Hi Everyone,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
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First of all I'd like to thank all the members here who are so generous with their time and provide such great advice. I have been through a ton of threads here and I think I got some very useful information. I apologize if what I am about to ask has already been discussed somewhere, and would be thankful for someone to refer me to that post.<o></o>
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I am 28 years old, single, considering moving to the DR as I just got offered a job through my company. I currently reside in the United States and moving there would be a dream come true. The job is located in Santiago and so far I think I've gotten more than enough information on what a budget would be down there - The problems is that I plan to move either move there with my car (my company would pay for it) but it is a sedan. That is the one thing I did not see any information on. How much would it cost additionally to have a car? I have put together a budget of approximately $110,000DOP without taking into account a car - I overstated my budget to give me a bit of cushion in case anything happens. My Car is a 2009 Honda Accord<o></o>
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I am sure some will probably think $110K is high, but I truly want to keep about the same lifestyle as I have in the States: I looked at a place in Trinitaria, I am looking to get internet at 8MBps from Codetel, along with the TV package that has the all the movie channels. I will be working 80-90 hrs a week so I plan to have a some help for cooking and cleaning and I budgeted $3500 pesos for someone to come 5x a week (no need to sleep in) - The other 2 days I plan to eat out, or cook if time permits.<o></o>
I have planned $8,000 a month for groceries<o></o>
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To those who have moved from the US to DR, (Santiago preferably) <o></o>
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1) What were some surprise one time costs you had? I am thinking Stove, Fridge, Inverter, cedula<o></o>
2) What were some surprise monthly costs that cropped up? I put cooking gas, electric, Internet, Cable, water, housekeeper, groceries, personal care (hair cut, doctor?s visit, gym) and of course entertainment<o></o>
3) What about taxes? Do we have to pay taxes to the Dominican government? If so what is the rate? I have heard a million different things<o></o>
4) What is the process of establishing credit there? I am thinking of keeping my car for maybe a year, and then upgrade to a pickup truck. Someone told me as long as I have 30% to put down then they will finance me?<o></o>
5) Is there such a thing as renter?s insurance?<o></o>
6) How much does car insurance go for including services from Casa del Conductor?<o></o>
7) Hilux pickup truck or Amarok? I?ve heard they are both great but Amarok is a LOT less expensive than Hilux<o></o>
Thanks to all those who will respond!<o></o>
<o></o>
First of all I'd like to thank all the members here who are so generous with their time and provide such great advice. I have been through a ton of threads here and I think I got some very useful information. I apologize if what I am about to ask has already been discussed somewhere, and would be thankful for someone to refer me to that post.<o></o>
<o></o>
I am 28 years old, single, considering moving to the DR as I just got offered a job through my company. I currently reside in the United States and moving there would be a dream come true. The job is located in Santiago and so far I think I've gotten more than enough information on what a budget would be down there - The problems is that I plan to move either move there with my car (my company would pay for it) but it is a sedan. That is the one thing I did not see any information on. How much would it cost additionally to have a car? I have put together a budget of approximately $110,000DOP without taking into account a car - I overstated my budget to give me a bit of cushion in case anything happens. My Car is a 2009 Honda Accord<o></o>
<o></o>
I am sure some will probably think $110K is high, but I truly want to keep about the same lifestyle as I have in the States: I looked at a place in Trinitaria, I am looking to get internet at 8MBps from Codetel, along with the TV package that has the all the movie channels. I will be working 80-90 hrs a week so I plan to have a some help for cooking and cleaning and I budgeted $3500 pesos for someone to come 5x a week (no need to sleep in) - The other 2 days I plan to eat out, or cook if time permits.<o></o>
I have planned $8,000 a month for groceries<o></o>
<o></o>
To those who have moved from the US to DR, (Santiago preferably) <o></o>
<o></o>
1) What were some surprise one time costs you had? I am thinking Stove, Fridge, Inverter, cedula<o></o>
2) What were some surprise monthly costs that cropped up? I put cooking gas, electric, Internet, Cable, water, housekeeper, groceries, personal care (hair cut, doctor?s visit, gym) and of course entertainment<o></o>
3) What about taxes? Do we have to pay taxes to the Dominican government? If so what is the rate? I have heard a million different things<o></o>
4) What is the process of establishing credit there? I am thinking of keeping my car for maybe a year, and then upgrade to a pickup truck. Someone told me as long as I have 30% to put down then they will finance me?<o></o>
5) Is there such a thing as renter?s insurance?<o></o>
6) How much does car insurance go for including services from Casa del Conductor?<o></o>
7) Hilux pickup truck or Amarok? I?ve heard they are both great but Amarok is a LOT less expensive than Hilux<o></o>
Thanks to all those who will respond!<o></o>