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Weekly Update Bulletin On-Line.........
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In The News and Readers Write In (with our answers to Questions)..........

IN THE NEWS:
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A hot topic lately involves the news reports that an Office of Strategic Influence was recently created as part of the US Pentagon to disseminate misinformation to the press.   Supporters claim it to be a necessary weapon in the so-called war on terrorism, while critics fear it to mean a department of official deceit, much of what went on with PRAVDA (the official news agency of the old Soviet Union government).
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Regardless, it somehow reminds me of the government portrayed in George Orwell’s novel, 1984. However, considering many would say the US media especially is already extremely biased, one can argue what is the difference? More of concern is not the fact that this has been announced, but rather the lack of public debate on the matter. That is to say, Americans would seem to have become so complacent or take what liberties they have for granted, that they are not even concerned (only leading to more loss of liberties going forward). The recent news stories below highlight the issue.
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PENTAGON IS AN AWKARD FIT IN THE NEWS BUSINESS
By Jennifer Harper, THE WASHINGTON TIMES
(From the on-line story):
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Dramatic news reports this week implied that the Department of Defense had created a "shadowy" office of propaganda with espionage trimmings and a taste for deceit. Talk of "white papers" and "black papers" surfaced, along with implications that the well-funded organization was already rife with turmoil.
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http://www.washtimes.com/national/20020222-88146039.htm
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Greta Van Susteren (now with the Fox News Network) interviews Retired Major General Paul Vallely and Carl Berstein on the subject. Major General Paul Vallely has more or less said that misinformation is a practice put to use by the US government for some time, the only difference now is that they are being honest about the fact they will be (are) doing so.
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http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,46200,00.html
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On a somewhat similar note, someone send this article in apparently written by the popular British comedian, John Cleese. I thought it worth a read (or in the least, some comic relief if no other reason):
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Other Axis of Evil Wannabes, by John Cleese
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Bitter after being snubbed for membership in the Axis of Evil, Libya, China, and Syria today announced they had formed the “Axis of Just as Evil,” which they said would be more evil than that stupid Iran-Iraq-North Korea axis President Bush warned of in his State of the Union address. Axis of Evil members, however, immediately dismissed the new axis as having, for starters, a really dumb name. “Right. They are Just as Evil... in their dreams!” declared North Korean leader Kim Jong-il. “Everybody knows we’re the best evils... best at being evil...we’re the best.”
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Diplomats from Syria denied they were jealous over being excluded, although they conceded they did ask if they could join the Axis of Evil. “They told us it was full,” said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. “An Axis can’t have more than three countries,” explained Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. “This is not my rule, it’s tradition. In World War II you had Germany, Italy, and Japan in the evil Axis. So you can only have three, and a secret handshake. Ours is wicked cool.”
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International reaction to Bush’s Axis of Evil declaration was swift, as within minutes, France surrendered. Elsewhere, peer-conscious nations rushed to gain triumvirate status in what became a game of geopolitical chairs. Cuba, Sudan, and Serbia said they had formed the Axis of Somewhat Evil, forcing Somalia to join with Uganda and Myanmar in the Axis of Occasionally Evil, while Bulgaria, Indonesia and Russia established the Axis of Not So Much Evil Really As Just Generally Disagreeable.
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With the criteria suddenly expanded and all the desirable clubs filling up, Sierra Leone, El Salvador, and Rwanda applied to be called the Axis of Countries That Aren’t the Worst But Certainly Won’t Be Asked to Host the Olympics; Canada, Mexico, and Australia formed the Axis of Nations That Are Actually Quite Nice But Secretly Have Some Nasty Thoughts About America, while Scotland, New Zealand and Spain established the Axis of Countries That Be Allowed to Ask Sheep to Wear Lipstick.
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“That’s not a threat, really, just something we like to do,” said Scottish Executive First Minister Jack McConnell. While wondering if the other nations of the world weren’t perhaps making fun of him, a cautious Bush granted approval for most axes, although he rejected the establishment of the Axis of Countries Whose Names End in “Guay,” accusing one of its members of filing a false application. Officials from Paraguay, Uruguay, and Chadguay denied the charges. Israel, meanwhile, insisted it didn’t want to join any Axis, but privately, world leaders said that’s only because no one asked them.
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Readers Write In:
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Dear John -
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First, let me say I enjoy your newsletter very much. You and your contributing readers provide interesting economical, political, and social commentary. Please see below a recent Q&A exchange I had with an offshore advisor.
