SandyS_retired
American looking for information about Dominican Republic
Forum posts
57
Contacts
1
About me
American
Registration: 20 June 2022
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 ...
@CHRISTOPHER DAVID56So, you're required to actually go into the bank and ask them to give you money back? 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 ...
It looks like my first attempt didn't post, so I apologize if this shows up twice.My experience:聽 a large Walmart-style store in Puerto Plata had signs throughout the store saying '10% off your purchase if you use your Banco Santa Cruz card to ... Read More
Permanent Residency for a Pensioner by eddykelley4
I submitted my Permanent Residency application package to the Boston MA Consulate. The Consulate, translated and Notarized all the documents. The called me and made an appointment with me to return all the documents and place a 60 day visa in my ...
I'm also here on a Pensioner's visa and getting ready to do my first renewal. Yes, you are a permanent resident vs. someone who is here temporarily for work, school, a missionary, etc. However, your ID cards need to be renewed periodically, just ... Read More
Marrying a Dominican in the DR: tourist visa or fiance visa?
Warning:聽 this post contains some sarcasm as well as disgruntled attitude.聽 Please take it with a grain of salt.聽 I really am trying to ask serious questions but am quite frustrated.For the past 6 months or so, I've been trying to ... Read More
Getting a Dominican Driver's License by LZoe
Hi all: I'm looking for information about getting a dominican driver's license. I understand the process is different depending on what country you are from. I am from the U.S. My questions are: 1) I am here on a work visa. Can I get a ...
@ddmcghee Excellent info! Thank you!And yes, @UncleBuck, I have my residency and cedula. Read More
Getting a Dominican Driver's License by LZoe
Hi all: I'm looking for information about getting a dominican driver's license. I understand the process is different depending on what country you are from. I am from the U.S. My questions are: 1) I am here on a work visa. Can I get a ...
Can anyone provide details on getting a Dominican driving license in the Cabarete area? Example, first steps, what forms (if any) to download and from where, what office to visit, how much it costs, etc. I saw information somewhere for the Las ... Read More
Craigslist, Kijiji and MLS Questions by Chantsy
Hi all, First off I would like to say that I have been really enjoying reading all the different topics listed on the forum. It is very informative and some great advice has been given. I can tell that it is very genuine and for that I am glad to ...
@Chantsy Here in the DR, it's all a game, and it's all about money.聽 Someone will list their house for sale for an unreasonably high amount, and they will sit on that house for months or years, waiting for some sucker to come along.聽 It ... Read More
Import new Vehicle from US by tylerbruce7
Does anyone have experience or know the cost to import a new US made vehicle into Dominican Republic? To be specific, it will be a "Moke". I understand shipping but the customs, duties and taxes are unclear.
@tylerbruce7 I didn't know what a Moke was until I Googled it. Those are cool! Love it! So, this brings something to my mind: Planner said the Customs tax will be based on the value of the vehicle as assessed here - not what you paid for it. ... 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 ...
You can date Dominicans, and you can even marry them without any problems. As others have said, there have been very good, successful, loving marriages between Dominicans and foreigners. But, just as with any country, nationality, and gender, ... 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 ...
@shakumar Hi Christine.聽 I'm a retiree who moved to the north coast (Sosua-Cabarete) of DR last year. Buying real estate can be tricky and requires a lot of research. Start with Facebook, believe it or not. PM if you want more info or do a ... Read More
Apostille process from abroad by Gylla
Hi all馃憢馃徏Has anyone successfully had their documents apostilled online? I鈥檓 living in the DR full time and need my birth certificate and certificate of single status translated, apostilled and notarized. I鈥檝e found some ...
@sparks1093聽 I'm retired military.聽 I draw a pension from the military but I also receive VA compensation.聽 My retirement pay alone met the minimum requirement for a retirement visa, so that is the only income I used on my ... Read More
Loans for retired military by donna30
Can u get a military loan or lower interest?
@donna30 It's difficult enough to get a regular loan here, and since VA loans are more complex, I'm going to say No. There is no recognition of the US military veteran status in this country by the government, businesses, banks, etc. Some banks ... 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 ...
