phannigan75
American looking for information about Dominican Republic
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Registration: 08 May 2021
SCIP building/ M2 Emmendue concrete insulated panel system by brodies2013
Anyone building with M2 from the capital? Or have first hand knowledge of a residential house built with SCIPs? We would be very interested to know someone who has this experience. Request: Could we get a 'building' category? There seem ...
@planner I would love to know if there's any contractors that use it on the North Coast like cabarete and Puerto Plata. Very good technology energy conservement too Read More
Property Management North Coast by DRCulture
Hi Everyone! I have two questions. Can you share with me what the expectations are for property managers in the Dominican? I want to adjust my expectations to the culture there. For example, I wonder if I am thinking things like keeping track of ...
This person is very knowledgeable and reasonably priced and provides the most top line of service for you. You'll have no worries, that's for sure. I used them like I said many times before.https://www.facebook.com/birkan.zambak?mibextid=2JQ9oc Read More
Dating advice for a mixed dominican/american woman moving to the DR? by sofialovestravel
Hi everyone! I am (f) turning 30 and moving to the Dominican Republic to care for my elderly grandmother in Santiago. Unfortunately, I am very removed from my culture. I am the only half-white person in my family. My Spanish is broken but passable, ...
Anything has taught me over the years. Is that dominican's value honestly. So just be honest with everyone. Relationships in general here are very hard to form and develop. Coming from the US you're probably used a big treated like a lady where here ... 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 ...
But I will say the new one that shocks me is a no hair on the North Coast there is a woman who does YouTube videos. Yeah here's a tip to all of you oh such a great deal she's getting a cut of money somehow from any rental or life coaching ... 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 ...
Just One last tidbit or guidance I discovered over the last decade and a half. Whenever I meet people from any other country say well in my country it's like this. Well guess what you're not in your country you're here by choice if you ... 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 ...
All comments are very much on point here. Majority of locals can tell by your derelict for the way you speak Spanish if you're from here or not that is for sure. True they might not try to hustle or gringo people that they know have been around ... Read More
Building vs buying by pjcksn321
I'm looking to the Dominican republic. I can't decide whether to buy or build a house. I'm interested in the LA Romana area. I prefer a house over an apartment. Any ideas? Patrick
I can't speak much for the la Roma area but I know the North Coast closer to Puerto Plata the best way is to build. And also looking other places around here buying seems to be you and heriting all the issues that the previous owner has known ... 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 ...
I can see both sides of the argument 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 ...
You have to look at it by a governmental stance they bring in so much money with overstay fees. So let's say they start enforcing it and saying you have to be a resident here they probably would not cover the profit that they would have lost by ... Read More
Moving to the Dominican Republic solo by Cheryl
Hello everybody, Moving to the Dominican Republic is a challenge in itself, but even more when you decide to go alone. If this was your case when you arrived, we would like you to share your experience. It might help other people who are also ...
I might only be 44 but I discovered after traveling around the island for a decade and a half a month here a month there that cabarete on the North Coast is the most tranquil and expat friendly community around. But I think everyone's opinion is ... Read More
What is required to enter Dom. Rep. by Terryo
Hi , my wife and l are coming for an extended 90 day stay, can anyone inform us as to what we need before we leave Canada , ie vaccinations, visa, thanks.
When I was tested in cabarete before returning to the US in September of this year it was $63 us I believe 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 ...
