om2252001
American expat in Dominican Republic
Forum posts
44
About me
American
Speaks English/spanish
Registration: 24 April 2024
Sealing a roof against filtration
Looking to get feedback on pricing. Internet gives costs from 300 to 600 pesos per square meter the higher price would include materials. I鈥檓 getting much higher quotes just for labor. Read More
Health Insurance 2026 by planner
We can't seem to find a thread on just this topic so I opened one. Disclosure: I have a very large private health group! I have been actively managing it for I think 15 years. Some basics: Get your insurance before you turn 65 or you will have ...
@planner You forgot to add that these insurance companies are owned by the banks,and bottom line they are there to make money for them. It is unfortunate. There good doctors here that I will say. Read More
Financial advisors for US expats living in the DR by Jennifer Storm Nelson
Hi, I am planning my move to the DR in 2027, and am working through the details. I am recently divorced, and am currently seeing a great financial advisor with Fidelity here in the US, where she is helping me manage my new investments since my ...
@Jennifer Storm Nelson You can use EPS .They use Florida based fwdng address use that for shipping Amazon purchases. EPS has locations all over the island Read More
Retirement Visas by Pat Kitchen
My wife and I are in the process of obtaining retirement visas for the DR.聽 We have been in contact with a couple of Dominican law firms.聽 We are a bit taken aback with the fees they are charging.聽 Also, we know there are going to be ...
@2VPsoldierthats around what I pay for which all things considered,and hearing the other prices not bad. Read More
Retirement Visas by Pat Kitchen
My wife and I are in the process of obtaining retirement visas for the DR.聽 We have been in contact with a couple of Dominican law firms.聽 We are a bit taken aback with the fees they are charging.聽 Also, we know there are going to be ...
@Pat KitchenI always use a lawyer first when I applied for residency and then for renewal. Too many curveballs. There are lawyers out there that charge less. Mine is in Bonao. She gets the job done. Read More
Managing meals in Dominican Republic by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Managing meals day-to-day can sometimes be a real mental challenge, even more so when you land in a new environment, with different schedules, habits or ingredients. How do you manage your meal routine as an expat in Dominican ...
Came to the DR in 1994, worked for a US company,traveling back and forth then worked for someone here. Left and retired recently about 5 years, I am of Hispanic descent so food here very similar to what I had eaten in the past. Restaurants here ... Read More
Residency Renewal 2025 by UncleBuck
I have successfully completed the online renewal application for Temporary Residency. My Residency and C茅dula both expire mid-November this year. The date being offered to pick up my card is end of January 2026.I know they are changing the ...
@UncleBuck Cedulas for foreigners are issued when you renew. They are not affected by the change in cedulas for Dominicans.,which most likely will keep being delayed, Read More
Working remote in the dom rep by tcantey
I wanted to ask are there any precautions working a remote us job while in the Dominican Republic聽
Did remote work some time ago, power outage issues resolved with inverter, internet issues with a commercial account fixed ip address. Not cheap, but required for security reasons. Read More
Ferries Del Caribe by pharrison742
There is a Ferry that sail from PR to Santo Domingo. This is cruise line type of ship. Looks more like a Navy ship, the ferry is 13hrs long, cost is $65.00. It is dog friendly and offers food and beverages same as the cruise line, etc, Dining room, ...
I have traveled on Ferries del Caribe , actually from Santo Domingo to San Juan.. believe they restarted the Mayaguez stop also.. Not a bad trip at all. You can take your car with you you with the right paperwork and use it in PR for a period of 60 ... Read More
Best way to transfer money from US to Dominican bank account by wondering9
Any insights or opinions on the best way to transfer money from a US to a Dominican bank account?I've seen Remitly recommended here and I think that's what I'll end up going with, but I was curious about other options, especially Wise and Xe.My ...
Remitly works well, except this and all other services beat you on the exchange rate, the worst is xoom Read More
Managing mailboxes or PO boxes in Dominican Republic by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Something as simple as receiving mail can become a whole new experience when you settle in Dominican Republic as an expat. Mailing management can indeed be different from what you are used to. In order to help other expats and ...
I have actually had mail delivered via the Dominican mail system to the house. I reside in Bonao,there is a Post Office here. The problem is that it takes about an average of 2 months to receive something from the US. Better to use a service like ... Read More
Road safety in Dominican Republic by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Navigating roads and experiencing traffic in Dominican Republic as an expat can be a learning experience. We invite you to share your insights in order to help other expats and soon-to-be expats stay safe on the road in Dominican ...
There are no rules, People here just do whatever they want please, the 2 man urban cities a little less , but once anywhere elsewhere forget about it. You see the stupidity at its max. God forbid you say anything,you may get shot. The only country ... Read More
Road safety in Dominican Republic by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Navigating roads and experiencing traffic in Dominican Republic as an expat can be a learning experience. We invite you to share your insights in order to help other expats and soon-to-be expats stay safe on the road in Dominican ...