I have also used Mike Logan for two separate vehicle purchases.聽 The number Planner provided is the same as what I have for Mike.Mike will take all the stress out of the process for you. The only stressful thing for me was having to go to ... Read More
Auto insurance by gainkeeper
What do people pay here for auto insurance with the Casa coverage? What insurance company do you use? I'd like to see monthly, 6 months and annual rates if possible
As ddmcghee pointed out, what you pay for insurance here is all about the value of the vehicle, but also (I believe) how much you want to get reimbursed in the event of a total loss. I'm not sure if all insurance providers give you this choice, ... Read More
Changes in Immigration policy by planner
Lishali and I were chatting! We started this thread to detail the changes that are happening! Lishali will post about them.By the way- her user was eliminated by Expat! So you will see her under a new name
@rgwsf聽 When I did mine last year, I went to my local police department to get my fingerprint card.聽 It was a simple walk-in to the Administrative section of the PD and pay a small fee.聽 Then, I sent the fingerprint card to the FBI ... Read More
Shipping miscellaneous items to the DR by SandyS_retired
I'm back in the US for a short visit and went a little crazy with my shopping.聽 I had a long shopping list to start with when I left the DR, but anyway...I booked my flight First Class on American Airlines because I thought First Class could ...
@ddmcghee I tried that, it didn't work. Like I said, I went a little crazy with shopping. I think I have my strategy now, but lesson learned. This was my first time back to the US after being in the DR for 1 year. The next time won't be this ... 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 ...
@Expatlife4usWhen I filled mine out last year (2023), I chose Puerto Plata as the province, and El Batey as the sector/city.聽 My destination was Sosua. Read More
Shipping miscellaneous items to the DR by SandyS_retired
I'm back in the US for a short visit and went a little crazy with my shopping.聽 I had a long shopping list to start with when I left the DR, but anyway...I booked my flight First Class on American Airlines because I thought First Class could ...
@Papito NL It's an idea that I'll keep that in mind. Thank you. I already have boxes ready to go... I just need to create my packing list and juggle things around if necessary. And I know shipping through the USPS and EPS will take less than 6 ... Read More
Shipping miscellaneous items to the DR
I'm back in the US for a short visit and went a little crazy with my shopping.聽 I had a long shopping list to start with when I left the DR, but anyway...I booked my flight First Class on American Airlines because I thought First Class could ... Read More
Property websites by Duanaibh
Hello,I have a question about property websites in the Dominican Republic and I thought this forum might be a good place to ask it on: I am thinking of buying an apartment in the Dominican Republic and there are a few websites I've come across that ...
@colmcbAbsolutely agree regarding the photos. These people pay professional photographers to get those beautiful photos, and they will get all the angles and lighting just perfect to ensure maximum effect. It will never look the same in person. Read More
USA State Residency by sparks1093
Good morning, Expat family! Yesterday I had a thought and started doing some research about it. But how do you handle residency issues in your home state? This is what I mean- in Vermont you need to live here 183 days out of each year in order to be ...
@sparks1093I completely understand the whole "comply with all the laws" thing.聽 It's frustrating when you're trying to do the right thing but keep hitting brick walls everywhere.聽 And you KNOW you're not the only person in the US who wants ... Read More
USA State Residency by sparks1093
Good morning, Expat family! Yesterday I had a thought and started doing some research about it. But how do you handle residency issues in your home state? This is what I mean- in Vermont you need to live here 183 days out of each year in order to be ...
@sparks1093Just a thought. Get residency in the DR complete with cedula, driver's license, etc, then use an international driver's license in the US? You'll have to check the state requirements for how long you can drive on an international ... Read More
Property websites by Duanaibh
Hello,I have a question about property websites in the Dominican Republic and I thought this forum might be a good place to ask it on: I am thinking of buying an apartment in the Dominican Republic and there are a few websites I've come across that ...
As @planner pointed out, info on point2homes and many of those sites is probably out of date. What I did was, I used point2homes to get names of real estate agents. On P2H, I browsed properties in the areas I wanted to see, got the listing agent's ... Read More
Residence permit by LadyYankee
Can I start the residency process here in Punta Cana or do I have to fly back to the USA to begin it there?I am currently in Punta Cana now.
@sheilabarrette That's close to what I paid. USD $3,350 is what I paid Lishali for a pensioner's visa for just myself. Her paperwork side of the process started in December 2022 and finished in May 2023 (so it's fairly recent). That cost covered ... Read More
How to get Married in the Dominican Republic by planner
At the request of some members I am opening this thread. FIRST GENERAL INFO :D Types of Marriages Marriages in the Dominican Republic fall generally into one of two categories: 鈥淐ivil鈥� marriages are those in which the parties ...
