Hey everyone? short time reader, first time poster? my name is Dennis and I am seriously considering another big move. I?m an American who has expatriated himself in the past to three different countries as an English teacher (Japan, Korean and Malaysia). Over the past one and one-half years I have managed to build up a respectable little business as a web content writer (the list of job descriptions is endless? suffice to say that if the web developer doesn?t have someone to write it? I do it for them). My business and pending minor book deal has made it possible for me to seriously consider moving abroad on my own terms (not having to find a work visa being the main point there) and living a quiet little life somewhere in what many might call paradise.
I?ve been considering Guam (I do like it there), but what with all the military buildup there as marines leave Okinawa and the huge rise in rents over the past two years (and more increases projected), it would appear I might consider elsewhere. After having done my Internet homework, it would appear that the DR is a decent place to contemplate a move.
I am not about to start asking all the dumb questions most might here. Rather, after having done a bit of research, I think I have a few oddly relevant questions that Ye Ol? Net has yet to offer up. And so I feel compelled to ask those whom are in the know.
My first question revolves around Internet access itself. I have yet to find a ?definitive? answer to what kinds of Inet access is available (dial-up, DSL, satellite etc?), nor about how much each kind of entry method costs. Is there anyone here who could answer that? My continued ability to work depends on that exclusively.
Secondly, generally speaking does anyone have any ideas what might be best regarding my acquiring the residency visa? Should I do as much as I can from the US, or head down after a vacation or two and go about it from within? How current does the police clearance letter need to be, and if I ?planned ahead? by bringing a notarized one with me, would I ultimately be wasting my time?
Finally, any real advice as to where I may want to start looking to settle down in if I decide the DR is a good place to do so, if only for a relaxing and enjoyable couple of years? I hear there is a strong international expat community in several key locations, and I would particularly like to hear opinions about the North coast region Sousa. When I go on craigslist (always the best place from which to collect raw number data), I see that rents there are pretty cheap. About how much could I expect to pay for a one bedroom apartment/flat that is with walking distance to a nice beach? maybe I could even see the ocean without actually paying for beachfront rates. Moreover, are there any expats with secondary housing units on their property I could rent/lease long term?
Lastly, and yes I am a single guy with no children and as such kind of need to ask this; what is the social scene like? Are there a decent amount of ladies who are capable of speaking English? My Spanish stinks, but with having lived in Arizona for so long, I?ve picked up a bit here and there. More importantly, what are some of the stigmas and crap such couples may have to put up with.
I know the expat ladies are loath to read questions like that (why do they always care about the women???), but then again, you ladies aren't the ones stealing all their women folk away. I had a serious issue once in Malaysia with such lack of tolerance, and frankly, it can never hurt to ask.
I thank anyone who has read thus far, and would appreciate any insight you may afford me.
I?ve been considering Guam (I do like it there), but what with all the military buildup there as marines leave Okinawa and the huge rise in rents over the past two years (and more increases projected), it would appear I might consider elsewhere. After having done my Internet homework, it would appear that the DR is a decent place to contemplate a move.
I am not about to start asking all the dumb questions most might here. Rather, after having done a bit of research, I think I have a few oddly relevant questions that Ye Ol? Net has yet to offer up. And so I feel compelled to ask those whom are in the know.
My first question revolves around Internet access itself. I have yet to find a ?definitive? answer to what kinds of Inet access is available (dial-up, DSL, satellite etc?), nor about how much each kind of entry method costs. Is there anyone here who could answer that? My continued ability to work depends on that exclusively.
Secondly, generally speaking does anyone have any ideas what might be best regarding my acquiring the residency visa? Should I do as much as I can from the US, or head down after a vacation or two and go about it from within? How current does the police clearance letter need to be, and if I ?planned ahead? by bringing a notarized one with me, would I ultimately be wasting my time?
Finally, any real advice as to where I may want to start looking to settle down in if I decide the DR is a good place to do so, if only for a relaxing and enjoyable couple of years? I hear there is a strong international expat community in several key locations, and I would particularly like to hear opinions about the North coast region Sousa. When I go on craigslist (always the best place from which to collect raw number data), I see that rents there are pretty cheap. About how much could I expect to pay for a one bedroom apartment/flat that is with walking distance to a nice beach? maybe I could even see the ocean without actually paying for beachfront rates. Moreover, are there any expats with secondary housing units on their property I could rent/lease long term?
Lastly, and yes I am a single guy with no children and as such kind of need to ask this; what is the social scene like? Are there a decent amount of ladies who are capable of speaking English? My Spanish stinks, but with having lived in Arizona for so long, I?ve picked up a bit here and there. More importantly, what are some of the stigmas and crap such couples may have to put up with.
I know the expat ladies are loath to read questions like that (why do they always care about the women???), but then again, you ladies aren't the ones stealing all their women folk away. I had a serious issue once in Malaysia with such lack of tolerance, and frankly, it can never hurt to ask.
I thank anyone who has read thus far, and would appreciate any insight you may afford me.