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Re: NEW CONDO OWNER QUESTIONS
[Re: phillygirl7]
#254669
05/02/2021 04:06 PM
05/02/2021 04:06 PM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586 St Maarten
BillandElaine
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586
St Maarten
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No, they're all the same. Mediocre at best customer service. Personally, I would bring the friend.
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: NEW CONDO OWNER QUESTIONS
[Re: Nowhatched]
#254679
05/02/2021 05:53 PM
05/02/2021 05:53 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,666 MIA
irina
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,666
MIA
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Ok Nowhatched. We opened account at ScotiaBank. We needed a local to vouch for us. And several letters of recommendations. We moved our stuff from US to SXM with Tropical Shipping. Electricians are everywhere and know where the bodies are buried. We used to own at SBYC many years ago so this is old info. You can bring your guy but I would liaise with local electrician. Good luck and cheers irina
Last edited by irina; 05/02/2021 05:54 PM. Reason: added sentence
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Re: NEW CONDO OWNER QUESTIONS
[Re: Kennys]
#254684
05/02/2021 06:24 PM
05/02/2021 06:24 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,880 Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,880
Auburn, WA
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Elaine what you are talking about mediocre service of all Companies on the Island ? You got to be joking . She was referring to the Banks.
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Re: NEW CONDO OWNER QUESTIONS
[Re: Nowhatched]
#254695
05/02/2021 09:40 PM
05/02/2021 09:40 PM
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 147
DougK37614
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 147
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We have owned on the island for 11 years. It will take you a while to open a bank account and transfer funds. Think months, not weeks.
Service from all banks seems to be slow. They may not respond for days or longer. They do not return calls. Once you have an account you can use their app or online banking.
You could also use a US credit card to pay but normally will pay a fee up to 5% to use it. You will want a local bank account in the long run.
Ship to Miami and use a freight forwarder. Tropical Shipping has a good reputation and I have used them for what seem to be reasonable fees.
Last edited by DougK37614; 05/02/2021 09:42 PM.
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Re: NEW CONDO OWNER QUESTIONS
[Re: Nowhatched]
#254728
05/03/2021 10:37 AM
05/03/2021 10:37 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 873 Mississauga, ON, Canada
Southshore
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 873
Mississauga, ON, Canada
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Regarding the bank situation... my husband and I had a bank account on the island at one time, when we were considering buying. We dealt with First Caribbean, formerly Barclays Bank. It is now run buy CIBC, a Canadian bank. We did not have a local address but opened a post office box at The Mailbox and used this for a local address. Even though we never did purchase on the island, we kept the account for a while, had ATM access, etc. We found the staff at the branch, in Cole Bay, I recall, to be very helpful.
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Re: NEW CONDO OWNER QUESTIONS
[Re: Nowhatched]
#254762
05/03/2021 04:55 PM
05/03/2021 04:55 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 238
MrWhiskerssammy
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 238
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We bought our condo here about 15 years ago. We did open a bank account (checking) and to the best of my knowledge, only needed a letter from our bank in the U.S. saying that we, in essence, were members in good standing. Our account is with WIB and wasn't too much of a hassle to get. It's that when someone just of the boat--so to speak--tries to open one, they need to know about the letter from a bank in the U.S. ahead of time. Most don't, so it holds up the process a little. That may have changed since then. I stand behind Elaine in saying that the customer service is just ok but not what I would call great. We set up our account primarily for having our GEBE bills (Gas and Electric) taken out automatically each month. It saves worry about not getting them paid on time. Each time we are here, we deposit enough money to take care of the bills until the next time we will be here. Luckily we had enough to keep us ok during the last year when we couldn't be here. Depending on what you are buying, bringing your own guy from the States might be a good idea. It depends on who designed/built your condo units and how well it was done. The condo complex we bought at has had a few issues with electricity, and that is why I would say if you can afford to bring someone--I would.
A fair amount of people who bought in our complex did bring a lot of things in--including furniture-- that they had shipped from wherever, to the port of Miami and sent it here through a few different shipping companies. We happen to use Caribe Trans and have never had a problem. But having said that we didn't send any furniture. We ship from Amazon to Miami now and then, because sometimes the cost of the product and shipping charges are less than what it costs to buy it here.
On the whole, we have had a good experience. We met people who are now very good friends. We do not regret our decision to buy and are still happily enjoying the times we spend on the island.
Hope this helps.
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Re: NEW CONDO OWNER QUESTIONS
[Re: Nowhatched]
#254771
05/03/2021 05:49 PM
05/03/2021 05:49 PM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586 St Maarten
BillandElaine
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586
St Maarten
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Totally agree MrWhiskers! We opened our account as a requirement for residency at that time probably 14 years ago. Also expecting to have auto bill pay, however it never worked and they were constantly turning off our utilities. We are here full time, so we just go pay the bill in person. I think after the lockdowns, I may try to figure out their online stuff.
Yes to the who built it. Our problem is water. And everyone's problem is getting people to actually show up. When you find one they are like gold!!! Ask your neighbors for guidance.
We also ship things here ordered online from the states using Safe Cargo.
Good luck!
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: NEW CONDO OWNER QUESTIONS
[Re: Kennys]
#254778
05/03/2021 07:08 PM
05/03/2021 07:08 PM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586 St Maarten
BillandElaine
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586
St Maarten
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Sorry Lesley - What? Who?
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: NEW CONDO OWNER QUESTIONS
[Re: BillandElaine]
#254782
05/03/2021 08:55 PM
05/03/2021 08:55 PM
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,334
Kennys
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,334
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The Cozzolino Italian Family you might not know them because they were coming here for over thirty years. Both him and his Wife passed away but the Eldest Daughter is running the property right now . They also had a private Boat Dock looking out to Nettle Bai . Very good people to us .
Last edited by Kennys; 05/03/2021 09:31 PM.
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Re: NEW CONDO OWNER QUESTIONS
[Re: kim]
#254786
05/03/2021 10:51 PM
05/03/2021 10:51 PM
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,334
Kennys
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,334
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Re: NEW CONDO OWNER QUESTIONS
[Re: BillandElaine]
#254804
05/04/2021 09:24 AM
05/04/2021 09:24 AM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 238
MrWhiskerssammy
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 238
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Well I guess we know all about those!!! Can't stop laughing.
Last edited by MrWhiskerssammy; 05/04/2021 09:25 AM.
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