Mark and Al
American looking for information about Dominican Republic
Forum posts
53
About me
American
Lives in Cabarete, Puerto Plata
Speaks English
Registration: 09 July 2017
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. ...
Good advice. I printed copies of our passports, our DR E-tickets, and some local maps. For better or worse, I rented a car so we'll see how that goes...Go figure - American Airlines online check in system is down, so I haven't been able to print ... 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. ...
@planner Yesss!!!! Thank you Planner! Read More
Travel Documents
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. ... 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 ...
I already checked, our CC does not charge any fees for out of country purchases. 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 ...
Thank you to everyone for your advice! We now have a plan for a mix of US and Dominican currency and we will be "boots on the ground" in 5 days.... Read More
Dominican Currency
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 ... Read More
We are getting close
We are now 2 weeks away from our first visit (finally!) to the DR. We have rented a condo in the Sosua area overlooking the ocean.I'm hoping some of you can provide some tips in terms of restaurants, beaches, fun things to do, etc. I rented a car ... Read More
My Spinal Surgery Experience in the DR by RockyM
As indicated in another thread I had spinal surgery on January 5, 2023, in Santo Domingo. I promised to write up my experience so hopefully others may benefit, if considering a major surgery here in the DR. The following is a brief recounting of my ...
Rocky, glad to hear your recovery is going well. You should consider becoming a writer! You have a great ability to convey an experience in an informative but still enjoyable style. Read More
Using a US based cell phone in the DR by Mark and Al
We are (finally) making our 1st trip to the Dominican in June. I'm trying to figure out how or if we can use our ATT cell phones without racking up a bunch of international phone charges. We will be in the Sosua/Cabarete area for about 2 weeks.
@ddmcghee I almost don't even care if we can't make calls to the US. I mostly just want to be able to take pics and (maybe) text. What I don't want is to end up with a giant surprise bill because our phones connected with a cell tower somewhere ... Read More
Using a US based cell phone in the DR
We are (finally) making our 1st trip to the Dominican in June. I'm trying to figure out how or if we can use our ATT cell phones without racking up a bunch of international phone charges. We will be in the Sosua/Cabarete area for about 2 weeks. Read More
Get well Rocky by planner
I want to take a moment to wish Rocky aka Dave aka ddmcghee's husband a quick recovery.He had back surgery this past week in Santo Domingo. I am sure both will tell us the good the bad and the otherwise of their experience once Dave is ...
Best wishes Rocky, hope all went well and you have a speedy recovery! Read More
Flight Cancelled
Just as a note to anyone wondering about getting to the DR.... Our flight to Punta Cana on May 20 (from the US) was cancelled by the airline. I was fortunate that they gave me a refund instead of forcing me to take a voucher\credit. Next I get to ... Read More
COVID-19 by Guest2022
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-51611422 https://www.diariolibre.com/actualidad/la-organizacion-mundial-de-la-salud-alerta-sobre-riesgo-de-pandemia-IC17269212 [b]Coronavirus: World should prepare for pandemic, says WHO[/b] Worrying signs, with ...
We have a flight and hotel booked (and paid for) for Punta Cana in late May - that's looking pretty shaky right now. I guess for now all we can do is wait and watch. I know that is small potatoes compared to what a lot of people are dealing ... Read More
Import Car or Uber Everywhere? by GuestPoster287
Good Day Expaters, I am posting a friendly debate on whether to bring used car to Santo Domingo or Uber everywhere. I will primarily be living in Santo Domingo but will be exploring DR alot more once I'm there. I owe very little on my car and ...
I have changed our travel plans from the North Coast to Punta Cana. (long story....) We will arrive in late May assuming this Covid 19 thing has played out by then. I hired a private mini van to transport us to and from the Punta Cana airport and ... Read More
Health Insurance by PLBPOP
I'm in Sosua and am looking for inexpensive health care coverage. One co. Required that I go to Puerto-Plata for lab work and examination. I made the trip but was told I need to go two more times which is expensive as I can't use the ...
I was watching an expat couple on youtube who said they have a top tier plan with Universal. They said they have a rider that covers them on trips to the U.S. for up to $10,000. That would seem to be a handy policy to have.... Read More
ARBNB by daver1011
Many people looking to relocate seem to over look the great deals on ARBNB these days . If you dont want the hassle of setting up an apartment or house ARBNB is a great choice . I have found great deals for monthly rates all over Puerto Plata , ...
