Living In The Dominican Republic Can Be Challenging, Here's Why?

[@bermudabreeze2088]

Norberis. I've been to your country so many times that I call it my second home. During my earlier trips I immersed myself into the culture by staying away from tourist areas and hanging out in the Campos. That helped me alot with the language, music and cuisine. So now when I visit my friends and we have a party, the people that meet me for the first time at the party have a hard time believing that the Gringo made the San cocho and the mama juana and plays the music. LOL.

[@NorberisR]

Lol...I love it. That's how you become part of the culture.

[@stevenfisher2804]

Adapting to the country's culture that you're in is very important. I've experienced this myself.

[@NorberisR]

Very true.

[@mercedescheco9620]

I agreed when I moved to the US I did the same as well. I considered myself bi-cultural is a most when you lived in a diffrent.

[@SomeDutchGuy]

Some of the things you mention can be dealt with by avoidance, adapting or let someone else do it for you. But there are things you cannot avoid, like barking dogs or loud music, especially the bass so loud it vibrate your bones. Dominicans seems to love that.

[@NorberisR]

The loud music is crazy, I don't like that.

[@dhick815]

Great culture video. Tipping people at the grocery & convenience stores for packing up the bags is something I had to get use to 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@NorberisR]

Yes,🤣

[@stephen74gc]

Been going to the R.D. for a few years. After learning just basic level Spanish. My trip this year was even better.

[@NorberisR]

That's great. And as you learn more it will get even better.

[@silkysmoov44]

Hola Norberis. You ain’t never lied with a lot of the things you said in the video✌️

[@NorberisR]

Hola. Have you moved here yet?

[@silkysmoov44]

@@NorberisR not yet. Have a property here to sell

[@mercedescheco9620]

I agree with you 100%. The same goes when we moved to a diffrent country as well. I moved to the US and I did the same😘

[@frankspice9530]

ah thank you for this video I need to hear this over and over again lol. I'm working on the patience and letting things be as it is but its tough. I have a Dominican wife and two children living in Puerto Plata. I'm back and forth to the US to tend to my elderly parents. My family is not able to fly back with me as yet papers are in the works. But in the mean time . I have to relax. After being in DR for 3 months at a time my brain gets FRIED and I need to get back to what I'm use to. Going back to see my parents is an escape for me to regroup. One of the responses I hate to hear when I'm not satisfied with a service in DR is "This is not America your in Dominican Republic now"! And I reply, "Yes but my American Dollars is paying for your service"! And of course they look at me like I'm crazy lol. But anytime I get frustrated I'll replay this video. Thank You!!!!

[@NorberisR]

You're welcome. But with that thinking does everyone that travels to the US who earns money in their country currency have the right to tell an American that they perceive giving them bad service that their pesos, eruos, pounds, yen, baht is paying for their service. Sounds ridiculous looking at from that perspective, right? Your American dollars are converted into pesos which is paying for their service as with those foreigner that travel to the US their currency is converted to dollars to pay for service.. Yes I agree you need to work on patience😁

[@DonnellPrince]

Watching from ATLANTA, G.A. Thanks for sharing the info. Keep the vids coming.

[@NorberisR]

Thanks, will do!

[@chocolatebrownbrotha6167]

I've been living in Santiago for 7 months and I'm currently learning Spanish. Not being fluent in Spanish is my biggest struggle living here. Sometimes, I get so frustrated when I'm not able to articulate what I want or what I'm trying to do. Another thing is people that drive in RD hardly ever yield to walking pedestrians. I've almost been hit by cars and motorcycles an enormous amount of times smdh..

[@NorberisR]

Lol...typically they yield for pedestrians at crosswalks other than that they will run you over😁.

[@antsimm1022]

@@NorberisR 😯😲🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤦🏽‍♂️

[@dug757]

I'm happy to learn about your channel and learn from a different perspective of the Dominica Republic outside of the typical tourist channels.

[@NorberisR]

Yes, this what I try to provide which is an authentic experience here in the country 😊

[@dug757]

@@NorberisR thank you, although I'm years away, I'm looking for somewhere to live for retirement outside of the United States in the future.

[@keevadeveaux-stephens8568]

Thanks!

[@NorberisR]

Thank you sooo much for the support.

[@Peter-mf6gh]

Very instructive details, 👏🦅👍☺️

[@NorberisR]

Thank you🙏🏾

[@moneyT7]

Love the video

[@NorberisR]

Thanks❤️

[@ItsLaz1]

Love DR. It can be challenging with different things in DR but overall is a Great place to live.

[@NorberisR]

I agree 👍🏼

[@AdonisAction]

Another Great video. Thank you keep them coming.

