will be living near Pueblo de los Pescadores . How would one go about going to ...

Freedmeister

It's not a bad walk to Supermercado Lindo, and if you go each day, the bags won't be heavy. Also, you can get fresh fruit, veggies, fish at other local spots. There is a woman who will stop at your house with fresh fruit each day, and she ... Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
4 years ago
Guest2022

Noise and the DR - Be Warned by Guest2022

Excess noise is a common complaint from expats living and visiting the Dominican Republic. Living in the capital can be painful for those who like peace and tranquility. The noise from constant traffic alone can be uncomfortable, but add to that ...

Freedmeister

We like the noise when we want it and the "teteo" at the tienda del ron is fine. People need to party after a long week at work. We made sure to buy a house off the main road on the end of a quiet street that has no thru traffic. You have ... Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
4 years ago
GuestPoster306

Hiring a REPUTABLE Lawyer by GuestPoster306

With all the legalities in purchasing property, even conducting personal business, what is the best way to be certain in hiring a lawyer you can trust? Is there a trusted online website based on location advertising legal services? Already leery of ...

Freedmeister

Just like in other countries, a retainer is paid to the lawyer to "retain" their services. "A service, once rendered, has no value." We have a good attorney in Las Terrenas who did our property transaction for very low fees. ... Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
5 years ago
Guest2022

Motorcyclists to Wear ID Vests from 1st June. by Guest2022

[i][b]Abinader: From June 1 motorcyclists will have to wear vests with an identity ...

Freedmeister

We ride our bikes because it's healthy and good for the planet. Also, we can go where even the motos are not allowed. Come with us! Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
5 years ago
Guest2022

COVID-19 by Guest2022

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-51611422 https://www.diariolibre.com/actualidad/la-organizacion-mundial-de-la-salud-alerta-sobre-riesgo-de-pandemia-IC17269212 [b]Coronavirus: World should prepare for pandemic, says WHO[/b] Worrying signs, with ...

Freedmeister

There seems to be a tipping point when about 20%-30% of a population is fully vaccinated. I'm not sure where we are at on that effort in The DR, or how much I trust the real accuracy of the numbers being reported (not because of some deliberate ... Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
5 years ago
Alvima

Somme questions about buying a fixer upper in Sosua/Cabarete aria by Alvima

Hi, I am Canadian Croat living with my husband and 2 grown-up in Quebec province since 1999. (20 years) I am considering relocation for 1/2 year to DR. Greetings to everyone ... I hope somebody can help me and answer my question. We are really new ...

Freedmeister

Is it cheaper? hard to answer this as it is largely dependant on who does the labor, your choice of materials, and the type of fixing it needs. We bought a fixer upper that needed to have the concrete floors pulled entirely out, the walls stabilized ... Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
5 years ago
Gman123

Air Conditioner by Gman123

I need to buy 3 ductless air conditioners for the house I am going to rent. 2 small ones for the bedrooms and a larger one for the main living room. What brands would you recommend keeping in mind price is an issue?

Freedmeister

I believe all of the ductless, or "mini split" units are "inverter type" these days. They only run the compressor as fast as is needed to meet the coolng load at any time. We just bought 3 in Las Terrenas, but I haven't been ... Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
5 years ago
GuestPoster306

Hiring a REPUTABLE Lawyer by GuestPoster306

With all the legalities in purchasing property, even conducting personal business, what is the best way to be certain in hiring a lawyer you can trust? Is there a trusted online website based on location advertising legal services? Already leery of ...

Freedmeister

Best would be to ask trusted friends in the area you are planning to buy in. We were lucky to have made contacts when we first vacationed in la republica Dominicana, and went with their recommendation. There are horror stories... Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
5 years ago
eldelicado

Malaria - availibility of preventative medications by eldelicado

The Centres for Disease Control advises travellers to DR take preventative measures against ...

Freedmeister

I can't agree with "better than deet", but they do work. I think the lemongrass citronella is the best of the "natural" ones, and they definately smell better and aren't as irritating. Deet makes my lips numb, and that ... Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
5 years ago
eldelicado

Malaria - availibility of preventative medications by eldelicado

The Centres for Disease Control advises travellers to DR take preventative measures against ...

Freedmeister

I'm a magnet, and had dengue after my first trip to LT, but tend to spend a lot of time mountainbiking, and sweating the repellent off. Deet is the best orotection, but picaridine, citronella, coconut oil, all have some benefit. Dusk and morning ... Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
6 years ago
Uncadoo

Tools in the North Coast area/Sosusa, Dominican Republic? by Uncadoo

I am going to have to leave behind my lathe, drill press, band saw and table saw. Any suggestions as to where to pick these up in the North Coast area/Sosusa, Dominican Republic?

