Conifer
Bahraini expat in Dominican Republic
Forum posts
55
About me
Bahraini
Registration: 27 May 2021
New Cost of Cleaner in Punta Cana by Conifer
It used to be (within the last 2-3 yrs), one could hire a cleaning person for 1200 pesos per day...1500 pesos was really good pay.聽 That was for someone to come clean and maybe even cook lunch.聽 800 ft2 1-bed apt. Punta Cana Village.Now, ...
@Karin1 Your post was right on! Guess I鈥檒l be firing workers on the first hour from now on. Read More
New Cost of Cleaner in Punta Cana by Conifer
It used to be (within the last 2-3 yrs), one could hire a cleaning person for 1200 pesos per day...1500 pesos was really good pay.聽 That was for someone to come clean and maybe even cook lunch.聽 800 ft2 1-bed apt. Punta Cana Village.Now, ...
@Tomyroni Message me if available Read More
Hiring cleaning person by arezkiofstow
I am confused about the use of an independent cleaning person in DR. I want to pay a person to clean my apartment on regular basis in exchange for monetary payment. I am told that there is no such thing as 鈥渋ndependent contractor鈥� and ...
This thread is so cute! How is everyone feeling in 2025? Read More
Use of cleaning lady by ddaoud3
Hello all:I am using an independent cleaning lady in DR, whom I use after I or short-term rental guests leave. Is there a clear legal process in handling such arrangement? She is not employed staff, just hired on the job-to-job basis. Are there ...
I feel sorry for all these people asking questions but no specific guidance is given.聽 Do we all have to learn by falling and cracking our head?聽 Why does this community gatekeep specifics?聽 聽help, I am getting bitter again, I ... Read More
Most common scams in Dominican Republic by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Settling in Dominican Republic as an expat implies navigating into a new and unfamiliar environment and habits, making you potentially vulnerable to scammers. Whether it鈥檚 immigration or finance advice, housing scam, online ...
Tipping is peanuts.聽 I鈥檓 not losing sleep over 5% or 10% or 15% of my restaurant bill.聽 聽It鈥檚 the work from the lady that cleans the house or from the guy who washes the car, or from the delivery service or chauffeur or ... Read More
Most common scams in Dominican Republic by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Settling in Dominican Republic as an expat implies navigating into a new and unfamiliar environment and habits, making you potentially vulnerable to scammers. Whether it鈥檚 immigration or finance advice, housing scam, online ...
@RockyM You will often be 鈥渃harged鈥� and expected to negotiate down! That鈥檚 how real dominicans do it! When you don鈥檛 land workers in reality, they鈥檒l keep raising the prices and thinking they deserve money for ... Read More
Hard time finding decent workers by Conifer
I'm just gonna tell it like it is and if you have an issue then that's on you.聽 Foreign money has distorted and ruined the expectations of locals from us in Punta Cana.聽 We can no longer find someone decent to do a decent job. People are ...
@DRVisitor High demands but not high standards apparently! Read More
Hard time finding decent workers by Conifer
I'm just gonna tell it like it is and if you have an issue then that's on you.聽 Foreign money has distorted and ruined the expectations of locals from us in Punta Cana.聽 We can no longer find someone decent to do a decent job. People are ...
ok what are your tricks to discern one group vs the other as you said??btw I don鈥檛 think Laziness is created by socialism or capitalism.聽 It鈥檚 more shaped by culture, values, expectations, and how well the system balances rights and ... Read More
BANK FEES BANCO POPULAR by CHRISTOPHER DAVID56
Note: beware Banco Popular as of April 26th increased and changed thier fees structures.Today I used my American Debit Card to withdraw PESO as I have done for years.I always select "without conversion" so my US Bank does the conversion which is a ...
Scam Read More
Are these foods available in Santo Domingo (or elsewhere in the DR)? by wondering9
me again -- wondering if it's possible to buy these foods here(1) sugar-free peanut butter (the kind without additives, just peanuts and maybe salt)(2) tofuclues welcome!if they're really not available, knowing that would also be helpful too.thanks!
You believe what the label says, lol Read More
Hard time finding decent workers by Conifer
I'm just gonna tell it like it is and if you have an issue then that's on you.聽 Foreign money has distorted and ruined the expectations of locals from us in Punta Cana.聽 We can no longer find someone decent to do a decent job. People are ...
people here now think:Why should I work hard when I can whine, guilt-trip, or play victim and still get paid? STOP HANDING OUT MONEY THAT HASN'T BEEN EARNED! You're ruining it for the rest of us! Read More
Hard time finding decent workers
I'm just gonna tell it like it is and if you have an issue then that's on you.聽 Foreign money has distorted and ruined the expectations of locals from us in Punta Cana.聽 We can no longer find someone decent to do a decent job. People are ... Read More
Most common scams in Dominican Republic by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Settling in Dominican Republic as an expat implies navigating into a new and unfamiliar environment and habits, making you potentially vulnerable to scammers. Whether it鈥檚 immigration or finance advice, housing scam, online ...