"There is daily bus service to Samana/Las Terranas" Interesting, does that run from the POP (Puerto Plata) airport? Maybe we could split our stay between Las Terranas and Sosua\Cabarete using the bus to travel. Read More
ARBNB by daver1011
Many people looking to relocate seem to over look the great deals on ARBNB these days . If you dont want the hassle of setting up an apartment or house ARBNB is a great choice . I have found great deals for monthly rates all over Puerto Plata , ...
Lennoxnev and Uncle Buck - thanks for your responses, I really appreciate the first hand suggestions. Planner - we are looking at May 19 thru May 29. As first time visitors and not much with the Spanish, I'm trying to keep this trip as fool ... Read More
ARBNB by daver1011
Many people looking to relocate seem to over look the great deals on ARBNB these days . If you dont want the hassle of setting up an apartment or house ARBNB is a great choice . I have found great deals for monthly rates all over Puerto Plata , ...
We would be flying into POP - more expensive flight, but only 15 or 20 minutes to Cabarete. I'm going to spend some more time this weekend looking for lodging options. Victorian Luxury Beachfront Condominiums look stunning, but a 20 to 40 ... Read More
Driving in DR by Guest2022
It has been a dreadful day on the roads in DR. At least twelve deaths in two accidents - one in the early hours in Monte Plata - and one early this mornimg on Autopista Duarte north of Piedra Blanca. It is reported that two American doctors ...
I'll be there for the first time in May, not looking forward to driving after all I've read here. I was in Acapulco Mexico and the driving there was terrifying. Small cars, mostly taxis, would literally bounce off each other changing lanes ... Read More
ARBNB by daver1011
Many people looking to relocate seem to over look the great deals on ARBNB these days . If you dont want the hassle of setting up an apartment or house ARBNB is a great choice . I have found great deals for monthly rates all over Puerto Plata , ...
I am in the process of planning our trip to the North Coast in May. Finally seem to have the air travel figured out and I have been looking at Airbnb for our stay there. Can anyone offer an opinion on Victorian Luxury Beachfront ... Read More
Thinking of moving with 4 kids to Dominican by Mariakuna
Hey everyone! My name is Maria and me and my husband have been thinking of moving to Dominican or Spain for years now. We have 4 kids ages 2,4,6,and 8. We love the weather, culture and food in those places. We have been to the Dominican 3 times but ...
Rocky, True to a point, but I can also fly into Santiago (STI) or Puerto Plata (POP) which is only 15 or so minutes from Sosua/Cabarete. This is what makes that area appealing to me, I want visitors to be able to travel to us without having to ... Read More
Thinking of moving with 4 kids to Dominican by Mariakuna
Hey everyone! My name is Maria and me and my husband have been thinking of moving to Dominican or Spain for years now. We have 4 kids ages 2,4,6,and 8. We love the weather, culture and food in those places. We have been to the Dominican 3 times but ...
I hope to learn a lot during our trip to the Dominican next spring. It's so hard to process all the options from a distance, Casa Linda and other developments appear to have fantastic pricing for nice homes and a large expat presence. Also ... Read More
Thinking of moving with 4 kids to Dominican by Mariakuna
Hey everyone! My name is Maria and me and my husband have been thinking of moving to Dominican or Spain for years now. We have 4 kids ages 2,4,6,and 8. We love the weather, culture and food in those places. We have been to the Dominican 3 times but ...
lennoxnev, You seem to have a very strong grasp of many different areas of the DR. How would you assess the cost of living in Las Terranas vs the Sosua/Cabarete area? Restaurant costs, rent, daily life, things like that.... Read More
Storing Items in the DR by ryan_mccredie
Knowing the climate I am curious to know any and all storage tips. I am talking about clothing, linens, silverware (prob not real silver lol), cloth furniture, electronics, beach equipment, appliances, etc. Just buying first home in the DR North ...
Christie E: What a great travel idea! I would not have thought of that, but with 4 of us flying in next spring that could be a huge help..... Read More
Airlines Serving Dominican Republic by Guest2022
The growth in airline traffic to DR continues to grow annually with new and changed flight schedules to the 7 international airports. 'arecoa' the MITUR publicity outlet is a good source of up to date information: ...
Thanks Christie, this forum is invaluable to me. You are my future go-to for flight info... There is another very nice person who has offered her help when my wife and I want to check out Las Terrenas. And another very nice person who has offered ... Read More
Airlines Serving Dominican Republic by Guest2022
The growth in airline traffic to DR continues to grow annually with new and changed flight schedules to the 7 international airports. 'arecoa' the MITUR publicity outlet is a good source of up to date information: ...
