Utilities

How to connect your Utilities when you move to PuntaCana area

Here’s a step-by-step guide for setting up a Claro Dominican Republic account for internet, TV, and phone services as a new homeowner in a newly constructed home:

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### Step 1: Gather Required Documents

When applying for a Claro account, you’ll need to prepare several documents to verify your identity, address, and property ownership. Bring these to a Claro store or when meeting with a Claro representative:

1. Identification:

- Dominican national ID (cédula) or passport if you’re a foreign resident.

2. Proof of Address:

- Utility bill (like electricity or water) or a letter from your homeowner’s association (if available), Lease Agreement with blue notary stamp .

- If it’s new construction, provide a copy of the title deed or purchase agreement.

3. Property Ownership Proof ( only for owners not renters:

- Title deed (Certificado de Título) or a notarized sales contract for the property.

4. Tax ID (NIF): Required for setting up accounts in the Dominican Republic.

5. Payment Method:

- Bank information, credit/debit card for monthly billing, or to set up automatic payments.

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### Step 2: Locate Your Nearest Claro Office

Visit a Claro retail store to apply in person, or call their customer service to begin the application process. It’s generally better to visit a Claro location if it’s a new home, as they may need more details to assess installation.

- Santo Domingo: Ave. 27 de Febrero No. 271

- Santiago: Av. Juan Pablo Duarte, Plaza Internacional

- Punta Cana: Plaza San Juan Shopping Center

- Customer Service: +1 (809) 220-1111

Check Claro’s website for up-to-date locations and hours.

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### Step 3: Apply for Service

Once you’re at a Claro store or on the phone with a representative, request the services you want:

1. Choose Your Services:

- Internet packages (speeds range from 10 Mbps up to 1 Gbps in some areas)

- TV packages (basic, premium, and add-ons)

- Fixed line (landline) or mobile phone packages

2. Fill Out Application Forms:

- Claro will provide service forms and agreements to sign.

- Confirm your preferred billing method (e.g., monthly statements or automatic payments).

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### Step 4: Pay Service Deposit

Claro may require a deposit for new accounts, especially if you’re new to the Dominican Republic or don’t have a Claro service history. The deposit amount varies depending on the service level.

- Deposit Amount: Between DOP 500 and DOP 3,000, depending on the services selected.

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### Step 5: Schedule a Site Survey and Installation

Claro will likely conduct a site survey to confirm the infrastructure is ready to support your selected services. This is especially common for newly built homes.

1. Site Survey:

- Usually scheduled within 3–5 business days.

- A technician will check if fiber or cable lines are installed and assess any extra cabling needs.

2. Installation Appointment:

- After the survey, installation is scheduled, typically within 5–7 business days.

- If infrastructure adjustments are needed, installation may take up to 10–14 business days.

- The technician will install routers, TV set-top boxes, and phone lines if necessary.

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### Step 6: Expect Connection Activation and First Use

Once the technician completes the installation:

- Service Activation: Most installations are activated the same day, though some may take up to 24 hours.

- Testing: The technician will test internet speeds, ensure TV channels are working, and set up the phone line if applicable.

- Account Setup: The technician or Claro representative will guide you in setting up online account access to monitor usage, view bills, and manage payments.

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### Step 7: Download Claro App for Account Management (Optional)

- Claro App: Available for iOS and Android, lets you view your account, pay bills, and request support.

- Login: Use your account number or cédula to register and access the app.

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### What to Expect Going Forward

- Monthly Billing: Bills are generated monthly and can be paid online, at Claro stores, banks, and authorized payment centers.

- Service Support: If you experience any issues, Claro’s customer support at +1 (809) 220-1111 is available for troubleshooting and assistance.

- Upgrades: You can easily add services or upgrade your package by calling customer service or visiting a Claro store.

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Setting up a Claro account in a new construction takes some coordination, but their installation and setup team generally make the process straightforward once your documents aHeadlinere ready.

Taxes


Real Estate Tax (IPI)

​​​​​​​​What is the property tax?

It
is an annual tax applied to the total sum of taxed real estate assets registered by individuals and trusts.

Who is subject to paying this tax?


Individuals and Trusts


Fees to be paid


Individuals: a rate of 1% is applied on the value exceeding (RD$10,190,833.00) of the taxed assets.Trusts: 1% of the total value of the taxed assets.

This
tax is paid in two (2) semi-annual installments, the deadline for payment of the first installment being March 11 and the second being September 11 of each year.​

What is an encumbered estate?

Properties that do not enjoy any exemption and at the same time have a joint value greater than (RD$10,190,833.00).For trusts, any property that does not enjoy an exemption regardless of its value.


Filing and Payment Date

The Real Estate Tax (IPI) Affidavit must be submitted during the first sixty (60) days of the year.

Payment must be made in two installments:

The first installment must be paid no later than March 11.The second installment must be paid no later than September 11.

Which properties can be affected by this tax?

All homes.Urban plots.Properties intended for commercial, industrial and professional activities.


Exemptions


The following are exempt from paying this tax:

The home (and the land on which it is built) belonging to persons over 65 years of age, provided that this constitutes the sole real estate asset of its owner.Pensioners and foreign-source annuitants by 50%.Rural lands.Improvements for agricultural use located on rural land.Properties exempt by special laws (e.g. Law 15​8-01).All properties affected, whose combined value is equal to or less thanRD$10,190,833.00

Here is a step-by-step process for turning on your electricity with CEPM (Compañía de Electricidad de Puerto Plata) in the Dominican Republic as a new homeowner:

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before visiting a CEPM office, make sure you have the following documents prepared:

- Copy of your cédula or passport (ID): A valid Dominican cédula (national ID) or passport if you are a foreigner.