Expats - especially americans - are at fault for a lot of the scammy attitudes when they want to pretend like they're rich and throw money around and OVERPAY for everything. They're grooming otherwise decent workers to be lazy, demand money without ... Read More
Most common scams in Dominican Republic by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Settling in Dominican Republic as an expat implies navigating into a new and unfamiliar environment and habits, making you potentially vulnerable to scammers. Whether it鈥檚 immigration or finance advice, housing scam, online ...
@janinecrenshaw 100% Read More
Most common scams in Dominican Republic by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Settling in Dominican Republic as an expat implies navigating into a new and unfamiliar environment and habits, making you potentially vulnerable to scammers. Whether it鈥檚 immigration or finance advice, housing scam, online ...
They are always so confident when they're wrong Read More
Looking for people who love cats
Raise your hands! Who loves cats and do you have cats here? Read More
New Cost of Cleaner in Punta Cana by Conifer
It used to be (within the last 2-3 yrs), one could hire a cleaning person for 1200 pesos per day...1500 pesos was really good pay.聽 That was for someone to come clean and maybe even cook lunch.聽 800 ft2 1-bed apt. Punta Cana Village.Now, ...
I still can't find anyone good. Read More
Rude & Disrespectful Folks in Punta Cana
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 ... Read More
New Cost of Cleaner in Punta Cana by Conifer
It used to be (within the last 2-3 yrs), one could hire a cleaning person for 1200 pesos per day...1500 pesos was really good pay.聽 That was for someone to come clean and maybe even cook lunch.聽 800 ft2 1-bed apt. Punta Cana Village.Now, ...
@rgwsf Gotcha. Agencies like MP Service.... with (perhaps) more professional staff... has anyone used them? Read More
New Cost of Cleaner in Punta Cana by Conifer
It used to be (within the last 2-3 yrs), one could hire a cleaning person for 1200 pesos per day...1500 pesos was really good pay.聽 That was for someone to come clean and maybe even cook lunch.聽 800 ft2 1-bed apt. Punta Cana Village.Now, ...
@DRVisitor It's crazy! And yes it's like they suddenly unionized! That's OK if the work was quality, but it's the same half-ass job for double the price.My previous housekeeper (2020-2023) was amazing. She would clean well, cook lunch, leave ... Read More
New Cost of Cleaner in Punta Cana by Conifer
It used to be (within the last 2-3 yrs), one could hire a cleaning person for 1200 pesos per day...1500 pesos was really good pay.聽 That was for someone to come clean and maybe even cook lunch.聽 800 ft2 1-bed apt. Punta Cana Village.Now, ...
@CHRISTOPHER DAVID56 Yes I do, but most have live-in maids. I don't want that. Reaching out here for your opinions. Thanks! Do tell all! Read More
New Cost of Cleaner in Punta Cana
It used to be (within the last 2-3 yrs), one could hire a cleaning person for 1200 pesos per day...1500 pesos was really good pay.聽 That was for someone to come clean and maybe even cook lunch.聽 800 ft2 1-bed apt. Punta Cana Village.Now, ... Read More
Persistent Congestion - Sinus & Ears - Allergy Help! by Conifer
Hi! I have been living in Punta Cana for about 2 years. Does anyone else here suffer from persistent allergies? I'm talking sinus congestion, especially ears. I can't seem to go out of the house without taking a decongestant but now I'm getting ...
Who is good? Read More
Having pets (Cats Dogs) while in DR by Conifer
Lately I come across so many people that took in pets as temporary expat in DR. 聽They have to leave or return home for whatever reason, and they LEAVE the pets behind. 聽It's not fair for the animals.What is so hard about taking ...
@ddmcgheet thank you. Read More
Having pets (Cats Dogs) while in DR by Conifer
Lately I come across so many people that took in pets as temporary expat in DR. 聽They have to leave or return home for whatever reason, and they LEAVE the pets behind. 聽It's not fair for the animals.What is so hard about taking ...
@planner Correct, a country can't force ethics and empathy on people. you adopted an animal? it's now part of your family. not a toy to leave behind once you relocate. Read More
Having pets (Cats Dogs) while in DR by Conifer
Lately I come across so many people that took in pets as temporary expat in DR. 聽They have to leave or return home for whatever reason, and they LEAVE the pets behind. 聽It's not fair for the animals.What is so hard about taking ...
