Moving to the Dominican Republic – the Complete Guide
So many of us are
tired of living in the city while dreaming of sandy beaches and warm
weather all year long. As soon as gloomy autumn and winter come
around, we get the sudden urge to escape. That is why moving to an
exotic location in the Caribbean is so inviting. The sunny days are
an everyday occurrence and yummy frozen drinks on the beach are
available all year long.
However, moving to
the Dominican Republic brings so much more to the table. If you
decide to make the move and become one of the ex-pats in DR, start
preparing properly. Fortunately for you, our guide is a great place
to start.
Moving to the
Dominican Republic
There are many
reasons why people decide to move to DR. Some fell in love with the
country during their last
family vacation,
while others might be forced to move for work. Of course, there are
also those ex-pats that just want to enjoy the nice weather and a
more relaxed lifestyle. Either way, whatever your motivation might
be, here
are a few tips that can jump-start your move.
Costs
of living in the Dominican Republic
When moving to the
Dominican Republic, it is very important
to know what to expect when it comes to potential costs of living.
However, these costs can be very difficult to specify. Since they
differ substantially from one region to the other, you
must do meticulous research.
Of course, you should focus on the area that you plan on moving to. A
two-bedroom apartment can be rented for as little as 300 dollars.
Still, such low prices aren’t available everywhere. Touristy spots
and places that are closer to the beach are naturally more expensive
than others.
The
Dominican health care system
If looking to
relocate
without any problems to another continent,
you might have another thing coming. You probably already expect to
encounter some hiccups along the way. One of the most
common problems is the lack of health insurance.
People often get so distracted with other things that they forget
this important detail. When living as an ex-pat in the Dominican
Republic, it would be smart to opt for private insurance. Private
clinics have an excellent healthcare standard. It is far more
superior to public health care. This
is something that you don’t want to scrimp money on.
Purchasing
v. renting your first home in DR
It might be wiser to
rent
your first home when moving to the Dominican Republic.
It is very tricky to
buy your first home
in a place that you do not know very well. Such a hasty move can be a
recipe for disaster. That is why you should get
to know the lay of the land before you make any significant
investments.
As mentioned, renting prices differ a lot from one region to another.
They start as low as a few hundred dollars, while an apartment can
easily be purchased for 150 thousand dollars.
Where
to live in the Dominican Republic
Surely there are
many places in the DR that you can choose to call your new home.
However, these are the most popular spots with incoming ex-pats:
Barahona
Province
– a place suitable for those that want to live like the locals,
with untouched beaches and nature;
Casa de Campo
– a great place for those that like upscale living and have deeper
pockets;
Luperon
– a town in the bay, great for those that are into boating;
Santo Domingo
– one of the largest cities, located on the coast; a mixture of
city and beach vibes.
Bear in mind that
those that are looking to find
a job in the Caribbean
are most likely to succeed in a bigger city.
How
safe is the Dominican Republic?
Relocating to a
foreign country can be a risky business if you don’t do your
research prior to your relocation. Safety is another important factor
next to health insurance. When moving to the Dominican Republic you
can have peace of mind knowing that you aren’t moving to an unsafe
place.
Cities like New York or Los Angeles are no less dangerous than Santo
Domingo. As long as you don’t
do anything flashy and show off some extreme wealth,
you will be fine. Just like anywhere else, you shouldn’t draw too
much attention to yourself. Unfortunately, if you do, you can become
a target.
Get some serious
help for your relocation
Moving
internationally is a challenge like no other. Airlines limit you in
the number of suitcases that you can bring. Even when they allow
extra luggage, the prices for it are very steep. And this is just the
beginning. This is why hiring
professional movers would be your best bet if you want to have a
smooth move.
However, you don’t want to hire just any old company for a move
this big. You want to make sure that they are reliable and
trustworthy while also
having international experience.
You can start your search for international movers by contacting Easy
Move KW.
Being an ex-pat
in the Dominican Republic
Moving to the
Dominican Republic is no less challenging than moving to any other
international country. Be ready to deal with culture shock. Nobody is
immune to it, so rest assured that you will be no exception. Yet the
more you prepare and the more willing you are to embrace local
traditions and habits, the easier things will be. Don’t forget, the
native language is Spanish. Thus, having some basic Spanish speaking
skills will do you a whole lot of good.
It might seem like a lot, but you will be living your best life in the Dominican Republic in no time. A fresh start under the Caribbean sunshine is more than anyone could ask for.
IMAGE SOURCES:
Published September 18, 2020
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