Darlene
@planner
Canadian expat in Dominican Republic
Forum posts
17812
Contacts
601
About me
Canadian
Lives in Santo Domingo
Speaks English, Spanish
Registration: 27 December 2010
About
I am originally from Canada with over 21 years here in the DR! My background is in finance and marketing and here I have done all kinds of consulting work! My work has taken me all over this beautiful country and into many different aspects of life here. I have consulted in construction, tourism, Human Resources, Recovery Homes, new business start up and expansion and relocation of both individuals and companies! My expertise and experience is vast and my true interest is in bettering the lives of the people here. I want to make a difference in everything I do. On a personal level my passion is latin dancing - keeps me young!
Currently I own and run a large Medical Insurance Group. It is actively managed so we keep the premiums reasonable. In addition I own part of and run Quantum IT Solutions. We have 56 programmers and we are currently expanding. I own Hirise Services which provides a number of services to individuals and companies. I own a Hyperabaric Chamber providing services to retired military and others here. I own Business Services and Solutions, we assist expats to move, get set up, open companies and provide management services.
Yes its a lot, but I have great help and I love what I do!
My expat journey
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
I have lived all over this island and helped more people than I can count!
I am a business consultant and manager.
I love my life here, it is full of latin flavor!
British Columbia, Dominican Republic
Professional Financial Planner for 13 years. Stockbroker for 2years.
I am Canadian and always will be, I love Canada
It is too damn cold and that is not just the climate.
Canada
Activity
Special Needs Student Enrolling to School in Dominican Republic by y091420
Does any one knows if the IEP/ETR and Medical Records needs to be notarized for the Ministry of Education in the Dominican Republic to validate a primary school student who has special needs?
Please understand that while it may seem "easy" it rarely if ever is. Just prepare for a ridiculous set of rules and frustration and hopefully it will be easier. Read More
How to run AC cheaply ? by Scott Holmes
I am new and never been to Dominican Republic. My wife has. We are in process of purchasing a 3 bedroom house in Bravos.聽 The house has 4 AC units.聽 From what I seen online cost of living articles AC can cause very high electric bill. It ...
@ddmcghee I do that often and it does make the room much more comfortable. Read More
How to run AC cheaply ? by Scott Holmes
I am new and never been to Dominican Republic. My wife has. We are in process of purchasing a 3 bedroom house in Bravos.聽 The house has 4 AC units.聽 From what I seen online cost of living articles AC can cause very high electric bill. It ...
First you want an "inverter" style air conditioner! They are more energy efficient.Always use ceiling fans when you run your a/c. It helps you feel cooler so you use higher temps on the air con units. In all my bedrooms I use black out curtains, ... Read More
What are the do's and don't when hiring a maid? by Scott Holmes
What are the do's and don't when hiring a maid?聽 What is a reputable agency to use for Bavaro?
I am not sure if there is any agency in that area. It will cost more to use an agency BUT it will remove you from most risk.If there is none ask neighbors and friends for referrals. If its 1 to 2 days a week it is less complicated. Full time gets ... Read More
New members of the Dominican Republic forum, introduce yourselves here - 2026 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 ...
@Scott Holmes Welcome to the forums. If there is info you need start by searching the forum. If you don't find what you need, start a thread and ask your questions! Read More
ARSSeNaSa plan Larimar. Admission check ? by Karel44
We (my wife and I, both over 80) want to emigrate to the Dominican Republic soon. We therefore want health insurance, and we understand that for our age, only ARSSeNaSa is an option (plan Larimar). However, a medical check is also required for ...
You are correct it's only ARS Senasa who offers anything. A medical check is done and your age at application determines what tests are needed. And you will have to cover the cost of all testing and acceptance is not guaranteed. Read More
The Reef Project in Playa Bonita by Yebel3
Does anyone know what is creating delays in the residential projects in playa bonita. Is it iack of permissions/ red tape/etc.? I was told that the Reef by Noval sold out over a year and 1/2 ago yet construction has not started. I am interested ...
Buyer beware here in all cases Read More
Street goods - reliable places to recommend by Atavi
I am an adventurous person and like to discover the country bit by bit.What are the reliable and safe places/local restaurants to enjoy street foods across the country you have experienced and could recommend without paying the "tourist price"?
If you eat street food you take your chances, period! Today may be ok and tomorrow no!Restaurants tend to be different but it can depend! 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
You can do your own renos in your own property without issue. You are not working for someone else. You can hire and pay contractors or individuals as well without issue. You can turn it over to a property manager at any point you choose.None of ... 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
@Atavi No it doesn't count if you mean towards investor or pensioner residency Read More
Sealing a roof against filtration by om2252001
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.
Internet is out of date. Get several quotes and look at references from other jobs Read More
The day "ahorita" almost ruined my life (DR Spanish) by Ismael Mejia V
Told my landlord I'd be there "ahorita" to pay rent. In my head: 15 minutes. In Dominican: could be 20 minutes, could be Thursday. Showed up "ahorita" later and he looked at me like I'd personally betrayed him.Turns out "ahorita" in DR isn't a time, ...
Learning Spanish online is a great start. Immersion is better. Then you need to learn Dominican version of Spanish, it's different Read More
Women鈥檚 health and support systems in Dominican Republic by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Living in Dominican Republic often means navigating a new healthcare system and social norms, particularly around women鈥檚 health. From finding the right medical support to understanding what鈥檚 openly discussed or not, ...
Doctor prescription and readily available! Read More
The day "ahorita" almost ruined my life (DR Spanish) by Ismael Mejia V
Told my landlord I'd be there "ahorita" to pay rent. In my head: 15 minutes. In Dominican: could be 20 minutes, could be Thursday. Showed up "ahorita" later and he looked at me like I'd personally betrayed him.Turns out "ahorita" in DR isn't a time, ...
Absolutely true! Read More
Renewal of your Dominican drivers license? by Robbie123
Im not sure if anyone can answer this. I have a Dominican drivers licence. Is it possible to renew your Dominican drivers license if you have let your residency and cedula expire?
You go to Intrant wherever you are with your current license, cedula and residency card. They will renew it Read More