Paying rent in USD

In recent weeks I’ve noticed that the Dominican peso has been losing strength. Selfishly, that excites me lol.

A weaker peso is much more beneficial for a foreigner’s buying power.

The currency conversation I was having with my lady shifted toward renting in USD in the Dominican Republic. I didn’t pay much attention to it before, but I was reminded that there are people here who actually pay their rent in USD.

Yeah, I remember seeing a few rentals listed in USD here and there, but I thought nothing of it. I thought that was just a way of attracting foreigners, and that after signing the lease, payments would be in Dominican pesos (DOP).

That’s actually not the case, which in my opinion should be banned.

For example, what if someone from Canada comes here and finds an apartment to rent in USD? At the time, the Canadian dollar (CAD) is doing well against the USD. Then, months later, the CAD falls on weakness in comparison.

The Canadian would technically now be paying more in rent.

It isn’t just restricted to foreigners either; even local Dominicans go through this. A weaker Dominican peso for a Dominican paying rent in USD is also problematic.

Who wants to pay a fluctuating rent anyway? One month it’s $400 and the next it’s $450.

Now, it could go down too, but the fact that it could go up is why I think this needs to be stopped.

Landlords do what they get away with. The law is on the renter’s side. You can negotiate to pay in pesos, just like the seasoned expats do.

ATM Users

The good old ATM, well, not so good for those of us with foreign bank accounts. These machines used to be my go-to before I moved on to better alternatives that save me money.

Let me just cut right to it: the service fee costs too much and the exchange rate is just as bad. If you are just here on vacation, it is no big deal. However, living in the DR and only using the ATM is like throwing money away. The 300 pesos ($5 USD) combined with the collective service fees really adds up.

Beyond the local ATM fee, your International bank typically adds a flat service charge and a foreign exchange markup.

I have had a few too many issues with these machines. Every now and then there will be no money available. Two of the major banks worked inconsistently for me, with the final straw being a machine rejecting my card with an embarrassingly loud beeping noise while a long line of people waited behind me.

That day was the worst. My Visa/Debit at the grocery store was not working, and neither were the ATMs inside because they were out of cash. Even the machines outside the mall refused my foreign account. I was trying to be as quick as possible because I still had groceries waiting at the checkout.

In all fairness, I never had issues with those particular banks in other parts of the country. My personal preference is banking with Banco Popular, Banreservas, and Scotiabank, in that order. I will refrain from mentioning the names of the banks I no longer use.

The Best Option: Setting Up a Local Bank Account

I eventually came to the realization that relying on ATMs wasn’t in my best interest. I started looking into what would make more sense for expats, and since I didn’t have a local account or an international one with a presence here like Scotiabank, I had to find a workaround.

For a while, my solution was using money transfer services to send funds from my home account directly to my lady’s Dominican bank account. The savings and exchange rates were far better than the old ATM method, and the money usually arrived in one to three days.

However, the best long-term option is to set up your own bank account here in the Dominican Republic. The process is surprisingly simple, and you don’t need to be a Dominican citizen to do it.

While every bank has its own specific requirements, most will ask for your passport, your local address in the DR, a recent tax return from your home country, and a bank reference letter from your home bank. You will also usually need a small initial deposit to get the account started.

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First off, Uber, you either pay the drivers more to their satisfaction, or regulate the mess that many of your drivers are causing for far too long.

This situation is why I am strongly considering no longer using the Uber app in the Dominican Republic.

The Problem

Before I cut right to it, I’ll start by saying that not all Uber drivers are the same, the good characters are just being strongly outnumbered.

Now it’s rare that one will want to pick you up without hassle to pay more than what the app requires. Imagine that: you go through the app, locate a driver, lock in a price, and then a driver contacts you to pay more?

For an Expat like myself that doesn’t drive, I often depend on rideshare, and when I gotta go, I don’t have time to negotiate prices. If my ride is confirmed at RD 200 pesos, why does the driver contact me to bump it up?

They will even go as far as cancelling your ride while you’ve been waiting if you don’t agree to give in. Most of the time, I only pay using my credit card and I don’t have pesos. They want passengers that are paying in pesos or cash so that they can bump up your price a bit or significantly.

And this is not only being experienced by foreigners; locals taking Ubers are getting the exact same treatment. In fact, my lady (who is Dominican) has had them negotiate the higher prices on her far more than it’s happened to me.

Price hike the family

My family flew in recently to visit us again. They stayed at a resort about a 20-minute drive from where we live. Since there were quite a few family members, they called two Ubers. It totally slipped my mind that an Uber driver might just try to hustle them.

Usually, that is why you go with Uber, to avoid any mixup with what you pay. The app showed the price at around RD 200 pesos for the 20-minute ride. Sounds good, sounds about right, but those assigned drivers had their own plan in mind.

One driver called to up the price to $20 (USD) or so and made the excuse that gas was high and he wasn’t familiar with the drop-off area. The second driver was even worse; this guy showed up and then asked for a little more than double the ride fee.

There was no way to avoid this, as it has sadly become the norm in the Dominican Republic. It doesn’t matter if you’re a local Dominican or a foreigner, but being at a resort definitely made them a target.

Those drivers never got the business, and I called the taxi company instead. The taxi cost a little bit more than the Uber, but with no games at all.

The taxi option

Personally, I’m weighing the option of using taxis exclusively for now on, while I look into finding a personal driver.

I understand how convenient and simple Uber can be for someone just arriving in a new country. I get it, it’s easy and for those in that situation, it’s still worth it.

But it isn’t the same for those of us living here in the Dominican Republic. For a slightly higher cost, a taxi is the better choice.

As I mentioned before, this inconvenience isn’t limited to tourists and foreigners; locals across the country are fed up. They even created a Facebook page to air out their frustrations with drivers attempting to overcharge.

It’s interesting that Uber hasn’t yet done what most believe would solve the problem: eliminating the cash option. I’ve heard that the problems really started once cash became an option.

It’s the same everywhere, drivers contacting you for more pay, or even having the audacity to show up and demand more.

Hopefully this will be resolved

The back-and-forth price negotiations aren’t what Uber is about.

I would assume that Uber has heard about all of this going on, which makes me surprised that nothing has happened to improve the experience for both the passengers and drivers.

In the Uber drivers defense, if they feel that they are not getting enough money, there’s a better way to go about it.

It’s not the passenger’s fault or issue if you want a raise. I understand charging a “Gringo tax” (a bit more) to the foreigners, but to bump up the prices on your own local Dominicans isn’t cool.

The more this goes on, the more people will move on to other options.

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It all started as we were looking for a particular item. We searched through local websites, flyers and by popping up in different stores. The Capital city had the best options and the search would have ended if we decided to travel there.

We traveled to shop in the Capital before, but it only makes sense if the item doesn’t sell anywhere else. This item is available, but we were just being specific and looking for delivery.

Order set and how its delivered

So, first off we looked at the usual popular online shopping websites. The options were endless, with all sorts of prices. The goal was to find something of good quality, but lower prices than what would be found locally.

After an extended search, we agreed on the one for purchase. Now what’s left to do is type in the credit card information and we’re good to go. The delivery would arrive in Miami in a few days.

Why Miami? In the Dominican Republic, to receive online orders from outside the country, you must sign up with a local courier. That local courier will supply you with an ID code and address for where to send your orders to.

So in my case I’m not in the US, and I wanted something from a US based seller. The receiving address for my order will be where I was assigned from the courier company in the DR. In my case it happens to be Miami, Florida.

As my package arrives in Miami, then it will be transferred to me in the Dominican Republic. I’m told that not everyone in the Dominican Republic is assigned to the same courier address in the US, it would depend on the company.

My package arrived at the nearby courier office where I only had to pay the delivery fee for release. Many couriers have the option to pay fee online and have the courier deliver to your home.

