Dudu Blue Lagoon – the #1 Natural Place of the North Coast of Dominican Republic
Without a doubt one of the local attractions not to be missed and an opportunity to swim in crystal clear and cold fresh water as against going to the beach to swim in the warm sea. Located about 10 minutes by car from Cabrera, on the road to Nagua, and shortly after you pass the turning for Playa Diamante you will see a large sign on your right advertising the entrance to DuDu and the Blue Lagoon. If you miss it and reach the turn off to La Entrada, turn round and go back. There are in fact three lakes or lagoons here although it seems only two are for swimming and cave diving.
DuDu is a cenote, or sinkhole and there is some doubt over its actual depth. Some say 107 feet whilst others suggest the bottom has yet to be determined. There is also a question mark over the name DuDu. One suggestion is that a Taino Indian of that name lived in a cave close to the lake which can also be explored while you are visiting the lakes.
There are no changing facilities here, although there is now a restaurant and snack bar on the site, so it is best to arrive in your swimming gear. It is about 10 meters down to the water which has very easy access with cement stairs going down to the water’s edge and is a very popular tourist attraction and local hangout so you will find people are jumping in from all over the place and swimming. One favorite is to grab onto the rope swing from the wide stone ledge and you can swing out and drop into the clear cool waters.
It is also recognized as the only place where you can do cave diving from one natural lake to another natural lake, so it is very popular with divers who practice this sport. Here the visibility is an astonishing 50 meters (160+ ft). The two lakes are connected by two massive underwater tunnels about 200 meters long and a third cave takes you into a spectacular underground dome naturally decorated by limestone stalagmites and stalactites still gradually building up over the years. The Caverns offer a number of different eco systems, natural beauty just waiting to be discovered. If you are swimming don’t be surprised to find a team of divers surfacing around you while you swim.
Lagoon dudu cabrera lake diving spots
For diving once geared up it is easier to swim on the surface to the far left side and the beginning of a very large tunnel which goes in about 100 meters and has a large air dome at 50 meters. To the right against the wall you will notice an area of broken down slabs and a warning sign, tie in to the cavern line and go through the restriction; you will then get to the cave’s mainline which is right in the halocline.
The first part of the cave features a very large and tall main tunnel that has many dark tannic stained decorations; one column is over 10 meters high; the maximum depth here is 20 meters. At the end of this tunnel there is a steep slope that goes up to about 6 meters and the line here makes a sharp left turn and there is an air pocket with breathable air to the right.
Continuing on the mainline the cave gets lower and you will pass through with a series of weird dark stalactites before the tunnel opens up again. The rest of the dive has no decorations and is generally shallower with an average depth of only 6-7 meters.
After swimming for about 45 minutes you eventually get to the end of the line which goes up to another entrance called Cueva de Lilly.
Coming back out you can swim around the cenote to the left and dive the cavern zone which consists of two more tunnels that lead to the third entrance, Pozo de los Caballos, before turning back toward the stairs. The cavern zone is quite grandiose and well worth it with huge shellfish encrusted stalactites and very unusual water colors.
Entrance to DuDu and the Blue Lagoon is not expensive.
Admission fee is RD100,- for everyone.
Saltadero
Saltadero is the name for a waterfall and pool located on the outskirts of Cabrera. You can find this local attraction by following the unmade road to the right at the crossroads when entering Cabrera on the main road from Rio San Juan. Simply follow the road for about half a mile to its end.The waterfall is quite high, although the pool is fairly small, and is very popular with the local children and frequently visited by the local tour guides who bring visitors to see this local attraction.
Youngsters enjoy climbing up the waterfall to various levels and jumping into the pool below which is not very deep so in some respects is quite dangerous. Some will seek a few pesos or a couple of dollars from visitors to watch them leap into the pool from the top of the waterfall which is quite a feat. Access to the pool requires descending a steep and slippery pathway so sensible foot ware is recommended.
Source: NPN
Sosua Nightlife
Sosua is now famous for being a top destination for the single male. The many nightclubs crammed into this small area is ideal for bar-hoppers and party goers.
Sosua is unique in the Dominican Republic and in the Northern Hemisphere for the number and variety of girls there each night. The area is policed by Dominican Politur (Tourism Police). Their main job is to maintain a safe environment for visitors, and to keep the area drug-free. However, this can often go out of propotion and Police will pick on any girl (Dominican or Haitian) who is strolling along the street alone, not accompanied by a man.
Bars and discos along the main drag play everything from local Bachata and Merengue to 60’s and 70’s retro to Techno and Trance.
