Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep: Cost of Living, Healthcare, Local Clubs and Activities, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Santo Domingo

Summary: People describe Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep as a vibrant and diverse city with a rich culture and history. Expats love the city's tropical climate, its friendly people, and its affordability. The weather in Santo Domingo is typically warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-90s Fahrenheit. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,000 to $1,500 per month. The cost of a one bedroom apartment is around $400 to $600 per month, while a two bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $500 to $800 per month. The approximate population of Santo Domingo is 3.2 million people.

What do I need to know about living in Santo Domingo?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Santo Domingo, they said:

"Be prepared to adjust. Be prepared to be frustrated and to want to smack your head into the wall. But also be prepared to find the small joys here!! The people are remarkably friendly and helpful. There are many many good people but that takes time to get to know who they are. You won't find them in your first few months here!!!!! After 11 years I am still learning so much. I live in a typical middle class Dominican neighborhood! I am the only expat and I love my life here. 11 years of business and consulting and I pretty much know how to get things done..... but every single day I learn something new!!!," commented one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

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

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What do I need to know before moving to Santo Domingo?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Santo Domingo, they said:

"I would be sure to study Spanish as it makes the transition much easier. I would just come initially, if possible, for a six month period every year, and then go back. I would not buy anything for at least two years, until you decide that you really like it and until you have seen the entire country," wrote one member in Santo Domingo.

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How do I find a place to live in Santo Domingo?

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

"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 living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.

"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," wrote one member in Santo Domingo.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Santo Domingo?

"There are no expats here. I have a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom single storey house with a large garden. It is a typical house for a middle class Dominican," wrote one member in Santo Domingo.

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

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What is the average cost of housing in Santo Domingo?

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

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

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

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How do I meet people in Santo Domingo?

When we asked people living in Santo Domingo about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Santo Domingo can join a variety of clubs and activities, such as sports clubs, language clubs, and cultural clubs. Expats can also join local meetup groups, which are a great way to meet people with similar interests. Additionally, expats can attend local events such as concerts, festivals, and art exhibitions. Finally, expats can also meet people by attending local bars, restaurants, and cafes," remarked one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

"Any expat groups, spanish lessons at a qualified school. Join a dance group, a walking group and kind of group that gets you out meeting others," explained one expat living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.

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What should I bring when moving to Santo Domingo?

People living in Santo Domingo were asked what three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They wrote:

"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," wrote a member in Santo Domingo.

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Where should I setup a bank account in Santo Domingo?

We asked expats in Santo Domingo what banks they use and there advice about banking. They advised:

"Before retiring in Santo Domingo, expats should be aware of the cost of living, which is generally lower than in other parts of the world. It is important to research the local healthcare system and to ensure that adequate medical insurance is in place. Expats should also familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the language, to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, expats should research the local job market and the availability of recreational activities to ensure that they have plenty to do in their retirement," commented one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

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Will I be able to find a job in Santo Domingo?

When we asked people about industries and career opportunities in Santo Domingo, they reponded:

"Main industries are Cell phone companies, mass transit, taxi's, call centers, govenrment offices, supermarkets. Most people find jobs through the newspapers, employment agency, and government. As far as career, the government job is the most common," explained one expat living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.

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What is life like in Santo Domingo?

When we asked people living in Santo Domingo what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"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.

"Yes! Just like most major cities. People are up early going to work or school. The proiorities in Santo Domingo are ME FIRST!! People here have total disregard for traffic laws and signals. If you are being helped by a customer service person at a bank or store, people will interupt and start talking to the service person as if you are not even there. If you are waiting in line, people will walk right up next to you and jump the line, thinking nothing is wrong with this," explained one expat living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.

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What do expats in Santo Domingo appreciate most about the local culture?

"Expats in Santo Domingo appreciate the vibrant culture and friendly people. They enjoy the city's rich history, beautiful architecture, and lively music and dance. The city's tropical climate and stunning beaches are also a major draw for expats. The Dominican Republic is known for its delicious cuisine, which features a variety of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and flavorful spices. Expats also appreciate the country's relaxed pace of life and the opportunity to explore the many outdoor activities available in the area," commented one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

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

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What do expats find most challenging?

