Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Rep: Cost of Living, Healthcare, Local Clubs and Activities, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Santiago de los Caballeros

Santiago de los Caballeros, the Dominican Republic

Last updated on Jul 02, 2023

Summary: Expats, digital nomads and retirees talk about what it is really like living in Santiago de los Caballeros, 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 Santiago de los Caballeros?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Santiago de los Caballeros, they said:

"Before retiring in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, expats should know that the city is the second largest in the country and offers a mix of modern and traditional lifestyles. The cost of living is generally lower than in many Western countries, but it can vary depending on the lifestyle you choose. The official language is Spanish, so it would be beneficial to learn the language or at least basic phrases to communicate with locals. The healthcare system in the Dominican Republic is not as advanced as in some Western countries, but there are private hospitals and clinics in Santiago de los Caballeros that offer high-quality medical services. The city has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year, which might take some time to get used to. Santiago de los Caballeros is known for its vibrant culture, with numerous festivals, music events, and art exhibitions taking place throughout the year. The city is generally safe, but like any other place, it has areas that are best to avoid, especially at night. Public transportation is available but it can be unreliable, so many expats choose to drive or hire a driver. The Dominican Republic has a residency program for retirees that offers several benefits, but it requires meeting certain financial and health conditions. The food in Santiago de los Caballeros is a mix of traditional Dominican cuisine and international dishes, with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables available. Finally, it's important to note that the pace of life in Santiago de los Caballeros is slower than in many Western countries, which can be a big change for some retirees," said one expat in Santiago de los Caballeros.

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What do I need to know before moving to Santiago de los Caballeros?

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.