Freedmeister

Much of that work is done, on the North coast, by amazing craftsmen with little more than a straight edge, a file, a hammer, and a machete. Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
6 years ago
RockyM

Let's Talk Landfills in Santo Domingo by RockyM

So, there appears to be consistent news around the topic of landfills, especially the burning of landfills. Can someone shed some light around this problem, as we see this in the news quite frequently? I suspect there are space management issues. ...

Freedmeister

The landfills are not supposed to burn. They burn for 2 reasons: arson and spontaneous combustion of the methane from the heat of decay of organic materials. Rice fields are burned to prepare them for the next planting, and slash and burn ... Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
6 years ago
planner

The Good Stories by planner

Time for some good news. Let's post our stories of good relationships. Let's post our stories of good experiences, when someone went out of their way to help us, gave us a hand etc! We hear the bad all the time, let's hear the good!

Freedmeister

The very first time (or maybe second?) I came to Las Terrenas, I was walking back to where I had parked my rental car, well down the beach from the tourist zone, with my US, high school Spanish and a few more drinks than usual rattling around my ... Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
6 years ago
DRVisitor

Cabarete by DRVisitor

Any reviews or suggestions - will be visiting in a few weeks.

Freedmeister

I don't know about bike shops out there, but "Real bike shop" in Las Terrenas is a good place to rent a real bike, or even a guided mountain bike day trip. they can do longer excursions too. Louis is a great guy, tell him Josh sent ... Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
6 years ago
DRVisitor

Safe/Unsafe by DRVisitor

In reading the valuables topics just without stereotyping any areas - where should you stay away from thru out the Republic?

Freedmeister

I regularly fly into las Am茅ricas at 2:30 am and walk out across the dark lot to pick up a rental, then drive to las Terrena. I cant tell you that a cab is unsafe. I can tell you that Santo Domingo can be a dangerous place. Anywhere in the ... Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
6 years ago
DRVisitor

Safe/Unsafe by DRVisitor

In reading the valuables topics just without stereotyping any areas - where should you stay away from thru out the Republic?

Freedmeister

Lennoxnev, That's a good answer, but I would add that most people you will encounter in the countryside, or outside of big metro areas, are friendly and kind, and they will work with whatever limited Spanish you have (or french, depending on ... Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
6 years ago

Looking for Hostel or JOB

Dan and manties is owned by a very nice couple. English, Spanish, French. Etc. They have a Facebook page. There us also afreeka beach hostel, on the beach. All very safe and nice Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
6 years ago
ChristieE

Noise Ordnance by ChristieE

Hola.. I have searched for references to law but cannot find. My neighbor is telling me that 10pm is the legal time that police can be called to report music or party noise you think is too loud. Does anyone know the real law? 10pm seems very early ...

Freedmeister

These seems like it would be a local ordinance per each town. Not sure it's even enforceable on the weekend in most communities. Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
6 years ago
ChristieE

Advice From Boots on Ground by ChristieE

We are in Sosua and planning an early December day trip with house guests. 6 total-3 guys, 3 gals. All in fairly good shape. We will have a driver 2 part question - is Samana too far for a day trip? Other than the beach, are there other things to ...

Freedmeister

Not sure on how long a drive is too long for you, but real bike shop in Las Terrenas can set up a mountain biking adventure to whatever level you want. We've rented a couple times and a guide, sometimes it's Luis the owner, sometimes not, ... Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
6 years ago
Prin$e

How buying in Puerto Plata by Prin$e

I have found the most beautiful home in Puerto Plata. I was negotiating the deal myself and thought to myself, you better get a lawyer. Does anyone have know a good honest lawyer? I know the question is a double edge sword. Any feed back will be ...

Freedmeister

We just bought in Las Terrenas, but I believe they have an office nearer to you. These guys are great: Guzm谩n Ariza | Abogados y Consultores valonzo@drlawyer.com| 1.809.240.6484 El Carmen 3 Las Terrenas, Saman谩 32200 Rep煤blica ... Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
7 years ago
Freedmeister

Home security on Las Terrenas by Freedmeister

We are in the process of buying an older house in the "El Centro" area. It has a low wall in the front and high wall on one side and the back where it borders hotel/Condo complexes. There is nothing between the neighbor's house, which ...

Freedmeister

We will take a while getting the place cleaned up and modernized. It hasn't had any work done in a long time and is dated, and technologically challenged... An older Italian woman has been there for 1 month a year for a long time, then it's ... Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister created a thread
7 years ago

Home security on Las Terrenas

We are in the process of buying an older house in the "El Centro" area. It has a low wall in the front and high wall on one side and the back where it borders hotel/Condo complexes. There is nothing between the neighbor's house, which ... Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister replied to a thread
7 years ago
Julien

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 ...

Freedmeister

Buenos Dias! My wife and I are looking at buying a house in downtown Las Terrenas after visiting a few times. She is a software developer/agile manager at a large SAS company. I'm a Mechanical/automation engineer with a small consulting base I ... Read More

Freedmeister
Freedmeister joined Dominican Republic expat community
7 years ago