i'm thinking to move to the DR from Imperial Beach Ca.

IB-ED

New member
Jun 18, 2012
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Hello Folks, first off, thanks for any advice you may offer. I just recently found this forum and already have seen a lot of useful info.

This all started because I am a native here in San Diego and do not surf. Body surfing and boogy boards have been it for me. I found a surf hotel in Cabarete, wrote to them and got water and air temp. today in Imperial beach, 63deg water, 69deg air. yeah, brrr. too cold to go in and, well,,i am so tempted by the water and air temps there.

reading about the area that I will be visiting, being now an empty nester, i'm thinking maybe I'll move there and live out my life riding the waves, eating great local food, getting back into shape, you know. you've been there and done that.

So ?
#1 do I need a lawyer to help with the immigration? i'm reasonably smart and do know how to follow helpful instructions.
#2 the clearance from the local cops. I have been arrested and charged 3 times during my 69 years. only 1 conviction, that was for a dui, oct 2011. all of the rest of the charges were dismissed.. is the record of arrests going to get in my way?
I do have a stable income. ssi and a couple of pensions. clean bill of health medically and a near perfect credit score..
#3 how important is it to speak Espa?ol? i do have some words, i can read more than i can converse, so Rosetta Stone or do I just throw myself into the midst of it?

Any insight from this forum is very much appreciated.
Hope to see you soon. IB-ED :cool:
 

mido

Bronze
May 18, 2002
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Just buy a flight and see if you like it here. If yes, the rest will fall into place somehow, don't get confused by the recent threads about immigration laws! Since you are not planning to work you will be fine.
 

mido

Bronze
May 18, 2002
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If he likes it after a couple of month he can go back for a couple of days and get his residency visa and the process for residency started. After all it will not be so much more complicated.
 
Dec 26, 2011
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#3 how important is it to speak Espa?ol? i do have some words, i can read more than i can converse, so Rosetta Stone or do I just throw myself into the midst of it?

Immerse yourself in Rosetta Stone and when you get to DR I swear you'll want your money back. But once you train your ear to Dominican Spanish , you'll be fine. Make a sincere effort to understand and be understood and your hosts will appreciate it.
 

DRob

Gold
Aug 15, 2007
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Welcome to DR1!

First, I'd encourage you to spend a few hours searching through the threads here (the "advanced search" box is near the top right hand side of your screen.) You'll find there's tons of information from people who have had experiences similar to yours.

Next, I'd get a ticket, and go there for a few weeks. If you've never been, there's a ton to experience. Cabarete, Sosua and Puerto Plata (known as the "North Coast") have a lot to offer, but it's not Southern California by any stretch. Which may be exactly what you're looking for.

If you have already been, then go back for another two weeks. This time, try to get a sense of what it would be like to live there (it's VERY different from being a tourist). You'll get the most information on where to live, etc., by simply walking around and asking about pricing.

Why Cabarete? If it's just about the surfing, it's a great place. If you're looking for a "beach" lifestyle, there are tons of other options on the island, but you need boots on the ground to really get a fair sense.

I wouldn't imagine your DUI to be any kind of impediment, and the guys who moderate the "legal" section on this site are reportedly very good.

You have the right idea though. Practice as much spanish as you can, plan to move with a realistic "beach" budget (meaning north of 2,000-2,500 if at all possible), and do as much pre-move recon as possible.

Best of luck!
 

william webster

Platinum
Jan 16, 2009
30,247
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I did it "cold turkey" and have lived to tell the tale.

You'll be fine.

Explore the island - Cabarete and Sosua have high turnover - lots of tourists.
You may find another place appealing.

Keep an open mind.
 

JohnnyBoy

Bronze
Jun 17, 2012
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I would say dont rush into anything. The DR is a wonderful place but it may take you a bit to catch your bearings.
 

IB-ED

New member
Jun 18, 2012
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Thanks for the comments folks. I was a little unclear in my original post.
I am headed to Cabarete to learn to surf. For a permanent place to live, I do not have a clear picture yet.
I see many options, I would probably prefer to be in an area where I could tap into expats for help and advice.

I was a single Dad twice in my life and really never had much opportunity to travel.
I might just want to bounce around a bit, I have made contact with a couple of women in pto plta, however my reading lately indicates that they may be working girls. that's ok, everybody has to eat, right? there has to be some legit women around, yes?
I'm not shy, so I think that I can manage that.
 

JohnnyBoy

Bronze
Jun 17, 2012
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you will learn fast, you have the right atitude. My experience was that ninety nine point nine percent of women in Sosua Cabarette POP Romana Boca Chica and anywhere else that has a tourist dollar are working. Doesnt make it bad just watch yourself dont make any promises during a viagra induced euphoria and remember that this is an everyday thing for them. Once you are in country for a while you can spot the workers a mile away.
 

IB-ED

New member
Jun 18, 2012
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0
you will learn fast, you have the right atitude. My experience was that ninety nine point nine percent of women in Sosua Cabarette POP Romana Boca Chica and anywhere else that has a tourist dollar are working. Doesnt make it bad just watch yourself dont make any promises during a viagra induced euphoria and remember that this is an everyday thing for them. Once you are in country for a while you can spot the workers a mile away.

I have some experience with Latinas. they are my favorite women. I'm thinking it is going to be hard concentrating on learning to surf, however the truth of it is that I've come a long way without it, I won't be too sad if I do more falling for the beautiful women than off the board.
I found what I think is a pretty good place to stay, Swell Surf Camp, prices seem to be ok and they specialize in teaching guys like me how to surf.
I'm wondering about the weather in mid September. any info on that?
 

windeguy

Platinum
Jul 10, 2004
42,211
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Imperial Beach Ca. 2 1/2 miles from the Mexico border. I can see Tijuana from the beach.
if it wasn't for the cold water i would never leave here.

I know exactly what you mean about the cold water of the Pacific having lived in the Bay Area for 10 years and the need for a wet suit. I ended up in Cabarete.
 
Dec 26, 2011
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I have some experience with Latinas. they are my favorite women. I'm thinking it is going to be hard concentrating on learning to surf, however the truth of it is that I've come a long way without it, I won't be too sad if I do more falling for the beautiful women than off the board.

Guessing that the Latinas you've known are mostly Mexican and/or Central American. If so, that will not prepare you for what you're about to experience/enjoy/suffer/delight in/undergo.
 

ExtremeR

Silver
Mar 22, 2006
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I was at Imperial Beach 2 years ago, it is BEAUTIFUL, seawater too cold for my taste though lol...