@planner I started donating to @catloverspuntacana who is doing strong work and producing results near our community.Free clinics have begun to prioritize their friends and we hear of a lot of deaths Read More
Having pets (Cats Dogs) while in DR by Conifer
Lately I come across so many people that took in pets as temporary expat in DR. 聽They have to leave or return home for whatever reason, and they LEAVE the pets behind. 聽It's not fair for the animals.What is so hard about taking ...
@DRCulture What rules? All you need is a health certificate. So do you bring the dog and just leave him here?People adopt here, get the animal used to love, then dump them on the streets when they leave. Cruel AF Read More
Persistent Congestion - Sinus & Ears - Allergy Help! by Conifer
Hi! I have been living in Punta Cana for about 2 years. Does anyone else here suffer from persistent allergies? I'm talking sinus congestion, especially ears. I can't seem to go out of the house without taking a decongestant but now I'm getting ...
I'd like to know where you guys get pots big enough to boil your cushions. Read More
Tired of Fumigation/ Poisoning
Our community is bombed with awful chemicals daily to supposedly fight dengue.聽 Toxic, cancer-causing, autism-causing chemicals from China.聽 I know because I saw the bottles.聽 I get nausea when they spray, I get headaches, and ... Read More
Persistent Congestion - Sinus & Ears - Allergy Help!
Hi! I have been living in Punta Cana for about 2 years. Does anyone else here suffer from persistent allergies? I'm talking sinus congestion, especially ears. I can't seem to go out of the house without taking a decongestant but now I'm getting ... Read More
Having pets (Cats Dogs) while in DR by Conifer
Lately I come across so many people that took in pets as temporary expat in DR. 聽They have to leave or return home for whatever reason, and they LEAVE the pets behind. 聽It's not fair for the animals.What is so hard about taking ...
Good conversation.Things are not black or white, yanno? 聽The gray area... feeding an stray dog or cat, spaying or neutering him/her, taking care of their wellbeing... 聽 this we can do.I'm talking about people who take pets in and then have ... Read More
Having pets (Cats Dogs) while in DR
Lately I come across so many people that took in pets as temporary expat in DR. 聽They have to leave or return home for whatever reason, and they LEAVE the pets behind. 聽It's not fair for the animals.What is so hard about taking ... Read More
Items worth bringing from home opposed to buying in DR by Pnaylandr
Hi all! Our villa is near completion and we will need to furnish it. We are currently in California. We will be returning soon do this. We will do a few check in luggages. Will be packing the bags with small kitchen appliances but was wondering ...
Where is the villa located? Read More
Airbnb Bank Deposits by Solomente
Hello Group, Have a question concerning Airbnb. I am currently hosting properties I own here in the Dominican Republic. I am currently living in the USA but recently retired and plan to spend most of the year here in DR. My question is that I am ...
If you're living in the USA and have USA credentials, you can't have the money deposited elsewhere. Yes it is about money laundering. And we're not about that in this forum. Have your earnings deposited in your USA bank, withdraw what ... Read More
Whatsapp information on this? by sberger50
Have not used Whatsapp before yesterday to text a pic. Worked great, when a text did not go through. Don't know anything about the app, but it seems to be used a lot in DR. I presently have the Verizon International Plan at over $100 per ...
Yes I use it too! I run two whatsapp numbers on my phone but can only do one at a time on my desktop. I need a hack for that! LOLOmg! How do you run more than one Whatsapp number on one phone? 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 ...
Don't fall for it! Read More
Starting a business in the Dominican Republic by kimkturnerdds
Hello All, New to the forum. Currently living in the US. Seeking thoughts and advice here. Want to relocate to the Dominican Republic and open our current company over there. We currently have a bath tub repair business. Specializing in jetted ...
May I add... It is EXTREMELY difficult to get people in DR to pay top dollar for top service when there is so much availability of cheap labor. They will drill you down to cheapen your cost and still want the top service. Consider your endeavor a ... Read More
New Salary Increases by planner
The president just announced new minimum wage guidelines effective August -Large Companies over 250 employees increase of 19% Minimum wage now 21,000 RD -Medium-sized companies 50 - 250 employees increase of 59% Minimum wage now 19,250 ...
Do more with fewer people. Read More
How to be happy as an expat in Dominican Republic by Cheryl
Hi everyone, Being happy is surely our common goal, whether we are living in Dominican Republic as an expat or somewhere else. We would love to know your tips and tricks to be fully fulfilled and happy as an expat in your host country. New ...