[@NorberisR]

You're welcome

[@chrissystewart6268]

Que Lo Que Norberis I really want to experience the 🇩🇴🇩🇴 life. I'm planning to come to 🇩🇴 I'm glad you made this video. You always put 😀😀 on faces & mine. I want to visit Santo Domingo & Punta Cana I rather fly ✈ to 🇩🇴✈

[@NorberisR]

Go for it!👍🏼

[@antoniothomas3862]

The things I have problems with at first was the language and the driving. Honestly I drive like that in the states. It's just the streets that bother me and my wife does most of the driving but I'm learning how to drive over there now. The language part I've been learning for 3 years and now when they hear me speaking Spanish everybody wants to talk with me. Regardless they are so very loving people.

[@NorberisR]

That's good that you are learning the language 😊

[@marieperez3796]

Can you make a video on the difference buying a house or a condo? Like your video. Would like to move there .

[@NorberisR]

There is no difference in buying a house and a condo it's the same. The process is not that complicated if you have cash you simply hire a lawyer, buy the property, and then have the title transferred to your name.

[@ReginaldVannison7777]

Very informative, thank you! I’ve been wanting to learn Spanish for some time now. I see you have a couple videos on teaching Spanish…I’ll check them out. Once I learn the language, the sky won’t be the limit for me lol. The Dominicans are a very special ppl unto God…I’ll leave it at that for now. 1LF!

[@greybeard5774]

Duolingo is also a good program to start with .. it's free, no ads .. and its reward system will keep you motivated, lol

[@NorberisR]

You're welcome, but keep in mind you don't need to be fluent or even know Spanish just to visit.

[@ReginaldVannison7777]

Every once in a while, I talk to Dominicans using the Google translator and others. But translators mistranslate a lot because words have more than one meaning. So even though translators help, it’ll never be better than learning the language from scratch. Good to know that I don’t have to be fluent. Thanks!

[@roberttaylor9628]

Gracias por compartir.

[@NorberisR]

De nada❤️🙏🏾

[@jsuliban]

gracias por tu information

[@NorberisR]

De nada🇩🇴🤗

[@Rohawk009]

Lol 😂that is true I love to drive in puerto plata but Santo Domingo I would never drive there great video

[@NorberisR]

🤣😂

[@Timgee84]

👍🏾👍🏾 where was this video at a month ago 😅 the driving was spot on and it was a cultural shock but i survive without having a accident

[@NorberisR]

😂🤣 glad you were able to survive driving here.

[@angelgonzalez-du1oo]

In the Dominican Republic what you need is to have a few dollars and exchange them for Dominican Pesos and you live like a King or a Queen because as long as you have the pesos you can do what you want, including buying the cops. Many people cannot and will not survive in the Dominican Republic and that is why they leave the Island but if you get a market and you are smart you get yourself a You tube channel make and make money and ask for Donation and live like a King or Queen.

[@NorberisR]

Starting a KZbin channel and making money from it is not as easy as it sounds.

[@ryanortiz2648]

You need help 😅 lots of it.

[@ingridfrancetravels]

Great tips! Beautiful place you’re at! Where is that?

[@NorberisR]

I recorded this in Uvero Alto at a resort.

[@gilbertmajor9813]

Definitely engulfing the culture is big. I'm learning the language and interact in the community through basketball. Estoy Dominicano ahora. Jaja

[@NorberisR]

Que bueno👍🏼🇩🇴

[@whatshatnin4572]

I been living in Punta Cana for a couple years and driving is no longer a problem. But when i have to drive in rush hour traffic or drive in Higuey or even drive in Santo Domingo, i have to change my mindset. I might have a glass of wine but its a must that i listen to Pac and Snoop so I can turn up like the Dominicans. My Spanish is horrible but i have an EXCELLENT understanding of Dominican Culture. LOL. Maan my life is sooo good out here. I dont know when im going back to Dallas. Me and my girl just make babies talk shit and take trips to Samanna.. If i took the time to really learn Spanish, i would be a baaaaaad motha#ka

[@NorberisR]

🤣😂😆 I love it👍🏼🇩🇴

[@vernonedmonds8596]

A well needed video. I get frustrated when there are rolling black-outs, and you don’t know when the power is returning. The 2G broadband is a problem🙄, the cable company, maintenance. As far as driving, New Yorkers can drive anywhere. My wife’s frustration is with learning English 😅,,,,, the out-takes were hilarious,, 😊 Thnx

[@NorberisR]

Thank you. You're nephew took your advice to start adding outtakes so if he wants to put a compilation together he can just go back to the edited video.

[@greybeard5774]

Well, there's one more thing - Dominicans are very sociable and it can be a real challenge to get used to, if you are a person who values privacy over all or you're just an introvert .. their doors are open to anyone and that's what they expect from you too - you to be open and ready to communicate .. but as always - give them a warm smile, show your good will and all problems will be solved :))

[@NorberisR]

Yes we are socialable. This is true.

[@jonathanmack7969]

I would LOVE to learn about the Dominican culture 🇩🇴

[@jbevolve2024]

just move there....that's the best way.