I hope/wish an airline or two would make it easier to get there from the midwestern US. Last I checked, if you want to fly to STI (from Florida) the flights don't arrive until around midnight. If there's one thing I've seen repeated over ... Read More
ExPat Fatigue by Steverino7777
Hello, This is my second winter in Casa de Campo and I am just realizing I may be experiencing Expat fatigue. Is there anyone out there that has encountered this situation? Do you have any advice. I will be here for a total of 7 months this ...
Steverino7777 Sorry if you thought I was making light of your issue. I just went back to the beginning of this thread and re-read your initial posts, no offense was intended. Read More
ExPat Fatigue by Steverino7777
Hello, This is my second winter in Casa de Campo and I am just realizing I may be experiencing Expat fatigue. Is there anyone out there that has encountered this situation? Do you have any advice. I will be here for a total of 7 months this ...
I would like to report my version of Expat fatigue: I'm tired of not being an Expat yet..... LOL Getting a little closer every day though. Read More
Uncle Buck = TV Star by Mark and Al
My wife and I watched the new episode of Caribbean Life last night starring Uncle Buck and his wife. VERY interesting to watch, Congratulations!
LOL Kat, I did the same thing! That said, there is a little twist at the end for those who haven't seen it.... Read More
Uncle Buck = TV Star
My wife and I watched the new episode of Caribbean Life last night starring Uncle Buck and his wife. VERY interesting to watch, Congratulations! Read More
So Much to Share by bridgetanddav
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 ...
Kat, You are reading my mind! Our interest in the North Coast is to enjoy island life AND the lower cost of living - compared to the US. Read More
Southern coast retirement by Rick9255
Hi all, I鈥檓 just getting my residency visa this week and I鈥檝e been researching mostly the northern coast, Sosua, Las Terrenas etc. I was wondering if anyone could suggest good retirement sites on the south coast. Where do most expats ...
GCL1221 - How would you say Las Terranas compares with other North Coast areas in terms of cost of living? Rent, restaurants, groceries, etc. Also, that area is famous for european tourists and residents. I recently read there is starting to be a ... Read More
International Schools by Mark and Al
In order to move before our 7th grade son completes high school, I'd need to have a solid plan for his education in the DR. What are expats with school age children doing to resolve this? Specifically, I'm only interested in English ...
I'm not surprised the kids pick up Spanish quickly. Maybe our son will end up teaching us.... Two questions: 1. Are ISLA Acadamy and the International School of Sosua the same, or two different schools? 2. For grades 9 thru 12 what are the ... Read More
International Schools
In order to move before our 7th grade son completes high school, I'd need to have a solid plan for his education in the DR. What are expats with school age children doing to resolve this? Specifically, I'm only interested in English ... Read More
Live Web Cams by Mark and Al
Playing around in Google, I found a number of live web cams in the DR. I have been watching a live view of Playa La Bonita for most of the day - Beautiful! I'm not really sure if this makes being at work easier or harder, LOL. I do know it ...
This is the view I'm torturing myself with if anyone is interested. BTW, I'm just outside of St. Louis Missouri and this mornings temps are: 14* and wind chill making it ... Read More
Live Web Cams
Playing around in Google, I found a number of live web cams in the DR. I have been watching a live view of Playa La Bonita for most of the day - Beautiful! I'm not really sure if this makes being at work easier or harder, LOL. I do know it ... Read More
Good hospital review by planner
Well I managed to slip on a wet floor at home and fall. I managed to "only" fracture my tailbone. Yup, only. I thought I also broke my wrist but no. So let me tell you, it bloody well hurts. It hurts to sit, hurts to stand, hurts to ...
Sorry to hear about your fall, seems like you are handling it like a trooper though! On the bright side, one thing you mentioned really caught my attention in a positive way: "Paid not one peso as I went to emergency! That is good ... Read More
Trip to Sousa, Cabarete for househunting from STI by AnellyM
Hi - We are married couple in our 50's from Tampa, FL. We are planning on visiting Sousa/Cabarete area for the first time to look into a house purchase (under $200K) I have several ?'s..... -we can only fly into Santiago airport. The flights ...