Would I do it again? depends

The service was smooth and easy to use. The delivery was on time. In fact, it arrived a day early.

The item came in a box. No damages, no problems, no complaints from me. They gave me a tracking number where I could monitor the movements.

With that being said, I don’t think ordering from outside the country is really worth it. Unless you’re specific on a particular model or brand name, but even then, it could probably be found here in the country.

In a scenario where an item is not found in the Dominican Republic, and will cost less by ordering online, then you have to factor in the extra cost of the overseas delivery fee.

I personally would use this service again, but not for anything that I could take a couple hours bus ride to go buy. Top name electronics and popular US brands cost much more in the Dominican Republic.

Seeing a 30% plus markup on one of your trusted brands might have you thinking about ordering online for delivery. The carrier I used from Miami to DR charges based on weight.

My advice is to order when huge sales are going on, or anything that doesn’t weigh too much, if you want to save some cash, and to be worth it.

Why not just choose Amazon?

Just recently Amazon announced delivery to the Dominican Republic. It sounds good and has its pros, but the cons won’t necessarily have everyone leaving the traditional courier.

Amazon offers free shipping for orders between $50 and $200 USD. Standard shipping typically takes 5 to 15 days; expedited shipping can arrive within 2 to 5 days.

Amazon has a limited selection, higher costs for smaller items, and a few major points that buyers need to be aware of. It’s safe to say that the Dominican Republic has a tax for items over $200 USD.

You are legally required to pay a combination of taxes, including an ITBIS of 18% plus customs duties that can range from 3% to 20% depending on what the item is. Amazon always charges these taxes upfront for items over $200 USD.

Couriers are more flexible. They often help packages slip through customs untaxed or allow you to prove a lower sale price to avoid paying up to 18–38% in extra government fees.

And also, Amazon ships boxes separately and charges multiple fees. Couriers combine boxes into one shipment to save you significant shipping money.

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Ultimately, it depends on your patience and your pocketbook. Whether you stick with the local trusted couriers or try Amazon’s new direct shipping, just remember to do the math on the weight and taxes before you click 'buy'.

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At the time, I never once envisioned I’d be living in the Dominican Republic, feeling like I was learning Spanish all over again.

A year prior to that dinner, I had taken an online Spanish course narrated by a speaker from Spain. It helped me go from knowing absolutely zero Spanish to having some basics.

Being eager to use what I learned, I would casually throw in some Spanish when talking to my friends who spoke fluently. I was surprised that they didn’t laugh or even have much of a reaction. Feeling confident with my very little vocabulary, I was ready to take this on the road: overseas.

My flight was to Panama, where I could practice my Spanish with locals. Most of the Spanish-speaking people there were, obviously, from Panama, then Colombia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and a few from the Dominican Republic, in that order.

It was a great learning experience. Everyone was so helpful and patient with teaching. I loved the uniqueness of the different accents that they all had. (For some reason when learning Spanish, accents are overlooked, but that’s another story.)

Because I spent the majority of that time speaking and learning Spanish with Panamanians, Colombians, and Venezuelans, I’ve gotten more used to how they speak. Those accents are clearer for me.

The Dominican accent is unique in its own right. It’s spoken loudly, some words are shortened, many phrases are used only in the DR, and Dominicans speak fast.

Understanding that fast pace has been my biggest struggle of all. Those who speak even a pitch slower, I can make out their words more easily, leading to a much better understanding.

The shortening of words is common. The word “espérate” (wait), for instance, Dominicans often shorten to “pérate.” That one was easy to catch on to, but some of the others may take some more time.

I find that I understand people from Santo Domingo the best. Maybe it’s the delivery of how city people talk.

Every country or region in Latin America has its own local phrases. The Dominican Republic has so many that you can easily spot a foreigner just by how they describe something.

Take fried green plantains, for example, a Dominican staple. Before coming here, I learned from other countries to call them “Patacones.” Well, they don’t go by that name in the DR; instead, they’re called “Tostones.”

Now, this next one truly confused me, but I didn’t even ask! In general Spanish, an orange is called Naranja. But in the Dominican Republic, it’s called “China” (pronounced cheena).

Furthermore, some words I learned during that online Spanish course are simply not used here. In fact, many words are used differently between the Spanish of Spain and Latin American Spanish. The word “Coger,” for example, has a totally different meaning in Spain than it does in Latin America, where it is often considered a vulgar word.

I’ve come across so many examples the more time I’ve spent in Latin America.

Maybe I should have originally learned Latin American Spanish instead of Spanish from Spain? Heck, I even need subtitles when I’m watching English movies from England!

In my book, accents are intriguing, and we all have one, depending on who’s listening and what region they’re from.

An expat friend of mine only experienced learning Dominican Spanish, and he loves it. I’ve gotta admit, the Dominican Spanish accent definitely adds cool points, lol. It’s a little more challenging for me to catch than the other Spanish accents I’ve heard, but once the person speaking slows down just a bit, it’s much easier to understand.

As you improve your Spanish and spend more time with the Dominican accent, you’ll soon find that it no longer sounds as fast as it once did

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I first became aware of the future plans a year ago, but now that construction is underway and the team from the Ministry of Tourism has just returned from their trip to Spain (January 21, 2026) to present to a world forum of investors, I think it’s time for me to talk about the main highlights that caught my eye.

Punta Bergantín

In many ways, this project is a gift for the residents of Puerto Plata. It will add immense value to the province and for property owners alike. The low density luxury lifestyle will offer approximately 6,625 residences in total, ranging from luxury villas to condos with beachfront views and golf views overlooking the greens.

Since you’ll never have to leave, it will feature a gym, a golf course, and plenty more to entertain. As for club membership, I hope those of us who live outside the project can pay a fee to use the facilities.

Something I’m sure we will all be able to enjoy is the food. Punta Bergantín will be full of many different 5 star restaurants that will welcome everyone. For those on vacation who want to share the experience of this standout location, you’re covered. There is no lack of resorts and 5 star hotels in this project, as Hyatt, Meliá, Westin, and Hilton have all committed to the project.

The Film Studio Complex

A piece of Hollywood is coming to the Caribbean to stay. Movie star Vin Diesel, with the support of President Luis Abinader, signed an agreement to build a world-class film studio in Puerto Plata. Locals will tell you that Vin Diesel loves the Dominican Republic because he is always here.

The government expects that the film studio will contribute tens of thousands of jobs. This sounds really cool and is a win-win for everyone. Instead of a secluded studio, the Dominican government and Vin Diesel’s team are integrating the movie industry directly into a luxury vacation hub.

Movies will be filmed at the studio, but not in a closed warehouse. In Punta Bergantín, the infrastructure is designed to be dual-purpose. I’m not a movie buff myself, but it would be cool if Mr. Diesel could use his influence to attract other stars. There is potential to become the “Hollywood of the Caribbean. I can see it now, movie stars lingering at the resorts while the paparazzi camp out waiting for that perfect pic lol.

Speaking of a true Hollywood experience, the Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Puerto Plata is currently under development. The resort will feature the brand’s signature “Vacation Like A Star” experience, including authentic Hollywood memorabilia, themed restaurants, the PH Spa, and an Elite fitness center. At this location, guests are staying right where films are being made, and the sets remain walkable attractions for the guests.

The Innovation Hub “Silicon Beach”

Beyond tourism, the Punta Bergantín innovation hub includes an academic campus designed to attract tech companies and “digital nomads.”

A massive training initiative is underway to develop over 10,000 local tech talents in fields like coding, Big Data, and Artificial Intelligence. The goal is to create a homegrown workforce so that international companies don’t just bring their own staff, but hire locally.

