Moving to the Dominican Republic

"The Dominican Republic is a beautiful Caribbean country with a rich culture and friendly people. Before moving to the Dominican Republic, expats should research the cost of living, the availability of healthcare, and the language spoken in the area. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs, as well as the climate and weather patterns. Additionally, expats should consider the availability of housing, transportation, and other amenities. Finally, it is important to obtain the necessary visas and permits before moving to the Dominican Republic," said one expat who made the move to Dominican Rep.

"When you move to the DR, unless restricted by work, I would spend a couple of months in a few different areas as the country is so diverse. Once you have decided on the area then just put the word out that you are looking to rent and the potential landlords will find you. Do remember to take into account that access to electricity and water are not automatic, so you need to check their availability. The prices of property vary dramatically by area - the more touristy and closer to the sea, the higher the price," explained one expat living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.

"I advise you to visit the better area of town which is called Piantini and Naco. They are very cosmopolitan areas, located in District National Santo Domingo along ave Winston Churchill. Ask Apolo Taxi which I discovered to be the most safe and trusted Taxi, to take you to the Blue Mall on Ave Winston Churchill. Also Go to The Acropolis which is a few blocks from the Blue Mall on the same street. Walk the neighborhood for three blocks in each direction from Ave Winston Churchill and you will see many buildings with condo's for sale(vende) or rent ( alquiliar). There is a Holiday Inn Hotel located 5 minutes from this area on Ave Abraham Lincoln. Both malls have resteraunts and movies. Your supermarket is across the street from the mall. there are at least six banks betwee the two malls along with resteraunts and Pharmacies. Everything you can walk to, if you get your apartment there. Plus the area is quiet and secure. You will not have the loud Dominican music playing 24 hours a day. it is a normal tranquile neighborhood. A 3bedroom unfurnished can cost US$800.00 a month. I recommend you do not fall for the fully furnished apt. ads. If you do, make sure you sign a month to month lease. This will protect you from the bad feeling of living in a place with someone's old trashy furniture and having to put up with it until the lease expires. Also be sure to make certain that your deposit is not listed on the contract as a security deposit. Make sure it is listed as your last months rent. Visit the area for a week on each visit. If you decide to live in a Dominican area with the Bodega's and places that sell beer this is good if you are 27 years old, but if you are retired you will dread the day you did this. Trust me. Banking you should open a checking account and only deposit enough for your rent and utilities each month. The banks constantly suspend your account for no apparent reason. Keep the lion's share of your cash in the bank of your country and use your debit card to take money out," said one in Santo Domingo.

"I would be sure to study Spanish as it makes the transition much easier. I would just come initially, if possible, for a six month period every year, and then go back. I would not buy anything for at least two years, until you decide that you really like it and until you have seen the entire country," explained one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

"I first came to a beach town but then found that for a single older intellectual woman, the capital was best. I took my time, found the pool, the library, the neighborhood I liked best, then the apartment, not the other way around," remarked one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

"Expat homes and apartments in the Dominican Republic tend to be modern and comfortable, with air conditioning, cable TV, and internet access. Many expats choose to live in gated communities, which offer a range of amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and tennis courts. Expat homes and apartments often come with a maid and gardener, and many have private terraces or balconies with views of the Caribbean Sea," remarked one expat in Dominican Rep.

"I live in a furnished rental. I would certainly say that this is the way for anyone to plan to come here first and stay for a year or so and see if they really like it. There are not a lot of expats yet in the neighborhood but I predict that there will be. It is the older elegant but sort of run down section of town, but one can walk to everything. It is a lot like NYC," said one expat in Santo Domingo.

