Moving to the Dominican Republic

"The Dominican Republic is a beautiful Caribbean country with a rich culture and friendly people. Before moving to the Dominican Republic, expats should research the cost of living, the availability of healthcare, and the language spoken in the area. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs, as well as the climate and weather patterns. Additionally, expats should consider the availability of housing, transportation, and other amenities. Finally, it is important to obtain the necessary visas and permits before moving to the Dominican Republic," replied a member in 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," remarked one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

"I first came to a beach town but then found that for a single older intellectual woman, the capital was best. I took my time, found the pool, the library, the neighborhood I liked best, then the apartment, not the other way around," explained one expat living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.

"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," said one expat in Santo Domingo.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in the Dominican Republic is to use online resources such as websites and classifieds. You can also search for rental properties in local newspapers or contact real estate agents in the area. Additionally, you can ask friends and family who live in the Dominican Republic for recommendations. Finally, you can also visit the area in person to get a better feel for the different neighborhoods and find a place that suits your needs," said one expat who made the move to Dominican Rep.

"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.

"Much lower. My two bedroom apartment with balconies and maid's room is $600 a month. To buy apartments here cost around $150k," remarked 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.

"The average cost of housing in the Dominican Republic varies depending on the location and type of housing. Generally, renting an apartment in a city can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 per month, while a house in a rural area can cost around $100 to $200 per month. Prices for buying a home can range from $50,000 to $500,000, depending on the size and location," said one expat who made the move to Dominican Rep.

"Buying a home in the Dominican Republic can be a great investment, as the country has a booming real estate market. However, it is important to consider the cost of living in the area and the availability of rental properties before making a decision. Renting a home in the Dominican Republic can be a great option for those who are not ready to commit to a long-term purchase, as it allows for more flexibility and can be more cost-effective in the short-term. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in the Dominican Republic should be based on individual needs and preferences," said one expat who made the move to Dominican Rep.

"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," replied a member in Santo Domingo.

"When moving to the Dominican Republic, it is important to pack items that will help you adjust to the climate and culture. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing that is appropriate for the warm and humid climate. Bring comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the country. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are also essential for protecting yourself from the sun. Additionally, it is important to bring any necessary medications and toiletries. Don't forget to bring a few items that will help you feel at home, such as photos, books, and music," commented one expat who made the move to Dominican Rep.

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

"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," said one expat in Santo Domingo.

"It is important to be respectful of the Dominican Republic's culture and customs. It is considered rude to show up late to social gatherings, so it is important to arrive on time. It is also important to dress modestly, as revealing clothing is considered inappropriate. It is also important to be aware of the local customs and traditions, and to avoid making any comments that could be seen as offensive or disrespectful. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking English in public, as this can be seen as a sign of disrespect," replied a member in Dominican Rep.

"If we have committed any cultural blunders, the locals were nice enough to ignore them," commented one expat who made the move to Juan Dolio.

"The Dominican Republic is an attractive destination for expats due to its tropical climate, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. The country also offers a low cost of living, making it an ideal place to live for those looking to stretch their budget. Additionally, the Dominican Republic is known for its friendly people and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to settle down and make new friends. With its diverse landscape, from lush rainforests to stunning mountain ranges, the Dominican Republic is a great place to explore and experience a variety of activities," replied one expat when asked about moving to Dominican Rep.

" Your dollar goes along way here. You can live like a rock star. No day is a boring day. ," stated one expat who made the move to Dominican Rep.

"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.

"The Dominican Republic offers a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialty care, and hospital services. The public healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance, and is funded by the government. The quality of public healthcare varies, with some areas having better access to resources and better quality care than others. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay out-of-pocket for some services. Expats in the Dominican Republic often use the public healthcare system, but they may also opt for private healthcare services, which are generally of higher quality," commented one expat who moved to Dominican Rep.

"The Dominican Republic has a wide range of medical services available to its citizens and visitors. The country has a number of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that offer a variety of medical services, including general practice, emergency care, and specialized treatments. The country also has a number of medical schools and universities that offer medical degrees and training. In addition, the Dominican Republic has a number of medical tourism companies that offer medical services to international visitors. The quality of medical care in the Dominican Republic is generally good, and the cost of medical services is generally lower than in other countries," replied one expat when asked about moving to Dominican Rep.