The Dominican Republic is a haven for men who want encounters with young, beautiful ladies. You will be able to meet pros, semi-pros, and regular local girls. Here it’s perfectly acceptable for an older man to date a younger woman.
Puerto Plata Nightlife
Puerto Plata has the most dance clubs, discotecas, and night clubs on the North Coast. They vary from high-end (and relatively expense) nightclubs like La Bohem and Cristals, to inexpensive discos where the drinks are cheap and the music is loud. They include straight p4p, to those where the ladies also act as waitresses, to “regular” dance clubs where the focus is on dancing and having a good time. Two or three times a week there will be live music by nationally-known artists. These events are heavily promoted and always well attended.
Cabarete Nightlife
Cabarete is more a touristy town for surfers and family’s. Here you will find a couple of night clubs, like Ojo – a fairly new modern night club plays modern music and regurlarly throws parties. Cabarete has a long beach stretch full of bars and restaurants, that have a special atmoshpere at night time. Here we would reccomend to visit Kahuna’s Bar, Lux and Jose O’Shay’s. In the end of Cabarete there is Ocean Sand Casino with disco and different shows.
Puerto Plata, Sosua and Cabarete Gambling
The North Coast has the greatest number and variety of casinos and betting establishments.
Sosua offers Sosua Bay Casino and Playa Chiquita Casino
Cabarete – Ocean Sand Casino
Puerto Plata – Ocean World Casino, Casino El Dorado, Paradise Beach Club & Casino, Puerto Plata Beach Resort & Casino, The American Casino at Jack Tar Village.
Here is a list of beaches we find attractive to visit, all located in the north coast of the Dominican Republic
SOSUA BEACH (Sosua Bay)
Playa Sosua, near Puerto Plata, and the Playa Dorada, is probably one of the main tourist attractions in the north. The beautiful turquoise of the Atlantic, and the great expanse of the white sands lends to a magic that one must experience in person. Sosua Beach is perfect for that long stroll – so inviting to just send your cares away on the next set of waves.
Whereas Europeans tend to visit the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana and surrounds, North Americans have been returning to the Puerto Plata area. With the golfing at Dorada, and the tranquility of Playa Sosua – it’s little wonder.
Waters here are mostly calm. It is a perfect place for your kids to play. In spite of the fact that the beach can be crowded on weekends, it still preserves crystal clear turquoise waters. This is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches on the north coast. Great for snorkeling and glass bottom boat trips, as well as it is the most popular spot for scuba diving trips.
PLAYA ALICIA (in front of the Waterfront restaurant)
Playa Alicia is smaller than Playa Sosua, with a lovely rock cliff at one end. It does not have much natural shade, but has the advantage of having less people and fewer vendors asking you to purchase things than Playa Sosúa. Playa Alicia is a gorgeous yellow-sand beach with a quite strong surf. It is always clean here, as the beach is visited by the guests from the neighboring Hotel Casa Marina. You can hire sun beds and umbrellas, and even order some snacks and drinks from the restaurant up the cliff “Waterfront”. Now a newly built park is overlooking this beach. The beach access closes at 7PM.
PLAYA LAGUNA (Escondido Bay)
Just a kilometer away from the center of Sosua you will find a nice secluded beach. In the highway you will see the sign Playa Laguna turn into the road going down to the ocean, and follow the signs to lead you to the coast. Here you will find a set of oceanfront complexes right on the beach. Normally this beach is not busy, so for one who is seeking tranquility it could be the magic place, no vendors or shops along the beach, just you and the ocean.
PLAYA AT NATURA CABANA (Perla Marina)
This beach is located between Sosua and Cabarete, in the residential area Perla Marina. You need to go to the famous resort/restaurant on the beach Natura Cabana, and access the beach via this resort. The beach is normally not crowded, and changes with a season, it can be sandy at one spot and rocky at the other. The stretch goes along for about 2 kilometers, you can use the private beach by the Natura Cabana and order drinks/snacks from the restaurant, they offer sunbeds too, or choose to take a walk and find yourself a more secluded, untouched spot. It is frequent that you can see a group of horse back riders along the beach. Great sunset!
ENCUANTRO BEACH
Encuantro Beach is an isolated stretch of beach located between the more heavily populated cities of Sosúa and Cabarete this popular surfing beach is accessible to the public via dirt roads.