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Q: Is the formation of one offshore corporation sufficient to purchase and hold properties in various jurisdictions? For example, Can a Panamanian company buy property in France and the Caribbean? Or, is it necessary to establish separate corporations for each region. i.e. - a company incorporated in Panama to own Panama real estate, a Cyprus company to buy and hold Cyprus property, etc?
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A: You can hold all property in one IBC as long as the IBC is not located in
the country you are purchasing property in - ie a Panama corp can not buy in Panama.
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Is this correct? I seem to recall reading (most likely on your site) that a Bahamas IBC was unique in this regard and that most jurisdictions allow (or require) locally incorporated companies to purchase property.   If this "expert's" answer is incorrect would you mind answering my original question? Thanks for your help.
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EDITORS REPLY: Well, I am somewhat curious who answered you, but I suppose in the long run it is irrelevant. The answer you received is correct when it comes to IBC legislation only and TOTALLY incorrect regarding Panama. Which leads me to believe the person answering you does not know the difference. To explain further:
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The term IBC or International Business Company refers to special incorporation legislation, which really originated in the Bahamas, and was quickly copied and codified into law in many other English-speaking jurisdictions located in the Caribbean. Stated another way, an IBC from the Bahamas, Nevis, Belize, etc. is pretty much identical to each other in scope, nature, requirements and restrictions. In addition, most passed such legislation around or about the same time as well (within a few years of each other) trying to compete for such incorporation business. However, it is very important to note that in essence, it has created two classes of incorporated companies then in these English-speaking jurisdictions. One being a regular locally incorporated company, and the other the IBC or International Business Company. I highlight this because it is actually part of the problem. That is to say, when the US pressures started in, it was very easy to sell out, as IBC’s really only pertain to foreigners and apart from perhaps having a local bank account in that same jurisdiction, the IBC has no business activity in the local economy (it is not permitted as part of the restriction). So, for example, if the regulations or laws are changed regarding an IBC, it has no bearing on a locally incorporated company and no immediate or direct effect on local citizens (remember we are talking about the existence of two classes of companies in these places).   This is NOT the case in Panama, as there is ONLY one class of company incorporation. So, by default any changes made to whatever regulations or laws exist in Panama effect everyone, including Panamanians as well.
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There are of course a number of advantages of an IBC (or at least there was until the US started going after all these English speaking islands). Such benefits include (or included, past tense) confidentiality of beneficial shareowners, limited or no reporting of company activities, no taxation on profits, etc. However, the restrictions include that such companies cannot engage in local commercial activities within that jurisdiction (a company owned bank account is NOT defined as a commercial activity) and CANNOT own local real estate either. Again, in contrast to Panama, a Panama Company is a Panama Company, equal and the same for foreigners and Panamanians alike. So, it is foolish to say a Panama Company cannot own local real estate (in Panama) if you think about it logically.
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With regards to what I think is your other question, while it certainly might be an interesting or smart idea own real estate from one jurisdiction with an incorporated company from another (asset protection and some types of capital gains tax strategies), it also depends. As an example, while a Dominican Company is certainly not on equal footing with regards to all the advantages of a Panama Company (all things considered or factored in with respect to taxation issues), owning local real estate in the DR with a Dominican Company (and using it as a holding company) does offer some tax advantages over a non-local company. Also, while individual foreign persons may certainly own real estate in the Dominican Republic, this is not the case in other places, such as Mexico (with respect to beachfront property). So, for example, if you want to buy beachfront in Mexico, you must turn yourself into a local Mexican citizen to do so. How? By forming a Mexican Company and have it buy the real estate. A local incorporated company in all countries is what might be called a juridical person or local juridical citizen under the law. By creating a local incorporated company, you are in essence creating a new local citizen under the law, so to speak. With regards to Costa Rica, for example, they have something cute (this is sarcasm) called a Presidential Letter, which I will not go into, but lets just say it is better for a local citizen to own property in Costa Rica than a foreigner. So the final answer is, it depends. It depends on the jurisdiction, it depends if you might be buying (or want to buy) beachfront property (and if there is a restriction for foreigners to do so), and it depends if there are any superior property tax advantages when a local incorporated company is the owner rather than a foreign person or entity.
