oldsmobile442
American expat in Dominican Republic
Forum posts
31
Contacts
1
About me
American
Speaks English but I'm working on Spanish
Registration: 19 April 2025
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.
@om2252001 I would seek more quotes, you need to find out if they prep the surface before applying the sealer, like pressure washing, scrub with soap Read More
Residency - updates and changes 2024 by planner
We are seeing changes in processes here and it's time for a new thread with updates.LIshali had agreed to update us here on those changes and to clarify a number of issues as we go along!First let's talk the basics: how you start and which type you ...
@DRforme I was told my birth certificate was too old, so I ordered a new version Read More
4 Legal Risks When Buying Property in the Dominican Republic by Martha S谩nchez Luxus
Buying property in the Dominican Republic can be an excellent opportunity, whether for investment, relocation, or personal use. However, beyond location and price, there are key legal and strategic aspects that must be carefully evaluated to ensure ...
Risk No. 01: Not verifying ownership and the legal status of the propertyThis is a good one. We had on several occasions people trying to sell us property that doesn't belong to them. My guess is they were looking for money and/or have a handshake ... 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 ...
There are always exceptions to the rule. My wife passed, I was 67yo. After a couple months I started looking for a new partner. No, I didn't fool myself. My requirements were, had to be near my age, had to already have USA citizenship and we had ... Read More
Residency - updates and changes 2024 by planner
We are seeing changes in processes here and it's time for a new thread with updates.LIshali had agreed to update us here on those changes and to clarify a number of issues as we go along!First let's talk the basics: how you start and which type you ...
@gmmf I am so looking forward to the same stuff, NOT! 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 ...
@planner Maybe the inconsiderent highbeam drivers will get the message 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 ...
@planner I enjoy giving them the loud long horn. At night I also enjoy giving them the highbeams. Read More
Health Insurance Plan by alvarez7361
Hello all, I have been in Puerto Plata for over a year. I am trying to figure out which is the best medical insurance plan for a foreigner living in the DR? I appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance.
This seem a little high, we will check tomorrow in La Vega 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 ...
@Cheryl My experience is, there are no traffic enforcement. Basically everybody drives like they walk, any direction they want without signals. Most motor bike have no lights or registration. Good percentage of automobiles have no signal or brake ... Read More
China stores
It seem there are an abundance of China stores or Plaza. Each town of any size has several China stores the size of Walmart. Thinking of this, if DR continues to import China goods and doesn't export the same quantity (value) back to China, DR ... Read More
Getting our dogs to the Dominican Republic from USA by Nick Boork
My wife Yngris and I are about to retire. We're planning the move to Santiago DR and would love to bring our two dogs Blessing & Agape but we're having a difficult time finding a carrier. Any success stories or shipping resources? Muchas Gracias ...
@Jennifer Storm Nelson PM sent Read More
The Toilet Paper Question by Combies
I鈥檒l apologize up front for asking this question..I know the Can you flush t.p. question has been asked before..but my question is ..for brand new construction are the septic systems better? I guess I鈥檓 asking if a brand new home is ...
In my experience with our existing home 1988 vintage in La Vega, the 4 inch pipes are routed to a concrete distribution box, then routed to a tank (I have not seen the tank yet). The distribution box is the trouble where stuff can build up and ... Read More
Getting our dogs to the Dominican Republic from USA by Nick Boork
My wife Yngris and I are about to retire. We're planning the move to Santiago DR and would love to bring our two dogs Blessing & Agape but we're having a difficult time finding a carrier. Any success stories or shipping resources? Muchas Gracias ...
We recently used Codie and his company CWEL. He is amazing, everything went better than expected.The back story.We reached out to pet shippers, after seeing what they wanted to do and how much is cost, I moved away from them. I tried to ship my ... Read More
Moving companies DR=> US reccos by Jwoddis
At some point we鈥檒l need a moving company and o move us back to NY from las terrenas. Anyone had any experiences that weren鈥檛 horror stories?
I would not recommend Solomon & Sons International Relocation. Read More
Taxes for expats in Dominican Republic by Cheryl
Hello everyone, When settling in and living in Dominican Republic, you will also need to navigate the local tax system. In order to help newcomers and expats ease their tax-related experience, we would like to invite you to share your ...
This is a very good question. It seems everytime you pay the government, Dominicans call it a tax. I'll give you an example. We imported our household stuff and a car. Since my wife is a Dominican, she gets a one time move back with an import ... Read More
Electrical Wiring in our Dominican House by raymondlbest
I understand that the electrical supply company has blown the electrics 3 X in our house in Puerto Plata.Is there a qualified electrician who can check this out and put things right ?
The wiring in our house is plane stupid. Breaker boxes outside not water proof. Wire sizes too small. No wire nuts, just tape. No conduit fittings, just put conduit in box unsecured. No main breaker. Outside conduits laying on ground. PVC ... Read More
Residency - updates and changes 2024 by planner
We are seeing changes in processes here and it's time for a new thread with updates.LIshali had agreed to update us here on those changes and to clarify a number of issues as we go along!First let's talk the basics: how you start and which type you ...
