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Hi Everyone,  My name is Bridget and I joined the site last year.  Then in the planning stages of moving full-time.  Well we're here.  We said, "we'd be living on an Island by the age of 50."  My husband turned 50 Feb 4th and we celebrated with a day on the beach with our dog.  We are still settling in but I wanted to take a moment and share some of the things. 

1.  We purchased and not rented.  The process was seamless.  Hired an attorney to research the title and paid for POA since we were only here for 11 days.  We have already received the Deed/Title in our name.
2. Shipped a 20ft Container.  Worth every penny.  Not one thing was stolen and only 3 glasses and 1 picture frame was broken.  (Heard nightmares about Customs stealing and bribes having to be done to get your things). Our container arrived on Jan 11 and was delivered to our door on Feb 2. 
3. Jumbo is a ripoff.  Definitely a tourist grocery store.  I shop at Ole in Veron.  Great quality food at much better prices. Saved over 60%.
4. Love Claro for my internet and Cell Phone.  Very professional and reliable service so far.
CEPM on the other hand, had to call them every other day to make sure utility was turned on.  If they say 5-10 days it will be 11. 
5. The guagua's are life savers. 40 Pesos and get where you need to go in no time.  I have been all over Bavaro, Veron, Punta Cana and Friusa.  I am really learning the city.  I am taking Spanish for free on Duolingo.com and it is really helping me.
6. Moved to a gated community. Love it.  Security is A1.  And I have a dog - so double security.  Her bark has put neighbors and all the gardeners in my area on notice.
7. We flew into Punta Cana Airport, our dog breezed right through.  All her paperwork was in order paid the $10 and off we went. 
8. I did Residency myself without a lawyer, no issues what so ever.  We have 60 days to complete the process.  I have been advised it can be done in Punta Cana.  No longer have to go to Santa Domingo.
9.  Don't give POA unless it's absolutely necessary. 
10.  I came to semi-retire for at least year.  But I have already been asked to stage houses because of how I have decorated my own.  Manage 2 Properties for my part-time neighbors and help 2 families with the Expat process.  I love the Expat FaceBook pages because majority of the members live here full-time. 
11.  Dominicans expect to be tipped for everything even directions.  I only tip for exceptional service not for answering a simple question.  If you don't start out doing silly things like that, it won't be expected for basic kindness.  Basically, Dominicans are very nice people.  I have yet to find any major difference in them and Americans. 
12. The food is very good.  Never thought french fries would be offered with almost everything. 
13.  I've rented a car twice.  I'm from Texas and driving has not been an issue.  We only have bikes here.  Decided to keep it simple for now.  Look both ways twice and you'll be fine.  Plan on renting a car every other month or so for excursions. 
14.  Good appliances are expensive. 
I am so happy with our decision to move here.  Punta Cana is great.  If anyone has questions I will be happy to answer.  I have so many things to share - I thought this would be a good start.