CLIMATE The Dominican Republic has a mild climate, with approximate temperatures from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius in summer and moderate temperatures that don’t usually fall below 20 degrees in winter. People with high blood pressure and other health problems, come over here to recover.

INVESTMENT

For the private investor or corporate investor there is ever-increasing potential in the Dominican Republic.

We act both on behalf of owners of large parcels of land and as buying agents for hotel groups, trust fund investors and private consortiums as well as individual purchasers. Our knowledge on this side of the business is one of our great strengths being experienced in all aspects of the documentation, legalities and logistics of land development and investment.

Some of the main advantages of investing within the Dominican Republic are:

• Limited ´governmental red tape’

• Cheap labour readily available

• Inexpensive land and construction prices

• Good communications

• Growing tourist and residential market

• Free Trade Agreement with the USA.

Our clients will be looked after by our own staff. Our service will be the highest standard, with full legal and financial security and clear title guaranteed.

Full management and maintenance is offered with superb rental incomes for the investor. (e.g. 20% net return p.a.)

The cost of living is a little cheaper than the Canaries. Flights cost the same (although twice as long) with charter companies.

The weather in the winter season compares with the Canary Island summers - and although it is hotter and more humid in the summer, all units are air-conditioned with community pools, and brand new 3 bed 3 bath villas with pool can be purchased for 150,000!

Because incomes are so low you can even employ a maid, gardener, or if you buy a secluded villa, have your own personal security guard for less than 200 per month.

Fees and taxes are lower than the Canaries and if you really have a serious tax problem, you can quite easily become a Dominican Resident (complete with passport) to ensure you are completely "off-shore" for tax purposes.

Architects & Design

Within the Dominican Republic there are a number of practicing Architects and Designers. Whether you have a particular type of home already in mind, or would prefer to discuss your own individual requirements, we would be happy to help find the right Architect based on your own lifestyle.

Architects fees vary, dependant on the work required, from a simple one-off charge if buying existing plans to a small percentage for an individual home.

In addition to supplying house plans the Architect would liaise with the local authorities to ensure all permits were in place prior to starting any building.

There are a number of local Interior Designers currently practicing in the area, however due to the simplicity of most home designs on the island we would recommend that you discussed your requirements with our Relocation Service before committing yourselves to additional fees.

New Villas Under £100,000   New Villas Under £150,000

TOURIST INFORMATION

Hour Difference
There are 5 hours difference in the summer and 4 hours difference in the winter.

Electricity
In Dominican Republic is used 110 volts - 60 hertz and flat power sockets. A plug adapter is necessary.

Customs
Customs forms are distributed on the planes before the arrival. The customs are usually good with tourists.

Formalities
For the tourists arriving from the European Community:
You'll need a valid passport with validity of a minimum for 6 months after the return and a tourist card. We obtain this card.
For the tourists arriving from the other countries:
We would appreciate if you can get in contact with the Dominican Republic Consulate offices.

Internet
You can find a point for connection to Internet. If you have a computer, the rooms generally are equipped for such purposes, in case that you don’t have one, all hotels have a business centres.

Language
The official language is the Spanish. There are also spoken areas of French in the border zones, and English in Samaná and San Pedro of Macorís, regions populated by freed slaves from The United States. In general, all the Dominicans speak English, German, Italian and French.

Currency
The monetary unit is the Dominican Peso divided in one hundred cents. It has bank notes of 2000, 1000, 500, 100, 50 and 20 Pesos. And coins of 5 pesos, 1 peso and 50, 25, 10, 5, and 1 cent.
The bank changing rate for the American dollar for November, 2005 was: 1 dollar = to more or less 34 pesos.
The bank changing rate for the Euro: 1 Euro = more or less 40 pesos.
It is possible to bring Dollars and Euros, as well as checks. The hotels have with couriers from different banks where these currencies can be changed. Remember you that if you want to convert to dollars any remaining pesos at the moment of coming out of the Dominican Republic, it's possible to do it in the airport with the presentation of previously made change ticket. The accepted credit cards are: Visa, Master Card and American Express.
The bank opening hours are: from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Driving Licence
For the rent of vehicles as well as for any type of activity, for example: jeep safari, when it is necessary to drive a car, a driving licence will be requested.

Photography
We advise you to bring, films, tapes and sufficient batteries from your own country, because difficulties can appear and a rapid substitution of the same ones can be sometimes a bit to expensive.

Health
You do not need any vaccine. You must not drink the water from the faucets. To drink there is mineral water at your disposal. Remember not to forget protective solar creams, Sun glasses and protective hats.

Taxes & Tips
The possible eventual personal expenses (laundry service, telephone communication, and room service) must be paid at the end of the stay before leaving the hotel.
The normal thing is to leave around 10 % to 15 % of tips if you take a taxi or if you go to a restaurant out of the hotel.

Telephone
For telephone calls it is necessary to request to open the line in your room. The codes always appear in the rooms.

Dressing
Bring light and cotton clothes, comfortable shoes, trainers and a pair of shoes for going out. Have clothes for the night for places with air conditioning.

Spain: +34 649 528589

London: +44 (0)20 7904 4993

Manchester: +44 (0)161 261 7784

San Francisco: +1 (415) 578 5052

New York: +1 (347) 321 6946

Miami: +1 (786) 375 8259

Paris: +33 1 78 40 02 50