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Another Reader Writes:
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Dear Sir,
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My main concern is that you have a branch office in the U.S.   At some point in time, businesses in you area will be audited (if located in the U.S.) and clients’ names and very possibly their affairs may be disclosed. It would be unfortunate to unexpectedly be contacted by the IRS while sitting happily in the tropics and have to go back to the U.S. for an audit. How can you assure that this will not happen with a branch office in Miami?
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Personally I would never want my name attached to anything having to do with offshore activities on someone's hard drive or in a file cabinet in the U.S. Talking about it in an e-mail is one thing but recorded transactions are completely different. Why should I go through all the time and expense of concealing my affairs when something so simple could bite me in the butt - pardon the expression.
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EDITORS REPLY: I appreciate the letter and your comments, and let me say that I agree with you 1000% (not 100%, but 1000%), which is why we do NOT have an office in Miami, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico or any other territory of the US. Who told you we have an office in Miami? Perhaps you assumed this to be the case because we maintain a mail forwarding service for the convenience of clients (and indicate a Miami address for this purpose), although most of our clients send mail directly to our office in Santo Domingo via courier (regular mail to the DR can take two months, if you are lucky). That is to say, some clients prefer to use our Miami address for regular mail and our outbound regular mail also gets sent via mail service from Miami to save on postage and time, but we do not have an office or keep any records of any kind in Miami. Never assume anything. I practice what I preach. I try not to do anything stupid or that which would possibly hurt my clients in any way, which includes putting their information at risk.
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Another Reader Writes:
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Dear Sir,
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I worked in the DR for over five years as a Facility Engineer for seven Plants in San Pedro until the company I worked for closed. It is a great place. Where can one find out more about employment in Free Zone corporations? I have been looking to go back for over two years now.
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EDITORS REPLY: Thank you for your letter. Many people that have worked for a company on assignment both in the Dominican Republic and Panama have tried desperately to stay after their contract ended or the company closed. That is to say, trying to find another job, so they could stay or go back as you are attempting to do.   I cannot help with your job search other than to suggest you contact the local American Chamber of Commerce and or the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Such organizations usually have a member’s directory (which they will allow you to purchase for a fee – usually about US$35 or so). By doing so, you will have a target contact list (address, telephone fax and email) of American companies doing business there, and you have a way to paper the world (intelligently) with your resume. With regards to the Free Zones, there is also a directory of companies published by the Free Zone council and the same idea applies. Good luck with your job hunting.
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Another Reader Writes:
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Dear Mr. Schroder:
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I spent six months in the Dominican Republic last year, and had a great time touring the country and in particular living in the Capital (Santo Domingo).   I agreed whole-heartedly with the majority of your comments in relation to living in the DR.   I rented a 3-bedroom apartment in Gazcue with all the amenities of home for approximately $700 US/per month.
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I love Santo Domingo, and I am now looking at the possibility of purchasing an apartment there for permanent relocation in a year or so. I did feel safer in Santo Domingo, in general, than any other city I had ever visited. However, I cannot tell you that I would have walked on Ave. Duarte at night, for instance. Dominicans are extremely friendly, and generally courteous to tourists, however, they are not without their faults.
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In reference to your comments about Jamaica, and I quote:
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" Look, tourism is one of the current mainstays of the local economy. From my experience, Dominicans generally go out of their way to make sure that tourists are well treated. This is in stark contrast to Jamaica. If any country should be flushed off the map, it is Jamaica. Of all the countries in the world I have been to, Jamaica has got to be the worst place with regards to crime against tourists and the general treatment you receive. "
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Having lived in Jamaica for many years, and knowing what I know about Jamaican tourism, let me clarify a few points for you.
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1. I agree that Jamaica, in general, is a country that is burdened with an inordinately high crime rate, and that on occasion this seeps out even to the tourists that visit the country. However, this is less common than one can imagine. One of my closest friends manages one of the largest hotels in Jamaica where guests have returned to the same hotel more than 11 times. You would be amazed at the number of repeat visitors to Jamaica.   This is not to say that Jamaica does not have its problems
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2. There are tourists to Jamaica, who contrast to yourself, find the people the most friendliest and easygoing people that they have ever met.
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3. My personal experience is that there is very little difference between the ways tourists are treated in Jamaican vs. the Dominican Republic. Last year I visited Punta Cana/Bavaro, La Romana/Casa de Campo, Higuey, Samana, Puerto Plata, Boca Chica, Juan Dolio, to name just a few "tourist traps".
