CHRISTOPHER DAVID56
American expat in Dominican Republic
Forum posts
352
Contacts
9
About me
American
Lives in Santo Domingo, Nacional
Registration: 16 March 2023
Activity
Using a US based cell phone in the DR by Mark and Al
We are (finally) making our 1st trip to the Dominican in June. I'm trying to figure out how or if we can use our ATT cell phones without racking up a bunch of international phone charges. We will be in the Sosua/Cabarete area for about 2 weeks.
@ddmcghee Has been working for me 4 years. Those are just normal T&C...no issues for me...but individual choice US customers only as note Read More
Using a US based cell phone in the DR by Mark and Al
We are (finally) making our 1st trip to the Dominican in June. I'm trying to figure out how or if we can use our ATT cell phones without racking up a bunch of international phone charges. We will be in the Sosua/Cabarete area for about 2 weeks.
I use Simple Mobile 25 bucks a month free roaming and calls from and in the DR. No roaming charges Read More
Dollar shortage by Stacy ST
It appears there is a major dollar shortage in this country right now. Anyone else experiencing this? We have been waiting for over 3 weeks to convert our pesos to dollars with our bank (BHD), but still nothing. We have plenty of pesos, but need ...
@Stacy ST My bank is only distributing 1000 dollars a month from accounts it's due to the high exchange rate according to my bank officer Read More
Timeline from Entering DR on Residency Visa to Interview and Medical? by Mila V
Hi, I just received my approved residency visa for the Dominican Republic, and I’m getting ready to buy my ticket. I would like to know what the typical timeline is after entering the country with the residency visa. Specifically, how long ...
@ddmcghee Yes understand, if they are doing without lawyer I heard now it's taking 30 to 60 days.I guess either way it all depends on the individual application as we know almost nothing here is consistent. :) Read More
Timeline from Entering DR on Residency Visa to Interview and Medical? by Mila V
Hi, I just received my approved residency visa for the Dominican Republic, and I’m getting ready to buy my ticket. I would like to know what the typical timeline is after entering the country with the residency visa. Specifically, how long ...
@Mila V It can range from 90 days to 7 months each case and application for the individual varies.Recommend securing a imgration lawyer ( review threads for that recommendations.Congrats and good luck! Read More
Residency Medical Examination in Punta Cana by jeff2448
Hi All,Can someone recommend a place in Punta Cana where we can get our medical examination for residency? Thanks!-Jeff
@jeff2448 Question, are they approved by DGM or Dominican Migration to complete a medical exam on thier behalf for residency,unless it changed recently it was only one medical center in SDQ Santo Domingo authorized ,and they are required to send the ... Read More
US Social Security benefits verification letter by wondering9
By any chance is there a USian out there who has recently gotten an apostille-able Social Security benefits letter? I have been trying for a month, had one employee promise and not send, and two others (one local, one national) insist that no such ...
@wondering9 Trying to stay from US politics but your right. Currently it's a challenge amongst most US government agencies. I would image longer wait times for most government requests, and activities dealing with imgration request of anytype is my ... Read More
Best location to stay in Santo Domingo to continue Residency process by ondami
Good afternoon/everning all.I believe my visa application is in the final stages of approval as I only needed to supply two additional documents (in English) along with my packet.I know that after my visa is approved I have 30 days to travel to DR ...
@ondami Think so, but best to consult with the attorney Read More
Best location to stay in Santo Domingo to continue Residency process by ondami
Good afternoon/everning all.I believe my visa application is in the final stages of approval as I only needed to supply two additional documents (in English) along with my packet.I know that after my visa is approved I have 30 days to travel to DR ...
@ondamiMy opinion only; City Center Santo Domingo area is good.Air BNB long term , Naco, Plantiini, Gazcue, just remember, once you enter the country and create and upload your documents in the DGM portal the time frame to have the intial ... Read More
US Social Security benefits verification letter by wondering9
By any chance is there a USian out there who has recently gotten an apostille-able Social Security benefits letter? I have been trying for a month, had one employee promise and not send, and two others (one local, one national) insist that no such ...
@wondering9 Yes, it's a challenge with SSA.I had to go to the local office in my state.Additionally, the Miami SSA office is aware of the state department process/requirement of needing the SSA stamp and signed and the state department only needs ... Read More
Moving from California to Punta Cana by Slin1953
The container that i am shipping from California to Punta Cana have my personal automobile, furniture ,tv appliancesi am planing to have my residence by the time that i move to PCdo i have to paid import duties on my ...
@Slin1953 A word of caution on door to door with shipment once in the DREnsure you have everything in writing and there are no hidden fees. Once shipment lands in the DR things change fast on the door to door delivery. Read More
Moving from California to Punta Cana by Slin1953
The container that i am shipping from California to Punta Cana have my personal automobile, furniture ,tv appliancesi am planing to have my residence by the time that i move to PCdo i have to paid import duties on my ...
Hi,1) You will work thru your local Dominican Consulate 2. You will need a passport 3. Your FBI background in the states is issued by the State Department and can be completed at a US main Post Office and will have results in 24 to 48 hours. ... Read More
Cost of living in Dominican Republic in 2025 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Every year, we invite you to share your experiences with the cost of living in in Dominican Republic, especially in the region or city you live in. Your insights will greatly help members planning their move to the Dominican ...
@pharrison742 Tourist area my opinion Read More
how do you vet a lawyer in the DR (besides word of mouth)? by wondering9
I'm wondering what I should do, besides word of mouth, to check out a Dominican Republic immigration lawyer. Is there an organization similar to, for example, the American Bar Association, that has a list of all lawyers in good standing? I looked up ...
@windeguy I was lucky while in the DR. I was able to print the offical FBI stock finger print card and go the the main police station in SD get the finger prints completed 500 peso and fedex them to the FBI.Also, to your point you can now get them ... Read More
What you can and can't buy in the DR by wondering9
So I'm downsizing prior to the move, and curious about what kinds of household items will be easy to replace locally and what you might want to bring with you and/or might find yourself ordering from Amazon later. Does anyone have opinions or ...
@wondering9 My opinion just purchase those items here.Depending where you settle in the country there is Ikea, Jumbo, Las Serina, Invova, Plaza Lama, and more and all those mentioned items are carried in one brand or another. Read More