Quote:
Originally Posted by Lambada
I don't actually think 'anyone' can:
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I have to agree with you Lambada, I used the term "anyone" a little loosely and probably shouldn't have.
Also, to comment on someone's post about having money in the bank, I think that's just common sense whether you live in the US, DR or anywhere else, having a little reserve for emergencies is always a good idea, that goes without saying. Those emergencies include repairs around the house, for the car or medical etc.
To reply to some of Chris' questions.
2) Living on a low budget, I know it doesn't blow the locals minds. We have to remember, we're comparing to US, European etc standards of what a low budget is, but to a local $500 a month is a lot of money. They do think that gringos have a money tree growing at home but once we explain we are on a budget and we are not spending more than the usual price for something (of course we find out what the local's price is through a local friend first) and they are accepting sometimes a little hesitantly but accepting. Even with the taxi's, before we bought our car, we told them we live here and we know the price is X amount and we're not paying more than that and 9 out of 10 times they accepted it as a fact and went on with business as usual.
3) I don't think a lowest budget could be defined exactly because it depends on everyone's circumstances. There are apartments from 700+ per month close to Caberete or 2 bedroom homes for 2,000 pesos in Monte Llano... depends on what kind of lifestyle you want and can live. Of course, nobody would want to come here and live so cheap that they are miserable but maybe if everyone shares what they live for and what that includes it will help give others an idea. One thing is vehicles are very expensive here, a lot more than the US. Public Transport is usually 30 pesos (depending on how far you're going) and within Puerto Plata, the last time we took one it was 13 pesos, very inexpensive. Food is a little cheaper than the US (where we're from), especially fruits and veggies.