Not much anyone can really tell someone in that situation. They have to live through the mistakes in order to learn. I know when I first moved there people warned me and I might get whatever and like I said when you learn by mistakes you know next ... Read More
Medical Services for Retired Military Personnel by jim1942
Any medical facilities/offices for retired military personnel? Thanks, Jim
Welcome to the forums. Maybe I can help you out I've been through the same thing as you. I myself pay for assurance there it's called humano and I get the royal or everything is covered minus 15% which is kind of like a co-payment. It also ... Read More
Home Internet by sollazzokenneth
Hello I am wondering if there is an unlimited Internet package available in the DR
You have to remember you're not in New Jersey. It's a country trying to get developed so you got to take what you can get and compare to two years ago 50 is lightning speed. I remember six years ago was still dial up here. Sadly a lot of ... Read More
Home Internet by sollazzokenneth
Hello I am wondering if there is an unlimited Internet package available in the DR
https://cabledelnorte.com/. Is the website and the only drawback is the at the way to be there to get it activated because they require a copy of your driver's license so you actually have to go in person and do all the account set up. But ... Read More
Home Internet by sollazzokenneth
Hello I am wondering if there is an unlimited Internet package available in the DR
Yes cable del Norte offers month by month and they're usually a week give or take for installation. But you have to buy your own modem from them which is about 5 to 6,000 pesos. And they offer 50 mpbs's is what I usually get and it's ... Read More
Bat bite medical assistance Sosua by debgen08
A large bat flew in our house and landed on the top of a door. I threw a tea towel over it and I was taking it outside when it bit me through the towel. Any advise. It flew away when I dropped the towel. I live in Sosua. Any assistance appreciated
Or did at least take a blood sample and test for rabies? And now it's hard to test for rabies without the actual bat but they can still take precautions. Definitely not a fun treatment though Read More
Sentimental Items via Cargo Container w/o residency by wilsonmatt
I know the reasons why not to ship yet and/or wait until our residency is complete ... but ... If my wife and I want to ship a certain amount of our items via a sea cargo company how are clothes processed? My wife wants to bring a certain ...
Hello I'm a fellow New Yorker like yourself I was wondering what shipping company you use for the barrels? I live in cabarete on the North Coast and was wondering if they deliver there Read More
sliding electric gate technician in Sosua by Destiny1985
Hello everyone, I am looking for a technician to fix my electric sliding gate in Sosua. Please, feel free to inbox or reply with references. Thank you
https://www.facebook.com/birkan.zambak very knowledgeable and also electrical engineer. Used him numerous times and well above anyone else when comes to professional and pride in work 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 ...
"STAYING EXTENSION : DIRECCI脫N GENERAL DE MIGRACI脫N" https://migracion.gob.do/en/servicio/stay-extension/ 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 ...
You're allowed to have to go on the website and extend your tourist visa but you have to have a ticket returning to the US within 3 months but you can do it up to three times so nine months. I've done it twice the money is coming out of my ... Read More
New members of the Dominican Republic forum, introduce yourselves here - 2021 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 ...
Also welcome to the North Coast anything you would like to know more than welcome to ask the group is a great source of solid advice and information. I mean cat birthday so anytime just let me know we might be able to meet up for coffee Read More
Severance/Liquidation for Indirect Employees? by ddmcghee
We are selling our apartment here in Las Terrenas that we've used as a rental. With the apartment going to another owner, we are no longer in need of property management services. We were just informed that we have to pay severance for the ...
Or WDA In Sousa came highly recommended Read More
Severance/Liquidation for Indirect Employees? by ddmcghee
We are selling our apartment here in Las Terrenas that we've used as a rental. With the apartment going to another owner, we are no longer in need of property management services. We were just informed that we have to pay severance for the ...
Yes it seems weird because usually if you have a contract with a property management company and they hire employees it's in your contract with the property manager that he hold you all responsibility for anyone he contracts out to. I have seen ... Read More
New property owner by jperryjr1
Hi there. My wife and I just bought a property in Cabrera DR and will be building a home in the next couple years. We live in upstate NY and are thinking of living half the year in DR. We love the people and the area and have many questions.
Anytime just ask , great group here Read More
New property owner by jperryjr1
Hi there. My wife and I just bought a property in Cabrera DR and will be building a home in the next couple years. We live in upstate NY and are thinking of living half the year in DR. We love the people and the area and have many questions.
I sell a transplant from upstate New York myself. Don't worry everyone makes it cabarete and Cabrera mistake when they first get here. Six months are six months back I had that in mind in the beginning and I ended up only back for about 3 weeks ... Read More
Property Manager in LT by modaisky1971
Has anyone ever dealt with Neli Celarc in Las Terrenas. We are trying to set up payment for a property and just checking to see if anyone knows her for safety before sending. Western Union is very sticky for this right now as there have ...