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EDITORS REPLY: First and foremost, thank you for your letter. I would agree that my criticism of Jamaica perhaps a bit too bombastic, however my negative experience started with government employees (immigration) at the airport and went straight down hill from there. I generally found the population to be generally hostile towards white tourists especially and not some place I would even want to visit again, never mind live there. I visited a few times just to see if my first impression was a fluke, but I encountered the same thing each time.
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On the other hand, I had no problems in Antigua other than I thought the real estate was over priced, while a client of mine strongly disagrees and absolutely hates the place. So, all in all, you are correct in that two people can visit the same place and walk away with completely different impressions.
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However, I would take the Dominican Republic over Jamaica in a minute without rehashing all the reasons why. I do find it interesting that you say you lived in both the Dominican Republic AND Jamaica, and that you PREFER the Dominican Republic to Jamaica as a place to live. So, I guess I am trying to understand something. I am a bad guy, or shall we say not fair with my comments about Jamaica, but after actually living there for a few years, YOU are telling me you also do NOT want to live there either (and would prefer to live in the Dominican Republic). I do not care how many people get suckered into a cheap one week vacation at Ocho Rios or Montego Bay, the biggest complement is saying you would want to live there, or NOT (as a prominent negative comment). So, which is it? Jamaica’s not so bad, but you would not want to live there again and feel SAFER in the Dominican Republic? Other tourists keep going back and think Jamaica is a swell place, but you would not want to live there again? With all due respect, I am trying to wrap my mind around this, but am having trouble understanding your point. As for me, come back to Jamaica? I don’t think so.
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Another Reader Writes:
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Hi John:
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Thought you'd enjoy this:
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Casino Windsor ads draw ire of IRS Cross-border rivalry: Billboards saying winnings are tax-free are 'misleading,' says U.S. tax authority.   By Tom Blackwell, National Post
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U.S. tax authorities are accusing a Canadian casino of inciting Americans to avoid paying taxes, adding an unusual twist to a growing gambling rivalry between Windsor and neighboring Detroit. The U.S. city's three new casinos recently fired a few shots over the Detroit River with billboards that said, "Play in the USA," "Fun without Borders" and "More excitement, fewer miles."

Fighting to regain cross-border customers lost in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, Casino Windsor posted its own billboards throughout Detroit and Ohio that remind U.S. residents of "tax- free winnings in Canada." Casino winnings in the United States are subject to income tax. But now the Internal Revenue Service is noting that U.S. citizens must pay income tax on their gambling profits, even if they are reaped in Canada. The Casino Windsor ad campaign implies that Americans can take home tax-free winnings and never mention it to the IRS, Sarah Wreford, a service spokeswoman, said yesterday.
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"That is misleading. That is not true," she said. Right now in the United States it's the tax filing season ... and many of these billboards just went up. If you're a Canadian citizen, good for you, you don't have to pay taxes on your gambling winnings. But if you're a U.S. citizen, you do, and we just hope that everybody will understand that and not be misled.
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The IRS, a much-feared agency in the United States, suggested to Casino Windsor that it change the billboard campaign, but to no avail, said Ms. Wreford. The service has also in the past asked the Canadian gambling center to notify U.S. authorities of any American customers who take home winnings. The casino refused, she said.
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Casino Windsor insists the campaign, which has been employed previously, was not meant to encourage Americans to withhold taxes, only to point out a key difference in casino policy. Tax is deducted at source for winnings at Detroit's three casinos. Those raked in at Casino Windsor can be taken home tax free, noted Jim Mundy, a casino spokesman. But no one is suggesting Americans should not eventually report their windfalls, he insisted.   "You take the complete jackpot home with you in your pocket and obviously we hope that folks claim it on their income taxes," Mr. Mundy said. About 80% of his casino's customers are American and his casino has reigned supreme over the Detroit-area market for most of the eight years since it opened. But then about a year ago, Motor City ushered in three of its own gambling dens and Windsor saw its numbers slide almost immediately.
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Matters became much worse after the terrorist attacks. With border crossings slowing to a crawl, revenue plummeted by almost 80% in the days after Sept. 11, and then leveled off at about 50% lower, forcing the layoff of 600 part-time employees. With border delays now eliminated, Casino Windsor has recouped much of its lost business, but is still taking in 15% to 20% less revenue than the same time last year, Mr. Mundy said. Meanwhile, the Detroit casinos' revenue is up over a year ago. A spokesman for one of the Detroit operations, Greek Town Casino, would barely acknowledge the existence of Casino Windsor and insisted its own billboards had nothing to do with convincing U.S. gamblers to remain at home. "The entire purpose of the campaign was to spark confidence in the U.S. economy," said Roger Martin of Greek Town. "It was an attempt only to spark interest in the economy here. Consumer confidence has been lagging here for a number of months, since late 2000 basically." He declined to comment on the Casino Windsor billboards.
