Retire in the Dominican Republic
Last updated on Jul 17, 2023
Summary: Retirees are attracted to the Dominican Republic for its beautiful beaches, lush tropical forests, and vibrant culture. The Dominican Republic has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (24-30°C) year-round. The country experiences two distinct seasons: the dry season from November to April and the wet season from May to October.
What is it like to retire in the Dominican Republic?
"Life for a retiree in the Dominican Republic and its surroundings can be quite enjoyable. There is an active expat community, with many retirees from the United States, Canada, and Europe. There are plenty of cultural attractions to explore, such as the colonial architecture of Santo Domingo, the vibrant music and dance of the Dominican Republic, and the beautiful beaches of Punta Cana. There are also plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, such as golf, tennis, and horseback riding. For those looking for a more active nightlife, there are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore," commented one retiree living in Dominican Rep.
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Because we've done it and we understand what it’s like to move to the Dominican Republic, our goal is to ensure that you and your family feel secure and supported throughout this new adventure. We’re here to welcome and guide you every step of the way.
Because we've done it and we understand what it’s like to move to the Dominican Republic, our goal is to ensure that you and your family feel secure and supported throughout this new adventure. We’re here to welcome and guide you every step of the way.
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What are the most challenging aspects of retiring in the Dominican Republic?
"One of the most challenging aspects of retiring in the Dominican Republic is the language barrier. Although Spanish is the official language, many people in the country also speak English, but it is not as widely spoken as Spanish. Additionally, the cost of living in the Dominican Republic can be higher than in other countries, making it difficult to budget for retirement. Furthermore, the healthcare system in the Dominican Republic is not as advanced as in other countries, making it difficult to access quality medical care. Finally, the culture and customs of the Dominican Republic can be quite different from those of other countries, making it difficult to adjust to the new environment," said a retiree who moved to Dominican Rep.
What are the most rewarding aspects of retiring in the Dominican Republic?
"The Dominican Republic offers retirees a unique opportunity to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle in a beautiful tropical setting. With its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture, the Dominican Republic is an ideal place to retire. Retirees can take advantage of the country's low cost of living and enjoy a variety of activities, from exploring the local culture to taking part in outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and fishing. The Dominican Republic also offers excellent healthcare and a wide range of retirement communities, making it an ideal destination for retirees," explained a retiree in Dominican Rep.
What are healthcare services like in the Dominican Republic?
We asked retirees if they have access to good medical care in the Dominican Republic. They wrote:
"The Dominican Republic has a public healthcare system that provides basic medical services to its citizens. Private healthcare is also available, and many people opt for this option due to the higher quality of care. The country has a number of hospitals and clinics that offer a range of services, including primary care, emergency care, and specialized care. The government also provides free vaccinations and preventive care to its citizens. In addition, there are a number of private health insurance companies that offer coverage for medical expenses," said one retiree in living in Dominican Rep.
How do I meet people in the Dominican Republic?
When we asked people living in the Dominican Republic about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in the Dominican Republic often join clubs and activities such as golf, tennis, sailing, and scuba diving. Expats can also join local language classes, book clubs, and cooking classes. Additionally, many expats join expat-specific groups and organizations, such as the American Chamber of Commerce, the British-Dominican Society, and the Canadian-Dominican Association. Other ways that expats meet people in the Dominican Republic include attending local festivals and events, joining local sports teams, and volunteering with local charities. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups to connect with other expats in the area," said one retiree in Dominican Rep.
"Take some Spanish classes, Join the Facebook group "The Santiago Healthy, Wealthy and Wise" go to meetup.com and join the santiago healthy wealthy and wise group. If you have a business join the Chamber of Commerce," commented one retiree living in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Rep.
"First thing I do in any place is look for the Expat hangouts and sit and chat. I also look for a country/area specific website to make acquaintances. Works for me and I now have parties on 4th of July, US Thanksgiving and Easter Sunday to gather all the expats I can. I get from 125 to 175 people at my events 3 times a year. Great place for networking and making friends and getting to know your new country," explained one retiree living in Sosua.
"I'm a retired Brit who enjoys meeting people at coffee restaurants in the morning in Sosua and Cabarete. I recall many New Yorkers used to come to the town for long weekends to meet the attractive Dominican women. But a couple told me that they now return for longer periods because they were surprised how they met so many guys of different nationalities who enjoyed talking to them. They also gave them advice on any issue they wanted to know about. Hope you visit and have many friends as I have," said one retiree in living in Dominican Rep.
"I recommend people to take Spanish. It is a great place to meet people and you will be able to communicate with the locals," explained a retiree in Santiago.
What is life like in the Dominican Republic?
When we asked people living in the Dominican Republic 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!!," explained one retiree living in Santo Domingo.
"I found that in the city, most people are just trying to make a living. Family is also very important. The weekends are meant for socializing," said one retiree in living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.
"Luperon is a small village the boaters come and stay weeks months and some years. The bay is a hurricane whole to wait out bad weather and haul your boat. Several boaters have retired and moved ashore," explained a retiree in Luperon.
"Life for expats and digital nomads in the Dominican Republic is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and friendly people. Expats and digital nomads can find a variety of activities to enjoy, from exploring the country's colonial cities to taking part in outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and diving. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The country also offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly apartments. Expats and digital nomads can also benefit from the country's strong internet infrastructure, making it easy to stay connected while living in the Dominican Republic," explained one retiree living in Dominican Rep.
What do I need to know before retiring in the Dominican Republic?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to the Dominican Republic, they said:
"It would depend on how old he is. If retired come, come, come if wanting work unless he has plenty capital to start a business, go somewhere else," explained one retiree living in Las Terrenas.
"Learn Spanish - Come with some money to get established. Find a way to make money here. It is not very expensive to live here, but at the same time, you won't make a lot of money either. If you have any questions about moving to Santiago, you can email me at [email protected]," said one retiree in living in Santiago, Dominican Rep.
"I would tell them to first visit, meet people in the Chamber of Commerce to get better acquainted with where to live and how to move around in the city," explained a retiree in Santiago de los Caballeros.
What type of recreational activities are there in the Dominican Republic?
"Residents of the Dominican Republic enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, including beaches, parks, and golf courses. There are also many outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Water sports are popular, with opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of spas and resorts to choose from. Shopping and dining are also popular activities, with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and markets to explore," said one retiree in living in Dominican Rep.
Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in the Dominican Republic?
"People living in the Dominican Republic typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local markets, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Many people also shop at street vendors and small shops. Additionally, some people may shop online or at larger department stores," said one retiree in Dominican Rep.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad 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.
InsideDR Concierge provides comprehensive relocation assistance in the Dominican Republic. We help you and your family secure ideal housing, health insurance, transportation, schools, legal documentation, and more, ensuring a smooth and thoroughly supported transition.
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InsideDR Concierge provides comprehensive relocation assistance in the Dominican Republic. We help you and your family secure ideal housing, health insurance, transportation, schools, legal documentation, and more, ensuring a smooth and thoroughly supported transition.
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