I know we have banco of Leo here and I can do a transfer with just my passport. And they don't charge any currency fees or anything . I've used them for about 3 years now and I always either just go in and do a wire transfer or have the ... Read More
Property Manager in LT by modaisky1971
Has anyone ever dealt with Neli Celarc in Las Terrenas. We are trying to set up payment for a property and just checking to see if anyone knows her for safety before sending. Western Union is very sticky for this right now as there have ...
Xoom by PayPal cheaper and saffer the western union . Just make sure the mark it for a business transaction not for someone that you know. They can get the money out at any local bank you guys agree upon or put directly into the other person's ... Read More
Hurricane Planning by WillieWeb
Here are some good tips for preparing for the hurricane season written by a fellow who has experience in the matter . This year (2021) is predicted to be another active one. ====================================================== I ...
https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo.php?basin=atlc&fdays=5 Read More
Hurricane Planning by WillieWeb
Here are some good tips for preparing for the hurricane season written by a fellow who has experience in the matter . This year (2021) is predicted to be another active one. ====================================================== I ...
So the government just put the warning out for 8 p.m. tonight on the North Coast it looks like. Read More
Looking for suggestions by Edwin Zorrilla
I鈥檓 35 years old and a US Army veteran. I served in Afghanistan and was medically retired. I鈥檓 moving to the Dominican Republic in November 2021. I鈥檓 struggling as to where I should rent an apartment. I鈥檝e never been to the ...
I am in the exact same boat as you my friend and I traveled all over the country and discovered that the most relaxing and truly tranquil place, northcoast in a town called cabarete. Trust me you cannot go wrong you have everything you need in town ... Read More
VPN information needed by GuestPoster671
What company offers the best VPN for the Dominican Republic?
Expressvpn seems to be your most logical company to go with. You can go on their website and see which routers support their firmware. That way you get unlimited amount of devices able to be used at the same time. The router only registers as one ... Read More
VPN information needed by GuestPoster671
What company offers the best VPN for the Dominican Republic?
I've used expressvpn here for about 3 years. I bought a compatible router I believe it's a Netgear one that I can load and Flash the expressvpn software onto it. That way I can feed my whole house and only show using one account. It's ... Read More
INVERTER DISCUSSION by 2VPsoldier
Hello there. Last year sometime there was a discussion about inverters and someone stated they bought a very good make in a location in Santiago but the actual inverter was made in Moca. Does anyone recall/know where or perhaps that person will ...
Have you tried Inverluz in Moca? [link under review] Read More
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 ...
All I know realistically the numbers a lot higher than it is I usually check the Dominican times they have it on the front of their page in the header. I see all the other countries are skyrocketing with cases but somehow here is holding solid. Plus ... Read More
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 ...
I was thinking the same thing, if the Delta variant ever hit here it would be problematic at best yes. I know I still wear my mask in stores and stuff but whenever I look around here I don't see anyone with the mask on and I was told by a ... Read More
Medical Insurance Dominican Republic by scottcodystrong
How much can you expect to pay per month for the best possible medical insurance. I am 66 and my wife is 56..
I know jimana you can get 3 months at a time I usually do two three months then I take one three month off when I go back home and then when I come back I just pay the next 3 months. It saves me 3 months in payments but I can't complain about ... 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 ...
Does anyone have contact info for Lishali. Read More
When helping a little bit becomes dependency by cjkdm
I have visited the DR for over 30 years--mostly Cabarete area to kitesurf. I love the country and area. I have never looked for love here as i did not want a long distance relationship and the cultural/economic differences are too great. I am gay ...
I want to say you had to move to another area. You just got to lay down the new law. Like I always tell everyone when the friends in need I'm always there but when they neediness turns into a daily I need money That's usually good sign this ... Read More
Severance/Liquidation for Indirect Employees? by ddmcghee
We are selling our apartment here in Las Terrenas that we've used as a rental. With the apartment going to another owner, we are no longer in need of property management services. We were just informed that we have to pay severance for the ...
