Living in Dominican Rep: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Dominican Rep

Summary: The approximate population of the Dominican Republic is 10.7 million people. The largest cities in the Dominican Republic are Santo Domingo, Santiago de los Caballeros, and La Romana. Expats love living in the Dominican Republic for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and friendly people. Life in the Dominican Republic is often described as relaxed and laid-back. Popular foods in the Dominican Republic include rice and beans, plantains, and sancocho (a stew made with meat, vegetables, and spices). The cons of living in the Dominican Republic include a lack of infrastructure, high crime rates, and a lack of job opportunities. The average cost of living for an expat in the Dominican Republic is around $1,500 to $2,000 per month. This includes rent, utilities, food, and other expenses.

What do I need to know about living in the Dominican Republic?

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

"Only come if you are retired, and have at least $3,000.00 USD per month to spend on expenses, and enough reserve cash to return to your country for medical treatment if you need because the medical system here is a total disaster. Also purchase Medi-Vac Insurance to be 100% certain you can be air lifted and repatriated in case of medical emergency. Do not move to this city, if you cannot deal with pollution and noise, rude people, constant traffic jams, crazy drivers. Only move here as a temporary stop in order to find your way into the more peacful interior town of Jarabacoa. If you are not retired, stay away if you are looking for work, unless you want to earn $400.00 USD each month," said one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

"I would tell them to first visit, meet people in the Chamber of Commerce to get better acquainted with where to live and how to move around in the city," explained one expat living in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Rep.

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How do I meet people in the Dominican Republic?

When we asked people living in the Dominican Republic about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Sign up for a course in speaking Spanish at the Dominican Americano School, located on Antonio de la Maza in the block below Ave Abraham Lincoln. There you will meet Dominicans who are enrolled to learn English, giving you both something in common. Many who are there are willing to tell you about their culture and give you the do's and don'ts as to how best to avoid trouble and where to go socially. Other places are the bigger Malls and supermarkets and the Metro which is the new subway line," wrote a member in Santo Domingo.

"Take some Spanish classes, Join the Facebook group "The Santiago Healthy, Wealthy and Wise" go to meetup.com and join the santiago healthy wealthy and wise group. If you have a business join the Chamber of Commerce," commented one expat who made the move to Santiago de los Caballeros.

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What is life like in the Dominican Republic?

When we asked people living in the Dominican Republic what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in the Dominican Republic is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and friendly people. Expats and digital nomads can find a variety of activities to enjoy, from exploring the country's colonial cities to taking part in outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and diving. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The country also offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly apartments. Expats and digital nomads can also benefit from the country's strong internet infrastructure, making it easy to stay connected while living in the Dominican Republic," wrote one member in Dominican Rep.

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

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Is there a lot of crime in the Dominican Republic?

We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:

"The Dominican Republic has experienced an increase in crime in recent years, with reports of violent crime, including murder, robbery, and assault, as well as property crime such as burglary and theft. Drug trafficking and organized crime are also a problem in the country. The government has taken steps to address the issue, including increasing police presence in high-crime areas and strengthening the criminal justice system," said one expat who made the move to Dominican Rep.

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Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in the Dominican Republic accepting of differences?

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

"Yes they are diverse. No, they are not as accepting of people who are different. I noticed there is racisim among Dominicans. The Dominicans who are light skinned in complection have this air of aristocrocy about themselves, as it relates to dealing with dark skinned Dominicans. Light skinned Dominicans are perceived to be well off financially and the dark ones are the poor and uneducated people. This is not true, but this is the normal thinking among Dominicans. If you are Anglo/White, you are considered wealthy. If you are American Black or White, that trumps any Dominican in social and economic status," wrote one member in Santo Domingo.

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What are the schools in the Dominican Republic like?

