Expat Advice: Living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Be prepared to adjust. Be prepared to be frustrated and to want to smack your head into the wall. But also be prepared to find the small joys here!! The people are remarkably friendly and helpful.
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Santo Domingo
How long have you lived there?
almost 11 years in country
What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?
Any expat groups, spanish lessons at a qualified school. Join a dance group, a walking group and kind of group that gets you out meeting others!
In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.
Absolutely diverse, very different from where I am from. While the country is predominantly catholic - that doesn't stop a lot of "other" activity. The DR is racially divided, economically divided and very much a culture of who you know or who you are related to. It can make work and business difficult at the very least. Are they accepting of differences - not really but you learn to work around that.
What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?
Santo Domingo is the capital city hosting almost 1/2 the countries population. We have almost all head offices here, lots of call centers, most if not all embassies etc, many many government offices, lots of shopping etc. You can find it all here. I also spent 7 years on the north coast - the capital is very very different.
If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.
Be prepared to adjust. Be prepared to be frustrated and to want to smack your head into the wall. But also be prepared to find the small joys here!! The people are remarkably friendly and helpful. There are many many good people but that takes time to get to know who they are. You won't find them in your first few months here!!!!! After 11 years I am still learning so much. I live in a typical middle class Dominican neighborhood! I am the only expat and I love my life here. 11 years of business and consulting and I pretty much know how to get things done..... but every single day I learn something new!!!!
Moving to Dominican Rep soon?
More Expat Advice about Living in Dominican Rep
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Comments about this Report
SerenoHi Planner. I'm still looking around this forum and found........ YOU? Nice report and real. I especially find that after around 11 years here (date of report unknown) that your last thought tells it all. ... "but every single day I learn something new!!!" So very true. Thanks. Sereno
PlannerThanks Sereno, this report was written in early 2014! And is all still relevant......
guestGood report ! What is the cost of renting a FURNISHED one-bedroom apartment with air-conditioning in a middle-class environment ( high-school teachers, young lawyers, secretaries,etc) ?
