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.
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