Moving to the Dominican Republic

"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," commented one expat who made the move to 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," remarked one expat in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.

"i have lived in various parts of the country. The first place was a tourist resort on the Caribbean sea, where I went as my job as a scuba diving instructor was there. A small studio came with the job and after a month I moved into a rental apartment. Here you just put the word out you are looking and people come to you with their apartments. Now I live in a little Dominican town, chosen as it was far from tourists and hence much safer and much cheaper. Again just put the word out and found the house," explained one expat living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.

"I chose my neighborhood because it is located within walking distance of the Sea and one half block from the Metro/Subway. I found my apartment through a website named Sublet.com," said one expat in 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 who made the move to Dominican Rep.

"There are no expats here. I have a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom single storey house with a large garden. It is a typical house for a middle class Dominican," explained one expat living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.

"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," said one expat in Santo Domingo.

"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 who made the move to Santo Domingo.

"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," commented one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

"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," remarked 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," 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," commented one expat who made the move to Dominican Rep.

"If we have committed any cultural blunders, the locals were nice enough to ignore them," remarked one expat 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," commented one expat who moved to Dominican Rep.

" Your dollar goes along way here. You can live like a rock star. No day is a boring day. ," said one expat.

"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," remarked one expat 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 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.