End of last year there were a lot of rumors about everything that was going to change, and that it wouldn't get any easier. That some foreigners prefer to understand that it won't be an issue, while this is DR, is their problem. When in november last year I started a thread wondering about the changes to come a typical reaction was: dont worry about it, this is DR, everything will stay the same. Happily I did 'worry' and started getting my permanent residence, seems that many of us became so aplatana'o that we leave everything for the very last moment.
- Thread starter Alfredo Guzman
- Start date
10-day Amnesty/Grace Period - Update
End of last year there were a lot of rumors about everything that was going to change, and that it wouldn't get any easier. That some foreigners prefer to understand that it won't be an issue, while this is DR, is their problem. When in november last year I started a thread wondering about the changes to come a typical reaction was: dont worry about it, this is DR, everything will stay the same. Happily I did 'worry' and started getting my permanent residence, seems that many of us became so aplatana'o that we leave everything for the very last moment.
There we go again with the 'foreigners that spend money' story. What do you compare yourself with? If you compare yourself with the low-class dominican that earns less than 30,000 pesos a month you are probably a big spending foreigner. Now compare yourself to the average middle class dominican and they will outspend you any month / every month. Dominican Republic doesn't need you (or me). They prefer the (not spending) tourists that come for 10 or 20 days on a resort, not for the pennies they spend in the tourist shops or the tips they give but for maintaining an industry that has a long chain of supply going through the whole economy.
The big spenders in this country are the local middle and high class that drive new jeepetas, go to the supermarket and come back with 3 carts full of stuff, eat out 2 nights per week (not in Wendy's), not the residing foreigner who thinks in economy when buying a car, makes a list before going to the supermarket and buys ofertas. Eats out once a month (and doesn't tip). Once again DR doesn't need us. We are just 'allowed' to be here and lately a little bit less allowed (and better so).
Permanent
Interesting.
How did you obtain this permant residency and how much was it?
donP
Interesting.
How did you obtain this permant residency and how much was it?
donP
That kind of thinking is why in the DR the poor are very poor. The people need all the help they can get, if you start believing in the thought process of the government then you aren't helping to push the nobodies even further to the back of the shelve, which in my opinion is unhealthy thinking.
Many countries try to attract foreigners, both expats and retirees for the influx of capital into the country. They offer flexable visas and entry conditions to make it easier for these people. According to you....this is not needed in the DR...there is plenty of cash flowing in the country and foreign investment is not nessessary. According to you the only expats in the country are misers. I guess the country does not need the $1000 a week that I spend when I visit....I guess they want me to go elsewhere as they don't need my money. "Go away money spenders!!!"
Yes there are a few who think we expats/tourists/investors do not mean squat to the DR- Coincidently they are the same few who believe the typical DR is between the goal posts of new malls in the Piantini Naco sector. If only all of California had the same buying power and financial independence of Beverly Hills.
Two comments:
1. The jeepetas you see are mostly driven the the rich class, not the middle class.
2. It would be interesting to know what percentage of those who drive jeepetas and fill up 3 carts have earned their money through running a successful business, etc, and what percentage got their money by diverting public funds. The foreigners are bringing new money, not recycling money that was supposed to be going to social programs and other programs and services that normally are supported by tax and other government revenues.
I didn't say 30,000, I said below 30,000. And I'm talking about a household income. Our maid earns 10k, her husband probably another 15k, and yes they are poor people. That's not the point by the way, neither is the point if I would think that poor people are in need of help or not. The point is that DR is not only the low-non-consuming class but also (and for a part everyday getting more important, the middle and high class. I'm not saying if that's good or bad, actually I see around me people doing well and treating bad those who were less lucky, not good. But my point was that most foreigners don't spend what the average middle class Dominican spends.
Oh and shalena, actually I think with 3 up growing children (1, 3 and 6), supermarket shopping is very expensive yes. We are budgeting 30k per month but can't make it with that, so yeah send some
Whatever man the majoroty of the people in this country are poor and the new rich people get thier through drugs base ball or working hard OR by leaving the country working in the USA or other well off countries . By the way just because they drive jeepetas and spend money at La Sirena does not mean they have lots of $$$$$ and also while I will admit I have met some cheap expats here I belive in paying for what I have I also believe in tipping but tell you what some of the cheapest most stingiest, stuck up, nose in the air I am better than you people I have met in this country ARE THOSE SAME DOMINCANS you look up to. In Santiago Im sure these are the people that spend money as Santiago does not have a big expat population as the north coast but next tome you come up here look who is spending $$$$$ Expats ! Some more than others I cannot blame sombody for trying to save money on ofertas. In saying that it is what it is man I have met some hard working guys here on the NC who came from the campo poor as dirt and are now what I consider middle class and they do not go to big supermarkets buying 3 grocerie carts of food.
Yes these figures are crazy and unrealistic. Low class Dominicans make 30,000dop per month??? no way, and now I am to believe the normal middle class outspends me or other expats on a monthly basis???? come on. I am just an average guy who lives semi comfortable and I have no problem spending 5k usd per month here and only 1/5th of that is rent....Are we to honestly believe the average Dominican spends more than 5k usd per month???
Yes this sounds more accurate. I guess in Dominican dreamworld we could all believe that the wannabees are the same as the rich, but again thats dreamworld.