Moving to Santo Domingo, 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," remarked 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," explained one expat living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.

"Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic and is the largest city in the Caribbean. It is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich culture and history. Expats should be aware that the official language is Spanish, so it is important to learn some basic Spanish before moving to Santo Domingo. The city is known for its hot and humid climate, so expats should be prepared for the heat. Additionally, expats should be aware of the high crime rate in the city and take necessary precautions to stay safe. Finally, expats should research the cost of living in Santo Domingo before moving, as it can be quite expensive," said one expat in Santo Domingo.

"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 expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

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

"Whether you should buy or rent a home in Santo Domingo depends on your individual needs and preferences. Buying a home can be a great investment, as it can provide you with a stable place to live and the potential for appreciation in value. However, it also requires a large upfront investment and ongoing maintenance costs. Renting a home can be a more affordable option, as it requires less of an upfront investment and no maintenance costs. Additionally, it can provide more flexibility if you are not sure how long you will be living in the area. Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy or rent a home in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic should be based on your individual needs and preferences," said one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

"I wish I'd brought Cooking utensels, Spices for cooking, American Cable TV. There's nothing I wish I'd left behind," said one expat in Santo Domingo.

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

"It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Santo Domingo. It is best to dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothing. It is also important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking English in public. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs regarding physical contact, as it is considered inappropriate to touch someone without their permission. Finally, it is important to be respectful of religious beliefs and to avoid making any comments that could be seen as offensive," remarked one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

"Santo Domingo is an attractive destination for expats due to its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and affordable cost of living. The city is home to a diverse population, with a mix of Spanish, African, and Taíno influences. The city also offers a wide range of activities, from exploring the colonial architecture of the Zona Colonial to enjoying the nightlife of the Malecón. Additionally, the Dominican Republic is known for its friendly people, making it a great place to make new friends and build a new life," wrote one expat living in Santo Domingo.

"Santo Domingo, the capital city of the Dominican Republic, offers a range of healthcare services to its residents and visitors. The city is home to both public and private hospitals and clinics, providing various levels of care. Public hospitals, funded by the government, offer basic medical services at low or no cost to patients. However, these facilities may be overcrowded and have limited resources, leading to longer wait times and a lower quality of care. On the other hand, private hospitals and clinics in Santo Domingo are known for providing higher quality care, with modern facilities and well-trained medical professionals. Many of these private institutions have affiliations with international hospitals and medical organizations, ensuring that they adhere to global standards of care. Some of the services offered at these private facilities include general medicine, specialist consultations, diagnostic services, surgical procedures, and emergency care. In addition to hospitals and clinics, Santo Domingo also has numerous pharmacies where residents and visitors can access prescription and over-the-counter medications. Many of these pharmacies are open 24 hours a day, providing convenient access to medications when needed. Despite the availability of healthcare services in Santo Domingo, it is important for visitors to the city to have comprehensive travel health insurance, as medical costs can be high, particularly in private facilities. Additionally, it is recommended that travelers consult with their healthcare provider before visiting the Dominican Republic to ensure they have the necessary vaccinations and medications to protect against any potential health risks," offered one expat living in Santo Domingo.

"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.

"Medical services in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, are generally of good quality, especially in private hospitals and clinics. The city has several well-equipped medical facilities with modern technology and experienced healthcare professionals. However, public hospitals may be overcrowded and under-resourced, leading to longer wait times and less personalized care. It is important for visitors to have comprehensive travel health insurance, as medical costs can be high for foreigners. Pharmacies are widely available throughout the city, and many medications can be purchased over the counter. While medical services in Santo Domingo are generally reliable, it is recommended to seek specialized care or complex treatments in larger cities or neighboring countries with more advanced healthcare systems," wrote one expat living in Santo Domingo.