Moving to Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic

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

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Santo Domingo is to use online resources such as Airbnb, Craigslist, and local real estate websites. Additionally, you can also contact local real estate agents who can help you find a place that meets your needs. Additionally, you can also ask friends and family who live in the area for recommendations. Finally, you can also look for rental postings in local newspapers and on bulletin boards in public places," said one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

"Expat homes and apartments in Santo Domingo are typically modern and spacious, with many featuring balconies and terraces that offer stunning views of the city. Many expat homes and apartments come with amenities such as air conditioning, cable TV, and high-speed internet. Many also feature modern kitchens with stainless steel appliances, and some even have private pools. Expat homes and apartments in Santo Domingo are typically located in secure, gated communities, providing a safe and comfortable living environment," said one expat who made the move to 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," explained one expat living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.

"Much lower. My two bedroom apartment with balconies and maid's room is $600 a month. To buy apartments here cost around $150k," said one expat in Santo Domingo.

"The cost of housing in Santo Domingo varies depending on the area and type of housing. Generally, the average cost of renting an apartment in Santo Domingo is around $400 to $600 per month, while the average cost of buying a house is around $100,000 to $200,000," said one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

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

"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," said one in Santo Domingo.

"I live in Boca Chica and rent a 3 bedroom for $440/month. It's on a very good well so no water bill. Electricity here is iffy, but the last 3 or 4 months have been great with no major outages," explained one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

"Whether you should buy or rent a home in Santo Domingo depends on your individual needs and preferences. Buying a home can be a great investment, as it can provide you with a stable place to live and the potential for appreciation in value. However, it also requires a large upfront investment and ongoing maintenance costs. Renting a home can be a more affordable option, as it requires less of an upfront investment and no maintenance costs. Additionally, it can provide more flexibility if you are not sure how long you will be living in the area. Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy or rent a home in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic should be based on your individual needs and preferences," said one expat in Santo Domingo.

"I wish I had brought a tin opener, good knives and vitamins. I should have left my nicer clothes and shoes at home and my jewelry," said one expat in Santo Domingo.

"It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Santo Domingo. It is best to dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothing. It is also important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking English in public. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs regarding physical contact, as it is considered inappropriate to touch someone without their permission. Finally, it is important to be respectful of religious beliefs and to avoid making any comments that could be seen as offensive," remarked one expat who made the move to Santo Domingo.

"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," replied one expat when asked about moving to Santo Domingo.

"You must purchase private insurance here. Public medical care is available but it is not the same, it is seriously inferior," wrote one expat living in Santo Domingo.

"Santo Domingo, the capital city of the Dominican Republic, offers a range of healthcare services to its residents and visitors. The city is home to both public and private hospitals and clinics, providing various levels of care. Public hospitals, funded by the government, offer basic medical services at low or no cost to patients. However, these facilities may be overcrowded and have limited resources, leading to longer wait times and a lower quality of care. On the other hand, private hospitals and clinics in Santo Domingo are known for providing higher quality care, with modern facilities and well-trained medical professionals. Many of these private institutions have affiliations with international hospitals and medical organizations, ensuring that they adhere to global standards of care. Some of the services offered at these private facilities include general medicine, specialist consultations, diagnostic services, surgical procedures, and emergency care. In addition to hospitals and clinics, Santo Domingo also has numerous pharmacies where residents and visitors can access prescription and over-the-counter medications. Many of these pharmacies are open 24 hours a day, providing convenient access to medications when needed. Despite the availability of healthcare services in Santo Domingo, it is important for visitors to the city to have comprehensive travel health insurance, as medical costs can be high, particularly in private facilities. Additionally, it is recommended that travelers consult with their healthcare provider before visiting the Dominican Republic to ensure they have the necessary vaccinations and medications to protect against any potential health risks," commented one expat living in Santo Domingo.

"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," commented one expat living in Santo Domingo.