Why I think I'll be leave the DR (2.)

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silkesmo

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Jan 17, 2014
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Part 1 of this thread was very very helpful. Many of you who have lived here for many years gave good advice and helpful commentary. For that I thank you. Many of you stated that I came to the DR with way too high of expectations. After consideration, I believe that you all were correct. I came here with more than enough money to start a business and live comfortable for a few years even if the business failed. With my motivated can-do american attitude and business savvy I was sure that I my education and experience would allow me to be successful here. I was enamored with the beautiful women and seemingly humble culture that I had experienced in my previous visits here.

I had plans on moving here, starting a small business, marrying a beautiful Dominican woman who would teach me the essence of her culture and I mine, and we would live out our years in happiness watching the sunset in the evenings from our quaint house just outside the city. (I bet many of you are laughing at my naivete... lol)

Yesterday, I celebrated my 2 month anniversary of moving to this country. I was talking with a friend and he and I both were sharing some of our experiences. It was amazing that he felt the same way as I did. It felt good to know that I wasn't the only one.

I am VERY VERY reluctant to start a business here because of what I've been told about buying property, and what I've experienced in trying to rent commercial property here. I know it can be done, but the people are so blatantly predatoristic in their business practices it's shameful.(maybe I'll start a better business bureau lol). Also, I don't think that I can allow myself to fall in love here. The lies and acceptance of cheating in the culture is just not something that I can go along with. I know I'm a hopeless romantic and I just don't think I can take anymore heartbreak. People tell me that there are better people in non-tourist areas and I shall soon see as I plan on touring the country in week long trips. Nontheless, I'd have to meet an absolute angel in order to destroy my jaded mentality that has in turn built a fortified wall around my heart. It's a shame because I came with so much love to give.
I don't want to live in far away from the beach, that was the reason I moved here. Living in Santo Domingo, or Santiago, or even Constanza would be pointless to me. I might as well just move back home if that was the case. I don't know what to do. But like I said, I am giving it a few more months. I am trying to be as open-minded as possible. I believe that everything happens for a reason. So maybe this bitter experience is preparing me for something that is much more sweet. Only time will tell....

Thanks again for all your support. You guys/gals are great.
 

drescape24

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Nov 2, 2011
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Give yourself a lot more time than a couple of.months. You have the right idea about seeing more of the country. Good luck and enjoy your journey!

drescape24
 

Mauricio

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Nov 18, 2002
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There are many reasons why I would like to leave but I haven't encountered any problem in:

1. Buying property
2. Renting property
3. Doing business
4. Falling in love, marrying (11 years since march 1) with a Dominicana.

But it probably does depend on what circles you move in.
 

silkesmo

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What business are you interested in setting up, and is this your area of expertise?

At first I wanted to start a small beach bar. But until they open more beach side space in POP that is not something I am interested in. Being from the southern states of US, I was really looking forward to starting a chicken and waffles restaurant. The one and only in the country.
 

windeguy

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At first I wanted to start a small beach bar. But until they open more beach side space in POP that is not something I am interested in. Being from the southern states of US, I was really looking forward to starting a chicken and waffles restaurant. The one and only in the country.

If you started a chicken and waffles restaurant and it was successful, in a few months at least two other people would start chicken and waffles restaurants in close proximity to yours.

I never recommend for anyone to come to the DR if they need to work for a living.
 

kenthedentman

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Apr 10, 2012
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2 months? Huh. You are just passing the honeymoon phase. Relax. Take a vacation from here after awhile. But for now you need to press throught the pain. In a few months you will be to the point you can make EDUCATED decisions. Right now you still dont know what you dont know. Life on Earth isnt easy. The chicas are great here, just dont invest in anything that you arent willing to walk away from. All i know is that once i got rid of expectations and being tied to things and or people my life has been much happier.
 

VJS

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Sep 19, 2010
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Puerto Plata is maybe one of the worst places in DR for an expat, my respect to those who can survive and even thrive there, I can never leave that town fast enough. You need to travel around the country more - just rent a car and drive to experience more of it. Everyone always wants to stay at the beach initially but I find the inner regions of the island are healthier on so many levels.
 

windeguy

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Puerto Plata is maybe one of the worst places in DR for an expat, my respect to those who can survive and even thrive there, I can never leave that town fast enough. You need to travel around the country more - just rent a car and drive to experience more of it. Everyone always wants to stay at the beach initially but I find the inner regions of the island are healthier on so many levels.

