Moving back to DR (north coast) when I retire: do or don't

[Calos G-Diaz]

Hello everyone:

Has anyone born in DR, who lived 99% of their lives in the US, is a US citizen and loves the states, decided to move back to DR when they retire? Or is it enough to go on vacations there once in a while and stay in the states.

Background info:
I came to the US when I was very young and there was already 1 generation of my family that had been in the states prior to me, so I do consider myself "American", whatever that means. However, I must be getting old or something, because I'm constantly thinking about my childhood memories in Santo Domingo and feeling like I would like to go back. I have deep connections to both countries (relatives in both countries), but I don't know if it makes any practical sense for me to go back. I will have a pension and enough savings to live comfortable in either place.
Potential Issues:
* would have to travel to the US to maintain citizenship
* dual taxation?
* better access to medical care in the US (I have a chronic health condition for which I take daily medication for, don't know how much that would cost in DR).

Benefits:
* miss the island and the culture, want to connect back to it.
* dollar/peso exchange rate: money can probably do more in DR.

Muchas gracias todos.

 

[Lucifer]

Hello everyone:

Has anyone born in DR, who lived 99% of their lives in the US, is a US citizen and loves the states, decided to move back to DR when they retire? Or is it enough to go on vacations there once in a while and stay in the states.

Background info:
I came to the US when I was very young and there was already 1 generation of my family that had been in the states prior to me, so I do consider myself "American", whatever that means. However, I must be getting old or something, because I'm constantly thinking about my childhood memories in Santo Domingo and feeling like I would like to go back. I have deep connections to both countries (relatives in both countries), but I don't know if it makes any practical sense for me to go back. I will have a pension and enough savings to live comfortable in either place.
Potential Issues:
* would have to travel to the US to maintain citizenship
* dual taxation?
* better access to medical care in the US (I have a chronic health condition for which I take daily medication for, don't know how much that would cost in DR).

Benefits:
* miss the island and the culture, want to connect back to it.
* dollar/peso exchange rate: money can probably do more in DR.

Muchas gracias todos.

Same boat here (minus the savings): Dominican by birth, but residing in the good ol' US of A all of my adult life.
However, FSM-willing, I should return home this summer.
After traveling back and forth frequently, I'm used to the erratic driving, day-long blackouts, noise pollution, and shouting during normal conversation.

Don't worry about traveling in order to keep your citizenship in the land of milk and honey: you have dual citizenship.
Can't avoid the long reach of the I.R.S., but I bet there are folks here who could answer that, as I don't know much 'bout money and taxes
And If my health issues rear their ugly heads, Miami is just a hop, skip, and a jump away.

 

[RDKNIGHT]

Hello everyone:

Has anyone born in DR, who lived 99% of their lives in the US, is a US citizen and loves the states, decided to move back to DR when they retire? Or is it enough to go on vacations there once in a while and stay in the states.

Background info:
I came to the US when I was very young and there was already 1 generation of my family that had been in the states prior to me, so I do consider myself "American", whatever that means. However, I must be getting old or something, because I'm constantly thinking about my childhood memories in Santo Domingo and feeling like I would like to go back. I have deep connections to both countries (relatives in both countries), but I don't know if it makes any practical sense for me to go back. I will have a pension and enough savings to live comfortable in either place.
Potential Issues:
* would have to travel to the US to maintain citizenship
* dual taxation?
* better access to medical care in the US (I have a chronic health condition for which I take daily medication for, don't know how much that would cost in DR).

Benefits:
* miss the island and the culture, want to connect back to it.
* dollar/peso exchange rate: money can probably do more in DR.

Muchas gracias todos.

Carlos don't stress the move if you don't like here in Dr you can always go back ,,,I love it here Dr has everything you need with Meds.and you don't have to travel back to the United States to maintain your citizenship come for a year see if you like it

 

[JD Jones]

If you're from Santo Domingo, why would you choose the North Coast?

As for the rest of your concerns... Stop worrying. Worrying does not resolve anything and will only shorten your life.

