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Pros and Cons of Living in Dominican Rep | Expat Exchange
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Santa Barbara de Samana, Dominican Republic

Pros and Cons of Living in the Dominican Republic

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jul 17, 2023

Summary: The Dominican Republic is a beautiful Caribbean country with a rich culture and vibrant atmosphere. One of the main pros of living in the Dominican Republic is the warm climate and stunning beaches. The country is also known for its friendly people and relaxed lifestyle. Additionally, the cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to living in the Dominican Republic. The infrastructure is not as developed as in other countries, and the public transportation system can be unreliable. Additionally, the country has a high crime rate, and the healthcare system is not as advanced as in other countries. Finally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who do not speak Spanish.

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What are the pros and cons of living in the Dominican Republic?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in the Dominican Republic responded:

"I retired and moved to the Dominican Republic 13 years ago. I began using pubic transport to explore this lovey island. I still use public transport as I didn't have the money to buy a car. I helped buy a two bedroom villa in a community of many Europeans, Canadians and Americans. Then 7 years later I started renting cheap apartments where i spend all my time writing books (Author Peter Brighton). There are many rental accommodations worth living in. All within walking distance of beaches and countryside, Plus, many restaurants and English speaking contacts. Have not returned to England for ten years," said one member in Dominican Rep.

"Expats and digital nomads living in the Dominican Republic often appreciate the country's warm climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. They also enjoy the low cost of living, which allows them to stretch their budget further. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the language barrier and lack of reliable public transportation to be challenging. Additionally, the country's infrastructure can be unreliable, making it difficult to access certain services," remarked one expat in Dominican Rep.

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What do expats in the Dominican Republic appreciate most about the local culture?

"Expats in the Dominican Republic appreciate the warm and welcoming nature of the local people, the vibrant culture, and the beautiful scenery. They also enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, the delicious local cuisine, and the vibrant music and dance scene. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's rich history and the opportunity to explore its many attractions," remarked one expat in Dominican Rep.

"I appreciate the fact that under extreme poverty, the people somehow seem to survive on so little," explained one expat living in Santo Domingo.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"The most challenging aspect of the new culture for me has been getting business people to understand that when I pay for a service, I expect to get what I pay for in a timely manner. Example, ( I went to a local bank to open a checking account and I had to come back and forth four times to complete the process) ( my apartment lease includes TV internet and cable. The TV was a 30 year old TV that never worked, the cable only sometimes and the internet is much like waiting for a snail to travel one mile. I requested to have my lease reflect the fact that none of these services are being used due to the fact that the landlord removed the TV during my first week and I had to purchase my own, plus I had to purchase my own internet and cable to ensure that I have service. However, the landlord wants to stick to our original agreement even though he is not providing what is promised in the lease. These sorts of things are very common in Santo Domingo). Beware," said one person in Santo Domingo.

"Expats in the Dominican Republic often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the Dominican Republic has a very different set of social norms and customs than many expats are used to, which can be difficult to adjust to. Furthermore, the Dominican Republic is a predominantly Catholic country, and many expats may find it difficult to adjust to the religious and cultural norms that come with this. Finally, the Dominican Republic is a developing country, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the lack of infrastructure and resources that are available in other countries," remarked one expat 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.

Santa Barbara de Samana, Dominican Republic

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