Moving to Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic

"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," said one expat in Santo Domingo.

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

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Santo Domingo is to use online resources such as Airbnb, Craigslist, and local real estate websites. Additionally, you can also contact local real estate agents who can help you find a place that meets your needs. Additionally, you can also ask friends and family who live in the area for recommendations. Finally, you can also look for rental postings in local newspapers and on bulletin boards in public places," commented one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

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

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

"The cost of housing in Santo Domingo varies depending on the area and type of housing. Generally, the average cost of renting an apartment in Santo Domingo is around $400 to $600 per month, while the average cost of buying a house is around $100,000 to $200,000," explained one expat living in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic.

"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," commented 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," commented 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," stated one expat who made the move to 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," wrote 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," commented 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," said one expat.