@CHRISTOPHER DAVID56 Read More
The Dominican Republic, a welcoming destination to expats? by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Settling in Dominican Republic, like every new environment, can feel like stepping into the unknown and brings many questions: how will it go, how to integrate successfully, etc. To help smooth this transition, we invite you to ...
@Cherylcame to the DR over 30 years ago,not to stay but worked for an American company that used a contractor in the Puerto Plata Free Zone. Long story short as they say wound up working for contractor. DR very different place back then then what it ... Read More
Shipping questions by wondering9
I notice there are already a lot of very helpful shipping-related threads on this forum; I have looked at them and I appreciate all the information. I still have some questions though; can anyone help shed some light on these?(1) "Mudanza" seems to ...
If shipping from the states, like NY NJ Pa any of those places there are all kinds of shippers at pretty good prices, The blue barrels are used because they are reusable here in the DR. Don鈥檛 even think of using a company like EPS, ... Read More
Applying for gun permit by bigboiron
Can you get a permit to have a weapon before residency?
Not necessarily, was informed by gun dealer only police report. Read More
Applying for gun permit by bigboiron
Can you get a permit to have a weapon before residency?
It鈥檚 not the Dr , depending on the state it seems gun dealers have contacts with police departments in some states, you cannot get a gun permit in the DR if you don鈥檛 get a good police report from your state of residency., which is a ... Read More
Applying for gun permit by bigboiron
Can you get a permit to have a weapon before residency?
dont know about a gun permit but for a shot gun just residency, and depends from what us state you came from. Shotgun permit is a one time thing does not need to be renewed every year like a gun permit Read More
"Anything Goes" thread by planner
I have created a new thread where you are free to discuss any topics you want! Rules that apply: no name calling, no insulting. Feel free to exchange ideas on politics etc! I will ask to have this pinned so we don't lose it.This is where you can ...
@cushion03yetiassuming you have a stateside address just request card get it sent there then have someone ship card in small usps box with something else to what ever carrier you use inthe DR like EPS 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 have a T mobile prepaid acct for us phone. And a claro acct. this works for me,for purposes of of 2fa, , been having acct for 4 years , $35 for t mobile, $31 for Claro Read More
Traffic tickets by gainkeeper
I hope people on here aren't too cautious to give an honest answer. My experience is that DR police look for any excuse to stop a gringo. I've been stopped several times for very minor infractions while 3 Dominican drivers drove on the wrong side of ...
It all depends on the situation, I have been pulled over many times, Came to the DR in 1994, lived 10 years, never had a Dominican license,, left, then came back now retired here. they never bothered me for that, back then Saturday was payday for ... Read More
buying a used motorcycle by brodies2013
Is the process the same for buying a used motorcycle as a usehd car? Can we take possession and do the paperwork later? Or do we need to have a lawyer write up the sales contract and pay taxes, etc?
@Marcus Logan Absolutely not, original required Read More
US Citizen working from DR for a US Company. by Michael C Mitchell Sr.
I'm a US Citizen that would like to work Remote from the DR for a US Company.I will not own any property, but I will rent an apartment.The Tax situation is confusing for the Corporation. Where can I find the correct information?
@windeguy Agree, just a way for the government to keep making money from expats, add in the cost of the lawyers fees and it is quite a bit of money , US residency 10 years I believe now up to $750 US, and when renewal comes around may be eligible ... Read More
US Citizen working from DR for a US Company. by Michael C Mitchell Sr.
I'm a US Citizen that would like to work Remote from the DR for a US Company.I will not own any property, but I will rent an apartment.The Tax situation is confusing for the Corporation. Where can I find the correct information?
@windeguy Read More
Solar panel installation in Zona Colonial by drmshewa
Can anyone recommend someone who specializes in solar panel installation?
It seems solar installation is really not beneficial to residentials or small businesses, unless you are completely off the grid. Here too many stories from small businesses that they have a hard time getting paid back from the utility. Read More
Sending and receiving packages in Dominican Republic by Priscilla
Hello, As an expat, there are inevitably certain items you might want or need from back home, and around the holiday period, many people like to send gift packages. How easy is it to send and receive packages in Dominican Republic? Is the ...
@planneractually the mail system does exist, but just not reliable. I have received correspondence delivered directly to a home address, but unfortunately 3 months after it was sent. Also as far as billa, yes best way is to open account online for ... Read More
US Citizen working from DR for a US Company. by Michael C Mitchell Sr.
I'm a US Citizen that would like to work Remote from the DR for a US Company.I will not own any property, but I will rent an apartment.The Tax situation is confusing for the Corporation. Where can I find the correct information?
@Michael C Mitchell Sr.if you work for a US company you will be taxed for US taxes Read More
Local Wages by gainkeeper
I'm considering hiring a local to work for me and my business. This person would be responsible for inventory control, product deliveries (my vehicle, insurance and gas), collecting payments due from merchants, making bank deposits and receiving and ...