I agree with Puerto Plata being a lot less than special. If I had to live inside the DR I would leave the country.
 

ramesses

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Jun 17, 2005
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The restaurant/bar business here must have the largest failure rate around here. I can not even remember the number of bars and restaurants that have failed here in Sosua over the past 11 years I have been here. It would be a good idea IMO to look down a different avenue.
 

Ken

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Jan 1, 2002
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I agree with Puerto Plata being a lot less than special. If I had to live inside the DR I would leave the country.

Is something missing in your message? "If I had to live inside the DR I would leave the country" makes no sense to me.
 

windeguy

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Jul 10, 2004
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Is something missing in your message? "If I had to live inside the DR I would leave the country" makes no sense to me.

I context with the post that I quoted "inside the DR" means the inner part of the country away from the coast:

I agree with Puerto Plata being a lot less than special. If I had to live in the inner part of the DR I would leave the country.
 

sayanora

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Feb 22, 2012
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I have an EXTREMELY difficult time imagining myself living anywhere else in the world other than Santiago. This is coming from someone who grew up in Florida, moved to San Diego (military), toured south america for 2 years after 4 years in the Navy, and finally settled back in my home country. I was born in La Vega but that's too country for me, Santiago is the absolute perfect mix of city and country life that is just right for me. I must be honest though, I have never really hated living anywhere, some people just have a hard time finding the good in anything.

Regarding the competition on the businessfront, don't bother listening to people's negativity. Look at Gordito's in Caberete, probably one of the most successful restaurants on the North coast, they do mexican and I have never seen any other mexican restaurants in Cabarete. If it was like people said, there would be taco shops all up and down the strip and there isn't one.
 

sayanora

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Feb 22, 2012
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There is another Mexican restaurant in Cabarete a block off the main drag, don't remember it's name Aguave maybe. Nice place Has Speedy Gonzalez on the walls.
DerFish

Why'd you have to shoot down my point lol.. My point is if you do a business right, you can have extreme success in the DR, more than the US in my experience. The trick is to have something that can't be easily replicated. I can't buy taco shells and ground beef mixed with el paso and expect to compete with Gordito's. They simmer pork for 4-6 hours daily and make quite a few different types of salsas from scratch. The negativity that I've seen typically comes from people who have been unsuccessful because they took on a business that they were either unfamiliar with or was easily replicated. The DR market is ripe for all types of business, you just damn well better know what you are doing or you'll get eaten alive.
 

Africaida

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Jun 19, 2009
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Love your honesty OP.
You sound like you sound like you will be fine, just give it more time.
 

TropicalPaul

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Sep 3, 2013
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I run two businesses here, and it isn't difficult, I find it a lot easier than running businesses in the UK. You don't have the health and safety regulations to deal with, and you have nowhere near the level of competition to deal with. Wages are reasonably low, taxes are fair, and it's very possible to make a nice living. And once you get the right staff, they are very loyal and work very hard. I only employ Dominicans.

I wouldn't recommend anyone starts a bar - or a restaurant - they seem to be the businesses which are most fragile and close down with amazing regularity. I have two bars in my street and one has opened and closed under different names six times in 2013, and looks very likely to close again soon. There are so many things that people need in this country and there are many many expats who run very successful businesses doing things like selling solar panels or stainless steel or specialist tiles or shipping services or a hundred other things. Just like anywhere else in the world, if you are going to set up a business, you need to do it to make money, not to entertain yourself, you need to research your market and you need to find something that people need to buy.
 

yacht chef

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Sep 13, 2009
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Man you say you have money so please slow down .
Yes travel and see the DR the whole DR come up with a good idea think it through and then think it through agane.
Two mounths and you want a wife and a good restrount / bar ? you sound like me lol.
Take 3 girlfriend's go slow even if you find a 85% good girl she will still cheet from time to time that is just how it is in the DR
But you can too :) . You are in a very cool place I and a lot of other people would love to be in your shoes.
As for the restrount/bar stay small to start I have had dreams of a relly good BBQ place but a streat stand place like the dominackens open
all the time on every corner. Thy got this idea from good old NYC. Play there game just come at from a different angle.
 
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