Originally Posted by
weyland
Great quote from ohmmmm in another thread.
No, it's not America, and it's not Canada, or the U.K., or Germany, or any other of the "First World" from which we ex-pats may have emigrated to live in the DR.
There are extra charges here: the "gringo" surcharge, the cost of having the same job redone five times before it is acceptable (and rarely totally correctly), the short life of equipment, either because of the humid climate or (more likely) because what look like known and reliable branded goods in the stores are in fact "seconds" or "knock-offs", extra payments you make to feel safe, in your home and when out and about, bribes to police and officials, or just to get normal service in shops and offices. The list is endless, I have mentioned only a few items.
Anyone contemplating moving here should be aware of this "hidden tax" and factor it into their budget. 10% should cover it for newbies. Guys like Mr Happy and Wicked Willie who have been here some years probably can get it down to 2% or 3% but they are still paying it and will always pay it.
The question expats have to ask themselves is "Is it worth it?". In my case the answer is a very clear "Yes, well worth it". I think of all the other taxes I am not paying, and the advantages of living here, and have no doubt whatsoever.
Now about ohmmmm's other observation. If you try and fight and contest the "hidden tax" your life will be hell here.
I had a good ex-pat friend who knew more about living in the DR than most of us will ever learn. Because of his naturally combative temperament, but also I think because of a rather exaggerated and ultimately unhelpful sense of justice, he would fight and contest every issue with every local (and quite a few gringos too), down to the last peso or cent. He didn't pick and choose his battles. Every interface with a local became a battle and he fought them all, from the time he got up, to the time he went to bed. He was proud of winning a lot more than he lost. But they were pyrrhic victories. His former enjoyment of living in the DR (which had inspired so many others to do the same) was long gone, and he led a miserable life.
Obviously there are times you have to draw a line in the sand. You cannot afford a reputation as a pendejo. Some battles you have to fight, but if you have at least half a brain and are prepared to take a step back, not lose your temper, and think things through, you will find they are few and far between.
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