Rather than just solo freelancers, the project targets tech companies and R&D departments to move to Puerto Plata and benefit from tax incentives and the quality of life. According to the Ministry of Labor, Punta Bergantín is set to generate between 15,000 and 20,000 direct jobs spanning the hospitality, film, and tech sectors. This is in addition to an estimated 80,000 indirect jobs.

Cruise Port Expansion

I like how the Punta Bergantín project is focused on not leaving anyone out; there is something for everyone. Whether you’re a tourist, an expat, or a local Dominican, you name it. The outcome of this project will be connecting all sorts of people together.

Speaking of connecting, the cruise sector just got a huge upgrade. Cruise terminals Amber Cove and Taino Bay are expanding the destination experience. Cruise ships will pass along the coast of Punta Bergantín, giving passengers a high-end, land-based destination that didn’t exist before.

While Taino Bay brings passengers into the historic city center, Punta Bergantín offers a more exclusive resort-style escape just minutes away. A core feature will be Pueblo Marino (Marine Village), a walkable commercial center with upscale shops, local artisans, and international dining.

To keep a sense of the Dominican culture, the government mandate requires low-density development and public beach access. It specifically enforces a “Dominican identity” theme for Pueblo Marino, featuring interactive aquariums, recreational pools, theme parks, and cultural shows. This ensures the space remains a socially connected hub rather than just another gated resort.

Amber Highway (Autopista del Ámbar)

A drive from Puerto Plata to the vibrant city of Santiago de los Caballeros usually takes an hour and a half, but soon it will take just under 30 minutes. The Amber Highway will connect Santiago’s airport and industrial hub directly to the Punta Bergantín area.

Santiago is the second largest city in the Dominican Republic, also known as “La Ciudad Corazón” (The Heart City). For tourists, it’s a chance to check out the historic landmarks, arts, and rich culture that Santiago offers. For those who live here, I personally like going to PriceSmart, it’s like the Dominican version of Costco.

With so much happening in Santiago, a faster commute back and forth to Punta Bergantín makes for a much better experience for both tourists and residents. With the project now moving into the construction phase, it’s clear that in the next few years, Punta Bergantín will become one of the top locations in the Dominican Republic.

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Expat Leaving

The expat who was once so enthusiastic about living abroad has now returned home, putting the experience behind him. This former expat goes by the name Lenny. “Are you leaving Lenny?” asked the doorman as he glanced at Lenny’s luggage bags. Lenny replied in a low tone, “Yes sir, my time has come.”

Almost two years after Lenny arrived, the plan was to live in the Dominican Republic forever; he never envisioned returning to North America. He loved the weather, cost of living, and going out for food and drinks. So what changed? What led Lenny to leave what he once loved so much?

It would seem like a combination of a few things led to Lenny packing his bags and leaving the Dominican Republic. Lenny only made two friends: a retired expat couple he met randomly at the embassy. They were great people; they would all go out together, watch the game at each other’s home, stay up late, and talk. Lenny was a single guy in his late 40s, and an introvert at that. Being to himself, Lenny didn’t go out much without the group and he never made any other friends.

It was the best year when they were all together, but for unfortunate reasons the retired couple had to return home, leaving Lenny alone. Shortly after the couple said their goodbyes and left, Lenny started to feel homesick. He relied too much on his friends for his social life. They went grocery shopping together, paid bills together, and always hung out. Lenny felt alone and suddenly couldn’t see the beauty of the Dominican Republic expat life as he once did.

Expat Staying

They used to call her “Local Lucy” because she never traveled and was even closed-minded to the idea of it. One day she stumbled upon a TV program about living abroad and was mesmerized by the lifestyle. The idea of a lower cost of living and enjoying more for less sparked something that had to be acted on.

She chose to live in the Dominican Republic. She took a few Spanish lessons, figuring that she would just wing it during her time there. Lucy is a friendly gal, though pretty shy, she is outgoing in nature.

Lucy made it her obligation to blend in with the locals. She went to comedores as much as sit-down restaurants. Although her Spanish was very limited, she used every opportunity to greet neighbors: “Hola, ¿cómo estás?” Lucy made friends with other expats, as well as Dominicans who spoke English.

For Lucy, it was important to be part of a community. She wanted the full Dominican experience, and she got it. She loves her new life in the DR, a permanent stay, and can’t imagine returning to live in North America.

My Advice For You

Lenny failed because he waited for a social life to come to him. Lucy succeeded because she made it her priority. The lesson is simple: To thrive abroad, you must choose to actively build your social connections.

Many expats make the mistake of only being social within expat communities, and after a while it feels as if they’re on an overextended vacation. The best choice an expat can make is to get out of the house and meet some of the friendliest people that you’ll ever come across.

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This year will be spent differently from previous years, as we are now in a new location. We have decided to stay here in Puerto Plata and not travel to the south coast of the country for Christmas.

Traditional Dominican Christmas

When we lived on the south coast, near my lady’s family, it was always a typical Dominican Christmas.

As for Noche Buena (Christmas Eve dinner) bring your appetite, maybe skip lunch, dress to impress, and contribute a little something as simple as snacks to add to the party. That sums it up for your preparation. Since the illusion of cold, snowy winters does not exist in the Caribbean, there is not too much emphasis on a Christmas tree. Some families put one up a tree, and some do not.

I can only speak from my personal experience, not for all Dominican Christmas parties. While there are alcoholic beverages, they are not emphasized nearly as much as the prepared feast. My first experience, I did not know what to expect. I thought I would be walking into a house with the couches pushed aside, and everyone dancing to continuous Bachata music. Not quite, they also played more than just bachata!

Before eating, we started with a prayer of grace and gratitude. Then we filled up on the likes of roast chicken, rice and beans, salads, empanadas, quipes, lasagna, and much more.

In the Dominican Republic, the main Christmas dinner is held on the 24th, Christmas Eve. Christmas Day, the 25th, is about coming back around noon for leftovers and winding down conversations. The nights end late for many here because there are other family parties, plus the added block parties, bars, and clubs.

Christmas in the Dominican Republic is a two-day celebration with family, extended family, and closest friends.

Christmas at Home in Puerto Plata

This year we won’t be traveling the distance and will spend Christmas at home.

As the days get closer to the 25th, it feels like time is flying so fast. Just as in North America, I could see from the commercials that they were pushing Christmas advertising in October, and I noticed the same trend here in the Dominican Republic. Preparedness or being pushy, you take your pick.

Keep in mind that gift exchanges in the Dominican Republic are not on Christmas Day. The day is called Dia de Los Reyes (Day of the Kings), and gifts are received on January 6th. Whoever created that idea was strategically wise, as it gives adults time to pay those end-of-the-month bills first.

This year, we won’t buy a tree, sit in front of the fireplace, and watch the snow fall. This is the Dominican Republic, it’s 80 degrees, sunny, and we are in the dry season.

The center of the city is well decorated for the season. Perhaps they will have fireworks or something else for the people coming together on Christmas Day. Going there to the center sounds like a plan; we’ll see what happens. The area should be full of people, including many coming off the cruise ships from all parts of the world.

Until then reader, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good day!

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Wellness centers

There are quite a number of wellness centers in the Dominican Republic that specifically cater to US veterans.

I randomly saw a video of a young man who is a retired vet. In the video, he was talking about the struggles he and other veterans go through back home in the United States.

He briefly spoke about the lack of support he received while transitioning back to society.

He explained that he was pretty much depressed during his time back home in the US.

He’s calling out to other US veterans to consider moving to the Dominican Republic. He credits the Dominican Republic for his turnaround and newfound happiness.

You can see the enthusiasm and feel the positive energy coming from this man.

His message is simple: the wellness centers helped him, and he wants to share that with his fellow veterans.

There are a notable number of US veterans living in the Dominican Republic, and the country is becoming a popular choice for them.

Overstay in the Dominican Republic

How long could you stay in the Dominican Republic? The short answer is 30 days without needing a visa.

