Hi all
I�m moving to Puerto Plata in 2 months time and I will need to set up a bank account. Can anyone tell me what I will need for this and if its easy for a Canadian?
Thanks
Marshall

Not sure if its easy for a Canadian!! But for the rest of us � not too difficult!
Sorry, couldn�t resist �lol!
They normally ask for a reference from your previous bank. Last time I checked, Scotiabank wanted TWO references � guess you�re screwed if you only have one previous bank account.
Obviously you�ll need your passport, and some money to deposit � but I think that was minimal.
Overall, aside from the bank reference bit, not too taxing.

Thanks Don!

Any recommendations on which bank?

Scotiabank is Canadian isn�t it � so should be easier for me?

Depends which branches are near to where you will be living. I found Scotiabank to be the worst when I checked them out. I found BHD to be the easiest to deal with. In Sosua there is also Banco Leon and Banco Santa Cruz which I�ve heard good things about. You need to visit for yourself and talk to the manager. Maybe open accounts in more than one.

Banco Popular is the best one in the DR, though Banreservas is also good ( belongs to the government ).
Scotia seems fit for a Canadian, just be ready for 100 questions! best thing is to split into 2 banks, keep the eggs in separate baskets just in case.

If you are moving to the Sosua area I would reccomend Banco Santa Cruz. Carlos the manager and Franciso (office manager) both speak fluent english and they cater to the Expat community. We steer all of our clients to them as well with no complaints. You will need here and in most banks:
passport
Letter of refrence from you bank bank home
A local (Dominican or expat) with DR id to "vouch for you.
$200 to deposit.

Accounts I belive are in US and Pesos.

Scotia bank here really has not connection to the one in Canada. The Banco Santa Cruz uses Wochovia/Wells Fargo in the US as it's intermediary bank.
Let meknnow if you have other questions.

BobK

If you don't speak Spanish a bank with some English speaking staff will be helpful.

I have banked at the Banco Santa Cruz for over 10 years. I just opened a account at Banco Leon (across the way from Banco Santa Cruz) You will find at least one staff member speaks English.

Carlos, Franciso and at least two other staff members speak English. The only problem is that sometimes there is a long wait to get to the counter so be patient !

Good Luck -Sylvia DR

Banco de la reserva bring your passport fill information take 2 weeks to the a?c to be opened