You can probably find your daily meds here and more than likely a generic for a lot less.

And yes, you'll be much happier in the D.R. guaranteed, unless you live on the North Coast.

 

[bob saunders]

If you have an American pension the DR government will not tax it. There is no requirement to return to keep your citizenship. Residency requirement for tax and medical are two different issues to investigate. Unless you have a rare medical condition, if you are in Santo Domingo you won't have a hard time finding a doctor or specialist, as well as most medication. My heart medication isn't expensive here.

 

[josh2203]

And yes, you'll be much happier in the D.R. guaranteed, unless you live on the North Coast.

Please help me understand what is wrong with NC? I realize that some posters here, living in NC, constantly complain, but perhaps that does not equal everyone's experience? Also good to point out that I don't know the whole NC, only really POP and Cabarete, but those are unfortunately included when people say that NC is s**t or something else...

 

[La Profe_1]

If I remember correctly, there are some issues with US Social Security if you choose to have checks directly deposited into a Dominican bank.

I believe additional paperwork is needed and failure to complete it allows thr SSA to discontinue pension payments.

 

[SKY]

If I remember correctly, there are some issues with US Social Security if you choose to have checks directly deposited into a Dominican bank.

I believe additional paperwork is needed and failure to complete it allows thr SSA to discontinue pension payments.

Absolutely correct. A form once or twice a year must be completed. Not recommended, any error in communication and SS is cancelled. You can jump through hoops and get it back.................Just to add you are marked as dead...................

 

[NanSanPedro]

As an SSI recipient, I can’t fathom why I would put my benefits into a DR bank. Fir me it makes zero sense.

 

[drisforme]

And yes, you'll be much happier in the D.R. guaranteed, unless you live on the North Coast.

It`s quite a provoking comment quite off-topic for the NC moderator. May want to open-up a new thread and explain your opinion ...

Peace.

 

[windeguy]

If you're from Santo Domingo, why would you choose the North Coast?

Because he already realizes how much that region sucks. North Coast is obviously better.

 

[JD Jones]

Please help me understand what is wrong with NC? I realize that some posters here, living in NC, constantly complain, but perhaps that does not equal everyone's experience? Also good to point out that I don't know the whole NC, only really POP and Cabarete, but those are unfortunately included when people say that NC is s**t or something else...

I apologize, I was just trying to rib some of our NC guys.

Remember, I lived up there for almost 6 years and would still be there if it was for a job offer.

 

[JD Jones]

It`s quite a provoking comment quite off-topic for the NC moderator. May want to open-up a new thread and explain your opinion ...

Peace.

Apologies again. I'm apparently not very good at joking around .

 

[El Hijo de Manolo]

Oh great the moral police. CR must be recruiting

 

[Big]

I like the north coast for short stints. However, it's the "West Virginia" of the D.R

 

[El Hijo de Manolo]

I like the north coast for short stints. However, it's the "West Virginia" of the D.R

 

[Gadfly]

Almost heaven, West Virginia - take me home country road, the NC

 

[windeguy]

I like the north coast for short stints. However, it's the "West Virginia" of the D.R

And Santo Domingo is the Detroit/Baltimore/South Side of Chicago of the DR.

 

[keepcoming]

And Santo Domingo is the Detroit/Baltimore/South Side of Chicago of the DR.

Not hardly but then again you do not like Santo Domingo, which you have made abundantly clear.

 

[Big]

And Santo Domingo is the Detroit/Baltimore/South Side of Chicago of the DR.

you are much better served in Cabarete Sir, enjoy. I love visiting. However, my mind would go numb living in that tiny town year around. Detroit and Baltimore are unsafe, not S.D. Santo Domingo is an international banking, manufacturing and Ag center. So, the conversations are much more interesting than "he bro who has the best happy hour and chicken wings", "hey does that there bar still have an oldies night and karaoke night". Of course, Cab is very close to that cultural mecca Sosua if one desires world class dining consisting of jerk chicken and rice.