After that, you’ll have to make a payment at the airport before boarding your flight.

I’ve actually been through this process of leaving after the allowed 30 days. I missed my flight on the 30th day because of traffic and the driver deciding to make an unannounced detour.

The next day, I checked my bags at the airport. At this point, I had completely forgotten about the fee.

Good thing I was at the airport early with time to spare.

They let me know about the fee and that it could only be paid in Dominican pesos. They wouldn’t accept USD or Credit Cards.

I didn’t have enough pesos (DOP) with me, and finding an ATM was a journey in itself.

This happened to me in 2018, and the only difficulty was paying in Dominican pesos. Luckily, they have since improved methods of paying the overstay fee.

Now the fee can be paid with either USD or a Credit Card, but I would suggest to arrive early just in case.

The overstay fee is not a crime nor will it prevent you from future re-entry. Consider it a predictable, administrative charge.

The amount you pay is based on the extra time spent (as seen in the chart above).

It’s pretty straightforward: when you get to the immigration counter to have your passport stamped for departure, the officer will see the overstay and direct you to a nearby payment window. Once you pay the fee and get the receipt, you show it to the officer, they stamp your passport, and then you move on.

This information is for tourism purposes only.

For other reasons like work, study, or business travel, you can stay much longer but must meet the Dominican Republic government’s specific visa and residency requirements.

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One is the “resort bubble”: If you’re staying at a 5-star resort being pampered with everything at your doorstep, then it’s likely that all those businesses expect a propina (tip).

The other is the standard tip, where everyone else falls in line, whether it be restaurants, taxis, or other services.

Not to sound confusing, there are also restaurants, taxis, and other services where no tip is expected.

First, know that most restaurants automatically include a 10% service charge (known as propina legal) on your bill. This isn’t discussed beforehand; it simply appears next to the ITBIS (the local tax).

This mandatory 10% can be frustrating for some, who would rather tip their server directly and by an amount of their choosing.

But here’s the most important part: even after paying the obligatory 10%, your server will likely expect an additional, separate tip of 10-15%.

Remember, tipping expectations extend beyond restaurants to resorts, maids, doormen, and delivery services.

So, here’s the bottom line: only the service charge printed on the bill is mandatory. Anything extra is optional, etc.

On the bright side, the prices are still a fraction of what you may pay back home in North America.

In the DR, a dinner for two at a nice restaurant with desserts could be well under $40 to $50 (USD), even with the 10% service charge and a separate cash tip to the server.

And I must not leave out the many restaurants that do not charge tips at all. There are so many options where tips are neither included nor expected.

These places offer good quality fresh food, usually traditional Dominican dishes. They have the lowest prices: $4 to $10 (USD) and you’re good to eat and go.

Now someone who spends time on a beautiful resort vacation in the Dominican Republic might constantly be faced with the expectations of tips.

The resorts are known to have rich foreigners. Some foreigners leave massive tips, then the word gets around, now everyone wants to be next to receive the big tip.

Many who work in service work really hard, and wages are not so good. Tips truly help the service worker.

The vacation lifestyle is different from the expat lifestyle. In my regular life here in the Dominican Republic, I rarely see tourists. Where I live, it’s not resorts and businesses catering to tourists.

The majority of the places that I attend don’t expect a tip, it would look out of place. I don’t tip when I go in to pay my electric, or internet bill. I’m not expected to tip at the colmado, unless it’s a delivery. If I buy an empanada (street food) or order food in a comedor (traditional restaurant), tipping is not required.

The everyday living in the Dominican Republic is not demanding tips all the time.

Now as for the grocery stores, that’s totally optional, like taxis. Many of the grocery stores have someone stationed by checkout that will bag your groceries. They are not working for tips; it’s part of their job.

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Once at a particular grocery store, a young man was bagging my groceries. I’m not sure if it was because my English slipped out, but his body language and long stare insinuated that he expected a tip.

This was an isolated situation, and the only time it had ever happened. Before that, I’d never seen anyone tip at the grocery store. I believe it likely comes down to the location.

Locals tell me that the tipping culture in the Dominican Republic is starting to become more common.

Overall, the Dominican Republic is not a country where tipping is expected in all aspects of everyday living. It simply allows you the option to tip when you can and as you please.

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The COE is the main government center you need to pay attention to for alerts and evacuation orders.

Here are some essential preparations: Always gather water for cooking and bathing, since flooding often contaminates the pipes and cuts off supply. Choosing to live on a street where the water flows downhill is a huge advantage. Definitely have candles, food, and gas for your stove, just in case.

Before I decided to move from North America, a key factor was driving the location decision. I love the Caribbean, but would a yearly hurricane season force me to evacuate all the time? Or at least that’s what I thought.

My time in the Dominican Republic has changed my perspective on hurricanes; it has certainly made me more aware, and less worried. To think that I was leaning toward living elsewhere because I thought the hurricane season would bring major storms every year! It just didn’t make sense for me to move toward the storm. Prior to moving here, I was told the hurricane season wasn’t too extreme, and then I got real-life experience.

Over the past years, I have never been through a hurricane myself. Not to undermine the severity of what can come from a major storm, but it’s usually just rainy days. Every so often, you might hear of a storm strengthening and heading toward the island. Nothing, however, to the point of leaving the country. There is a sense of calmness from the people as they go on with their day as normal. Schools continue, buses run, the workforce keeps going, and businesses operate on their regular hours. You’d only know it was hurricane season by watching the media.

In the Dominican Republic, the location of the person you ask will determine how they feel about hurricanes. The reason is that hurricane impacts are not the same throughout the country.

For example, the Northern coast is known to be more protected from the worst impacts of hurricanes compared to the Southern or Eastern coasts. I do receive videos of floods caused by heavy, long-standing storms throughout the country. During heavy rainfall, roads frequently flood due to overwhelmed drainage systems, turning streets into deep basins and causing major traffic disruption.

As for hurricanes, it’s safe to say that tropical storms are more common than destructive hurricanes making direct landfall.

To summarize the reality, the Dominican Republic is affected by far more tropical storms than full-category hurricanes. This is partly due to its favorable geography; the country’s mountains and location often weaken or redirect storms before they can fully impact the island.

Because of this, the reality for residents is that rainfall is the main danger. Torrential rain and flooding are the primary cause of damage and fatalities during a storm event.

As for history, the most recent hurricane to make landfall in the DR was Hurricane Fiona on September 19, 2022. The intensity of a hurricane is classified using a one-to-five category scale, with Category 1 being the least intense and Category 5 the most. Hurricane Fiona made landfall as a Category 1. The last time a major hurricane of Category 4 or 5 made a direct or near-direct landfall was Hurricane David in 1979.

As of October 24th, Tropical Storm Melissa is actively threatening the Caribbean. Government offices, including the Embassy, are closed today in the Capital city (Santo Domingo). This is a precautionary measure following reports that call for a possibility of the storm intensifying.

My location on the North coast is only experiencing periods of light rain, and the breeze is much cooler than normal. Further south, however, the Capital city is dealing with many floods and road blockages. Tropical Storm Melissa has gotten the most attention of any storm that I’ve noticed since I moved here.

Tropical storm Melissa has knocked out dozens of water systems affecting more than 600,000 people in the Dominican Republic.

Melissa is moving at an agonizing slow pace, which adds more worry for our Caribbean neighbors: Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba, and Turks and Caicos. Our prayers are with all.

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Recently, there's been some new policy changes in the rental market, and it looks like things are about to get shaken up.

Dominican Republic new rental rules

The Dominican Republic is currently in the process of implementing new proposed legislation that will affect the rental market and landlord-tenant relationships.

• Eviction Process: A new specialized Justice of the Peace Court will handle rental and eviction cases, issuing rulings within a maximum of 30 business days.