Encuentro Beach consists of five distinctive breaks:
Coco Pipe is a serious, powerful and hollow reef break which favors high tide and North or Northwest swell. This wave is almost always bigger than it looks from the beach, with a heavy vertical drop. This was first surfed by Bam Rossiter, who managed to ride a 589ft wave fakir.
Bobo’s Point is a series of consistent peaks with a hollow but easy take off. It is powerful when overhead and best at low to mid tide on a Northeast swell.
La Derecha, meaning “the right”, is the North Coast’s most consistent surf spot. Two peaks, outside and inside with two distinct take off zones, and a reef that breaks like a point combine to create a wave that breaks with any swell direction and any size.
La Izquierda, meaning “the left”, is a hollow barreling performance reef break. Two sections that usually connect make up this fairly long wave. It is also very consistent with something to ride almost every day, although the wave tends to close out at heights over 12 feet (4 meters).
Destroyer is a powerful, hollow and shallow left, over a sharp reef. This dangerous wave breaks best at 8 to 10 feet (3 meters). More info http://www.surfingdominicanrepublic.com/
CABARETE BEACH (Central Cabarete)
Cabarete is famous for having excellent conditions for the sports. Everything revolves around the six kilometers of Cabarete Beach. On a two kilometer stretch (Cabarete Bay) businesses of all types have sprung up, many run by foreigners who first came as tourists and then came back to stay.
The restaurants, bars, surf shops and occasional hotel are located just far enough from the beach to add to the destination, not detract from the enjoyment of the beach. Many feel the attractiveness of Cabarete is in the people, the mingling of tourists who enjoy the intimacy of the smaller non inclusive hotels that encourage their guests to venture out and discover Cabarete. In the evening, the restaurants place their tables on the beach to serve dinner. While most are plastic tables, don’t be fooled. The quality of some of the restaurants is first class. The whole evening experience of strolling on the beach under the stars from one place to the other to pick the restaurant for the evening is special. Many tourists even dress up for a fun people-watching evening. See and be seen.
While Cabarete caters to a young sports-minded crowd, it is also perfect for those who just want the leisure of sitting in the shade or taking sun on the beach, and for parents with little children.
KITE BEACH (Cabarete)
Kite Beach Cabarete is the most popular windsurfing and kitesurfing (kiteboarding) location and one of top 10 kite surfing spots worldwide.
Best kitesurfing is at KiteBeach itself, although Cabarete bay west and the nice long stretch of Bozo beach, (on the way to Kite Beach), is also where the kite surfers go to ride, or take kite boarding lessons.
Kite Beach simply has better wind direction – a perfect side-onshore wind, especially useful when you first learn to kitesurf, so you don’t get dragged out to sea and have no problems to return to the beach (Before you learn how to kite surf up-wind).
Kite beach also has stronger and more consistent winds than Cabarete west. The central part of the Cabarete bay has little wind by the shore and the eastern section of Cabarete bay has practically no wind most days, since the C-shaped bay blocks the wind.
There are around 15 kitesurfing schools in Kitebeach & Cabarete.
PLAYA MAGANTE (Los Gringos)
Playa Magante is situated between Gaspar Hernandez and Rio San Juan on the north eastern coast of the Dominican Republic, famous for its wild beauty and seclusion. You will see a signpost from the main road in Yagua (via Magante) down to Magante Beach. This is the most gorgeous beach you can ever visit on the north coast, very secluded, tranquil, shallow waters, unforgettable view like out of the book. Perfect for relaxation or getaways.
Here you will find the Los Gringos Beach Bar and Grill offering everything from a refreshing drink or a quick snack to a four course meal…plus three wonderful thatched beach cabanas to stay in. Its new thatched gazebo is perfect for a wedding or special group function with wonderful views of the beach and sea.
Los Gringos is situated at one end of Playa Magante, a spectacular stretch of sand scattered with palm trees offering plenty of shade, where you can walk for miles and enjoy what nature has given this part of the island.
And, as the place is protected by a double coral reef, there is safe swimming and snorkeling from the beach. Thankfully, no power boats and no jet skis. Just the occasional local fishing boat and the lap of the waves. Those who are keen on collecting shells and corckels will find this place a great find, as it has plenty of different kinds.
The hosts of the place will make your visit as enjoyable as possible, whether it is for a lunchtime snack, a gourmet meal, a special group function, a few drinks and a game of beach volleyball or a week of bliss staying in your own beach cabana. Breathtaking sunsets a local
specialty.
PLAYA CALETON
Playa Caleton is a charming little beach tucked away into a bay, protected by 2 small islands at the mouth of the bay. The water here is typically very calm and clear. For the adventurous, apparently snorkeling is pretty good out by the islands.
