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Trying to plan ahead a little (for the first time in my life.)

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mugwump
  1/12/2014 22:04 EST

Hi folks. I'm a U.S. gringo who'll arrive there on Feb. 4. I've been over five years in Costa Rica and, mostly in Nicaragua. That time was spent in one city in C.R. and three in Nicaragua. Guess that's the reason I'm appealing for some pre-arrival knowledge and wisdom those of my ilk now in the D.R. Seems to always take 2-8 weeks to find acceptable lodging. Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the western hemisphere, behind only Haiti. I know stuff is more expensive in the D.R., but am hoping to come close to my current apt. here. Modest, two room place on the edge of an ok neighborhood. Don't pay utilities, and have a banyo privado, t.v. with cable is gratis, a fridge, sink and one of them there two-burner gas things. I'm paying $200 per month. I always live kinda on the margins, my s.s. dis. is just $1166 a month. Even in the U.S. I was always in the very low middle-class stratum. I'm most likely going to San Cristobal straight off the plane. I'd be very grateful for any and all advice offered. "When I de-plane, what's the best transport to San Cristobal?....anybody know where the marginal and inexpensive areas there I might begin to look for a place to live?...Thanks and thanks again for your help. Tim

Janin
  1/23/2014 08:55 EST

@ Tim
Welcome to the DR.
I am not very familiar with the south coast (in fact, I would not want to live down there). You'll lead a modest life, but it seems you are used to it and speak Spanish also.
Take care and keep us posted how things develop.
Janin

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mugwump
  1/30/2014 21:20 EST

Hi Janin and thanks for your reply. Can I ask you why you would never live on the south coast of the D.R? Is it simply a poorer area that comes with the emcumbent problems? i.e. theft, safety etc? I'd sure be open-eared to any of your selections of an area to inhabit. Thanks again, Tim.

Janin
  1/31/2014 05:06 EST

It's true, I have only been to the south coast a few times but the Atlantic coast to me appeals more.
The beaches seem to be less polluted and the climate is fresher.
Well, I guess I am prejudiced and spoiled by the Samaná peninsula... ;)
Janin

Janin
  1/31/2014 05:10 EST

Oh, BTW, why San Cristóbal?
Unless you already know SC well, you might want to read some online papers and do a search on SC.
Take care.
Janin

Sereno
  1/31/2014 09:09 EST

It sounds like you a seasnoned traveler and speak Spanish. That puts you ahead of most.

I don't know that area and don't remember reading of any real problems for that area. Different parts of the D.R. do have different reputations and costs.

Electricity is very expensive here and some areas get less then 8 hours a day. Water is often a problem too. Crime is up all over so security should be a concern.

Finding a place that includes electric and cable TV/internet that has back up power, water storage and is reasonably secure for US $200 pm will be very difficult unless you forego some of the above.

It is not unusual for the "landlord" to change ALL the rules and rent after a month. Being an expat you will have lots of new friends ready to get whatever they can from you.... they are NOT your friends.

From the airport you need to get to a public bus spot and then change several times. OR hire a private public car.

Good luck and be careful.

Sereno

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boater
  1/31/2014 10:04 EST

You might be able to find what you're looking for - plus a lot of other pluses - in Luperon on the North Coast west of Puerto Plata. Rentals are quite cheap here, as are restaurants. The expat community is interesting and varied, with many being sailboat cruisers who have moved on land. Contrary to stereotype, Many cruisers live on very limited budgets and so fit right in with the local people here. (The town does not have a touristy feel.) At the same time, there are some boaters who could live almost anywhere who have chosen Luperon for its unique sense of community and natural beauty. Public transportation around the island is cheap and convenient so the entire island can still be your oyster. It's worth a visit. You can get a direct bus from the capital to Luperon on Transport del Cibao for less than $10. Hope this is helpful.

Sereno
  2/1/2014 17:42 EST

I'm always amazed at some posts. The OP asked about a specific area and his given desires. Also about transportation.

As I said, the D.R. has lot's of different areas of interest and each has it's own ... they can differ widely.

Lupreon WAS the place for boaters and a nice place to moor and stay. NOT anymore. Most have gone due to theft and authorities have done nothing.

OP. You have been around and can figure things out with some time and Spanish.

I wish you luck on your adventure. Sereno

boater
  2/1/2014 22:56 EST

In reply to this last post from Sereno. That's old news about Luperon. The authorities appointed a new harbor master, English-speaking, and he's straightened things out. No theft problems for a good year now. I'm sure Luperon is safer than San Cristobal, not to mention trendy places like Sousa, Cabarete and Las Terrenas. I offered Luperon as alternative to San Cristobal because San Cristobal is sort of an industrial area near the Capital with nothing much to recommend it other than being cheap. The original poster said he was looking for a place where living costs are reasonable and was only looking at San Cristobal because he knew someone there so I thought I'd offer an alternative for his consideration. He sounds like someone who'd fit in in Luperon.

Sereno
  2/2/2014 06:07 EST

Thanks boater. Nice to get current information and that Luperon has cleaned up. It was/is a nice area. Is the "club" open again?

I had thought about getting another boat but my common sense reminded me about throwing money into the water and having a house, horses, dogs and wife I don't need anymore projects. :)

There are lot's of places that the OP can investigate and settle down. Some better, cheaper, safer then others but each has to find out for themselves and what works for them.

Sereno

Sereno
  3/4/2014 17:12 EST

Hello/Hola Ramon.

I tried to open your web page and could not.

I really enjoyed your post and smiled as I read it with the feeling that you tell it as it is with eyes open the truth.

Now IF you can find me a place that has a couple of decent horse stalls that we can lease for a week or so, and a bed for us; we would trailer down and love to expand our adventures in that area.

Thanks, Sereno :)

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Sereno
  3/4/2014 17:12 EST

Hello/Hola Ramon.

I tried to open your web page and could not.

I really enjoyed your post and smiled as I read it with the feeling that you tell it as it is with eyes open the truth.

Now IF you can find me a place that has a couple of decent horse stalls that we can lease for a week or so, and a bed for us; we would trailer down and love to expand our adventures in that area.

Thanks, Sereno :)

ImmigrationExpertsDR
  3/5/2014 08:17 EST

I have stayed in hotel playa Palenque a couple of times, this is their number :809-243-2525.

At the moment I only have luxury farms, but I'll ask around for something more affordable. What is your budget for the rent?

Sereno
  3/5/2014 09:07 EST

LOL IEDR. NOT looking to buy anything more. We have our home and other property on the North Coast.

We have horses and we trailer around to some different parts of the D.R. to ride and experience out of the tourist areas.

(Next week we will be in Jarabaco and will be meeting up with a couple of other local riders to see that wonderful area that we have only seen by car or foot.)

Since driving and hauling a horse trailer takes several hours (8?) from our place to the Southwest, we would need 2 horse stalls for a couple of nights and a secure place to park the trailer. I'm sure that we could find a room for us not too far away.

I guess I should call Adopaso... I'm a member but never thought about the obvious of them knowing horse people down that way. Dahhhh. lol.

Thanks.

ImmigrationExpertsDR
  3/5/2014 11:26 EST

I was not selling, San Cristobal has many luxury homes for rent, around were ex president Hipolito Mejia has his home. Hope you have a great time in Jarabacoa, the a river rafting tour it's amazing.

Hey check out my last article about the Dominican Nationality and dear Hatians, let me know what you think:

http://www.immigrationexpertsblog.com/uncategorized/dominican-republic-nationality/

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