"Expats in Santo Domingo often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. Additionally, the city's hot and humid climate can be difficult to adjust to for those coming from cooler climates. Expats may also find the local customs and traditions to be unfamiliar and difficult to understand. Additionally, the city's traffic and lack of public transportation can be a source of frustration for expats. Finally, the cost of living in Santo Domingo can be higher than in other parts of the country, making it difficult for expats to find affordable housing and other necessities," commented one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

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

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Is there a lot of crime in Santo Domingo?

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

"Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, has seen an increase in crime in recent years. The city has experienced a rise in violent crime, including homicides, robberies, and assaults. Drug trafficking and gang activity are also a problem in the city. The Dominican government has taken steps to address the issue, including increasing police presence and implementing tougher laws. Despite these efforts, crime remains a major concern for residents of Santo Domingo," commented one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

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Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Santo Domingo accepting of differences?

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

"I found a lot of diversity in the city, in all areas. It reminds me a lot of NYC, with all kinds of people living and working together," explained one expat living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.

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What are the schools in Santo Domingo like?

"The British School of Santo Domingo is one of the best international schools in Santo Domingo. It is a private, co-educational school that offers a British-style curriculum from pre-school to secondary school. The school has a strong emphasis on academic excellence and provides a wide range of extra-curricular activities. It also offers a range of international qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The American School of Santo Domingo is another excellent international school in Santo Domingo. It is a private, co-educational school that offers an American-style curriculum from pre-school to secondary school. The school has a strong emphasis on academic excellence and provides a wide range of extra-curricular activities. It also offers a range of international qualifications such as the Advanced Placement Program. The Colegio Bilingue Internacional is a bilingual school in Santo Domingo. It is a private, co-educational school that offers a bilingual curriculum in both English and Spanish from pre-school to secondary school. The school has a strong emphasis on academic excellence and provides a wide range of extra-curricular activities. It also offers a range of international qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme," remarked one expat living in Santo Domingo with children attending .

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What are the pros and cons of living in Santo Domingo?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Santo Domingo responded:

"Expats and digital nomads generally like the vibrant culture and friendly locals in Santo Domingo. They appreciate the affordable cost of living, which includes reasonably priced housing, food, and transportation. The city offers a variety of entertainment options, such as lively nightlife, beautiful beaches, and historical sites. The warm, tropical climate is also a major draw for many expats and digital nomads. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may dislike the traffic congestion and unreliable public transportation in Santo Domingo. They might also be concerned about the safety and security issues, as petty crime and theft can be common in certain areas. Additionally, the quality of healthcare may not be up to the standards that some expats are accustomed to, and the language barrier can be challenging for those who do not speak Spanish. Finally, the inconsistent internet connectivity and limited coworking spaces can be frustrating for digital nomads who rely on a stable connection for their work," mentioned one expat inSanto Domingo.

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What type of social life can someone expect in Santo Domingo?

When we asked expats and global nomads about their social experiences in Santo Domingo, they replied:

"Expats, retirees, and digital nomads living in Santo Domingo, typically enjoy a vibrant and diverse social life. They often connect with fellow expats and locals through various social events, language exchange programs, and networking groups. Many engage in cultural activities, such as attending local festivals, exploring historical sites, and trying out traditional cuisine. They also participate in outdoor activities like beach trips, hiking, and sports, which provide opportunities to make new friends and stay active. Additionally, the city's lively nightlife scene offers a chance for expats to socialize and unwind at bars, clubs, and live music venues. Overall, the welcoming atmosphere and diverse community in Santo Domingo make it easy for expats, retirees, and digital nomads to build a fulfilling social life," remarked one expat living in Santo Domingo.

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"The social scene in Santo Domingo, is vibrant, diverse, and lively. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in its music, dance, and art scenes. Merengue and bachata music can be heard throughout the city, and locals and tourists alike can be found dancing the night away in various clubs and bars. Santo Domingo is also home to a thriving culinary scene, with a wide range of restaurants offering both traditional Dominican cuisine and international fare. The city's numerous cafes and street food vendors provide ample opportunities for socializing and enjoying local flavors. The city's colonial history is evident in its architecture, and the Zona Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a popular gathering spot for both locals and tourists. The area is filled with museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks, making it a great place to explore and meet new people. Santo Domingo also hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Santo Domingo Carnival, the Dominican Republic Jazz Festival, and the International Book Fair. These events attract large crowds and provide opportunities for socializing and celebrating the city's rich culture. In addition to its lively nightlife and cultural attractions, Santo Domingo also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as beach trips, hiking, and water sports. The city's parks and public spaces are popular spots for locals to gather, exercise, and socialize. Overall, the social scene in Santo Domingo is characterized by its warm and friendly atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities for both locals and visitors to connect and enjoy the city's rich cultural offerings," said one expat living in Santo Domingo.

