An Expat Talks about Living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep
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!
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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.
In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?
The culture revolves around home and community, it is one of the things I love about this country. It can make living here and getting things done a challenge. Embrace it as much as you can and learn to go with the flow when needed, and learn when to put your foot down!!!
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Abreu & Associates is a law firm practicing exclusively in the area of the Dominican Republic Immigration process and Nationality law. The firm serves as a trusted advisor in all practice areas of immigration law including Visa, Provisional Residency, Permanent Residency, Renewals, Investment Management, Dominican and American Citizenship, and Dominican Driver's License.
Abreu & Associates Immigration Services
Abreu & Associates is a law firm practicing exclusively in the area of the Dominican Republic Immigration process and Nationality law. The firm serves as a trusted advisor in all practice areas of immigration law including Visa, Provisional Residency, Permanent Residency, Renewals, Investment Management, Dominican and American Citizenship, and Dominican Driver's License.
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!!!!
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Santo Domingo
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Santo Domingo
- 7 Tips for Living in Santo Domingo
- Pros & Cons of Living in Santo Domingo
- Driving in Santo Domingo
- Cost of Living in Santo Domingo
- Health Care in Santo Domingo
- Discover the Best of Santo Domingo
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Dominican Rep
- Best Places to Live in Dominican Rep
- Real Estate in Dominican Rep
- Pros & Cons of Living in Dominican Rep
- How to Enroll in the Public Healthcare System in the Dominican Republic
- Pros and Cons of Living in Dominican Rep 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Dominican Rep