Interesting. I'll have to see if flying from STL to Pittsburgh for a direct flight to POP makes sense. I'm really struggling with the transportation details of getting to the North Coast for a vacation\retirement research trip. My wife is ... Read More
Trip to Sousa, Cabarete for househunting from STI by AnellyM
Hi - We are married couple in our 50's from Tampa, FL. We are planning on visiting Sousa/Cabarete area for the first time to look into a house purchase (under $200K) I have several ?'s..... -we can only fly into Santiago airport. The flights ...
ChristieE - thanks for the detailed info. That is exactly what I had come up with on paper. Allegiant to Ft. Lauderdale, Jet Blue to STI. Saves a bunch of money, but then I still have to get myself, wife, and son from STI to Cabrera or whatever our ... Read More
Trip to Sousa, Cabarete for househunting from STI by AnellyM
Hi - We are married couple in our 50's from Tampa, FL. We are planning on visiting Sousa/Cabarete area for the first time to look into a house purchase (under $200K) I have several ?'s..... -we can only fly into Santiago airport. The flights ...
I wondered why it costs so much more to fly to POP than STI. Then I looked at the POP website and saw they only have 10 gates, and can only handle 3 large planes at a time. How are those of you from the U.S. planning your flights in and out of the ... Read More
Speaking Spanish by Mark and Al
Just curious, how well did some of you speak Spanish when you first moved to or visited the Dominican Republic, and how well do you speak or understand it now? Also what general area are you in - North Coast, Punta Cana, rural area, city?
That's awesome! We're planning a two week visit for next May. I'm considering retiring in the DR in a few years, but need to put some time in to see if it's going to work for us. I'm going to check out duolingo - thanks for the ... Read More
Speaking Spanish
Just curious, how well did some of you speak Spanish when you first moved to or visited the Dominican Republic, and how well do you speak or understand it now? Also what general area are you in - North Coast, Punta Cana, rural area, city? Read More
Finally planning our first trip to DR
Next May or June, hopefully for 10 to 14 days. While this is a vacation, it's also a trip to see if we want to retire and/or snowbird there. I've researched about as much as I can from a distance and it's time to do the "boots on ... Read More
Southern Coast
I'm hoping we can get to DR for a visit in 2018 so we can see some of these areas for ourselves. Until then, all I can go by is the internet, "Caribbean Life" on tv, and the input from members here. I envision renting a condo or apt ... Read More
Southern Coast
Most of the advice I see for areas expats might want to locate in revolves around the North coast. I've been researching towns from Sosua/Cabarete to Las Terranas to Punta Cana. When looking at a map of the country, I notice the north coast is ... Read More
Retirement in the DR by SherryAbroad
Hi everyone, my name is Sherry. I currently live in the USA but will be retiring in a few years and am looking for somewhere else to live. My first stop will be Las Terrenas. I plan on visiting there for a couple of weeks within the first three ...
DDMcGhee, I'd be very interested in any thoughts you'd care to offer on Las Terranas. It's one of the areas I'm interested in. Is that your first trip there? Obviously you like the area since you are buying. All the information I ... Read More
DR vs USA by Mark and Al
Who would win? ..... Just kidding. I'm curious about what is the same or similar in the two countries: Electric - will U.S. appliances plug in there? Electric shavers, blenders, hair dryers, computers, etc. Cell phones - Do U.S. cell phones ...
Thanks Planner! Don't freak about the gun question, I just want to know what the norms are there. I hope others will chime in with some similar (quick) questions, take some of the mystery out of how a different country operates. Read More
DR vs USA
Who would win? ..... Just kidding. I'm curious about what is the same or similar in the two countries: Electric - will U.S. appliances plug in there? Electric shavers, blenders, hair dryers, computers, etc. Cell phones - Do U.S. cell phones ... Read More
New members of the Dominican Republic forum, introduce yourselves here 聳 June to December 2017 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Dominican Republic forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you聽;) 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 ...
Hi Bob and Planner, Thanks for the replies. No I have never been to the DR before, all my research is done from home here in the US on the internet. I've been to Germany, Acapulco Mexico, Nassau Bahamas and Cancun Mexico. Not exactly a world ... Read More
New members of the Dominican Republic forum, introduce yourselves here 聳 June to December 2017 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Dominican Republic forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you聽;) 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 ...
Hi everyone, I am planning to retire in 3 years, and have been looking for somewhere in the Caribbean for my wife and I to move to. After looking at Mexico, Cayman Islands, Belize, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos, US Virgin Islands, etc. The ... Read More