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EDITORS REPLY: Well, I think the point is that the US Government does not mind casino gambling at all, providing they have their fingers in the pie should you win. Ironically enough, the IRS does not allow you to take a tax deduction for any money you gamble and loose, but if you win – you have to pay up. Personally, I tend to think this is why they (the US government) are so irate about on-line or Internet casino gambling, as they have no control over it or access to tax revenues for patrons that win.
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Another Reader Writes:
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Dear Mr. Schroder:
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Thank you for your newsletters. They are terrific and very much right on target. I share your thoughts.
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I am a 45 year old schedule and cost engineer in the construction industry and my long term plan is to settle in the Caribbean...and from what I have digested so far, the Dominican Republic is looking very good. I would like to visit the DR in the near future and learn as much as possible about the people, the country, and the reality of living there.
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I was hoping you might have recommendations on how best to visit and learn about the country? The last thing I want to do is hold up in some resort with a bunch of tourist. Ideally I would love to hire a very well informed guide who could accompany me around the island and teach me as much as possible.   I don't know if the above is possible but it would sure be a great way to get a fast and thorough overview of the county and besides, I already know a good deal about your Dominican cigars!! Maybe there are some decent tours you may know of? I guess I should also mention that I speak very little Spanish (but I'm working on it).
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Other questions I have are:
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Do you have any ideas on how one could go about meeting American expats in the DR? Would be great to converse with people who have moved there and learn from their experiences.
· Do you have recommendations regarding the best airline arrangements for getting to and from the DR (I currently live in Portland, Oregon).   What is the best time of year to visit?   Would it be possible to meet with you in the DR? I'm sure I'll develop a lot of questions when I'm there. Any help you might be able to lend in pointing me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again.
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EDITORS REPLY: Generally speaking, I do encourage people to get out and see the country. This goes for any country you are visiting. Staying in a tourist resort is nice, but you never really get to know what the people are like, the real living environment and if it is a place you would consider permanently. In this regard, my advice is to try and hire a driver and just drive around. What’s the worst that could happen? Possibly get lost and discover something most tourists would never chance upon? This is also how you will find the real cost of real estate, once you are away from the tourist trap areas as well. There are places only about 45 minutes outside of Santo Domingo where you can buy 10 acres of farmland for less than US$10,000.
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With regards to meeting other Expats, the truth is they are all over. The positive and productive people (the go-getters and the self starters) are usually mixed in with the locals, either running a business or whatever. My experience has been that the type of foreigners you meet in tourist areas often enough spend their time chasing prostitutes and drinking beer, which makes them experts in these two things if that is what you are after. The only exception to this rule might be foreigners that own local businesses in such areas, but apart from that, the other kind of person you want to talk to is elsewhere. For example, there are might be a foreigner that has cigar businesses, one I know of is putting in a new winery (the first in the Dominican Republic); another has a small export business, yet another has a bee – honey producing farm, etc. These people are not to be found sitting in beach bars all day swigging beer. They are working or keeping busy with their daily lives, whatever that might entail.
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American Airlines is of course the largest airline that serves the country from Miami, Puerto Rico and New York directly. US Air has direct flights from Philadelphia. With regards to the best time of year, December through April is generally cooler, but the less crowded or slow tourist season tends to be September through October and April-May. Also, there are some small hotels that are not five star, but for US$20 per night (or less), they are clean and reasonable.   I found such a place in Monti Cristi a few years back. Granted, I would not want to stay there for a week, but for one or two nights its ok. In other words, if you go touring around, you can find decent little places to stay at, some are downright comfortable and cheap (by US standards).   There is nothing wrong with all-inclusive resorts by the way, and I sometimes stay at some of them for a weekend get-a-way. But if you really want to know what the water is like (figuratively speaking), just jump in. Get lost on a country road and talk to some of the farmers or the locals.
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Another Reader Writes:
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Hi John,
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We sure appreciate this site and your helpful advice. As we have indicated before, we are gathering as much info as possible for our pre-relocation trip later this year...any chance that you might direct me, please, where I could get the following info:
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Q. What is the "creeping" average annual price increase on real estate?
