Moving to DR from London, UK

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RobFenton

New member
Dec 14, 2015
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Hi everyone,

Very happy to have been introduced to the DR1 forum and am hoping I will be able to get (and give) lots of useful advice.

I am planning on moving to DR (specifically Las Terrenas) in mid-2016, so was wondering if anyone had any general advice and/or suggestions about how I can make this move as easily and efficiently as possible. In particular, I would like some advice about the best way to bring my two large dogs over with me - so any introductions/referrals to specialist companies that deal in this sort of thing would be incredibly welcome.

That's it from me for now, but I look forward to chatting and maybe even meeting many of you soon.

All the best,

Rob :)
 
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william webster

Platinum
Jan 16, 2009
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Study up on the residency requirements if you plan to actually live here.

The dogs are not a problem if you can find an airline that will fly them.
You'll need cages that comply with airline specs.
Again, lots of comments here about the rules... vet letters, etc

They can go with you as checked luggage or you can fly the cargo (more $$)

good luck
 
Cdn_Gringo

Cdn_Gringo

Gold
Apr 29, 2014
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Welcome.

The DR is not renowned for it's "specialists" in anything.

Easiest way to move your stuff here, hire a Int'l moving company. Ask them to pick up your stuff at your old home in the UK and deliver it to your new home in this country.

Your dogs - You only have one choice, put them on a plane and fly them here. A moving date of mid 2016 sounds like summer to me. Check with your airline and see if they will allow dogs as cargo and ask if there are any restrictions based on temperature. Lots of airlines decline to carry dogs during the hot months. Check out the paperwork requirements for clearing your dogs through customs and the health dept. upon arrival in the DR. Not hard to do and not expensive if you don't count the cost of the flight.

Bring lots of money. You'll probably burn through a good amount of it getting yourself set up.
 
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RobFenton

New member
Dec 14, 2015
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Hi William,

Thanks for the heads up on the residency requirements. I've done a fair amount of that already and feel pretty comfortable about what I need to do on those fronts as well as setting up my business affairs, etc.

I've also spent time in DR travelling around the whole country to find where I want to live and fell completely in love with Las Terrenas. Now I just need to find a property to move in to.

As you say, finding an airline to find the dogs is not so easy, hence my request for referrals. I've found a couple but they are incredibly expensive, so wondering if anyone has any clever tricks/tips for getting my dogs over to DR.

Many thanks.

Rob :)
 
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RobFenton

New member
Dec 14, 2015
94
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Hi Gringo,

Good point about the timing/temperature considerations for the dogs. I will bear that in mind.

Thanks,

Rob
 
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william webster

Platinum
Jan 16, 2009
30,247
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Here's a dog tip then........

Not an easy one but one that will work and is affordable.

The Cdn airline WestJet flies dogs.... but only between Nov1 and May1
They also fly from the UK to Canada.... check on the dog rule there.

It would be a two leg trip.

Years ago , a Belgian brought 9 dogs in shifts... using a European airline.... which? don't know.

It'll be some research for you
 
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Expat-in-Cabarete

Bronze
Jan 17, 2009
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Try finding an European airline that will bring them, and a direct flight. Otherwise most airlines will take into account weather at any of your stops, and you're unlikely to bring me during the summer.

I moved here in July 06, from the US, and had to make a special flight in early May to bring my dog. I was lucky my husband was already here. Even then, in early May, I almost didn't make it because of the high temperatures in Miami (where we had to change planes).
 
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william webster

Platinum
Jan 16, 2009
30,247
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MIA has a dog walk zone, as does EWR....

but direct is better
The big + with Westjet is the cost...and the Samana flight.. $30-35 one way.... Toronto to Samana
 
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jinty05

Bronze
Feb 11, 2005
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I would suggest that you look into transporting your dogs via the direct flight operated by BA from Heathrow to Punta Cana.
 
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Kipling333

Bronze
Jan 12, 2010
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I would not rush into buying a property in Las Terrenas .. I think I would rent one and either buy or rent a car . Some places have some initial appeal here but as you live in the place for some months you may find that the place loses its appeal for a variety of reasons . I put las Terrenas in a category of lots of pluses and minuses. It depends on your age and interests to a large extent but you may care to think about the nearness of a good doctor and hospital , a cinema and a good supermarket as well as good climate with rain coming on a minimum of days
I am old but it took me quite some time to find where I was most at ease and I was surprised that it was not in the most visually appealing place
 
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RobFenton

New member
Dec 14, 2015
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Kipling333 said:
I would not rush into buying a property in Las Terrenas. I think I would rent one and either buy or rent a car . Some places have some initial appeal here but as you live in the place for some months you may find that the place loses its appeal for a variety of reasons . I put las Terrenas in a category of lots of pluses and minuses. It depends on your age and interests to a large extent but you may care to think about the nearness of a good doctor and hospital , a cinema and a good supermarket as well as good climate with rain coming on a minimum of days
I am old but it took me quite some time to find where I was most at ease and I was surprised that it was not in the most visually appealing place
Click to expand...

Thanks Kipling. I've done a bunch of research already on this and am pretty comfortable with my choices/decisions. Las Terrenas has everything that I am looking for.
 
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4*4*4

Bronze
May 4, 2015
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Welcome to DR1 Rob. I had the privilege of living and studying in the UK for a couple years. Hopefully, your experience will be as rewarding and enjoyable in the DR as mine was in your homeland.

Cheers,
 
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Matilda

RIP Lindsay
Sep 13, 2006
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There is a British Lady in Las Terrenas who runs a real estate company - rentals and sales with her British husband. Her name is Helen Mitchell - very good and worth getting in touch with.

http://beachtownproperty.com/

Matilda
 
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Helen Mitchell

New member
Jan 15, 2009
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Hi Rob, I'm from Sheffield and my hubby from Sutton Coldfield, we bought land in Las Terrenas and had a house built over 10 years ago .... We have lived here full time for 9 years now and flew our German Shepherd over here all those years ago. Any advice you need, we would love to help :)
 
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