"The International School of Santo Domingo (ISSD) is one of the best international schools in the Dominican Republic. It is an independent, co-educational day school offering an American-style curriculum for students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. ISSD is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Dominican Ministry of Education. The school offers a rigorous academic program, with a focus on developing critical thinking skills, problem solving, and communication. The American School of Santo Domingo (ASSD) is another excellent international school in the Dominican Republic. It is a private, co-educational day school offering an American-style curriculum for students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. ASSD is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Dominican Ministry of Education. The school offers a comprehensive academic program, with a focus on developing critical thinking skills, problem solving, and communication. The British School of Santo Domingo (BSSD) is a top-notch bilingual school in the Dominican Republic. It is an independent, co-educational day school offering a British-style curriculum for students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. BSSD is accredited by the British Schools Examination Council and the Dominican Ministry of Education. The school offers a rigorous academic program, with a focus on developing critical thinking skills, problem solving, and communication. The French School of Santo Domingo (FSSD) is another excellent bilingual school in the Dominican Republic. It is a private, co-educational day school offering a French-style curriculum for students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. FSSD is accredited by the French Ministry of Education and the Dominican Ministry of Education. The school offers a comprehensive academic program, with a focus on developing critical thinking skills, problem solving, and communication," explained one expat living in Dominican Rep.

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Is the cost of living in the Dominican Republic high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in the Dominican Republic, they wrote:

"The cost of living in the Dominican Republic is generally considered to be quite affordable. Basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing are relatively inexpensive compared to other countries in the region. Additionally, utilities such as electricity and water are also quite affordable. Although the cost of living in the Dominican Republic is lower than in many other countries, it is important to note that wages are also lower, so it is important to budget accordingly," remarked one expat living in Dominican Rep.

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"The cost of living in the Dominican Republic is generally considered to be quite affordable. The capital city of Santo Domingo and other major cities such as Santiago and La Romana tend to have a higher cost of living than the rest of the country. A nice 1 bedroom apartment in the Dominican Republic can cost anywhere from $400 to $800 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,200 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in the Dominican Republic can cost anywhere from $10 to $20 USD per person," remarked one expat living in Dominican Rep.

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What type of recreational facilities are in the Dominican Republic?

When we asked people living in the Dominican Republic about recreational activities, they mentioned:

"Residents of the Dominican Republic enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, including beaches, parks, and golf courses. There are also many outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Water sports are popular, with opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of spas and resorts to choose from. Shopping and dining are also popular activities, with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and markets to explore," remarked one expat in Dominican Rep.

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What is the weather like in the Dominican Republic?

"The Dominican Republic has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The average temperature is around 25°C (77°F). The rainy season runs from May to November, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in October and November. The dry season runs from December to April, with the hottest months being March and April. The Dominican Republic also experiences hurricanes during the summer months," said one expat living in Dominican Rep.

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Are there good restaurants in the Dominican Republic?

"One of the most popular restaurants in the Dominican Republic is La Casa de los Tres Potrillos, located in Santo Domingo. This restaurant is known for its traditional Dominican cuisine, such as mofongo, chicharron, and sancocho. The atmosphere is lively and the staff is friendly, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends and family. Another popular restaurant in the Dominican Republic is El Meson de la Cava, located in Puerto Plata. This restaurant is known for its seafood dishes, such as ceviche, grilled fish, and lobster. The restaurant also offers a variety of other dishes, such as steak, chicken, and pork. The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff is attentive, making it a great place to enjoy a meal. Finally, La Boca del Mar is a popular restaurant located in Punta Cana. This restaurant is known for its fresh seafood dishes, such as grilled fish, shrimp, and lobster. The atmosphere is casual and the staff is friendly, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends and family," said an expat in Dominican Rep.

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Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in the Dominican Republic?

"People living in the Dominican Republic typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local markets, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Many people also shop at street vendors and small shops. Additionally, some people may shop online or at larger department stores," said one expat living in Dominican Rep.

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What are the visa & residency requirements in the Dominican Republic?

"In order to visit the Dominican Republic, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and the applicable visa fee. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in the Dominican Republic, foreign nationals must submit an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and the applicable residency fee. Depending on the purpose of the residency, additional documents may be required. The application process also involves an interview with a Dominican immigration official. Once the application is approved, the foreign national will receive a residency card, which must be renewed every two years," remarked one expat living in Dominican Rep.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in the Dominican Republic?

"Healthcare and health insurance in the Dominican Republic can be expensive, especially for those who do not have access to public health services. Private health insurance plans are available, but they can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Additionally, the cost of medical care in the Dominican Republic is often higher than in other countries, making it difficult for many people to afford the necessary treatments," mentioned an expat living in Dominican Rep.

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