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What advice to expats in Santo Domingo have about housing?

"When looking for housing in Santo Domingo, it is important to research the area thoroughly and be aware of the local laws and regulations. It is also advisable to visit the area in person to get a better sense of the neighborhood and the amenities available. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the cost of living in the area and to budget accordingly. It is also recommended to use a reputable real estate agent to help with the search and to ensure that all paperwork is in order. Finally, it is important to be aware of the security situation in the area and to take necessary precautions," remarked one expat in Santo Domingo.

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What are medical services in Santo Domingo like?

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

"Medical services in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, are generally of good quality, especially in private hospitals and clinics. The city has several well-equipped medical facilities with modern technology and experienced healthcare professionals. However, public hospitals may be overcrowded and under-resourced, leading to longer wait times and less personalized care. It is important for visitors to have comprehensive travel health insurance, as medical costs can be high for foreigners. Pharmacies are widely available throughout the city, and many medications can be purchased over the counter. While medical services in Santo Domingo are generally reliable, it is recommended to seek specialized care or complex treatments in larger cities or neighboring countries with more advanced healthcare systems," mentioned one expat inSanto Domingo.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Santo Domingo?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Santo Domingo, can be considered expensive for some individuals, particularly those with low incomes. The cost of healthcare services and insurance premiums may vary depending on the type of coverage, medical facility, and the specific medical needs of an individual. While public healthcare is available, it is often overcrowded and underfunded, leading many people to seek private healthcare options. Private healthcare facilities tend to offer better quality services but at a higher cost. Additionally, expatriates and tourists often opt for international health insurance plans, which can also be quite expensive. Overall, the affordability of healthcare and health insurance in Santo Domingo depends on one's financial situation and healthcare needs," remarked one expat in Santo Domingo.

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Is the cost of living in Santo Domingo high?

We asked people about the cost of living in Santo Domingo, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Santo Domingo is generally considered to be quite affordable. A nice 1 bedroom apartment in Santo Domingo can be rented for around $500 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can be rented for around $700 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Santo Domingo will typically cost around $10 USD per person," mentioned one expat inSanto Domingo.

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What are the visa & residency requirements in Santo Domingo?

"In order to visit Santo Domingo, visitors 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 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, applicants 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. Additionally, applicants may be required to provide proof of financial stability, a criminal background check, and a medical certificate," said one expat living in Santo Domingo.

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Why do people move to Santo Domingo?

When we asked people why foreigners move to Santo Domingo, they responded:

"Santo Domingo is an attractive destination for expats due to its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and affordable cost of living. The city is home to a diverse population, with a mix of Spanish, African, and Taíno influences. The city also offers a wide range of activities, from exploring the colonial architecture of the Zona Colonial to enjoying the nightlife of the Malecón. Additionally, the Dominican Republic is known for its friendly people, making it a great place to make new friends and build a new life," mentioned an expat living in Santo Domingo.

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Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic

What do I need to know about living in Santo Domingo?

What do I need to know before moving to Santo Domingo?

How do I find a place to live in Santo Domingo?

What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Santo Domingo?

What is the average cost of housing in Santo Domingo?

How do I meet people in Santo Domingo?

What should I bring when moving to Santo Domingo?

Where should I setup a bank account in Santo Domingo?

Will I be able to find a job in Santo Domingo?

What is life like in Santo Domingo?

What do expats in Santo Domingo appreciate most about the local culture?

What do expats find most challenging?

Is there a lot of crime in Santo Domingo?

Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Santo Domingo accepting of differences?

What are the schools in Santo Domingo like?

What are the pros and cons of living in Santo Domingo?

What type of social life can someone expect in Santo Domingo?

What advice to expats in Santo Domingo have about housing?

What are medical services in Santo Domingo like?

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Santo Domingo?

Is the cost of living in Santo Domingo high?

What are the visa & residency requirements in Santo Domingo?

Why do people move to Santo Domingo?

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