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Dominicus Beach in Dominican Republic

Moving to the Dominican Republic

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Dec 20, 2023

Summary: Expats and digital nomads move to the Dominican Republic for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and low cost of living. The most popular cities for expats and digital nomads in the Dominican Republic are Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, and Punta Cana. People looking for a place to live in the Dominican Republic can find a variety of options, from renting an apartment or house to staying in a hotel or resort. Additionally, there are many online resources available to help expats and digital nomads find a place to live in the Dominican Republic.

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Abreu & Associates Immigration Services
Abreu & Associates Immigration Services
Abreu & Associates Immigration Services

What do I need to know before moving to the Dominican Republic?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to the Dominican Republic, they said:

"When you move to the DR, unless restricted by work, I would spend a couple of months in a few different areas as the country is so diverse. Once you have decided on the area then just put the word out that you are looking to rent and the potential landlords will find you. Do remember to take into account that access to electricity and water are not automatic, so you need to check their availability. The prices of property vary dramatically by area - the more touristy and closer to the sea, the higher the price," said one expat in Santo Domingo.

"I advise you to visit the better area of town which is called Piantini and Naco. They are very cosmopolitan areas, located in District National Santo Domingo along ave Winston Churchill. Ask Apolo Taxi which I discovered to be the most safe and trusted Taxi, to take you to the Blue Mall on Ave Winston Churchill. Also Go to The Acropolis which is a few blocks from the Blue Mall on the same street. Walk the neighborhood for three blocks in each direction from Ave Winston Churchill and you will see many buildings with condo's for sale(vende) or rent ( alquiliar). There is a Holiday Inn Hotel located 5 minutes from this area on Ave Abraham Lincoln. Both malls have resteraunts and movies. Your supermarket is across the street from the mall. there are at least six banks betwee the two malls along with resteraunts and Pharmacies. Everything you can walk to, if you get your apartment there. Plus the area is quiet and secure. You will not have the loud Dominican music playing 24 hours a day. it is a normal tranquile neighborhood. A 3bedroom unfurnished can cost US$800.00 a month. I recommend you do not fall for the fully furnished apt. ads. If you do, make sure you sign a month to month lease. This will protect you from the bad feeling of living in a place with someone's old trashy furniture and having to put up with it until the lease expires. Also be sure to make certain that your deposit is not listed on the contract as a security deposit. Make sure it is listed as your last months rent. Visit the area for a week on each visit. If you decide to live in a Dominican area with the Bodega's and places that sell beer this is good if you are 27 years old, but if you are retired you will dread the day you did this. Trust me. Banking you should open a checking account and only deposit enough for your rent and utilities each month. The banks constantly suspend your account for no apparent reason. Keep the lion's share of your cash in the bank of your country and use your debit card to take money out," remarked one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

"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," explained one expat living in Dominican Rep.

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How do I find a place to live in the Dominican Republic?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

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

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in the Dominican Republic?

"I live in a furnished rental. I would certainly say that this is the way for anyone to plan to come here first and stay for a year or so and see if they really like it. There are not a lot of expats yet in the neighborhood but I predict that there will be. It is the older elegant but sort of run down section of town, but one can walk to everything. It is a lot like NYC," said one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

"Expat homes and apartments in the Dominican Republic tend to be modern and comfortable, with air conditioning, cable TV, and internet access. Many expats choose to live in gated communities, which offer a range of amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and tennis courts. Expat homes and apartments often come with a maid and gardener, and many have private terraces or balconies with views of the Caribbean Sea," explained one expat living in Dominican Rep.

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What is the average cost of housing in the Dominican Republic?

If you are thinking about moving to the Dominican Republic, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"Much lower. My two bedroom apartment with balconies and maid's room is $600 a month. To buy apartments here cost around $150k," replied a member 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," commented one expat who made the move to Dominican Rep.

"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," remarked one expat in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.

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Should I buy or rent a home in the Dominican Republic?

If you have not spent a lot of time in the Dominican Republic, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"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," explained one expat living in Dominican Rep.

What should I pack when moving to the Dominican Republic?

We asked people living in the Dominican Republic to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:

"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," remarked one expat in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.

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

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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.

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Abreu & Associates Immigration Services 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.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in the Dominican Republic?

We asked people in the Dominican Republic if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:

"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," commented one expat who made the move to Dominican Rep.

"If we have committed any cultural blunders, the locals were nice enough to ignore them," remarked one expat in Juan Dolio, Dominican Rep.

Why do people move to the Dominican Republic?

When we asked people why foreigners move to the Dominican Republic, they responded:

"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," commented one expat who moved to Dominican Rep.

" Your dollar goes along way here. You can live like a rock star. No day is a boring day. ," said one expat.

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How are healthcare services the Dominican Republic?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in the Dominican Republic, they replied:

"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," said one expat living in Dominican Rep.

"You must purchase private insurance here. Public medical care is available but it is not the same, it is seriously inferior," offered one expat living in Santo Domingo.

What are medical services in the Dominican Republic like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in the Dominican Republic, they replied:

"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," offered one expat living in Dominican Rep.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.

Dominicus Beach in Dominican Republic

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