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Puerto Plata, the Dominican Republic

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jul 02, 2023

Summary: Expats, digital nomads and retirees talk about what it is really like living in Puerto Plata, Dominican Rep. They offer advice about meeting people, cost of living, finding a home and more.

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

What do I need to know about living in Puerto Plata?

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

"Before retiring in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, expats should know that the cost of living is generally lower than in many Western countries, but it can vary depending on lifestyle. They should be aware that the official language is Spanish, so learning the language or having a basic understanding can be beneficial. Healthcare in Puerto Plata is affordable and of good quality, but it's recommended to have health insurance. Expats should also know that the Dominican Republic has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round, but it can be prone to hurricanes. The country uses the Dominican Peso as its currency, and while US dollars are widely accepted, it's beneficial to understand the exchange rate. Expats should be aware of the residency requirements in the Dominican Republic, which include applying for a residency visa before arrival. Safety can be a concern in certain areas, so it's important to research and choose a safe neighborhood. Public transportation is available but can be unreliable, so many expats choose to drive or hire a driver. The Dominican Republic has a slower pace of life, which can be a big adjustment for some people. Finally, expats should know that the Dominican Republic has a rich culture and history, and integrating into the local community can greatly enhance the retirement experience," remarked one expat living in Puerto Plata, the Dominican Republic.

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International Citizens InsuranceInternational Citizens Insurance

Interested in expat health insurance? Take a minute to get quotes from our partner, International Citizens Insurance, a trusted expat health insurance broker. They will provide you with comparison quotes from some of the biggest expat health insurers: Cigna, Allianz, IMG and GeoBlue.
Get Quotes

What do I need to know before moving to Puerto Plata?

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.

International Citizens Insurance
International Citizens Insurance

Get comparison quotes from Cigna, Allianz, IMG, GeoBlue and more.
Get Quotes

International Citizens InsuranceInternational Citizens Insurance

Get comparison quotes from Cigna, Allianz, IMG, GeoBlue and more.
Get Quotes

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Help others in Dominican Rep by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Dominican Rep.

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