Moving to the Dominican Republic
Relocation will be an important part of your expatriation project to the Dominican Republic. Here are some guidelines to help you.
If you have decided to relocate to the Dominican Republic, take enough time to choose your removal company. This is an important step not to be taken lightly. Set up an appointment with a relocation counselor for an in-house estimate. Make a list of all the objects that require special care (glass, mirror, piece of art, special packaging, etc.). Specify to the mover what you will do yourself (dismantling furniture, packing dishes, etc.). To find a carrier or a mover, use the Internet, consult the Yellow Pages, or get a free quote and find your mover in the Dominican Republic now.
Regarding the estimate, several key points are to be considered such as:
- Origin address – where removers will pack and load your belongings;
- Destination address in the Dominican Republic – where removers will unload your belongings;
- Volume or weight of your stuff;
- Types of transportation (by air, train, truck, ship);
- Nature of the services – terms and conditions – insurance damage;
- Prices and payment plans.
Usually, removal companies unload your belongings directly to the destination address. However, some removal companies unload your belongings in warehouses, and you have to pick them up yourself afterward, which implies additional costs. Check your moving contract carefully.
Making a list
Make an exhaustive inventory of your belongings so as to establish a value statement. The value statement is an important document that sets the compensation amount you could receive in case of loss or damage to your belongings.
Complete the declaration of value yourself by stating the overall value of your property and the value of certain particular precious items. Read carefully the terms and conditions of your contract to find out more about the transportation and handling of precious objects. This statement is particularly important because, without it, an estimate cannot be established, which will obviously affect your relocation and your organization.
Damage insurance in the Dominican Republic
Accordingly, damage insurance will be proposed by the carrier. This insurance automatically covers non-predictable damage associated with the transportation of your belongings up to the value indicated in the declaration of value. The cost of the insurance depends on the overall value of your belongings. The removal company must issue a certificate of insurance in any case.
Waybill in the Dominican Republic
Finally, you must sign the waybill before loading and after delivery of your belongings. The waybill is a document that specifies the terms and conditions of the contract, the mode of transportation, the volume or weight carried by the removal company, and the name and address of both the customer and the carrier. By signing the waybill, you definitely agree to these terms and conditions and give permission to the removal company to go ahead.
Regarding removal payment plans, a deposit is usually to be made before loading, and the balance must be paid upon delivery. In any case, a payment plan must be arranged with the removal company.
Important:
In general, carriers handle customs paperwork for you (customs clearance, etc.) For more security, opt for a carrier affiliated with the FIDI (International Federation of International Movers).
Good to know:
Contact the Dominican Republic's embassy or consulate for more information about relocation in the country, customs, prohibited items, etc.
Useful links:
FEDEMAC – Federation of European Movers www.fedemac.com
FIDI – International Federation of International Removers www.fidi.com