"I live in a furnished 2 bedroom apartment. This is typical of the expats I have met. My next door neighnor have lived in their unit for ten years. They are from Canada/Germany," remarked one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

"Much lower. My two bedroom apartment with balconies and maid's room is $600 a month. To buy apartments here cost around $150k," commented one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

"The monthly cost of rent is $550.00 which includes water, gas for cooking, internet and cable tv, with a 30 year old tv supplied by the landlord. I must pay for electric $30.00 a month unless I use the air conditioner which is also very old and will raise my electric bill to over $100.00 a month. There are ceiling fans in every room. i use them in lieu of the air conditioner. I have a land line home phone from Claro for $30.00 a month for 400 minutes. I just signed up for a bundle package of Phone/cable/internet with Claro for $75.00 a month," remarked one expat in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.

"I live in Boca Chica and rent a 3 bedroom for $440/month. It's on a very good well so no water bill. Electricity here is iffy, but the last 3 or 4 months have been great with no major outages," said one expat in Santo Domingo.

"Lower. To rent a standard 3 bedroom house in an expat area is around 600-1500 US$ a month. If you live in a gated community it is more. A similar property in a purely Dominican town or village is around 200 US$ a month," remarked one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

"The average cost of housing in the Dominican Republic varies depending on the location and type of housing. Generally, renting an apartment in a city can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 per month, while a house in a rural area can cost around $100 to $200 per month. Prices for buying a home can range from $50,000 to $500,000, depending on the size and location," explained one expat living in Dominican Rep.

"Buying a home in the Dominican Republic can be a great investment, as the country has a booming real estate market. However, it is important to consider the cost of living in the area and the availability of rental properties before making a decision. Renting a home in the Dominican Republic can be a great option for those who are not ready to commit to a long-term purchase, as it allows for more flexibility and can be more cost-effective in the short-term. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in the Dominican Republic should be based on individual needs and preferences," commented one expat who made the move to Dominican Rep.

"I wish I had brought a tin opener, good knives and vitamins. I should have left my nicer clothes and shoes at home and my jewelry," said one expat in Santo Domingo.

"I wish I'd brought Cooking utensels, Spices for cooking, American Cable TV. There's nothing I wish I'd left behind," remarked one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

"I wish I had brought My best friend I wish I had brought more money I wish I had brought better Spanish I only came with what I could carry so I did leave everything pretty much," explained one expat living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.

"It is important to be respectful of the Dominican Republic's culture and customs. It is considered rude to show up late to social gatherings, so it is important to arrive on time. It is also important to dress modestly, as revealing clothing is considered inappropriate. It is also important to be aware of the local customs and traditions, and to avoid making any comments that could be seen as offensive or disrespectful. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking English in public, as this can be seen as a sign of disrespect," remarked one expat who made the move to Dominican Rep.

"If we have committed any cultural blunders, the locals were nice enough to ignore them," explained one expat living in Juan Dolio, Dominican Rep.

"The Dominican Republic is an attractive destination for expats due to its tropical climate, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. The country also offers a low cost of living, making it an ideal place to live for those looking to stretch their budget. Additionally, the Dominican Republic is known for its friendly people and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to settle down and make new friends. With its diverse landscape, from lush rainforests to stunning mountain ranges, the Dominican Republic is a great place to explore and experience a variety of activities," remarked one expat in Dominican Rep.

" Your dollar goes along way here. You can live like a rock star. No day is a boring day. ," wrote one expat living in Dominican Rep.

"You must purchase private insurance here. Public medical care is available but it is not the same, it is seriously inferior," wrote one expat living in Santo Domingo.

"The Dominican Republic offers a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialty care, and hospital services. The public healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance, and is funded by the government. The quality of public healthcare varies, with some areas having better access to resources and better quality care than others. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay out-of-pocket for some services. Expats in the Dominican Republic often use the public healthcare system, but they may also opt for private healthcare services, which are generally of higher quality," commented one expat living in Dominican Rep.

"The Dominican Republic has a wide range of medical services available to its citizens and visitors. The country has a number of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that offer a variety of medical services, including general practice, emergency care, and specialized treatments. The country also has a number of medical schools and universities that offer medical degrees and training. In addition, the Dominican Republic has a number of medical tourism companies that offer medical services to international visitors. The quality of medical care in the Dominican Republic is generally good, and the cost of medical services is generally lower than in other countries," said one expat.