Oh, I understand. Try me 馃. ? Read More
How to be happy as an expat in Dominican Republic by Cheryl
Hi everyone, Being happy is surely our common goal, whether we are living in Dominican Republic as an expat or somewhere else. We would love to know your tips and tricks to be fully fulfilled and happy as an expat in your host country. New ...
Could be other places, but not 鈥渁nywhere鈥�. Being able to speak and understand the language has been a must. Understanding the culture enough to decide ... when and when not to partake, also a must. I learned the hard way. Don鈥檛 ... Read More
Construction cost and potholes by MrD&MissyC
I am a construction professional and can and have been hands on for many years. Can anyone give me in ball park figures the cost of building 1,500msq 2 bed condos to American/ European standards. Also availability of quality building sand, solar ...
Oh man, I was hoping for a post about potholes. Read More
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?
Make sure to do regular maintenance... Corrosion and bad (ahem horrible) installs are the norm... Make sure to do regular maintenance... Read More
Mail Services by Sean Collins
I am moving to the Dominican Republic from Puerto Rico on July 5th. I receive all my medications and stoma supplies from the veterans hospital in San Juan, which are currently mailed to my PO Box here in Puerto Rico. I was wondering if anyone can ...
Happy to have motivated this research! Hope you have a bit more peace of mind. BM Cargo is another courier option. Very easy. bmcargo.com Read More
Mail Services by Sean Collins
I am moving to the Dominican Republic from Puerto Rico on July 5th. I receive all my medications and stoma supplies from the veterans hospital in San Juan, which are currently mailed to my PO Box here in Puerto Rico. I was wondering if anyone can ...
Is your move temporary or permanent? Are you changing or updating your residency to the DR? Look into the VA requirements... you may no longer be eligible for benefits. Read More
How to be happy as an expat in Dominican Republic by Cheryl
Hi everyone, Being happy is surely our common goal, whether we are living in Dominican Republic as an expat or somewhere else. We would love to know your tips and tricks to be fully fulfilled and happy as an expat in your host country. New ...
Oh goodness who said I hated it here? I looooove it here. I have built a great community of foreigners. Russian, Spanish, Puerto Rican, Serbian, Colombian, American, Italian, Iranian, Canadian, even a guy from Aruba. None of my friends are ... 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.
What psychology would you use on the housekeeper so that they fess up and return the earrings? Read More
Did I marry a Chapia? by SonOfaSailor
I met a dominican girl about 10 years ago while on a long vacation here. I never bought her things, she actually bought me a gift. She was the only girl I was with from a small town. I work internationally and there was a language barrier. We both ...
I would be wary of equating Dominicans with Latin. Dominicans are their own category. Other Latin cultures are NOT the same. NO. Read More
Furniture in Punta Cana by travellingfairies
Hi everyone! Has anyone had wood furniture made in the Punta cana area? What do you suggest I pack with me in my suitcase for my house as we will not be shipping, and what should I just purchase when I arrive! Any help appreciated! Cheers!
BRING YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR!!! Read More
What struck you about the Dominican Republic? by Cheryl
Hello everybody, When you first settled in Dominican Republic, you might have been struck by cultural aspects of life in the Dominican Republic and you might even have anecdotes about your integration here. We would like you to share with ...
The lying and stealing is what struck me the most! The lying to your face about something you know they've broken or stolen or are promising and will never do. The straight face. Can't tell that they're lying. Have it down to a ... Read More
What do you wish you brought to the DR? by travellingfairies
Hi everyone, just purchased a home in Punta Cana! Is there anything you did not bring but wish you did? We will not be shipping but purchasing furniture in the DR. Have read many posts on where to shop. Will be bringing household items in our ...
Oh poor souls. Good luck. Prepare for many trips to-and-from to bring in the things you like. The Vitamix, the Hurom, the Dyson vacuum cleaner, the good hair dryer, the good Crate and Barrel wares. You'll figure it out in time and order the ... Read More
Housekeeper stole diamond earrings
Hello. My diamond earrings are gone. I have reasonable suspicion of the housekeeper. What do I do now. Read More
How to be happy as an expat in Dominican Republic by Cheryl
Hi everyone, Being happy is surely our common goal, whether we are living in Dominican Republic as an expat or somewhere else. We would love to know your tips and tricks to be fully fulfilled and happy as an expat in your host country. New ...
How to form meaningful connections - good luck! Don't integrate into the domininican social system. You'll be miserable. Yes acceptance. You won't change them. Therefore do not integrate. These people are not like you. Read More