Family from London relocating to punta cana :-))

Martanathan

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Jan 8, 2014
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Hello everyone !!! We are relocating to punta cana from London in February and being very new to the country we would kindly appreciate any advice . Most probably we will rent in cocotal golf course and my husband will be working for a hard rock casino :) it's all very new and exciting , however we have absolutely no clue about the area or way of life ,where to shop , where to send our 7 yr old to school ( PC international school?? ) etc . I am also pregnant and planning to have a baby in dr instead of Europe :) we will welcome any advice ;-) thank you so much marta and Nathan
 

Mauricio

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Nov 18, 2002
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My advice: your husband should come alone in February and you should give birth in UK and allow your son to finish his school year in UK as well and follow in the summer.
 

Stephistication

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Jan 8, 2014
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To be honest I would agree, don't have the child in the DR, you will find it restrictive then as it will be DR citizen and is harder for visa etc, you would be better to have the baby in the UK so you are not restricted to travel as can then have it on your UK passport. I can happily give some xtra tips and info if you wanted to email me, also if you are on facebook at all there is a lot of info on some of the pages already there for you.
You will need to be very aware of certain things living there and the way of life.
 

frank12

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Sep 6, 2011
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My advice: your husband should come alone in February and you should give birth in UK and allow your son to finish his school year in UK as well and follow in the summer.[/QUOTE

Damn! You think it's a good idea that she and her son stays behind until summer...6 months away?

Frank
 

mountainannie

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Dec 11, 2003
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elizabetheames.blogspot.com
Hello everyone !!! We are relocating to punta cana from London in February and being very new to the country we would kindly appreciate any advice . Most probably we will rent in cocotal golf course and my husband will be working for a hard rock casino :) it's all very new and exciting , however we have absolutely no clue about the area or way of life ,where to shop , where to send our 7 yr old to school ( PC international school?? ) etc . I am also pregnant and planning to have a baby in dr instead of Europe :) we will welcome any advice ;-) thank you so much marta and Nathan

UK Border Agency | Children born abroad to parents who are British by descent and who have lived in the United Kingdom in the past
just make sure that your baby will have the rights of UK citizenship! (and bring the proper paperwork for the Embassy!)

Welcome to the DR!
 

Chirimoya

Well-known member
Dec 9, 2002
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Welcome to DR1 and to the Punta Cana area! If you will be living in Cocotal you can also consider the B?varo Bilingual school which is not as well-established as PCIS but it is less expensive.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bavaro-Bilingual-School/254379817911835

This is the PCIS page - The Puntacana International School in Dominican Republic

There is also a small primary school near Cocotal called Arca de Noe, but it is not bilingual:

Colegio El Arca de No?

There is also the Cap Cana Heritage school, much more expensive and further away.
----------- Cap Cana Heritage School ----------- - Home

For shopping you have the Palma Real shopping centre right next door which includes banks, chemist, supermarket, cinemas and restaurants, and the even bigger San Juan shopping centre which is less than 10 minutes drive away.

I also advise having the baby in the UK if possible.
 

Mauricio

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Nov 18, 2002
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My advice: your husband should come alone in February and you should give birth in UK and allow your son to finish his school year in UK as well and follow in the summer.

Damn! You think it's a good idea that she and her son stays behind until summer...6 months away?

Frank

Well, the best idea in my opinion is to stay in Europe. But who am I to suggest that since I came myself as well, with (then) 2 small children.

I think it is hard for a child to get used to a country like this, especially when living in an expat community, (not a real city) like PC. It will make it more difficult when you pull him out of his school in the middle of the school year.

Besides, OP makes clear they have no clue about how life is in this country. If her husband first comes alone he can prepare everything for them. Learn to know how things work in the country and when the rest of the family comes, he at least will know a little bit how things work.

Finally: trying to get used to this country isn't easy just like that. Add to that giving birth (without insurance - USD5000 if you want it the european way) and I think it's a disaster waiting to happen, or at least a deception and probably a trauma.

Migrating isn't fun and a family should be well prepared when doing this.It looks like an adventure when you are still in your country, but it is a lot more than an adventure, especially when children are involved.
 

InsanelyOne

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Oct 21, 2008
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Prepare to live in contrary-land. Nothing is as it seems. Especially now in Bavaro/Punta Cana. At first glance things appear quite First World-like but it's certainly not. Admittedly there are time when things do go logically and smoothly but most of the time nothing works like you expect it to.

Dominicans are an affable breed. They do lots of smiling and nodding and saying "s?". They will make you think they know what you are asking about but it will readily become obvious they don't. They just don't like to disagree. They will promise everything and deliver nothing. If you want something done in a timely manner, prepare to be tenacious.

And lastly, don't fight it. This is their country and they do things their way. You will drive yourself crazy trying to change anything.

Enjoy yourself in "paradise". With the right attitude and with proper planning/care/caution you can thrive here.
 