- Title deed (Certificado de Título) or a proof of ownership of the property: If the property is new or you recently purchased it, you will need to show that you own it.

- Copy of the purchase agreement or contract (if the title deed is not yet available).

- NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal): This is your tax identification number in the Dominican Republic.

- Occupancy certificate: If required by the municipality, you may need this to show that the property is inhabitable.

- Electrical blueprint or connection request: If it’s a new property, CEPM might require a blueprint of the electrical installation.

- Utility deposit: Be ready to pay a deposit (usually based on property size and projected energy consumption) that varies from property to property.

Step 2: Locate Your Nearest CEPM Office

Find the CEPM office nearest to your location. Here are a few key CEPM offices:

1. Punta Cana

- Address: Avenida Estados Unidos, Punta Cana Village

- Phone: +1 (809) 552-6333

2. La Romana

- Address: Plaza Lama, La Romana

- Phone: +1 (809) 813-2172

3. Bávaro

- Address: Carretera Verón-Bávaro Km 2, Bávaro

- Phone: +1 (809) 552-6333

You can check CEPM’s website or call the office to confirm working hours and any additional requirements for the area you’re in.

Step 3: Visit the CEPM Office

Once you have all the necessary documents, go to the nearest CEPM office to apply for your electricity service. A customer service representative will assist you with filling out the necessary forms and reviewing your documents.

Step 4: Payment and Deposit

You will be asked to pay a service initiation fee and deposit. These fees depend on the size of your property, the type of connection (residential or commercial), and your anticipated energy consumption.

- Service Fee: Typically ranges from DOP 1,000 to DOP 5,000, depending on the region and service type.

- Deposit: This could be equal to one or two months of estimated electricity usage.

Step 5: Schedule an Inspection (if needed)

If your property is new or hasn’t had electrical service before, CEPM may send an inspector to verify that the electrical installations meet their safety standards.

Step 6: Connection Time

Once all documents are verified and payments are made, CEPM will schedule the installation of your meter and connection to the electrical grid. This process can take anywhere from 1 to 5 business days, depending on the workload in your area.

Step 7: Download the CEPM App (Optional)

You can download the CEPM mobile app to track your electricity consumption, pay bills, and report outages:

- CEPM App: Available on iOS and Android (search for “CEPM”).

### Step 8: Monitor Your Bill and Usage

Once connected, your first bill will include the initial connection fees. Regular bills will follow based on your electricity consumption. Payments can be made via the CEPM app, online, or at authorized payment locations like banks or local stores.

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If you have any specific questions or need assistance, you can call CEPM’s general customer service number at +1 (809) 552-6333 or visit their official website.

Payment Options for CEPM Electricity Service

1. CEPM Mobile App (Online Payment)

Download: Available on both Android and iOS (Search for "CEPM").Payment Methods:Debit or credit cards (Visa, MasterCard)Bank transfers from participating Dominican banksHow to Pay:Download and open the CEPM app.Log in or create an account using your customer number.Navigate to "Payments" or "Pagar".Enter your credit/debit card or bank transfer details.Confirm the payment and save your receipt for future reference.

2. CEPM Website (Online Payment)

Website: www.cepm.com.doPayment Methods:Credit or debit cards (Visa, MasterCard)Bank transfersHow to Pay:Visit the CEPM website and log in to your customer portal.Select "Payments".Enter your account number and the amount due.Complete the payment using a card or transfer.Save the digital receipt.

3. Authorized Banks (In-Person or Online Banking)

You can pay your CEPM bill through the following banks, either in person at the branch, at an ATM, or through online banking portals:

Banco Popular DominicanoBanco BHD LeónBanreservasBanco Santa Cruz

How to Pay via Online Banking:

Log in to your bank's online banking portal.Go to Services or Utilities section.Select CEPM from the list of companies.Enter your customer account number and the payment amount.Confirm the payment.

4. Payment Points (In-Person Payments)

You can make cash payments, use cards, or process bank transfers at authorized CEPM locations or payment centers.

CEPM Offices: Payments accepted in cash, debit/credit cards.Supermarkets and Pharmacies:Plaza LamaJumboSuper PolaFarmacias CarolHow to Pay:Provide your CEPM customer number to the cashier.Make the payment in cash or by card.Keep the receipt for your records.

5. Automatic Debit Setup (Recurring Payment)

How to Set It Up:Visit a CEPM office or call customer service

(+1 809-552-6333).Register your debit or credit card for automatic payments.Your bill will be automatically deducted each month, and you’ll receive a confirmation message.

6. ATMs (Express Payment)

Many Dominican banks allow you to pay CEPM bills through their ATMs. How to Pay:Insert your card at the ATM and select Payments/Utilities.Choose CEPM from the list of services.Enter your customer number and the payment amount.Confirm the payment and collect the receipt.

7. Phone Payment via CEPM Customer Service

Phone: +1 (809) 552-6333How to Pay:Call CEPM customer service and select the payment option.Provide your customer number and card details.Confirm the amount and complete the payment over the phone.

8. Payment via SMS (CEPM Express)

If you’ve registered for CEPM’s SMS payment service:Send your customer number and payment amount via text to CEPM’s dedicated number.Confirm the transaction through an SMS reply.

Payment Processing Time

Online Payments: Usually processed immediately. Bank Payments: May take 24-48 hours to reflect.In-Person Payments: Immediate confirmation if made at CEPM offices or authorized centers.

Late Payment Penalties

If you miss a payment deadline, CEPM may apply late fees or disconnection of service. Always ensure you pay before the due date to avoid interruptions.

By using these methods, you can choose the most convenient way to pay your CEPM bill, ensuring uninterrupted service and avoiding unnecessary delays.