  Goodbye and good riddance to squatters. The new system provides a much faster process for property owners to regain possession.

• Rental Contracts: Rental agreements must now be in writing and include details like the identity of the parties, property description, and payment terms.

  It also prohibits discriminatory language in rental listings, such as “no children” or “I don’t rent to foreigners”

• Deposits: Rental security deposits must now be paid directly into a designated account at the Banco de Reservas (Reserve Bank)

  Tenants no longer pay more than two months rent (deposits) and landlords are responsible for depositing the funds.

• Short Term Rentals: The government will begin to regulate and tax platforms like Airbnb

• Annual Rent Increase Cap: Landlords cannot increase rent by more than 10% of the previous amount, unless otherwise agreed upon by both parties.

Rising Rent, Rising Tensions

In most of the more affluent areas of the Dominican Republic, rental prices have been slowly climbing over the last few years. The good news is, for the most part, the rent spikes haven't been too significant.

I noticed a handful of sizable two-bedroom apartments that were a cool $500 per month (USD) the year before, and now they're listed at $550 (USD). From what I'm seeing, rent across the board has gone up an extra $50 - $150 (USD).

Not everyone sees this the same way. Some people won't care, while others will see it as a serious problem. Change is never easy.

A big reason for this is the competition from Airbnb. Many landlords are now listing their properties on these short-term platforms instead, looking for bigger profit margins. If this trend gets out of hand, it could lead to higher rents and gentrification.

The Land vs. The House Paradox

While I can't speak for the entire island, what I've been seeing on the North Coast is a bit confusing. Land prices are climbing up, while house prices are trending down.

I imagine land prices are climbing because all the new projects being built are making prime land more scarce. In turn, there might be too many homes being built and not enough buyers, pushing owners to lower their asking prices.

Another factor could be the fact that interest rates remain high in North America, which is keeping potential buyers on the sidelines.

From my observation, land is selling pretty quickly, while houses are moving much slower. It's really becoming a buyer's market for homes.

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It's a dynamic and evolving market, and I'll be keeping a close eye on it to see how these changes unfold.

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What is happening in Puerto Plata

So many exciting new things are happening here. Whether you’re a tourist, an expat, or a local, there’s something to enjoy with the new additions. Puerto Plata already offers a wide variety of international foods, so some of the newest spots can easily go unnoticed. From California-style chicken and waffles to a gourmet Caribbean restaurant, just a few I got to check out.

I always imagined the day I’ll be looking back and pointing out so much that wasn't here in the past, that's now here in the present. In such a short time, that is already happening. The surge of new construction and waterfront properties looks promising, with new condos hitting the market at attractive price points under $100K (USD).

What I’m most looking forward to are a couple of new plazas already under construction in prime areas. These plazas are being built in really good areas, that will add more value for residents. I also saw an advertisement for a luxury mall coming soon, and it will be interesting to see how it turns out.

Take me out to the ball game

If you’re unaware, the Dominican Republic is huge on baseball. This island produces a remarkable number of players who go on to achieve the ultimate goal of playing professionally in Major League Baseball.

So it was a surprise to me that this nice indoor baseball stadium had been out of service for some time.

I was telling my lady that the city needs a sports team people can support and rally behind. That will give residents something to do and builds a real sense of community pride. I’m not a big baseball fan myself, but I do enjoy live events.

Then, without any prior knowledge, I found out the stadium had been renovated and that very day a game was being hosted. We went to the game and the entry cost a couple of dollars. On the way in, a man walking with his daughter had an extra ticket and kindly gave it to us.

The game was fun, with classic merengue music played between breaks to keep things lively. To top it all off, the gifted ticket we received earlier ended up being called in the raffle draw, and we won the local team’s hat.

Sosúa is changing for the better

Known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife mixed with a controversial red-light district, the town of Sosúa is undergoing major changes. About a year ago, the restaurants along the beach were the first to be shut down. Some say it was for aesthetic reasons.

At the time, when I was living in the south of the Dominican Republic, I didn’t know much about Sosúa. Later, when we decided to move to the north, we looked at places there. This small town has some of the best options to buy or rent, not to mention a great location. But the one lingering issue that stopped us from calling Sosúa home was the ever-growing red-light district. It seemed to overshadow the beautiful beaches and the vibe the town had to offer. It was disappointing, because the rental prices by the beach were a steal.

Well, all that is changing now, and Sosúa is cleaning up. A few months ago, there were heavy police raids targeting prostitution. It was a big deal, making national news. At first, many doubters said it was political and wouldn’t change anything. But the police showed up with a strong presence night after night. If it was for show, they wanted everyone to see they were serious. I assume the raids worked, because the news has since faded.

The talk of Sosúa now is about the opening of the new Hard Rock Cafe that was recently built. Many believe that’s the reason for all these sudden changes. The government seems to be thinking long-term. Prostitution is illegal in the Dominican Republic, and Sosúa’s location is prime real estate. Although it’s the next town over from where we live, we look forward to enjoying the new additions that any of the nearby towns have to offer.

The betterment of the area is all I want, so the more there is to do and see, the better.

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What is Dominican Time?

Dominican time isn’t just a Dominican thing, other Caribbean countries, as well as Central and South America, can definitely relate. But to keep things simple, let’s just call it “Dominican time.”

So, what exactly is Dominican time? Basically, it’s about taking your time and being late. If a meeting is set for 1 p.m., expect to start around 1:30 pm. When a waiter says, “I’ll be with you in a minute,” it usually means 10 minutes, or until you flag the waiter down again. And if a Dominican bumps into a familiar face while out and about, get comfortable, because that conversation could last a while. Quick “hi and byes” don’t really exist here, lol.

Of course, not all Dominicans live by “Dominican time.” It’s more of a running inside joke, often teased among themselves. It’s not something to be taken too seriously.

Slower Pace, Happier People

In a fast paced society, the average person might cause a ruckus when faced with the slower pace of life here.

I’ve been late for a meeting or two myself, and you know what? The other party was fine and never made an issue out of it. I guess even a foreigner can be on Dominican time, lol.

In the DR, the people who work quickly really stand out. I like to keep working with them. I’ve dealt with people who respond right away and get things moving, and with others, I’m still waiting to hear back months later.

It’s not just contractors either. Many companies take their time. For example, setting up electricity in a new home can be a long process. The first thing you should do after signing a rental lease is contact the electrical provider. They’ll need to schedule an electrician, but that doesn’t mean tomorrow. It could take weeks, even months, before anyone shows up. Better to start early and avoid the headache.

Life, Work, and the Dominican Rhythm

Here’s how I see it: I’d rather live in a society where people move slower and run a little late, as long as they’re friendlier and more loving toward each other.

In North America, everything is fast paced (except government workers), yet many people act as if they don’t have 30 seconds for a few words. That’s the big difference I see here.

Dominicans live in the moment, not hurrying to what’s coming next. Foreigners adapt to this slower pace. Many expats are here to get away from the hustle and bustle. From locals to expats, everyone seems much happier. Maybe it’s the hot weather that relaxes people. There’s no pressure to speed rush anything in the Dominican Republic.

The only time Dominicans get impatient is in rush hour. That explains stop signs being ignored, red lights run, aggressive driving, car horns, motorbikes cutting through traffic, and even driving on the wrong side of the road. They’re usually in a rush, likely running late.

Work still gets done and deadlines are met, just in a “dale pa’ ya” (take your time) kind of way. As for Sundays? Forget about it...nobody works on Sundays.

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Warm Weather Year-round

In my opinion, July and August are without a doubt the hottest months here in the DR. No question. AC and fans get more use than any other time of the year, and my electricity bills prove it.

The rest of the year is still warm, but less humid, with a steady breeze most days.