@ddmcghee The SSA website says apply 2 months early. It has said that for the past 7 years. Read More
How to bring your mid to large size dogs to the DR by Nick Boork
The time is getting closer to our move to the DR. My wife Yngris and I are looking forward to retiring in Santiago. No travel dates yet but we're concerned about getting our dogs there with us. Anyone have experience that could provide some ...
I'm assuming from US. The USDA paper work is only good for 7 days. Animal all in one shipping agencies are expensive. Try to do it yourself. Ship cargo from Atlanta or Miami. We are planning to rent a van one way to Atlanta and ship cargo from ... Read More
Hoping to buy property in the next 6 months by dpatient63
Hi my name is Debra, me and my husband Andrew are hoping to buy a property in the next six months.We have 5 years left before we retire but would like to be established in the DR before then.I'm a receptionist in a care home and my husband is a ...
Always get a good attorney to investigate the deed or title. Dominican titles can be tricky. Read More
Moving to DR by elizabeth beyers
Would like to communicate with someone who has moved to D R. We are moving in the spring of 2024
@mema07195265 My wife is Dominocan. We are moving to La Vega from US. As a Dominican she is entitled to one move, as much as you want, no import tax except the car tax is 50% savings. Our 40 foot container should arrive 5/12/25. Call the ... Read More
Coming and going! by planner
Here is a thought:. Those coming and going who are willing to bring things back and forth OR need something carried, this is your thread. Post where you are coming to, when arriving, when leaving. Need something brought or delivered, post from ...
@oldsmobile442 Did she us a TSA approved luggage lock? I always use those and never have had problems at STI. - @taccj9903 No, but I now have 8 TSA approved locks and seal tape to wrap the suitcases with. Read More
Coming and going! by planner
Here is a thought:. Those coming and going who are willing to bring things back and forth OR need something carried, this is your thread. Post where you are coming to, when arriving, when leaving. Need something brought or delivered, post from ...
For all you non believers, let me tell you a story about STI. Many years ago, my wife's mother passed away in the US. My wife had her mother in a casket shipped via air to DR. Upon arrival, the casket and her mother was gone. This is ... Read More
Coming and going! by planner
Here is a thought:. Those coming and going who are willing to bring things back and forth OR need something carried, this is your thread. Post where you are coming to, when arriving, when leaving. Need something brought or delivered, post from ...
@oldsmobile442 I'm a gringo who's USA residence is in Colorado. I've put many things, many valuable things in my luggage and have flown to STI numerous times and have never had any issues. I mainly fly American with connections out of Miami. I ... Read More
Coming and going! by planner
Here is a thought:. Those coming and going who are willing to bring things back and forth OR need something carried, this is your thread. Post where you are coming to, when arriving, when leaving. Need something brought or delivered, post from ...
@oldsmobile442 You're assuming the theft happened at STI and not JFK? - @ddmcghee YES, My wife indicated it took a long time for the suitcases to arrive at the carosel Read More
Coming and going! by planner
Here is a thought:. Those coming and going who are willing to bring things back and forth OR need something carried, this is your thread. Post where you are coming to, when arriving, when leaving. Need something brought or delivered, post from ...
I already know theft happens in DR. I'm also assuming security is not as tight in DR. Maybe I am assuming JFK has stronger security and more cameras. But, it could have happened anywhere Read More
Aduna payment by Slin1953
Hi allI am in the process of hiring a moving company (Relocation Worldwide)After paying for the transportation from LA To DR should I paid this company for the aduna taxes at the port of entry or should i be present to paid for the taxes and ...
@ddmcghee That is interesting, the DR Consulate didn't tell my wife about that. She had to go to Santo Domingo to have her citizenship verified as the tax relief would not apply if she had more than 180 days in DR. Read More
Coming and going! by planner
Here is a thought:. Those coming and going who are willing to bring things back and forth OR need something carried, this is your thread. Post where you are coming to, when arriving, when leaving. Need something brought or delivered, post from ...
Regarding coming and going and bringing stuff. My Dominican wife left Colorado to Santiago STI airport. She flew 1st class Delta from Denver to JFK to STI. When she left her 2 suitcases weighed 69 lbs each. When she arrived and picked up her ... Read More
Aduna payment by Slin1953
Hi allI am in the process of hiring a moving company (Relocation Worldwide)After paying for the transportation from LA To DR should I paid this company for the aduna taxes at the port of entry or should i be present to paid for the taxes and ...
You or an agent needs to be present to pay when the value of the import taxes has been determined. Read More
Aduna payment by Slin1953
Hi allI am in the process of hiring a moving company (Relocation Worldwide)After paying for the transportation from LA To DR should I paid this company for the aduna taxes at the port of entry or should i be present to paid for the taxes and ...
@ddmcghee I believe the exemption is for returning Dominicans Read More
New members of the Dominican Republic forum, introduce yourselves here - 2025 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 ...
OK, I'll try this again.My name is Rich. My wife and I recently purchased a home in La Vega. I'm American, wife is Dominican. We are in our late 60s. My wife has a large family in Dominican Republic, in fact a cousin lives about 1 block away ... Read More
New members of the Dominican Republic forum, introduce yourselves here - 2025 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 ...
@Julien I posted an introduction, but your website threw it away Read More