moving to DR, have job - any tips?

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mary

Guest
Im moving to Santo Domingo in the next month and would love some info on neighborhoods to look in for an apartment, cultural norms etc...I will have a good job so money is not a huge concern. I would like to live in an upscale area but it doesnt have to be an American area, I am looking forward to "living" in the DR, not just having an apartment there. I did buy the book "living in Santo Domingo ('98) from the Expatriate site. One thing that has made me nervous is how the men treat women. I am single and dont want to put my dating life on hold just because Im in a foreign country but I have been reading that the men are playboys...have many girlfreinds etc...is this true? Does anyone have any info? I know this happens all over the world but I am wondering if the stories I am hearing/reading have a lot of truth to them? Also, I have cats that I want to bring with me, any info on bringing pets to the country? I plan to visit the consulates but if anyone has already gone through this, word of mouth is always helpful!! Thanks! Any tips on the details of moving...cost of bringing my furniture vs buying new stuff...what tips can you share with me???
 
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susannah

Guest
Mary,

I haven't been here long enough to comment on the men. Though I can say, blondes get a lot of attention, wanted and otherwise. The psst,psst on the street can get a little annoying.

But having recently done the apartment search, maybe I can offer a little on that.

A nice safe neighborhood, that's kind of mixed, nice places and not so pricey places, is Gazcue. It's not where most of the folks with lots of money live, except a few old families who have great old homes here. (I have an apartment in Gazcue.) But there are some nice buildings with all the amenities, views, etc.

Not too many Americans in Gazcue, maybe because it is a mixed area. Some, though. The embassy is here.

Other nice neighborhoods, upscale rather than mixed, are Arroyo Hondo and Mirador Sur.

I don't know how much it would cost to get furniture shipped in. Buying decent furniture is more expensive here than at home because a lot of it is imported. Island economy, you know. It's very easy to spend $1,000 on a couch that you might pay $500 for in the States. $300 for a 13-inch television. Etc. But everything you need is pretty much available locally. In up to date styles, etc. It will depend somewhat on what your employer is paying for in terms of moving expenses.

I don't have the Living in Santo Domingo book (my move was with three weeks notice, so I didn't have time to do a lot of research.) It probably mentions buildings with "planta full," electric plants that take over during black outs. We've been having rolling blackouts, several hours at a time, for a couple weeks now. The problem seems to come and go but it's pretty much guaranteed to be a problem when you get here or soon thereafter.

Also, some apartments are pretty much stripped down models, no appliances. It's easy enough to buy appliances, but it's kind of a hassle and they're more expensive here than at home, so figure that into your costs if you look at one like that.

I didn't bring pets in either, so I can't help you there.

Hope you like it here! Let me know if you have other questions. If you like you can email me at ap.snesmith@codetel.net.do

Susannah
 
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mary

Guest
Hi Susannah,

Thanks for the info! Where did you move from? What do you do in the DR? Some people have e-mailed me with information also, everyone is so helpful! I have heard of some of the neighborhoods you mention. I hear mixed reports on furniture, some say it is the same as in the US others, more. I have heard that the cost to bring your furniture with you is very high. I have not negotiated the relocation expenses yet, but hope to have some luck there.

Ill keep your e-mail and write you.

Thanks!
 
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Amilda Betancourt

Guest
Dear Mary, You sound very familiar to other clients we had offered our services. I am sure you will be very interested in contacting us too. We offer a complete orientation program for new residents. During the first few weeks of a transfer to a new country everything is new and different. "There is so much to learn and so much to do". A service is available that understands your needs from personal experience and listens to your specific requirements. Expat Relocation Services created by two expatriates, one from Great Britain and the other from Puerto Rico with a combined total of ten years in the country and many other overseas. Our "know how" provides you with the ideal bridge between you and your new surroundings. The sooner you settle in, the sooner you will be able to start enjoying your new foreign assignment. Everything you need to know we provide for you. If we don't know the answer to your query we will find out. Some of our services: Recommend the right hotel for you- Not all hotels are created equals. You may prefer a hotel with a casino, pool and gym, or be more interested in proximity to your work place. Getting about,"Do's and Don'ts", cultural schocks. House Hunting - We use your time to the best advantage by showing you what you are looking for and not waste your time with properties that don't fit your interests. We provide the information for the bringing of pets to the country, and introduce you with good vets. Medical Assistance - Takes you to visit each of the clinics most frequented by the foreign community. We put you in touch with doctors who speak your native language. Legal - Resident visa, rental contracts, etc... Visit social clubs of your interest, supermarkets, shopping centers, furniture stores. We help in finding household help, drivers? Also, if you wish we will introduce you with people who have common interest with you.. This and many other things we can provide for you. Some of the questions that you have depend on the package that the company offers you. Amilda - (809)535-0787; cel: 1-545-9121 Deborah (809)567-5079; cel: 1-710-1285

Also: jr.codetel@codetel.net.do

e.betancourt@codetel.net.do