Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic
Last updated on Jul 02, 2023
Summary: Expats, digital nomads and retirees talk about what it is really like living in Punta Cana, Dominican Rep. They offer advice about meeting people, cost of living, finding a home and more.
What do I need to know about living in Punta Cana?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Punta Cana, they said:
"Before retiring in Punta Cana, 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 also be aware that the official language is Spanish, so learning the language can be beneficial. Healthcare in Punta Cana is of a good standard, with private hospitals and clinics available, but it's advisable to have comprehensive health insurance. The climate is tropical, with warm temperatures year-round, but it can be prone to hurricanes between June and November. Expats should also know that the Dominican Republic has a residency program for retirees with pensions, which can make the immigration process easier. Safety can be a concern in some areas, so it's important to research and choose your location carefully. The culture in Punta Cana is laid-back and friendly, with a strong emphasis on family and socializing. Public transportation is available but can be unreliable, so many expats choose to drive. However, driving standards can be different than what expats are used to. Finally, it's important to understand the local customs and etiquette, as well as the country's laws and regulations, to ensure a smooth transition to life in Punta Cana," commented one expat who made the move to Punta Cana.
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uShip’s transport marketplace gives you access to thousands of feedback-rated providers who compete for your business, so you can pick your price and ship with confidence. No matter what you’re shipping — a car, a boat, your mother’s piano, that massive collection of vinyl records, your uncle Billy’s cow — uShip will help connect you to the right service provider for the job.
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What do I need to know before moving to Punta Cana?
About the Author
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.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Punta Cana?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Punta Cana?
- What is the average cost of housing in Punta Cana?
- How do I meet people in Punta Cana?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Punta Cana?
- What should I pack when moving to Punta Cana?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Punta Cana?
- Will I be able to find a job in Punta Cana?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do people like (and dislike) about Punta Cana?
- What type of social life can someone expect in Punta Cana?
- What is the social scene like in Punta Cana?
- What advice to expats in Punta Cana have about housing?
- What are medical services in Punta Cana like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Punta Cana?
- Is the cost of living in Punta Cana high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Punta Cana?
- Why do people move to Punta Cana?