Chirimoya

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Dec 9, 2002
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I think it is hard for a child to get used to a country like this, especially when living in an expat community, (not a real city) like PC. It will make it more difficult when you pull him out of his school in the middle of the school year.
PC is more than an expat community. Our friends and neighbours in Punta Cana Village, like Cocotal, include many Dominican professionals and businesspeople.

My family moved to a completely new continent, country and language halfway through the school year when I was 7 and my sister was 3 - and we adapted. If dealt with in a certain way, children will see change as an adventure and unless they are overprotected and mollycoddled they are much more resilient and adaptable than many people give them credit for.

On the question of birth - it is not just the cost, it is the way pregnancy and childbirth are treated in the DR private sector as opposed to the UK. No midwives, almost certainly C-section regardless of the woman's wishes, and zero breastfeeding encouragement and support. Having said that, I have a friend in Cocotal who is the La Leche League rep in the area who will be a good person to contact no matter what you decide.
 

PJT

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Jan 8, 2002
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A big commitment ?

Welcome in advance.

Chirimoya offers you some good advice regarding schooling.

You are coming here with your eyes full of stars, but the reality of the country and the Punta Cana tourist zone makes demands on your patience, budget, and living activities. Yet, you may thrive in it. It would be great to visit first so you can get your feet wet and at least get a taste of the environment.

The best idea is to follow the suggestions of the previous posters, regarding your child to finish school and your giving birth in the UK.

Next, be sure your husband has some form of written contract of employment that states his terms of employment. The reason is work regulations and the work culture in the Dominican Republic dance to the tune of a different drummer. The result there is a large and regular turnover of employees as regulations favor the employer on hiring and firing. The side effect of this culture is many arrive in the zone and make long term rental and lease contracts, six months or more, for housing and then after a short time find the work is not suitable, they do not get paid, or they are fired. They are now unemployed in a foreign country and saddled with a housing contract. So review this aspect of Dominican living before you make a big commitment. Have a backup plan to pull out if needed.

Best regards,

PJT
 

dv8

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Sep 27, 2006
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i relocated from london to DR 8 years ago and it came as a bit of a shock. immediate depression, more like.

just to clarify on the costs of birth, here in POP a c-section in a private hospital, with nice private room and decent care is about 2,000 dollars. that's not unimaginable amount of money but it is a bit more worrisome that in case of any complication - with the mother or the baby - one can run into much higher costs.

today there are several articles regarding infant mortality in DR (i will put those in the living section): in the UK it's 4.91 deaths per 1000 live births and in DR 29.57. i cannot bear kids, of course but if i could i would not give birth here. i recon pregnancy and birth are stressful as it is.

i am a long way from punta cana but should you want to drop me a PM i will be happy to help in whatever i can. straight away i strongly suggest getting health insurance immediately upon arrival. if your husband will work for hard rock hotel then there is a possibility he can get insurance from work and sign you as a family with him. it will not cover pre-existing conditions like pregnancy but it's a must for everyone here.

good luck.
 

Mauricio

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Nov 18, 2002
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PC is more than an expat community. Our friends and neighbours in Punta Cana Village, like Cocotal, include many Dominican professionals and businesspeople.

My family moved to a completely new continent, country and language halfway through the school year when I was 7 and my sister was 3 - and we adapted. If dealt with in a certain way, children will see change as an adventure and unless they are overprotected and mollycoddled they are much more resilient and adaptable than many people give them credit for.

On the question of birth - it is not just the cost, it is the way pregnancy and childbirth are treated in the DR private sector as opposed to the UK. No midwives, almost certainly C-section regardless of the woman's wishes, and zero breastfeeding encouragement and support. Having said that, I have a friend in Cocotal who is the La Leche League rep in the area who will be a good person to contact no matter what you decide.

I agree that children adapt easier than adults, but not all children are the same, and ideally I wouldn't break up a school year.

I'm not saying it has never happened, and the child won't adapt, I just think it makes it harder. Also taking in consideration that the OP don't seem to be too well prepared, and the migration is only one month away.
 

jkc

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Jun 24, 2013
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I think Moving to another country can be DAY AND NIGHT! I GUESS, like other people, have stated, i would test the TERRAIN first before bringing my wife and kid! TWO DIFFERENT COUNTRIES, TWO DIFFERENT CULTURES! DAYS AND NIGHTS!
 

DRob

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Aug 15, 2007
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Hello everyone !!! We are relocating to punta cana from London in February and being very new to the country we would kindly appreciate any advice . Most probably we will rent in cocotal golf course and my husband will be working for a hard rock casino :) it's all very new and exciting , however we have absolutely no clue about the area or way of life ,where to shop , where to send our 7 yr old to school ( PC international school?? ) etc . I am also pregnant and planning to have a baby in dr instead of Europe :) we will welcome any advice ;-) thank you so much marta and Nathan

Marta and Nathan,

Welcome to DR1! Looks like you are set for quite an experience, best of luck. You've gotten some good advice so far in terms of schools and making sure your newest addition gets to keep all their rights as a future Brit. Also, having Nathan go and help set up first would be helpful, especially given Marta's delicate condition. That said, perhaps the family doesn't like the idea of splitting up for half a year, which is totally understandable. Either way, I hope you have an amazing adventure.