But here’s the thing: not all warm climates are the same, and the Dominican Republic is no exception. Believe it or not, there’s actually a part of the country where snow has fallen. My first thought was, how is that even possible in the Caribbean? Yet it’s true. The town is called Constanza, sitting about 4,000 feet above sea level. It’s the coldest place in the entire Caribbean, and yes, it snows there.

Sure is interesting, but not for me.

For most of the country, the weather stays warm year-round, with the occasional seasonal rain shower. Still, each region has its own feel. For example, the capital, Santo Domingo, is noticeably more humid than anywhere else I’ve been. Maybe it’s the city heat combined with the busyness, but it feels hotter there.

Punta Cana, on the other hand, can get really hot too depending on the season. The upside is that it’s home to some of the best beaches in the DR, which helps balance things out.

Then there’s the north. Thanks to being surrounded by water, the weather is especially comfortable. And have you ever noticed that tourist areas usually have the least of mosquitoes?

Power Outages Are Common

Another thing you won’t escape in the Dominican Republic is power outages (blackouts). They’re not extreme, but they happen more often than you’d expect.

Just the other night, workers were fixing something on the street and the power kept going in and out all night. That’s rare, but here blackouts unfortunately are not. Luckily, blackouts are not a big problem. With a simple purchase of an inverter, you can avoid outages altogether. Of course, some areas are face with more power outages than others.

Now, let’s say you don’t have solar panels or an inverter. That’s still fine. Usually, the power comes back quickly, either right away or shortly after. There's also helpful websites that let you know when to expect the electricity to return, so you’re not completely left in the dark lol.

Take it from me: always unplug your TV when the power is flickering. After a few too many blackouts, mine had to be repaired. It’s also a good idea to keep a light source that doesn’t need to be plugged in.

The good news? Most households in the DR use gas stoves, so even during an outage, you can still cook. Or choose the time to go out for a bite, restaurants and shops stay open and don’t skip a beat.

Vibrant People Everywhere

Through rain or shine, power outages or not, you will always find the people of the Dominican Republic to be vibrant people.

Probably the most positive people you'll ever meet. Social, happy, and always looking on the bright side. Dominicans have their own way of handling challenges, simply by going outside. Good energy is contagious.

Let an old classic merengue song come on, and you'll see the liveliness of the Dominicans lol. No matter if it's music from a colmado (store) or a passing car playing music, they're always ready to sing along and dance.

In the Dominican Republic, the views on depression are controversial, especially because many don’t believe in it. Their approach is simple: they handle stress by going outside, being social, and staying active.

They often use the phrase “ven a República Dominicana” (“come to the Dominican Republic”) with strong conviction that this beautifully imperfect country will uplift your spirits.

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Relax and Let the Company Handle Everything

The construction companies handle everything, from permits and tax payments to your floor plan and materials, all necessary to build your home. All you, the client, have to do is sit back and wait for your completion date, while everything moves forward as coordinated, making the process stress-free.

So, if you're motivated to save quite a bit of money by not going the construction company route, this is for you.

Appointment at the Sales Office

I’ll start this story without naming the particular construction company.

Earlier this year, my lady went “alone” to this construction company to get a quote for building a 180 meter square home. I’ll later explain the reason she went alone, if you haven't figured it out yet.

Here’s how it works. An appointment is made, you show up, and you're greeted as you enter the sales office. A salesperson will talk with you about your plans, etc. Not pushy or trying to sell you anything, they are there to assist you.

Later, as you walk through their beautiful model homes with one of their engineers, the breakdown of the quote is explained. This can go one of two ways: either you go with the construction company, knowing they will handle everything as explained, or you take on the job yourself and source what you need.

The Quote That Led Us to Change Course

In our case, we were looking at houses for sale around 8 millones Dominican pesos. These were already built houses in the preferred locations.

When my lady asked the construction company how much it would cost to build a 180 meter square home, the quote was quite expensive. We both thought it would be cheaper to build rather than buy an existing house. The quote was for 8 millones Dominican pesos, and that’s not including the land.

Their quote was 30% higher than what we were seeing for similar-sized homes already on the market.

Also, as I mentioned earlier, she went alone to make sure she would get the Dominican price and not a marked-up “gringo price.”

After contacting a few more construction companies, we realized that they were just going to be far more expensive than what we were budgeting for.

Hiring a Maestro Constructor

So we had to go to our backup plan, the open secret that all the locals know: hiring a maestro constructor to get the job done.

A maestro constructor is just as qualified as the construction companies. Why? Because that’s who they hire to build. Hiring an independent maestro is basically cutting out the middleman, which is why the savings are usually significant.

Construction companies mark up all prices, from permits to materials. Buying materials and getting permits are things anyone can do for themselves. Working with a maestro just means that we have to be more hands-on. We would need to hire an architect, fill out our own permits, hire contractors, and buy the materials.

After starting these tasks, I can assure you they are straightforward and simple.

Permits, Fees, and More Permits

Permits are surprisingly easy to fill out, not like those complicated forms we all hate.

Going into this house build, I put more thought into the short time it takes to physically build the home, not realizing that the permit approvals would take much longer.

After purchasing the land, there are more than 10 permits required to build. The wait time for approvals can vary.

Now this is where we used a cheat code... but don't tell nobody lol.

We Didn't Hire a Company — We Built a Crew

We have a pretty good social network in the DR of individuals who work in real estate. So, when we're asked how the house build is coming along, people often offer help by referring us to a good maestro, engineer (very important), architect, electrician, and the list goes on.

One gentleman who was introduced to us has been very helpful. His connections saved us a lot of time on certain permit approvals. I’m happy to say that we are within weeks of final approvals, and then we may begin construction.

I love how this whole process has been. We met really good people along the way. By not going with a construction company, we ended up building our own team. A team of skilled professionals whose work truly impressed us.

Between the money saved and the prompt service, we’ll definitely work with them again in the near future, or recommend them to other expats in need.

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Banging on the Door

It’s around 3 a.m., and there’s heavy knocking on one of the neighbors’ doors somewhere in the apartment building. I have no clue what’s going on, I’m half asleep, not even aware that the knocking had probably been going on for a while and finally woke me up.

It could be one of two things: someone lost their keys and is trying to wake up whoever’s inside... or it could be something worse. But I’m tired, it’s late, and I’ve got to be up early. It doesn’t sound serious, so I ignore it and go back to sleep.

The next morning, my lady asks if I heard the drama last night. I’m clueless. “What drama?”

She starts by asking if I heard the knocking on the neighbor’s door. That part I did hear, but I wouldn’t have called it drama. Then she fills me in:

A woman showed up to a man’s apartment in the middle of the night, pleading to be let in. Her surprise visit apparently wasn’t welcomed, the man had another woman in there. So she banged on his door for over an hour, yelling stuff like “open the door” and “let me in.”

An unwanted, late-night confrontation. Whatever her reason for showing up like that, she definitely should’ve pumped her brakes.

Oh, and did I mention the guy she was harassing is a police officer?

This could’ve ended way worse.

Eventually, he opened the door and said a few words, maybe even threatened to lock her up (lol). But she got the message, paced around the parking lot for a while, and eventually left.

Couple Physically Fights

This one also takes place late at night, just after 2 a.m. I was half asleep, sitting on the couch with the TV on, and saw the whole thing unfold right from my living room window.

A little backstory on the main character. Let’s call her Beddy.

Beddy is new to the building, and in less than a week she managed to bother just about every tenant. Blocking cars in the parking lot, throwing loud parties every night, taking over the laundry area with zero regard for others, leaving the water pump on overnight… believe me, the list goes on.

Oddly enough, Beddy doesn’t speak a word to anyone, seems like she’s avoiding the neighbors. Then again, when you’ve got three different boyfriends visiting at all hours, maybe keeping quiet is her strategy to avoid someone spilling the tea.

Anyway, back to the night in question.

