Thank you for the add. So here goes ... my husband is in the process of finalizing an offer to move to Santo Domingo and I have a few things I would like your input on. Apologies in advance for the long list, and I am sure nobody will be able to answer them all, but your opinions would be hugely appreciated.
1). Which shipping companies have actual representation in DR? So full offices there - I would be shipping a 20 footer and would prefer the same company both ends and not have agents, unless of course there is a company there who are really good agents to other shippers.
2) I will not be moving with kids this time around, but with a dog (toy poodle) - so don't need accommodation near schools HOWEVER I don't want to socially isolate ourselves by living in the "wrong" area. For example living in Ghana we found that there were 2 main areas ... of course, others were great too - but traffic was absolute hell and thus if you lived on the wrong side of a certain traffic circle you would sit for hours just to visit friends, who mostly lived in one of the other 2 main expat suburbs. Which areas would be most suitable and or upmarket - are there stand alone houses, or gated communities in these areas? I currently live in an apartment and would absolutely love to NEVER have to live in one again (unless no other options of course)
3). I see there is an IKEA and other international shops - would you rank them as outrageously expensive? Is there anything that is very difficult to get, or prohibitively expensive, that you would suggest I bring? I am sure linen may be a stumbling point - not sure if DR follows US bed sizes or other. I would obviously need a whole restock of my electronics with the voltage difference, do you buy them in DR or better to ship in via online shopping?
4). Now this one is a little tricky. It's a long boring story thanks to Covid, but I MIGHT have to do the visa run for a few months until I can apply for residency permits. Husband will have full permits from the get-go. My passport permits me to visit visa-free for 90 days, I would then need to leave and return and get the next 90 day stay. My question - are flights to Cuba taking place at the moment? Is it easy to get out and back to DR and is there a minimum stay-away requirement? I will not do anything illegal of course.
5). Perhaps a daft question, but do you get large-size clothing and shoes, I am just shy of 6foot tall. France (and Asia before) have very petite sizes with no shoes over an EU41 for women - and then rarely even that. I wear a 42 (US10, I think it is). I have the opportunity of buying in the UK or Netherlands, but would prefer not to as the clothing will no doubt not be made for DR humidity.
6). Does unfurnished housing come with white goods, curtains and overhead light fittings (France for eg. generally has no lighting in rooms except the kitchen and bathroom)?
7). Is it easy to import pets? We will have the necessary documentation from here, but do dogs clear easily at the airport (arriving in cabin) - or would money need to change hands to make the system move?
8). Is it common to have live-in housekeepers, or would helpers live off-premises generally?
9). I have read about power shortages as well as water supply interruptions. Do houses generally come with generators/inverters and water storage? Is it even necessary?
If you are still reading, thank you, I know this thread is rather long-winded and there may even be more questions later. I do hope our move is finalised soon and I am able to meet you in person in a few months to thank you.
1). Which shipping companies have actual representation in DR? So full offices there - I would be shipping a 20 footer and would prefer the same company both ends and not have agents, unless of course there is a company there who are really good agents to other shippers.
2) I will not be moving with kids this time around, but with a dog (toy poodle) - so don't need accommodation near schools HOWEVER I don't want to socially isolate ourselves by living in the "wrong" area. For example living in Ghana we found that there were 2 main areas ... of course, others were great too - but traffic was absolute hell and thus if you lived on the wrong side of a certain traffic circle you would sit for hours just to visit friends, who mostly lived in one of the other 2 main expat suburbs. Which areas would be most suitable and or upmarket - are there stand alone houses, or gated communities in these areas? I currently live in an apartment and would absolutely love to NEVER have to live in one again (unless no other options of course)
3). I see there is an IKEA and other international shops - would you rank them as outrageously expensive? Is there anything that is very difficult to get, or prohibitively expensive, that you would suggest I bring? I am sure linen may be a stumbling point - not sure if DR follows US bed sizes or other. I would obviously need a whole restock of my electronics with the voltage difference, do you buy them in DR or better to ship in via online shopping?
4). Now this one is a little tricky. It's a long boring story thanks to Covid, but I MIGHT have to do the visa run for a few months until I can apply for residency permits. Husband will have full permits from the get-go. My passport permits me to visit visa-free for 90 days, I would then need to leave and return and get the next 90 day stay. My question - are flights to Cuba taking place at the moment? Is it easy to get out and back to DR and is there a minimum stay-away requirement? I will not do anything illegal of course.
5). Perhaps a daft question, but do you get large-size clothing and shoes, I am just shy of 6foot tall. France (and Asia before) have very petite sizes with no shoes over an EU41 for women - and then rarely even that. I wear a 42 (US10, I think it is). I have the opportunity of buying in the UK or Netherlands, but would prefer not to as the clothing will no doubt not be made for DR humidity.
6). Does unfurnished housing come with white goods, curtains and overhead light fittings (France for eg. generally has no lighting in rooms except the kitchen and bathroom)?
7). Is it easy to import pets? We will have the necessary documentation from here, but do dogs clear easily at the airport (arriving in cabin) - or would money need to change hands to make the system move?
8). Is it common to have live-in housekeepers, or would helpers live off-premises generally?
9). I have read about power shortages as well as water supply interruptions. Do houses generally come with generators/inverters and water storage? Is it even necessary?
If you are still reading, thank you, I know this thread is rather long-winded and there may even be more questions later. I do hope our move is finalised soon and I am able to meet you in person in a few months to thank you.