The locals frequent this beach, and it is relatively unknown in tourist circles, because to find it is an adventure in itself. Driving time from Cabarete is 30 minutes towards Playa Grande. After going through the town Rio San Juan approximately a kilometer up the road, there will be a two story small hotel/bar, now start looking for the sign. There is a Playa Caleton sign on the right side of the road. If you blink you will miss it. On the opposite side of the road there is an open bar, that serves drinks, the road before the bar, and it looks more like a trail into a bar, but yes, this is the road to Playa Caleton and worth the drive in. Ask the bar owner if you are unsure.
Drive very slowly, it is about a 2 minute drive in, the road is very uneven. There are rentals for chaises and there is food from the shacks, where they will make whole fried fish and other things on the menu. Avoid the months where there is no letter R in the month… fish isn’t good at these times.
The unique thing about this beach is that on the right side of the bay on the rocks are white busts of human heads. Some have fine coral afoxed to look like hair, it looks like a shrine… probably 40-50 of these adorn the rocks. Folk lore has it a boat from Puerto Rico sank at the mouth of the bay and all the people drown… fact or fiction.
The sand is lovely. Avoid Sundays, as the locals come, drink and it becomes a horror show, but there is Police around if things get out of hands.
PLAYA GRANDE (Cabrera)
Playa Grande, in the Rio San Juan/Cabrera area is probably known best for serious golfers. Many golfers consider the course here at Playa Grande to be the best in the Dominican Republic. A few have even compared it to Pebble Beach. It was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Ten of its holes border the Atlantic Ocean. These are atop dramatic cliffs overlooking our featured beach. Playa Grande has some serious beach front as well.
Located 120 km east of Puerto Plata, Playa Grande Beach was once rated as one of the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world by Conde Nast Travel magazine. As you can see, this expanse of white sand, coconut palm lined paradise is a must see.
Each end of Playa Grande Beach is anchored by rugged coral formations and beautiful cliffs. Some great surfing and boogie boarding can be done at certain places along the beach. Keep your eye out for some of the locals who know the area and surf well.
Behind the tree line are a number of food vendors who offer up some of the finest in traditional Dominican cuisine. And some of the seafood is incredible. You won’t go hungry here – so plan on spending the day.
PLAYA DIAMANTE (Cabrera)
A newly asphalted road from Sosua towards Rio San Juan leads you to Playa el Diamante. About 15 minute drive after Rio San Juan, past Cabrera, there is a sharp right curve, where you should slow down by a big sign “Pescaderia” on the left and a pointer to Playa el Diamante. Continue down the small street to the ocean, which opens a beautiful scenery.
It is a spectacular view: the lagoon in the form of a circle with fine white sand and turquoise water, blending smoothly into the blue of the
deep ocean. Two low rock formations with wind shaped trees frame around Playa el Diamante, the precious diamond of Dominican Republic. In addition to the wondrous landscape of this lagoon, there are unique small freshwater streams struggling out from the sand at the edge of the sea water, covering the surface which resembles a giant mirror. Playa el Diamante is the most shallow beach you have ever seen. First, you walk on a thin layer of fresh water, massaging your foot palms, 20 meters later, the water reaches your ankles, 40 meters further up to the knee. If you want to swim, it would take you some time and around 70 meters of walking deep into the lagoon. This is the best place for families with
children and couples who like privacy. Playa el Diamante is completely deserted on weekdays, but can be very crowded on weekends as lots of loud Dominicans come here to party.
The beach fascinates you and not only by its splendid beauty, but also what seemed to be against all laws of physics, the cold spring water is
on top, and a warm sea water near the bottom. This happens because the fresh cold water is lighter than the salty ocean. It feels incredibly nice and very relaxing by every cell of the body. The sand beneath is caressing your feet with the smallest white sand, so pleasant. One step and your foot hits the cool little stream, another step and you feel the warm, thick ocean waters. Its a great natural SPA, where the tiny geysers on the bank gush out from under the sand, turning into a mere trickle of spring water, flowing into the ocean.
PLAYA DORADA (PUERTO PLATA)
Playa Dorada Beach is located in Puerto Plata on the Dominican Republic north “Amber Coast”. Amber was actually discovered here. This is one of the Dominican Republic’s most established resort areas. Playa Dorada Beach is a great area as each of the resorts here have their own piece of the beautiful, beige beach. But the area has also a public access.
