Moving to DR in 2 weeks

#1 10-05-2001, 01:19 PM

I am moving to DR in 2 weeks. We have an apartment in Bavaro, Punta Cana. I have some questions. If you are able to answer them I would greatly appreciate it.

1. Is is possible to get a safety deposit box at a local bank? If so what is the cost?

2. We are coming on a 90 day tourist card which we plan on over-riding. I know if you over ride the 90 day limit there is a small fee. However do you think with the high security they will allow this?

3. Do you suggest opening up a Dominican Bank account or leaving funds in Canadian or american accounts?

4. How much does a "PLANTA" cost?

5. HOw much does it cost to install a phone line? or cell phone activation.

Thanks alot for your help guys!

Lana

#2 10-05-2001, 02:32 PM

No banks in Bavaro..I think Higuey is closest town with full service bank...maybe.
Cell phones are easy Telephones are a pain, timewise, but doable. In the 4-5 thousand peso range for phones.
Plantas are available in every price range, depending on needs.

Small, new diesels in the 6 kw range are over 100,000 pesos
Gasoline engines are less expensive.

However, I understand that the electricity in that area is excellent. Might not be necessary and you can get by with an intermediate power inverter...Ask Sofy's B&B about that....

Overstaying visa? Should not be a problem..Can be solved at the local Immigration Office, I should think...

As for a bank account...probably better to have eggs in lots of baskets.

HB

#3 10-05-2001, 02:55 PM

There are banks in the Bavaro Area. Banco Popular is in Plaza Bavaro, BanInter is in Breezas Bavaro and BHD is in I believe Plaza Caney. If you are housed in one of the resort areas the electric is provided by the local consortium 24/7. You may pay more, but the electricity is there. Regards, PJT

#4 10-05-2001, 03:34 PM

Don,t worry about the visa,after 1 year the"fine" I paid was 70 pesos.Criss

#5 10-05-2001, 04:26 PM

Forget the safe deposit boxes, there is no service on that! Here in Santo Domingo they have some, but not even a passport does fit in!

For the a/c, get one with the bank of your choice, but leave the big money in the US! You always can sell USD checks here to get RD$ cash!

For your home you may want a inverter, because a planta is very noisy and should work only in emergency! some remot places have both and charge the inverter in the morning and work with the inverter all day!

Good luck!

Henry

#6 10-05-2001, 04:56 PM

There are exactly five banks in the area at easy to reach points
in the center of Bavaro Punta Cana:

1. Banco Popular at Plaza Bavaro
2. Banco de Progreso at Plaza Progreso
3. Bancredito at Plaza Progreso (next to Banco de Progreso)
4. Baninter at Plaza Brisas
5. BHD at Plaza Caney

You were right about electricity: No blackouts!

#7 10-05-2001, 05:05 PM

You can rent a savety security box at Banco Popular for about RD$2,000 per year.

#8 10-05-2001, 08:12 PM

These are merely cashier facilities, check writing and so forth. I should have been clearer: No Deposit boxes, probably in the Bavaro area...How about that?

HB

#9 10-05-2001, 08:14 PM

#10 10-06-2001, 02:10 PM

Just bring it with you the next time you are in the area!

Cheers

Mike