@Shestheone First, thank you for the huge amount of info you provided. I'm sure I'm not the only person who will need it. Second, I am not familiar with the Santo Domingo area and cannot advise on apartments, houses, etc. Sorry!Now for my own ... Read More
How to get Married in the Dominican Republic by planner
At the request of some members I am opening this thread. FIRST GENERAL INFO :D Types of Marriages Marriages in the Dominican Republic fall generally into one of two categories: 鈥淐ivil鈥� marriages are those in which the parties ...
This thread was started 10 years ago. There's so much information here that I can't get through it all. I'm sorry if this was addressed, but....I'm a US citizen planning to marry a Dominican at some point in the future. I have my residency in the ... Read More
KEEPING US CELL PHONE NUMBER by alvarez7361
Hello everyone, I am planning a permanent move from Florida to Puerto Plata. Will be looking for a house or apartment to rent and hope to get residency as a pensioner in the near future. I plan on maintaining a physical address in Florida, so I can ...
I do the same as @ddmcghee pretty much.US cell number using physical SIM with Verizon pre-paid for $25/mo.DR number using e-SIM with Claro for 775 pesos/mo. (current conversion is about $13/mo)I have a Samsung Galaxy S22.聽 Using the SIM manager ... Read More
Marriage with Dominican citizen best route on visa/residency by DRVisitor
Gonna put up a few scenarios with Dominican citizen and non citizen (US or Canada Resident) for marriage and curious which is best way for Dominican citizen to get US or Canadavisa thru marriage and same with US or Canada citizen to get DR residency ...
Lots of good info here, but I need to ask about a different but similar situation. Mine.-I am a US citizen living in the DR under the 'retirement' residency (retired military). I have a cedula and my residency card. I own no property in the US. ... Read More
Long term stay in Cabarate by bevgrandy
I have never posted on a forum before so lets see what response I get.My husband and I are thinking of spending 3 months in this area starting in Jan 2025 Looking for suggestions on rentals { something close to the beach } , info on medical ...
If you're on Facebook, check out the following groups:Everything Cabarete Dominican Republic (it will have a round 'badge' in the middle with the Dominican flag)Cabarete, Sosua, Dominican RepublicEverything Expats Cabarete, Puerto Plata, & ... Read More
Moving to DR by mikerv11
Hello all,I am looking to move to the DR. I have visited at least 25 times in the last 6 years and have gone back and forth with moving there or not. After visiting several areas of the country (except the border area) I am pretty much set on Las ...
@mikerv11聽 In the last 25 visits you've made here, have you always gone to LT or have to tried other areas, like Sosua, Cabarete, Cabrera.聽 That would be my suggestion:聽 if you haven't visited any other "expat hotspot", check them ... Read More
Internet Options by brodies2013
What's the best pay as you go internet option? Sometimes we need a mobile internet connection for the guest house that is too far from out internet. I'd like the option to have an altice or Claro 'hub/fob' that keeps guests connected...but this ...
I believe Claro has a portable wi-fi hotspot. It's a small device about the size of a cell phone that provides cell service, and devices can connect to it by wi-fi. I believe this is it: https://tienda.claro.com.do/router-bac-wi-fi-alcatel-mw45I ... 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 ...
Watch yourself at the airport when you arrive.聽 My friends and I got taken for $60 USD at POP.聽 We were looking for a taxi to take us to Sosua.聽 The concierge (handling our bags) directed us to a guy.聽 We think this guy will help ... Read More
How to get Married in the Dominican Republic by planner
At the request of some members I am opening this thread. FIRST GENERAL INFO :D Types of Marriages Marriages in the Dominican Republic fall generally into one of two categories: 鈥淐ivil鈥� marriages are those in which the parties ...
@mocaman67 thank you for that response. I'm feeling better about this but would still like to speak with a marriage/divorce attorney, just to make sure that is 100% accurate today. If anyone can suggest an attorney/lawyer, please do. Thanks! Read More
How to get Married in the Dominican Republic by planner
At the request of some members I am opening this thread. FIRST GENERAL INFO :D Types of Marriages Marriages in the Dominican Republic fall generally into one of two categories: 鈥淐ivil鈥� marriages are those in which the parties ...