Yes she was never your employee she was a property manager's employee. True they may try to get more money out of you since you're not going to be using them anymore but no you're not required in most cases I pay for another person's ... Read More
overstayed by lepagerobert45
i have ''a friend'' who has been here since december and ''he'' is very worried about the fact that ''he'' did not tell anyone about this, and when the time comes and ''he'' needs to ...
Sorry I meant to say temporary year residency permit. I didn't mean to say Visa sorry. It's packet of stuff you had to fill out I know coming from the US I had to get my birth certificate put in Spanish a letter of good behavior from my ... Read More
overstayed by lepagerobert45
i have ''a friend'' who has been here since december and ''he'' is very worried about the fact that ''he'' did not tell anyone about this, and when the time comes and ''he'' needs to ...
https://migracion.gob.do/en/servicio/stay-extension/ The rule of thumb when talking to a lot of people is under 120 days you're golden. Plus on their new website after 30 days you can apply for an extension and it only cost you I forgot what ... Read More
American Legion by tankhilldrill
Could anyone direct me to the American Legion in Puerto Plata? I would like a physical address, phone number and/or contact. Thanks a million
If you get any replies will you please let me know I'm interested in it now too I've saw the post earlier but I could not find any information about it in Puerto Plata Read More
New members of the Dominican Republic forum, introduce yourselves here - 2021 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 ...
Welcome, yes this is how everyone starts out the vacation here for a few years then they move here for a year renting and then they start either building or buying a place. It's a beautiful country with amazing people. And you're right ... Read More
Living expense and expat residence by tuckerchar4961
I looking to see where do the expat stay I working on a budget of 1000. I need shelter food clothing transportation and health cost I need the specific Looking to live there part time Let me know
All depends on the combinations you want if you want a average housing with used furniture you're looking anywhere from $400 to 600 for a one-bedroom with everything included. Then I know if your mana for 3 months is $60 and food and all depends ... Read More
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 ...
True the speakers in the cars and for some reason people even in their own yards seeing how loud they can get their music at all hours of the day and night has been a little more common here in the last I would say 14 months. But always remember if ... Read More
When helping a little bit becomes dependency by cjkdm
I have visited the DR for over 30 years--mostly Cabarete area to kitesurf. I love the country and area. I have never looked for love here as i did not want a long distance relationship and the cultural/economic differences are too great. I am gay ...
I hear you there and in the past I've offered to help people out with that. Education or skills training. Even though I may not be my children I offered to give a little do you know get the basic clothing, educational needs, food for the ... Read More
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 ...
Yes I try to warn all my friends and family that visit about the noise issue. Yeah music plays even with the covid curfews was still going till about 2 to 3:00 a.m. and then you had the morning noises started like 6:00 the fruit vendors and the ... Read More
When helping a little bit becomes dependency by cjkdm
I have visited the DR for over 30 years--mostly Cabarete area to kitesurf. I love the country and area. I have never looked for love here as i did not want a long distance relationship and the cultural/economic differences are too great. I am gay ...
Sadly I think that story is common around the cabarete area. The covid excuse has been thrown around a lot after coming here since 1997 I've heard that from several people who wanted money. And they're not really that shy about it. ... Read More
Safe/Unsafe by DRVisitor
In reading the valuables topics just without stereotyping any areas - where should you stay away from thru out the Republic?
It is published every single day if you're US citizen the embassy post about the high crime rate. It's one of those things the first day you're here you really going to investigate the area talk to the people at your hotel and just get ... Read More
Safe/Unsafe by DRVisitor
In reading the valuables topics just without stereotyping any areas - where should you stay away from thru out the Republic?
Yeah I remember my first year here was like 1997 and security guard at the hotel I was staying at gave me the Dominican Republic 101 course in about an hour he told me everything to watch out for. And then coming back every year I learn a little ... Read More
Safe/Unsafe by DRVisitor
In reading the valuables topics just without stereotyping any areas - where should you stay away from thru out the Republic?
