10 Tips for Living in the Dominican Republic
Summary: Did you know that you have to have residency to drive a car after you've been in the Dominican Republic for 30 days? Did you know that call centers are a main source of jobs in the Dominican Republic? Continue reading to get advice for expats in the Dominican Republic.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Dominican Rep Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Dominican Rep
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Dominican Rep
- Best Places to Live in Dominican Rep
- Real Estate in Dominican Rep
- Guide to Real Estate in Dominican Rep
- Pros & Cons of Living in Dominican Rep
- Cost of Living in Dominican Rep
- Is Health Insurance Required When Moving to the Dominican Republic?
- Having a Baby in the Dominican Republic
- Health Insurance for Expats in the Dominican Republic
- Best Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic for Christmas Cheer
- Pros and Cons of Living in Dominican Rep 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Dominican Rep
Comments
guestCan we live in Cabarete, long term, with out going through the residency process tribunals?
guestHi, i am Mariusz Lisicki from Poland. I love a woman from Dominicana..my sweet hearth :-) Please give me an advice and tell me what is the cheapest way to get electricity at home at Dominicana when normal electricity gone out ? I know that in some poor districts in San Cristobal is masacra, because they have electricity only per 2-3 hours per day. Give me please an advice what to do and how much money i need to have :-) Best Regards, Mariusz Lisicki. Dzi?kuj? :-) My email is [email protected]
guestHello Betsy! Great article! My name is Aaron Jackson. I'm looking to move to the Dominican Republic in April. I will be moving with my wife and daughter. I am interested in moving to an area that is not expensive and not too touristy. This will be our first time moving out of the US. All the sites that I pull up for housing is in touristy areas. Can you direct me to a site where I can find inexpensive, nice 3-4 bedroom homes? My email is [email protected]. Thank you for your time.
guestHi, Can I call you regarding questions I have about moving to Domica Republic. [email protected]
karenmmmPurchased a home in gasque back in the mid 90s. We moved because the tap water was toxic, reported in the local papers to be full of fecal matter, etc. We of course only drank bottled water, but over time felt the effects. Aside from that, loved it there. Nice people, but a rather high COL. I never had any problems driving well past 30 days on my US license. One problem encountered when selling is that they had capitol controls, so good luck in getting your money out. I was able to transfer mine to another account though, so we were able to move to Costa Rica which was wonderful until they recently started double taxing expats on their out of country earnings.
SerenoI don't see a date on the OP by Betsy but it must have been before Jan. 2013. She tells a lot of good information BUT the Dominican Republic can change laws faster then some people change their cloths. Immigration is one area that has changed, and continues to change, so I would recommend that you ask for current information in a post in the D.R. forum. Of course, some of us "old timers" will try to help with any current question that you have. Thanks and good luck. Sereno
guapodrREFRAIN FROM SHOWING OFF ! Yes, i do mean, keep low profile, do not wear this shiny watch or gold chain of yours or even bright ring ! And, when going to restaurant or shopping mall, no need to get the big roll of money, be discreet and swift. Do not use cellphone walking or carry purse, handbag or even cellphone in hand. Those are tips from public safety officer who has lived in DR 4 years and plan to return for retirement !
ChicobenitoHello Betty, Love your article, about the residency visa, would you have a trusty lawyer to refer? I know Guzman Arriza quick are pretty big in the DR. I do need to know someone in the country to vouch for me, and since i do not know anyone, for a small amount, +-600 usd, the lawyer could do it for me. Thanks.
MantostUpdated to 2016 , Choosing the place to live may vary dramatically. Example of this regarding Santo Domingo. Its not the same living in a quite, secured neighborhood like Piantini than living in Evaristo, morales , Quisqueya or El Million. Which are dangerous.. If you are planning to spend a year or so in Dominican Republic i have a 226 mts2 5th floor apartament , furnished, for hire, 1,700 usa dollar, negotiable! Ask me if you're planning to go there. Tonyrojas2000 at gmail