This thread is old, but it's certainly still relevant today.聽 I will definitely seek legal counsel in the DR and the US on this, but I wanted to see if anyone here has personal knowledge or experience with this.I'm in a relationship that will ... Read More
Dominican tourist to the US with US citizen by SandyS_retired
I'm a US citizen living in the Dominican Republic with a pensioner's visa. Well, my immigration process is nearly complete... the hearing and medical are done; I'm only waiting for my cedula appointment, but I'm not sure this is relevant for the ...
Thanks everyone. This is the same I was hearing from other expats in the area. I just wanted to see if anyone else may have run across this. Read More
Dominican tourist to the US with US citizen
I'm a US citizen living in the Dominican Republic with a pensioner's visa. Well, my immigration process is nearly complete... the hearing and medical are done; I'm only waiting for my cedula appointment, but I'm not sure this is relevant for the ... Read More
Types of Visas available for DR by ondami
I have searched this forum and the internet far and wide to no avail; hence, the new post.I know that things change in DR processes and am not asking a process specific question; rather, I am asking a clarifying question.When my partner, who was ...
Here is the link to the DR Embassy page in the US. You might be looking for a Family Reunification visa? Maybe? I'm not an expert. I can only point you to official sources that might give you the answer.https://drembassyusa.org/visas/That page ... Read More
Where to order Apple products in the DR by jkrimski
Hello all: I need to get some apple parts - a thunderbolt to usb converter and a charger for my MacBook Pro. I called one-click in Santiago but they won't deliver parts to Cabarete. Does anyone know where I can order either by phone or online ...
@surfingfriendlyI have not looked specifically for Apple products here, but I will guess that any big tech items you buy here will be overpriced.聽 When you buy from a local merchant, you're paying for the convenience of having it now.聽 ... Read More
New look at illegal foreigners by planner
Article today stating Haitian foreign nationals purchased more real estate here in the 1st quarter than Americans or Canadians. Now the govt calling for analysis of illegal foreigners purchasing here!
@ciscobenedictYou should be able to buy property.聽 I have never heard of anyone having trouble simply BUYING.聽 The problem and illegality happens when people stay here longer than allowed.聽 In other words, they buy property intending ... Read More
The Expat Lounge (the place to be on the DR Forum) by planner
I would like to introduce to you our new free expression thread: The Expat Lounge for the Dominican Republic forum.Here you can talk about everything and anything you want.Talk about your passion (sport, movies, arts, dancing, etc鈥�), what ...
New topic: there are caves in the DR that have artwork from the original Taino people. There's the Cave of Wonders in La Cana, and there are supposedly more caves north of San Cristobal. Does anyone know if there are any archaeological sites like ... Read More
Recommended Bank Transfer services? by SandyS_retired
I'm sure this has been discussed before but I can't find anything when I search the forum. I apologize if this has already been beat to death.I'm in the process of obtaining a pensioner's visa here in the DR. I am currently living in Sosua and ...
@ddmcghee I just checked with Lishali and she confirmed: I do NOT need to have my retirement pay direct deposited here. I will try a small transfer on Remitly with just my first and last name. I'm still concerned because my BSC account shows my ... Read More
Recommended Bank Transfer services? by SandyS_retired
I'm sure this has been discussed before but I can't find anything when I search the forum. I apologize if this has already been beat to death.I'm in the process of obtaining a pensioner's visa here in the DR. I am currently living in Sosua and ...
@ddmcghee I've started a transfer on Remitly and now have a question. When BSC set up my account, they put my Beneficiary Name as first name, middle name, last name. On the Remitly page, it's asking for First Name and Last Name. I recall hearing ... Read More
Recommended Bank Transfer services? by SandyS_retired
I'm sure this has been discussed before but I can't find anything when I search the forum. I apologize if this has already been beat to death.I'm in the process of obtaining a pensioner's visa here in the DR. I am currently living in Sosua and ...
Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately, I was told it was required for me to have my retirement pay sent here. Maybe because I'm applying for the pensioner's visa? Since everyone here trusts Lishali Baez as an immigration attorney, I assumed she ... Read More
return ticket under 30 days on entry required? by sabanero
I heard that now a return ticket under 30 days is required on entry to the DR?Can anybody confirm that or is there no time restriction on the return ticket?Thanks and regardsManfred
What about people who are coming here with no return ticket? with a valid pensioner's visa? That's what I did on May 20th this year. I had a one-way ticket. When I went to the immigration web page to fill out my e-ticket, I just didn't fill in ... Read More
Recommended Bank Transfer services?