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EA (Editors Answer): If you are asking about the current inflation rate, it is roughly 5%, but with regards to real estate, it is a tough call. That is to say, real estate prices are often affected by things that have nothing to do with inflation. For example, demand for a particular area, marketing in the case of a residential project, etc.
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2. What is the interest paid on a $ US savings acct at this time?
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EA. Some banks are paying 4% currently on US Dollar savings accounts, while other might pay slightly less. The worst banks with regards to rates almost always tend to be the foreign banks, such as Citibank and Scotia Bank. US Dollar CD deposit rates run from about 6.5% up to 9.5% depending upon the amount, time, etc. However, keep in mind that all bank account interest is locally tax-free, regardless if in US Dollars or Pesos and foreigners are no way prohibited from having local bank accounts as well.
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3. Have US chains established themselves on the North Coast or elsewhere, eg. Walmart, Home Depot, K-Mart, Lowe's?
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EA. The answer is NO and Yes. That is to say, the larger chains have started to show up in the urban areas, such as Santo Domingo and Santiago. Despite filing for bankruptcy in the US, I am told that K-Mart is still planning to go ahead with a new store in Santo Domingo.   Price-Smart (Price-Costco), PayLess Shoes, Radio Shack, chain restaurants such as Outback Steakhouse and Tony Roma’s are all in Santo Domingo. You will not find any of these things in the tourist areas or in smaller towns for obvious reasons. This is of course is another negative to living in a tourist area or too far away from a Metropolitan Center. Santo Domingo has a population of 3.5 Million People and Santiago, 1 Million. So, as a result, the larger chains and other kinds of services will go there first.
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4. Is medical coverage available for retired folks?
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EA. Despite the fact that many North-Americans think the only kind of Doctors that exist are witch-doctors, health care at the private clinics is excellent and very affordable. I know of an excellent husband and wife doctor team (both are GP’s) and they charge US$6 for an office visit.
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Private medical insurance is also available and very affordable as well. The last time I checked, monthly insurance premiums were about US$100 per month for a family of four (for the top of the line, no deductible–very best plan), including emergency airlift to Miami and coverage at two local teaching hospitals in Miami for anything beyond the scope of the local hospitals. Although, that may not be required as even open-heart surgery is performed at some of the local private hospitals. The key to local medical insurance is to find a doctor and or private clinic that you like, and then find out which insurance companies they work with. Also, each insurance company has different kind of plans, so it is also worth the time to investigate the type of coverage you want as well (full coverage, no deductible, etc, etc.).
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5. Do the major newspapers have websites?
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EA. Yes, the major newspapers do have websites and access to on-line versions of the newspaper.
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6. Seriousness of the mosquito problem?
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EA. Well, I do not know what you might consider to be a mosquito problem, but mosquitoes do exist the world over.   I suppose there are some bogus reports of man eating mosquitoes in the Dominican Republic, as well as large mosquitoes capable of carrying away small children and farm animals, but the truth of the matter is – mosquitoes are no more or no less of a problem as they might be in North-Carolina, or anywhere else.
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7. Moto-concho noise factor in residential areas?
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For those people that are not familiar with this, moto-concho’s are the motor-scooper (or small motor cylce) public taxi services that you find throughout the country.   Basically an open-air public taxi transport for one, although I have seen three people at a time precariously balanced on the back seat on occasion – the ultimate answer to car-pooling. In any event it is a cheap and convenient form of transportation, but most often found in working class or poorer neighborhoods. The reason being, the middle class or wealthier people would tend to prefer private taxi service or private car service, which entails a regular car as the transportation. Obviously however, this is more expensive (say 80 pesos or about US$5 in comparison to say 5 pesos or about 30 cents for a moto-concho).   The answer to your question then really depends upon where you choose to live. Obviously if you live in what might be considered a working class neighborhood or lower class neighborhood (economically speaking), then you are going to find a more prevalence of this kind of public transport service and ergo, more moto-concho noise as a result.
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This information has been compiled and presented by John Schroder of Ascot Advisory Services, for the benefit of clients and readers. Ascot Advisory Services provides assistance with such matters as offshore company formation, Panama Foundations, offshore banking, and special services in the Dominican Republic regarding residency, free zone applications, etc. For more information:

. Telephone 809-334-5387 or 809-756-1917 Email: info@ascotadvisory.com .. Use Our Email Reply Form: . CLICK HERE