If you are not hands on, unfortunately the employee will find a way to steal. I knew of someone many years ago that was producing men鈥檚 slacks here(Dockers the brand was being produced here). For the internal market, He was not hands on, the ... Read More
Preventive care in Dominican Republic by Cheryl
Hello everyone, As an expat in Dominican Republic, taking care of your health would be one of your main priorities. Preventive healthcare plays a crucial role in keeping fit and healthy. We therefore would like to invite you to share your ...
I should consider myself lucky, I have an internist/cardiologist. Who acts very much like a primary care doctor tracks all medical tests that she requests, and monitors my cholesterol, blood sugar,weight,blood pressure,and acts accordingly to bring ... Read More
Vehicle Transport by Angiearias85
Has anyone had a good experience having a vehicle transported from the US to D.R.looking to ship mine from Hawaii. Im a little nervous it will get lost or stolen.
I have heard horror stories about people shipping cars to the DR. . Prices high here but not what they used to be. My opinion, not worth the headache. I have bought 2 used cars from a reputable dealer, cannot complain Read More
Receiving payroll from U.S. by meangreen88
Hi all, I searched for related topics but didn't really find the answer I need. My wife and I are moving full-time at the end of August. Although leaving full-time employment, we have an opportunity to earn some extra revenue from the same ...
@meangreen88no requirements your money gets deposited directly to your US account Read More
Receiving payroll from U.S. by meangreen88
Hi all, I searched for related topics but didn't really find the answer I need. My wife and I are moving full-time at the end of August. Although leaving full-time employment, we have an opportunity to earn some extra revenue from the same ...
@meangreen88worked remotely for awhile for a US company ,even after retirement, but had a US bank, so direct deposit . If you can have a US bank account this can be a solution. Read More
Are all arilines finally asking for an on going ticket from the DR? by windeguy
A report on Facebook said that allegedly all airlines are now asking for on going tickets if you are flying to the DR on a tourist card. This has been the rule for years, but it may be true that airlines are now actually being fined for not checking ...
@ddmcgheevisitor card or touristcards no longer purchased, airlines just built in to their price structure, am speaking traveling from the US, so everybody pays, tourists, residents, and dominican citizens. when you fill out your e ticket it offers ... Read More
Inf. requirements to open a Bank account in the Dominican Republic by ajjs3468
We have infinities of large, medium and small Banks in the DR below the most trusted. Opening a bank account in the Dominican Republic, for a foreigner, is not as simple as in other countries, since a series of steps and requirements must be met ...
@sparks1093retired here in DR since 2020, you do not need to deposit pension check in local bank, have account with BHD, use Remitly to transfer funds, pretty quick within minutes, of course money deposited in pesos a little lower rate than ... Read More
Renting in Puerto Plata by emerald788
I'm in Puerto Plata now looking for an apartment to rent. Can anybody experienced with the area advise me on some good neighborhoods?Yesterday I had a look at a beach called Playa Dorada and a muddy settlement called El Pueblito. It seemed pretty ...
@emerald788stay away from Pueblito, A lot of riffraff. Costambar, better suited, many expats, . Mini community, like everything else prices for rentals up, just need to ask around, all types of apartments available Read More
Las Terrenas - New TV by samberwilliamson
I haven鈥檛 seen many electronics stores, and was hoping for a recommendation on purchasing a new one. The video just stopped working after n ours. They鈥檙e pretty inexpensive in the US, think $90-100 for one on Amazon. Is it worthwhile to ...
Electro Lama better deals, also price posted is total price so when you go pay you are not hit with additional %18 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 ...
Tourist visa now being charged to everyone whether you are tourist, resident or dominican, because it is built in to the prie of the airfare. Technically you can get reimbursed if you are resident or dominican, but good luck with that. A lot of ... 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 ...
@DominicanadaMikeCorrect, report from the FBI is required by the Dominican Government aside from a report from the police dept from the city you reside in which ever state you live in 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 ...
@ShancitaVery true, and they actually have a division within the police dept to deal with noise complaints, but mostly for show,. 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. ...
@CHRISTOPHER DAVID56what most people do not know is in the fare pricethey have included the $20 us that was charged when you went thru customs. As a resident you are not supposed to bee charged, neither are native dominicans but everyone pays it ... 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. ...
@Jennifer Storm Nelsondid remote work for my prior company, but for security reasons they required a static ip address, that is only assigned to businesses, had to establish business account with claro, that runs about $11,000 dominican a month, ... 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. ...
@Jennifer Storm Nelsonalways do a screenshot of the eticket qr code save it somewhere else on your phone. you now have a back up 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 ...
@plannerCame to the DR in 1994 working for a US company, went back and forth Actually ended up working for someone the DR in one of the free trade zones, left in 2003,聽 I聽 knew eventually聽 聽would聽 聽retire聽 ... Read More