I'm sure this has been discussed before but I can't find anything when I search the forum. I apologize if this has already been beat to death.I'm in the process of obtaining a pensioner's visa here in the DR. I am currently living in Sosua and ... 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. ...
@Mark and Al If you don't have international cell service: Print everything you think you might need here... your e-tickets for the DR end, directions/maps to your lodgings, etc. I was told the Puerto Plata airport would have wi-fi, but when I got ... Read More
Dominican Currency by Mark and Al
What actual currency denominations should we carry while in Sosua/Cabarete? I hope to use our credit card as much as possible, but I'm assuming there will be a lot of places that only accept cash and apparently getting change back (at smaller ...
Before I left the US, I ordered pesos with my bank. If I got my request in before noon, it would be there for pickup the next day. You're right, the exchange rate wasn't great, but I figured it can't be worse than what I'd get at the airport here. ... Read More
which bank? by marcste
Just asking if any tales of the best bank to open an account with and why -- presume a savings and checking acct -- tried scotia so far and precious little info from them but maybe thats the norm
I just wanted to provide an update on my experience with opening an account at Banco Santa Cruz in Sosua in case anyone else is in this same situation and wondering:I have applied for a pensioner's visa here which requires that my retirement pay be ... Read More
Receiving mail/packages
I know I have seen this topic here before but cannot find it.I will be setting up a mailing address with EPS in Sosua in order to receive packages here. I understand they will give me an address in Miami in which my packages will be mailed to, and ... Read More
New construction without water access by LT American
Good afternoon,I recall have read about a community along the north coast where they are building homes, but the homes have no water. I looked through the old posts but could not find anything. Does anyone know this community?
I don't know, but I would assume so as most have a HOA. The lady stated "a meeting with Coraapplata in Purto Plata...", but it looked like it could be a misspelling. Puerto is spelled wrong to start with so 'Coraapplata' could also be misspelled. ... Read More
New construction without water access by LT American
Good afternoon,I recall have read about a community along the north coast where they are building homes, but the homes have no water. I looked through the old posts but could not find anything. Does anyone know this community?
In the Facebook group called "Everything Cabarete Dominican Republic", in a post dated 11 April 2023, a lady posted about that. Perla Marina is the location you're asking about. There was a meeting in Puerto Plata on 4 April 2023 which confirmed. ... Read More
which bank? by marcste
Just asking if any tales of the best bank to open an account with and why -- presume a savings and checking acct -- tried scotia so far and precious little info from them but maybe thats the norm
This thread has been dead a couple of years but, I now have this same question and wanted to see what the current situation is. From the above posts in July/August of 2021, it appears most people are happy with Banco Santa Cruz in the ... Read More
GPS map for DR by SandyS_retired
I'm looking for a DR street map for my Garmin Nuvi device. Garmin has a map for Central America, but I don't think that's what I'm looking for... it appears to be a marine map, not a street map.Any suggestions for the best place online buy and ...
Thank you for the responses. Fred, I saw the map you mentioned in my searches but wasn't sure if anyone else had used that particular one and how good it was. Read More
GPS map for DR
I'm looking for a DR street map for my Garmin Nuvi device. Garmin has a map for Central America, but I don't think that's what I'm looking for... it appears to be a marine map, not a street map.Any suggestions for the best place online buy and ... Read More
Pet microchip services by SandyS_retired
I'm moving to the DR with my two cats. They're both microchipped with the Home Again chip here in the US. There's an annual fee to keep up the service, but I don't know if it's still good when the pets are outside of the US (are they still ...
Thanks to everyone for your answers! and thank you, ddmcghee, for the alternate option. Read More
Pet microchip services
I'm moving to the DR with my two cats. They're both microchipped with the Home Again chip here in the US. There's an annual fee to keep up the service, but I don't know if it's still good when the pets are outside of the US (are they still ... Read More
New members of the Dominican Republic forum, introduce yourselves here - 2022 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 ...
Hello!聽 I'm a military veteran who spent many years moving from place to place, meeting new people, learning new cultures, exploring new areas.聽 It's now time for my next big move.聽 I'm looking to retire to Las Terrenas or ... Read More