There are some nice reefs here as well. Just off the shore, and even close-in along the strand, you’ll find some of the best snorkeling on the north shore of the Dominican Republic.
The Ventana Beach Resort is on one end of the hotel area. From there, you can see right up the Playa Dorada Beach with a spectacular vista of the region. This ocean here makes for great windsurfing and kiteboarding. Some water skiing can be found, however, ocean waves make skiing tiresome.
Remember that the “Amber Coast” faces the turbulent Atlantic – water can be rough. Another thing to note about the area is that it does rain a lot during the winter months. Because this coast is well developed, it can get crowded.
PLAYA COFRESI (Puerto Plata)
Cofresi Beach is located close to Puerto Plata and was named after an infamous Puerto Rican pirate, Captain Roberto Cofresi. This town began much like Buzios, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; a tiny fishing village that went on for years as a sleepy bay on the Atlantic.
Today, Cofresi has changed but only slightly, with high-end hotels and condos offering great views of both Cofresi Beach and the nearby mountains. What a fantastic bay – golden sand blending into crystal clear water. There is only one entrance to the town; a narrow road that runs all the way to the beach. Mountains peak at either side of the city.
Close to Cofresi Beach is the Ocean World & Water Park which houses the world’s largest dolphin lagoon.
PUNTA RUSIA BEACH (Montecristi)
Punta Rusia is one of the most picturesque beaches on the Dominican Republic‘s north shore. Lined with beautifully green coconut trees and speckled with a few fishing boats makes Punta Rusia one sleepy and delightful beach. Remember that picture in your mind you had as a kid of that laid back Caribbean beach? This is it.
And a special treat; on Sundays you’ll find local musicians playing bouncy meringue tunes everywhere along Punta Rusia. What’s even more special, is that there is plenty of beach here to go around – so even on weekends – you won’t feel crowded out.
Shade abounds with thatched huts in various locations along the strand. Umbrellas can be rented as well. There’s a small reef that follows the beach in some areas, so snorkeling can be good if the surf is low.
Otherwise, there is too much silt to see much. A local operator can run you out to “Paradise Island” where snorkeling is perfect. On the way back, you can pass by mangroves and check out the wildlife.
PLAYA MONTE CRISTI (Montecristi)
In the far north-west corner of the Dominican Republic, is the province of Montecristi. This is home to Monte Cristi Beach, or Playa Monte Cristi. Since Monte Cristi Beach sits on the Atlantic, again we are faced with some rough waters at times.
Columbus first sighted this island in this area. As a matter of fact, ruins can still be found in the area from the first European settlement.
Certain areas of Montecristi have been nominated to the UNESCO World Heritage Center. So, when you’re not enjoying the beach – take a tour through this historic city.
There is no escaping the huge “El Morro” next to the small island named Pablillo. That’s where our beach is found. It’s semi-circular and has significant surf, for the most part. You can surf and boogie board here. You will note that the sand is more golden here. This is because of the mix from the rock.
El Morro Beach (or Montecristi) is rarely crowded and mainly secluded. The beach is rocky in places.
Source: NPN
2011
Getting out of Jail fast:
Due to the frequent “classification” and some cases of “racism” experienced by foreigners here in the Dominican Republic, then it’s especially highly recommended for foreigners to insure themselves against being locked up for periods of time in some of the worst jails in the world, while a painfully slow legal system tries to clear up the matter of who was the one at fault, whether this relates to a car accident with injured or dead persons or a shoot-out at your property when robbers climbed your fence etc… etc…
The Police mostly just throw people in Jail after which it’s your challenge to untangle yourself from the situation even if you’re clearly the victim (usually by paying money).
In serious cases a Judge might put the bail to Two million or more pesos to release you, so therefore it’s a good idea to get insurance against this. One insurance that exists here covers you for various amounts depending on whether you pay RD2000 – RD3000 or more upfront, and based on the amount paid, you can get 2 – 3 – 4 or 5 million pesos worth of cover. Even better, if they do start hauling you to Jail, then you can call the insurance company’s hotline, and someone will come and get you released from Jail and get you transferred to a Hotel in Santiago where you have your own room, shower etc… and communication tools to get your situation resolved from the confinement of comfort, rather than being stuck up to a year in a tiny smelly jail cell with 4 murderers.
To get more information about this insurance, then please contact us at: info@nicepeoplenetworking.com
Car or Motorbike insurance:
There are several insurance companies and brokers on the island, (of which some are advertised in our Business Directory). An insurance for your motorbike can be obtained for about RD800 to RD2000 depending on the policy and it’s coverage. Third Party car insurance cost round RD8000 for a year, and full coverage from RD35000 and upwards.
