Ok, sorry about my first post being so long, but taking such a huge step in someones life is never a short story.
I am planning on moving to Santiago by the end of this year (December 2011). I?ve been planning for a little over 3 years and believe to have everything worked out, at least in theory. I have an Engineering degree (Electrical) and also a Master?s degree (Electrical). I am 35 and married with a 2-1/2 year old daughter. Reasons for moving are plenty but basically love the DR weather/life. I was born in DR and came to NY when I was 7. Lived most of my life here but did live in DR from ages 15-22 so I know what it is like to live there. Basically the purpose of the this post is to get your input on my planning. I?ll break it down this way.
1. Where will you live?
Recently my wife and I purchased a ?solar? in Santiago, as far as I know it is a decent area (not a barrio nor is it Los Cerros). I plan on building a house there, I already have my budget, $3.4MDR.
Questions: ->> Is this budget reasonable? Any thoughts/tips on contractors?
2. Where will you work/get your money from?
My brother is currently teaching in Santiago and I am hoping to get a job at the same University he teaches in. I also have some income coming in from some 2 cellphone store investments here in NY, plus I have invested in ?mortgage loans? in DR. I also do internet marketing (I own several websites). I estimate that a 3 family household would need anywhere from $40,000 - $60,000 pesos per month.
Questions ->> How much money would someone need to live reasonably for a family of 3?
3. What about household stuff?
My plan is to ship all my belongings. I received a quote from a shipper, they quoted me at $4,500US with $65 for every box.
Questions -> Is this price reasonable? Anyone used/recommend a shipper? Should I leave anything behind and consider buying in DR (Such as sofa, bedroom/living room set) because of humidity and such?
4. What about security?
Within my budget I put aside for a security/surveillance service, plus I plan on installing cameras around my property.
Questions -> Are the security services trustworthy? What about a Watchy-man? What type of house is more likely to be broken into (A house left alone, a house with lots of visible stuff?)
5. What about your dogs?
Yeah, I have 2 dogs. I am planning on shipping them. Called up 2 major airlines (Delta and American Airlines) and they quoted me at around $1500 to get both dogs there as live cargo.
Questions -> Any tips from someone who has shipped large dogs (larger than 50lbs)? Would it be best to sedate them?
6. What about transportation?
I plan on selling my car here plus I have put aside money to get a car over there. People are telling me to get a diesel, but then I hear that because the diesel engine parts are more expensive, gasoline engine vehicle would be better.
Questions -> Diesel or Gasoline?
7. What about internet?
This is really big for me as I need fast access (more than 4Mbps). I looked around and from what I can tell codetel has the fastest.
Question -> Anyone in Santiago have a good internet service provider? I am looking for anything over 4Mbps down, is that possible? How much should I expect to pay for something like this?
Appreciate any input you guys can give me.
I am planning on moving to Santiago by the end of this year (December 2011). I?ve been planning for a little over 3 years and believe to have everything worked out, at least in theory. I have an Engineering degree (Electrical) and also a Master?s degree (Electrical). I am 35 and married with a 2-1/2 year old daughter. Reasons for moving are plenty but basically love the DR weather/life. I was born in DR and came to NY when I was 7. Lived most of my life here but did live in DR from ages 15-22 so I know what it is like to live there. Basically the purpose of the this post is to get your input on my planning. I?ll break it down this way.
1. Where will you live?
Recently my wife and I purchased a ?solar? in Santiago, as far as I know it is a decent area (not a barrio nor is it Los Cerros). I plan on building a house there, I already have my budget, $3.4MDR.
Questions: ->> Is this budget reasonable? Any thoughts/tips on contractors?
2. Where will you work/get your money from?
My brother is currently teaching in Santiago and I am hoping to get a job at the same University he teaches in. I also have some income coming in from some 2 cellphone store investments here in NY, plus I have invested in ?mortgage loans? in DR. I also do internet marketing (I own several websites). I estimate that a 3 family household would need anywhere from $40,000 - $60,000 pesos per month.
Questions ->> How much money would someone need to live reasonably for a family of 3?
3. What about household stuff?
My plan is to ship all my belongings. I received a quote from a shipper, they quoted me at $4,500US with $65 for every box.
Questions -> Is this price reasonable? Anyone used/recommend a shipper? Should I leave anything behind and consider buying in DR (Such as sofa, bedroom/living room set) because of humidity and such?
4. What about security?
Within my budget I put aside for a security/surveillance service, plus I plan on installing cameras around my property.
Questions -> Are the security services trustworthy? What about a Watchy-man? What type of house is more likely to be broken into (A house left alone, a house with lots of visible stuff?)
5. What about your dogs?
Yeah, I have 2 dogs. I am planning on shipping them. Called up 2 major airlines (Delta and American Airlines) and they quoted me at around $1500 to get both dogs there as live cargo.
Questions -> Any tips from someone who has shipped large dogs (larger than 50lbs)? Would it be best to sedate them?
6. What about transportation?
I plan on selling my car here plus I have put aside money to get a car over there. People are telling me to get a diesel, but then I hear that because the diesel engine parts are more expensive, gasoline engine vehicle would be better.
Questions -> Diesel or Gasoline?
7. What about internet?
This is really big for me as I need fast access (more than 4Mbps). I looked around and from what I can tell codetel has the fastest.
Question -> Anyone in Santiago have a good internet service provider? I am looking for anything over 4Mbps down, is that possible? How much should I expect to pay for something like this?
Appreciate any input you guys can give me.