Just after 2 a.m., I start to hear low bickering outside between a man and a woman. At first, I think nothing of it. But the tone starts to shift. It gets more aggressive, so I decide to look out the window.

And there she is, Beddy… lunging at a guy that I recognize from before.

I’m surprised to see him back here, considering she chased him out of the building with a knife just last week. But here they are again, and she’s swinging on him like a prizefighter. And he? He’s basically a punching bag.

The whole time they’re trying to keep their voices down, even while they’re wrestling, bumping into the car, backing off, then going at it again.

Five minutes go by, felt like ten.

She lunges at him one more time, and this time his energy changes. He swings back, wrestles her to the ground, then bolts for the car.

Now here’s where it turns full movie scene:

As he reverses the car, Beddy jumps up from the pavement, runs after him, and literally dives through the driver’s side window while the car is still moving.

They drive off like that, her feet still hanging out the window as she climbs in, the car doing a little swirl before straightening out.

From my window, it looked like they were driving in their lane… or at least, close enough for 2 a.m. on an empty road.

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Back to Normal

In both cases, no police were called and by the next day, the people involved carried on like nothing ever happened.

As for Beddy, she actually brought back the same guy she’d been fighting with. That didn’t last long, though. Since then, she’s replaced him with a much more older man, and honestly, things have been a lot more peaceful around here.

Most people love drama. From blockbuster movies to sports headlines, nearly all entertainment revolves around it. Me? I prefer my drama on a screen, not from a front-row seat in real life.

I’ve been told the same thing by locals in more than one country, and it stuck with me:

Foreigners should stay out of locals drama.

Because once things escalate and the authorities get involved, it becomes their word against yours. And chances are, that you’re going to lose.

Advice to live by.

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Buying fresh chicken in the Dominican Republic

This morning was nothing out of the ordinary. The skies were blue, light clouds and a steady breeze. Around 11am, from a distance, I can hear talking through speakers. This happens often, with trucks passing by selling fruits and veggies from the farms.

Oh, but this time it's different from what I've ever seen, this truck is selling chicken. We just bought a whole chicken from the butcher the day before, at a good price too ($4.37 USD). But as it's being explained to me how these live chickens on the truck are sold, I’m interested to see for myself.

Gotta move fast and get out by the sidewalk quickly. These trucks don't wait for customers, they rely on their loud speakers to alert people to come out and wave them down as they slowly cruise by.

Sort of like when you’re younger and wave in the ice cream truck, lol.

We wave in the truck, and the guys pull over on the side. The truck is full of livestock.

The culling of a chicken is a really fast process. Before you know it, the chicken is defeathered and put in a bag to go.

Abundance of aloe vera

Later on that day, my lady came in with a large rooted stem of an aloe vera plant. It looked healthy, as if nothing was wrong. I questioned why someone would throw it out. She said people do that here and there, and that she found it at the side of the road right in front of the apartment.

Not only does aloe vera offer healthy benefits for skin, weight management, and so much more, we also use it in our hair. I never thought I would have a use for this plant until living in the Dominican Republic. It’s a home remedy using natural resources.

The gel from inside the plant will strengthen hair, help with hair growth, dandruff, calm itchy scalp, and deep cleans oily hair. The feeling of having a fresh layer of aloe vera gel on your head just feels healthy.

Personally, I like the idea of using natural plants for any use, rather than buying brands with toxic ingredients.

Shopping in the city center

Heading towards the city center to buy knockoff slides, lol. Well, not exactly, but that’s how it ended up. The Dominican Republic has these nice tranquil parks all over the country. Either with one of two views: a beautiful mountain view or overlooking the water.

I decided to take a stroll through the city center, and while I was there, I could look at buying cheap slides to wear and tear at home.

Here in Puerto Plata, we have a few what locals call “Tienda de China” (Chinese store). These shops are known for very low prices.

These shops carry almost everything from snacks, toys, kitchenware, clothes, and the list goes on. They pretty much have everything, and at lower prices than already low priced competitors.

I have been here a few times and was surprised to see such a wide selection of US name brands. Popular brands are not why people come here, let’s be honest, it’s the prices.

I’ve bought items here that were half the price that their competitors sell them for, which was already a good price.

As I was walking through the aisles, yet to have uncovered the whole store, I saw some name-brand slides. I just knew they weren’t authentic, but they didn’t look bad at all. The salesperson was very convincing and would have you forgetting that the slides are knockoffs.

I figured, why not? I could buy these for less than $4 bucks (USD) and just wear them out. The beach destroyed my previous slides that cost over $90 (USD). No regrets, they feel comfortable and I wear them every day at home.

Rideshare Realities

Now waiting on my rideshare to take me back home. The driver messages me to negotiate an extra 50 pesos (84 cents) from me. Half the time they do that here. I figure it’s because my 10-minute drive is only 200 pesos ($3.40 USD). Sure, why not… at least he’s upfront with it.

As always, the driver shows up in good spirits, not wearing a seatbelt. A common sight here, while playing some soothing music, and being conversational. It’s just another day in the Dominican Republic.

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Ever felt like you were charged more just because you're a foreigner? If so, you've already encountered the infamous "gringo price."

This controversial topic hits close to home for many foreigners living or traveling in Latin America. Some countries are worse than others, but the idea is the same: there's a local price, and then there's a higher, spur-of-the-moment price just for you — the foreigner. It’s not an official policy anywhere, of course. It usually depends on the vendor, and your first taste of it often comes from a taxi ride. That alone has likely fueled the popularity of rideshare apps.

What Are Gringo Prices?

If you're new to this concept, here's what it means: "gringo" is a term used in Latin America to describe a foreigner. It's not meant to be offensive, it's just a label. But "gringo prices"? That’s when someone charges you more simply because you don’t look or sound local.

The logic? Foreigners are expected to have more money, so they can afford to pay more. It's not always malicious. Sometimes it's opportunistic, other times it's just baked into the local hustle. And while it doesn’t happen everywhere, it happens often enough to spark frustration.

My Experience in the Dominican Republic

I’ve been charged gringo prices a few times during my travels in Latin America, but overall, it hasn't been a frequent issue. Sometimes it's so blatantly obvious that the person charging extra forgets you've already been to the establishment and you know the real price. You don't forget that kind of thing.

In the Dominican Republic specifically, it’s only happened to me once. That said, I’ve heard others with different experiences. Maybe it’s more common around resorts? Maybe it's reserved for tourists who look like they have money? Or maybe it’s just rare and isolated.

Still, for the times it does happen, it leaves a bad taste.

The Restaurant Story

I remember a few years back I went into a local restaurant for lunch, a spot my lady and I had visited many times before. Usually, we go together, decide on what we want, and she places the order in Spanish. But this time I went solo.

I looked at the food warmer, made my selection, and paid. But something felt off. As I walked away from the cash register, I realized I had been charged nearly double the normal price. It wasn’t about the extra $3 — it was about the principle.

It reminded me of another story. A friend and I were in Central America. A local told him about a great food spot: big portions, small prices. He loved it so much he went almost every day.

Then one day, he noticed things changing. Smaller portions. Higher prices. He suspected gringo pricing. Since I look more like a latino than him, he asked me to go in and order for him while he waited outside.

Sure enough, they gave me a mountain of food and charged the regular price.

He wasn’t even mad about the money — it was the feeling of being singled out. That sticks with people.

The Taxi Incident That Got the Police Involved

The worst case I saw was dramatic enough to draw police attention. It takes place at a sports bar in Central America. I was out with a friend and later we met a group of five older folks also from North America. They didn’t speak Spanish, but they were lively and generous, tipping well and eager to enjoy their trip.

We had planned to head over to the center after the game was done. At one point, one of them mentioned paying $20 for a taxi ride to the center. My friend and I were shocked. That ride costs $3, maybe $5 tops. We told them that, shared some tips, had a laugh and thought nothing more of it.