There's a lot of good info - and people - on this site. You'll quickly figure out those who know what they're talking about and have a willingness to help.

To (some of) the other folk:

C'mon, y'all. They seem to have the right idea, and are looking for some advice BEFORE they make their move. There's no shortage of folks who did it the other way around.

Mauricio, if Nathan can lock down the job (and be paid UK-level amounts for the work), they will have a quality of life substantially above that of many expats in the area. If I recall, one of your main issues was a chronic shortage of funds, which may be inapplicable here.

Ample funds, an open mind, patience, and a commitment to learning the language and culture go an awful long way towards smoothing things over in a transition. As Nathan is either in - or moving into - the hospitality industry, being in exceedingly touristy areas is sort of the norm that the family would encounter regardless of where he was. I mean, it's not like the island culture is dramatically better on Grand Turk, you know.

Anyway, again buena suerte to the family!
 
Mar 1, 2009
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I really like the responses, they have been very sensitive and some positive. Martha and Nathan, you have received very sensible advice, as a native Dominican I welcome you to my country. Dominicans are very nice people, they are your typical Caribbean islander. We take things slower and dilly dally a lot more than other people. I think it was PJT who said Dominicans smile and say, si, si, si....But action on the si, si, si is wanting.
Be nice and courteous, yet keep your distance is all I can say.
You are going to have a great time, believe it.
My friend who is a Spaniard just left the Hard Rock in PC after more than four years. He came back to Miami.
I asked him why?
Was it crime?
Was it the heat?
Was it the Hurricanes?
Was it the natives?
Was it the cost of living?
Nope......
He said it was too nice and quiet for him.

Go figure,

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC cccCCCCCCcccCc
 

Mauricio

Gold
Nov 18, 2002
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That's right. If he can make anything above EUR5,000 / month I don't see any problem coming here (I would still not go the three / four of them right away, but have the husband go first.

If we are talking about an income around EUR3,000 or less however we are talking about a whole different 'adventure'. I don't think that would be chronic shortage of funds but the problem would be a chronic excessive outflow of funds, inherent to a undeveloped country where one would like to live as in a developed country.

It all depends on the package one is being offered though. If you'd get a reasonable salary + complete health insurance (including medicines and the best doctors and hospitals) + transportation + trips back home, go for it (but let your wife and child at home till you prepared the way for a bit at least).
 

HUG

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Feb 3, 2009
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Punta cana is nice, nice for a short term unless you are working and keeping occupied. My main concern for you would be that you will not have the support network for a newborn and your 7 year old while keeping your own self contented, it is going to be tough. There is very very little here to go and stroll around and just empty your thoughts or even shop to cure post natal needs. On top of this, you must have a car here or you are housebound, to drive legally here for longer than 3 months you are going to need a dominican driving license, for this you will need your residency which will take you at least 9 months to process if you begin now and then a couple of months to get your licence. For this reason alone I think it best to hang tight and have your child and apply for your legals. Like most of us you could drive here illegal, but most of us do not have the obligations of newborns, if you got locked up then that would be your family's time over here.
My intention is not to be negative, I do however wish to point out a couple of the negative sides and possibilities of you coming here in February without a clue of the negatives you may face.
Welcome to you all and good luck.
 

Criss Colon

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Jan 2, 2002
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My family moved from a small Illinois farm town when I was 11 years old, in the middle of the school year, to Valencia Venezuela.
And look how I turned out!!!!!
When we left 2 years later, I wanted to stay behind.
I'm sure my parents had to think for a while about THAT.
But they took me anyway!
"Travel", in my opinion, is the "Best Teacher"!!!!
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
 

Mauricio

Gold
Nov 18, 2002
5,607
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My family moved from a small Illinois farm town when I was 11 years old, in the middle of the school year, to Valencia Venezuela.
And look how I turned out!!!!!
When we left 2 years later, I wanted to stay behind.
I'm sure my parents had to think for a while about THAT.
But they took me anyway!
"Travel", in my opinion, is the "Best Teacher"!!!!
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC

I was thinking about you, when I recommended waiting till the end of the school year......
 

leromero

Bronze
May 30, 2004
613
4
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web.mac.com
My family moved from a small Illinois farm town when I was 11 years old, in the middle of the school year, to Valencia Venezuela.
And look how I turned out!!!!!
When we left 2 years later, I wanted to stay behind.
I'm sure my parents had to think for a while about THAT.
But they took me anyway!
"Travel", in my opinion, is the "Best Teacher"!!!!
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC

Now I understand you! I was born in Caracas and lived in Barquisimeto till I was about 6 or so. I agree that traveling is a good teacher. Good advice in this thread so far. Knowing what I do about the DR I would also suggest that she delivers in the UK. Good Luck!