My partner and I have been in the DR now for about a week. We've relocated from Sint Maarten and before that we were in Trinidad. We had very realistic expectations and having lived in the Caribbean for about 4 years already we were probably better prepared than most. For the most part we have been thrilled with how things have gone. Our real estate agent took care of getting the electricity, internet, and satellite tv all hooked up so when we got here everything was ready. The property manager at our complex has been very helpful and prompt to deal with any issues that have arisen. We've even befriended the handyman who has been exceptionally helpful, even acting as a translator for us. (Yes we know to be careful and not be too familiar with him. He has never once asked for anything from us even refusing when we offered.)
I just wanted to give some positive feedback as I do read a lot of negative things about the DR. I think it's all about having reasonable expectations and putting out positive energy. And most of all remembering that you aren't in your home country, you're in someone else's and need to behave appropriately.
The only negative so far has been dealing with customs getting our belongings into the country. They've decided we owe them 120,000 pesos!!! A good third of that is for our clothing. I had no idea they would demand so much for clothes (we have a lot of clothes but it's just cheap stuff: t-shirts, jeans, etc). I do have a home theater system so I know that would get taxed rather high. But was really surprised about the clothing. The operations manager at the cargo company at the airport where the goods were shipped has told me I need to meet with the customs manager and try to convince them to reduce the amount of tax since this is all used personal effects. (I didn't have enough money on hand to pay them so the goods are still sitting in secure storage at the airport.) I'm planning on going next week to pay the "ransom" but was wondering if anyone had any experience with this. Is it possible to barter down the taxes? I understand probably anything can be done in the country but I'm trying to do things as legitimately and legally as possible.
So, to sum up... So Far, So Good!
I just wanted to give some positive feedback as I do read a lot of negative things about the DR. I think it's all about having reasonable expectations and putting out positive energy. And most of all remembering that you aren't in your home country, you're in someone else's and need to behave appropriately.
The only negative so far has been dealing with customs getting our belongings into the country. They've decided we owe them 120,000 pesos!!! A good third of that is for our clothing. I had no idea they would demand so much for clothes (we have a lot of clothes but it's just cheap stuff: t-shirts, jeans, etc). I do have a home theater system so I know that would get taxed rather high. But was really surprised about the clothing. The operations manager at the cargo company at the airport where the goods were shipped has told me I need to meet with the customs manager and try to convince them to reduce the amount of tax since this is all used personal effects. (I didn't have enough money on hand to pay them so the goods are still sitting in secure storage at the airport.) I'm planning on going next week to pay the "ransom" but was wondering if anyone had any experience with this. Is it possible to barter down the taxes? I understand probably anything can be done in the country but I'm trying to do things as legitimately and legally as possible.
So, to sum up... So Far, So Good!
!! Welcome to the DR.