But as luck would have it, the same overpriced taxi was waiting out front. We all jumped in. When we got to the destination, one of the elders handed over $10, half of what he usually paid. The driver demanded more. The man, visibly upset, tells the driver “not a penny more”. An argument broke out. Crowds of onlookers gathered. The man stood his ground and even refused our money to de-escalate things.

Eventually, the police showed up. When they found out the guy had paid $10 for what’s usually a $2 - $3 ride for locals, the officers just told the driver to move along.

Again, it wasn't really about the money — it was the feeling of being taken advantage of.

So, How Do You Avoid Gringo Prices?

Gringo prices are an uncomfortable truth, and for whatever reason, it's something people usually only talk about after the fact. Nobody wants to feel ripped off. Some folks may even say “You can’t avoid it, so deal with it lol.”

Gringo pricing shows up most in places without fixed prices. Restaurants, taxis, markets. But most of the time, you probably won’t get overcharged. It's not as widespread as some people fear.

That said, here are some practical tips:

Buy where prices are marked or scanned. Supermarkets, convenience stores, and shops with barcodes are safe bets.

Ask the price before committing. Especially with taxis or street food.

Negotiate if it feels off. If a price sounds too high, you’re allowed to push back, even locals do.

If it happens to you, don’t take it personally. It happens to everyone, even locals sometimes. Learn from it, laugh it off if you can, and stay sharp next time.

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Final Thought

Gringo pricing isn’t always about the cash — it’s about fairness. And while it’s not the end of the world, it can leave a bad impression. The best thing you can do is stay aware, trust your gut, and remember: not everyone is trying to take advantage.

Have you ever been hit with a gringo price? I’d love to hear your story.

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Don't live on the main road in the Dominican Republic

Living on a main road might make you think the whole country is loud. It’s not, it’s just your location.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve pause the TV because of roaring engines. Conversations often have to stop mid-sentence every time a loud motorcycle speeds by. That's really the only drawback, but it’s a big one. The nonstop raving of vehicle engines can get you over time.

A woman once asked how could we live on a main road “It's like a race track!” she laughed. I couldn't un-hear that. Since then, I started referring to the main road as a race track too. At first, it wasn't such a big deal. But after awhile it got to me. Needless to say, I’m grateful to be moving to a quieter street soon.

Power outages while you're out and about? You can't prepare for that

In a past article I talked about how to prepare for a power outage at home. But what about when it happens while you're out and about? That's something that you can't prepare for.

When you're out running errands, you might not notice a power outage right away. Most stores and restaurants use backup generators, so everything keeps running like normal. I remember once coming out of the grocery store with a full cart, ready to hail a taxi. Then boom, the whole plaza lost power.

Everyone stopped, looking around, trying to figure out what happened. I stayed too, just watching. Within five minutes, power came back to the plaza. On the ride home, the streetlights were still out. Thankfully, it wasn't rush hour, those get chaotic.

Yes, clothes really can get moldy here

When you think of paradise, you imagine tropical weather, warm breeze, and sunny skies, the Dominican Republic is all that. But what no one tells you is how easily your clothes can get moldy here.

We made sure our place had good airflow and stayed open and breezy. I even tried a dehumidifier. Still, clothes in the closet kept getting moldy. It was frustrating to rewash things several times without ever wearing them.

After some trial and error, what seemed to make the difference was using good quality detergent and extra fabric softener. Since then, no more mold, clothes come out fresh, and they stay that way.

Running the AC is another alternative, but it would have to be on most of the day. I prefer the natural breeze.

Yes, Dominicans wash their fruits and veggies with soap

In the Dominican Republic, it’s common to wash fruits and vegetables with a sponge and a little soap, right over the kitchen sink, just like washing dishes.

Since produce often comes fresh from farms or open markets, it can have dirt, bugs, or residue that needs scrubbing.

This isn’t something typically done in North America, where most produce is pre-washed or coated with a thin layer of wax to preserve freshness on grocery shelves. But hey, when in the DR, do as the Dominicans do!

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Someone cutting the line? Totally normal. Don't take it personally

I could go on, but here’s one last tip: don’t get rattled if someone cuts the line, it happens, and often. Not like grade schoolers do it, but in a more… sophisticated way, lol.

Someone might walk right up to the counter and casually get the server’s attention while placing their order. A neat, orderly line in a busy Dominican restaurant? Not always. Most people gather around the food warmer, not in single file. Your best bet is to watch the flow, know your spot, and if someone tries to slide in front, politely let them know. They won’t argue.

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Patience presents unexpected opportunities

As many of you know, I’m in the process of building a home here in the Dominican Republic. I’m keeping the exact location private for now — I’ve always valued a bit of personal privacy, especially with a project this close to the heart.

What I didn’t expect? That just getting permits would take nearly 8 weeks — and that’s with solid connections. I’ll be honest: I thought we’d be well into the build by now.

But you know that saying, “patience is a virtue”? Well, life has a funny way of turning delays into unexpected opportunities.

How it all might of started

To protect the privacy of others, I’m going to explain this the best way I can without revealing personal details. If the main people involved are ever comfortable with me sharing more behind-the-scenes logistics, I’ll revisit this story with more depth.

I believe it all started a little over a month ago. My lady and I were out at the land, marking the boundaries for the crew that was coming in to level the ground and clear a few trees. (By the way, this process is called Limpieza, Nivelación y Corte — it requires a permit that usually takes about 30 days to get approved.)

Somebody was watching

We met a guy who knows another guy that works in this field — and with a little extra, our permit wait turned from 30 days into just a few.

The trucks began early, clearing and levelling the lot from 8 AM until about 3 PM. Everything seemed to be going smoothly — but apparently, we were being watched.

The street is usually quiet. So quiet that you can actually notice when a few unfamiliar cars linger a little too long. At the time, I didn’t think much of it. Construction draws attention — people drive by, take a look, and move on.

But knowing what I know now, I don’t think it was just random curiosity. These weren’t just passersby. They were colleagues of a big developer.

At the present moment…

Our agent reaches out and tells us that someone out here—someone considered a pretty big deal—is interested in our land. I say it’s not for sale, of course.

The developer doesn’t want all of it—just about half. He’s offering to replace what he takes and throw in an extra 35% more land on top. But this isn’t really about the land itself. It’s about location.

He has a big vision for a beautiful project, and my land happens to be the exact piece he needs to complete it.

I turn down the offer. I know what I have. I bought this land knowing it was a prime location, and we’re only a few permits away from starting to build.

Even though the land he’s offering is right beside mine, that offer doesn’t interest me.

The gentleman becomes persistent. He keeps asking my agent for direct contact. I guess he wants to walk me through what he sees—explain the big picture.

A few days later, he comes back—with a better offer: 70% more land.

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Now we’re talking

Now we’re talking! With this new offer, I could have more space—and possibly build another house.

But the biggest factor here is time.

We finally get on the phone, and he’s direct. If I decide to take the deal, he’s willing to reimburse me. His heart seems to be in the right place—he just wants to improve the area.

And honestly, if I make the deal, what he’s building could absolutely raise the value of my property. If I don’t, he’ll have to go back to the drawing board and figure out a new design.

You might be wondering: why didn’t he think about buying my land before I did?

Good question—I forgot to ask him that. Lol.

Still, if this deal is going to happen, I have my own requests.

I’d need to be reimbursed for everything:

• Fees

• Taxes

• Permits

All the work that’s gone in so far.

Time is money, and I’ve already invested a lot of both. That’s going to cost him a pretty penny.

To me, time is more valuable than additional land.

So now we’re here: by this weekend, he needs to meet my terms.

Then it’s simple—deal or no deal.

And honestly? I’m good either way.

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