The fact here is though that if you’re involved in an accident, then 90% of the drivers are un-insured, so don’t expect the other party to help you get your car or bike repaired even if they are at fault.
Home and content insurance:
Fires are rarely seen or heard of down here, as most buildings are constructed in concrete block and have tiled floors. Earthquakes or flood damages are more likely depending on how your building was constructed and it’s location. However like other countries it is of course possible to insure your home and content against both natural damage and robberies if you believe this is a potential issue.
Medical insurance:
Quite affordable insurances are available here as well, where you only have to pay a smaller portion of the medical bill in case of illness or emergencies. However a lot of the expats here only bother covering themselves for major medical help where the operation or treatment exceeds I.e. RD30000-50000 and the occasional time where they need medical help, they pay it themselves. You will of course have to way up the pro’s and con’s of this based on your life style, income etc…
Business and Personal liability insurance:
If your business deals with clients or members of the public, if you are part of a condominium complex, or a private villa owner, equally if you come into contact with the public in the course of your business activities, public liability insurance should be the top priority insurance cover on your list.
Public Liability Insurance- condominium liability insurance claims are often extremely high, some times running into the hundreds of thousands. This means that a business which isn’t covered could be in serious financial trouble if it found itself liable to pay damages or compensation from its own pocket.
The number of firms now offering ‘no win no fee’ claims services means that no business can afford to be without comprehensive business insurance. What is public liability insurance?
Public Liability Insurance can cover your business for damages and compensation payouts along with any related legal fees in the event that your business has caused injury or death to a member of the public or damage to their property. While it is not a legal requirement to have Public Liability cover, most businesses are expected to have cover. Companies operating without it may find it more difficult to do business.
Source: NPN
2011
Making the decision to move here, should be done with a great deal of consideration. Many who have ended up living here, came for several vacations 1?st, even though many have moved here after their 1?st or second visit. One of the most important questions is, how are you planning to survive financially?
Unless you have a healthy pension, a secure overseas income or a lot of money behind you, then be aware that if you want a lifestyle with a decent rental apartment/house, car, petrol, schooling for kids, internet, phone, power, security and your grocery bill etc… then it will easily require anywhere from $2500 and upwards per month. That’s not including the “unforeseen” expenses like being ripped off by uniformed forces, local traders and fellow residents.
Especially on the North Coast the economy is currently at all time low, mainly caused by a corrupt government and many politicians who have managed to steer the Tourist to other areas like Punta Cana by raising taxes on airline tickets so that many airlines have shut down their routes to Puerto Plata.
If you plan to find work here, then there are very few jobs on offer, so make sure you secure this during a vacation here.
If you plan to start a business here, then be aware that the entire economy is struggling here, and getting money from clients in some trades are not an easy task. Also be aware that the labor laws are very aggressive (especially if you’re a Gringo, they will go after all they can get if you have a dispute about something with a staff member). The laws are very discriminating compared to many other countries, here the majority of your staff must be Dominican, rather than having the right to choose the best applicants.
Many monopolies also exist here, and often it’s more about who you know than what you know. If you’re planning to construct something in order to do your business, then be aware that unless you get the right advice (and the right construction firm with good connections) then often such constructions will be tackled, with demands for ridiculous sums to allow you to continue.
If you’re planning to rent a space and start trading some kind of product or service, then be aware that it won’t take long before all sorts of money hungry parasites will come running to your business address, trying to milk you for money. A good rule is never pay a field guy, as in many cases they are not from a legitimate department, but rather some trickster with a fake plastic badge! For some reason, they usually drive SUV’s – normally Mitsubishi Montero’s with tinted windows and have some political party sticker on their vehicle.
If you are able to operate here as a consultant for an overseas company without the need for an actual office, then this can save you a lot of headache and money. Especially the Sosua – Cabarete has for years been the magnet of some of the “misfits” of other societies from both within the DR and from other countries, so be very careful not to jump in feet 1?st into a partnership or trusting the 1?st supplier that you come across. The Nice People Networking club might be the club for you, as their values lean on finding the ethical traders in the region and connecting you to them.
When living here, you will see people living very different lifestyles, based on their financial ability to allow themselves time out for leisure or with their loved ones and for relaxation. So be extremely honest with yourself when you try to decide on moving here (especially to make money) as here we continue to see the Dreamers arrive, only to leave again within 6 months to 2 years after their business failed.
Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance!
Source: NPN
2011