Poltur is the Tourist police that was created under the mandate of the government. They are friendly and very courteous. But did you try your local police cuz 99% of the time they're working every shift to make you feel safe. About five six ... Read More
Safe/Unsafe by DRVisitor
In reading the valuables topics just without stereotyping any areas - where should you stay away from thru out the Republic?
Did you get in contact with the tourist police? They usually move mountains to assist because trust me the last thing the government wants is negative publicity. Plus they are always there if you need assistance. Most of the time the local police ... Read More
Ice Ice Baby! by RockyM
Ice is one of those things us 'mericans take for granted. We fill out drink cups to the brim with no thought. Europeans are a bit more judicious with this staple, as they are with other things I guess. My question is how do you all procure your ...
I've had two for about year and half to 2 years back in the States one at my house and one at my lake house and I use a Non-Stop. It's amazing thing it makes ice so fast. Also you just got to remember you need to clean it out with vinegar ... Read More
bringing things into the DR by felice1966
I just purchased a condo in. Cabereta i want to bring stuff in my luggage coffee maker wi fi camera towels ect .Am i better off just buying there or bring with ? Thank you
I brought that whole checklist she stated with me lol yeah I flew in in December and then also came back and May and I've been bringing cameras Wi-Fi anything electronic with me on my second suitcase every time. The problem with cabarete is you ... 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 ...
I would agree with the majority of the post. Find someone you trust higher a landscaper to take care of your yard and pool possibly. Install some cameras and sensor emotions on each window. Put in any type of Wi-Fi thermostat you can find that way ... Read More
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 ...
Is a firefighter EMT I was just about to say that. It's crazy the amount of accidents we go to and see stuff and then you come here and see people you know 20 miles over the speed limit on the wrong side of the road or people going through red ... Read More
House painting cost by Peterbandinel
Anybody have an idea what a painter costs in sosua area, need to repaint interior of house in casa linda, four rooms and some framework quoted 1800 dollars by my management company, seems awfully high, also where can i buy stackable washer dryer and ...
Just wondering what is it going rate for a painter in the souse Cabarete 谩rea? Just a small two bedroom apartment would probably take him half a day but I was just wondering what the cost for labor is average. 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 ...
I think coming from another country to hear there's a big culture shock. Where I am the type if I'm in a relationship and give it 100% and I have never cheated in my life. But here they're just doesn't seem to be much emphasis on ... Read More
Tourist Visa Overstay 12/20 by RobertH66
Hi. I know this topic has been brought up before, but what happens if I overstay my 30 day tourist entry by a couple of weeks? Is there a standard fee paid at the airport? Can I get a new 30 days by crossing into Haiti for an hour? Is there ...
The medical letter is your covid test. Back in April they made me get the letter from the results of my covid test. But when I left about a week ago they didn't have me get one because I have my covid passport card. I just paid the overstay fee Read More
Medication in Dominican Republic by Lo茂c
Good morning everyone, Whether it's a simple cold or a chronic illness, medication and medicine use vary from country to country and culture to culture. When you are used to certain brands or types of drugs, being in a country like the ...
After a few years I totally agree with what the previous person stated. Stick to the big pharmacies sure you may pay a little more but you know at least they are not expired. Also and I can't stress this enough verify verify verify. I have a ... Read More
Trying to gain contact information
Was wondering if anyone possibly has the government branch or appointee who is in charge of the emergency services, more or less fire rescue for the North Coast? Read More
Housekeeper stole diamond earrings by Conifer
Hello. My diamond earrings are gone. I have reasonable suspicion of the housekeeper. What do I do now.
Do sad but true . Property managers and housekeepers two areas you really really need to be careful hiring . I think it is a right of passage here tho. Read More
Question about internet service by Alicia55
I鈥檓 living in the US and have Comcast for internet but have my own modem and router because I didn鈥檛 want to use theirs. When I come to DR and get internet service ...my parents have altice for internet.... can I use this modem and ...
I was wondering same thing. I have cable del norte fiber optic and bought their modem . It only has 2.4 GHz and back in united states i just purchased a Netgear 6700 version 3 nighthawk and purchase 15 month expressvpn and installed it on the ... Read More