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Gray expatriates — Retiring abroad may not be paradise

Mr. Miller may have been misquoted, but the real reason for high costs in Dominica is exorbitant duty and value added tax rates. Outsiders are often quoted higher prices, but can get down to the same price as locals very easily my explaining that they live there. This article does a disservice to Dominicans, but I agree that prices for almost all goods imported are twice what you pay in the US. The reason for such is with what I disagree.

The Millers are right about bank accounts in Dominica. You have to have the financial equivalent of a proctology exam to get it done, and it takes forever. Try telling Bank of America that you need a "Banker's Reference." They don't know what you are talking about, and banks in Dominica don't understand why. You can go through the whole process and later find out that the bank is not opening any new accounts for non-nationals. It is an infuriating experience. Don't expect to have access to your Bank of Nova Scotia account at the local Scotiabank branch in Roseau... You can't. Bank hours are terrible and you wait in line up to an hour for a teller. The exchange rates to/from local currency are outrageous. And last but not least, get ready to be hit with all kinds of ridiculous fees.

I guess I'll think twice about Dominica then. Anybody been to Costa Rica?

Everywhere has its challenges - Yes, it did take about three weeks to open a bank account at Scotia Bank, Roseau. Dominica, and yes, it does take documentation but if you are prepared and bring the necessary info and reference letters with you, it isn't a problem and some banks, such as Washington Mutual have free wire transfers up to a certain amount and do not charge exchange fees. No bank lines if you use the bank ATM, or don't let standing in line be a hassle, bring a book. Yes, imported food and goods have a value added tax but there is no better place to grow your own organic veggies and fruits and learn to rethink food, eat local- so many new fruits and veggies to try. Expatting is not for everyone, however, if if you are willing to be flexible and open to a new way of life, then Dominica is sweet.

As I pointed out to the reporter of the story when the article first ran, there is a factual error in that Uruguay DOES accept dollar checks, in fact, my Uruguay account is in dollars, not in pesos. The problem is with taking checks drawn against accounts in other countries, in which case there is a waiting period of between 20 days and a month for the funds to clear.

In response to growing your own in Dominica, it is very true that the land is lush, but the access to organic seeds and inputs is terrible (due to gov't regulation and costs) and the cost of all farming inputs (shovels, wheelbarrows, seeds, etc) is high for the reasons previously stated. There is a good reason that tomatoes cost over US$2.00 in Dominica - the cost of production far exceeds the modern world's. Why do you think the banana industry is falling apart? Because they produce bananas far cheaper in South America and the far east. The cost of all ancillary goods and services is what makes farming in Dominica so high, and results in a high cost of a basket of food (even relative to our Eastern Caribbean neighbors).

Why do I think the banana industry is falling apart? because the South Americans at the Instigation of American Corporation who own their Banana plantations have forced Dominica out of their traditional markets in Europe using the World Trade Organisation as a cover. I have heard the workers in these South American plantations are very badly treated and can earn less than a dollar a day; L.A. Law had a storyline on it. Dominicans generally are owner farmers on small holdings trying to make a decent living they also use far less chemicals so the product is sweeter and more natural.