[@NorberisR]

1) you can watch videos and learn or 2) travel to the country or 3) do both 🤣

[@moecan6967]

I had to adopt to the rough, loud tone in a conversation, sounds like your arguing but actually a normal conversation...mas mamajuana...lol

[@NorberisR]

Yes it does sound like an argument but it's a normal conversation.

[@motionmariposas]

I am a New Yorker of Dominican decent. When I am in DR they call me gringa. Definitely the most frustrating thing is the DRIVING...You will Definitely build your relationship with God from all the praying you will do. People Definitely don't have any concept of personal space and they will jump ahead of you in the supermarket etc. It's almost like they test you to see if you put up with it but once you put your foot down it's all good and it's nothing personal it just is what is is. Culturally Dominicans are use to fighting for theirs . It's definitely NOT the USA so let go of that mentality your in DR not the US period.

[@NorberisR]

This is true. Thanks for sharing 🇩🇴❤️

[@effannni]

I once got chastised for not tipping a bagger at the grocery store, I had no idea I was supposed to lolol

[@NorberisR]

🤣you gone learn today 😂. It's good you understand now though.

[@passportninja2994]

Every time that I come to the DR I have some of the most positive experiences and always feel at home. The language situation can be difficult but I will continue to fake it until I make it lol 😅😅.

[@NorberisR]

That's the spirit 😂🙏🏾

[@larrys-story-time]

I intend to do the same thing :)))

[@johnmassie7231]

I learned to drive in Chicago. Same principles. Drive or get driven off the road. My biggest problem was recognizing the police on the side of road before they see using my phone.

[@NorberisR]

Yep you can't talk on the phone and drive here.

[@dahsimsouthjerz]

Nice informative video, I have experienced and accepted all those cultural things in the DR. I have driven across country from Santo Domingo to Puerto Plata no really bad experience yet other than the traffic. Looking to retire in DR in about 5 years. I'm sooo looking forward to it. Was just there in Puerto Plata 2 weeks ago and will probably visit Santo Doming again in a few months. I love ❤️ the country.

[@NorberisR]

Thank you. Glad you enjoy yourself while you're here.

[@gregoryjordan7883]

What does the expression Americone mean?

[@NorberisR]

It's Maricon. The way Dominicans use it's similar to "damnit" or "son of a ***" or mother****". For example if someone pulls out in traffic in front of you, we'll say Maricon!

[@gregoryjordan7883]

@@NorberisR Muchas gracias ❤️

[@gregoryjordan7883]

Norberis, thank you again for teaching me what a particular expression meant on the Island 🏝 it's so much that I wish to learn because many of my friends are from DR

[@Dee-pj7hh]

Welcome to Jamaica Norberis. You could change the country name from the Dominican Republic to Jamaica. 😂😂. Island people can adopt much quicker to another island country. I can not add nothing more to all you said. Advice to all foreigners, don’t try to change a country culture ,people o the way they do things. Like you say they will correct themselves at some point. On point again Norberis. 👌

[@NorberisR]

Exactly ❤️🇩🇴

[@andersonpierre728]

God 🙏 bless you ❤️ Good morning

[@NorberisR]

Same to you❤️🇩🇴

[@jbevolve2024]

I have lived in Mexico, DR, and Colombia as well as a few other countries that don't speak Spanish. My 2 cents for foreigners wanting to move to the DR is to learn basic Spanish, understand that the Spanish that is spoken in the DR is not "pure Spanish". It is a dialect full of slang words. But at least learn the basics. Concerning the culture. Learn the culture and act opposite. You can swim with the fishes and expect to go far. Don't pay your rent on the 1st to the 5th along with everyone else, you will be in line for hours. Don't wait until 5:30 or 6 pm to hit the grocery store, you will be in line with everyone else, go 1st thing in the morning. Connect with Dominicans that are fluent in English who can teach you how to maneuver in their culture and get the best results. Great video Norberis! Great observations and advice.

[@NorberisR]

These are very good points. Thanks for sharing.

[@donavanjohnson409]

Dominican Republic 🇩🇴 must be a nice country to live

[@antoniothomas3862]

Yes it is a very nice country to live. You cannot imagine. I love it.

[@jbevolve2024]

just make sure you live in a good area.

[@NorberisR]

It is a very nice country.

[@ChamP10nk1ng]

Best advice for anyone who wants to learn the culture as fast as possible! Eat a plate of platano maduros while playing Merengue music while saying "uh oh Primo, i e facil !" every other 40 seconds. You'll be considered & part of the culture instantly : )

[@NorberisR]

I never heard that one. 🤣

[@mercedescheco9620]

Not really I'm Dominican and I hate platanos maduros😅😂😂

[@merrillkingston8807]

So, what you're saying is the culture is very much like Colombia.

[@NorberisR]

I don't know Colombian culture. You tell me is it?

[@landrix1372]

I agree 1,000%. My wife is Dominicana. I’m a U.S. military veteran. So, punctuality is very important to me. In the islands no one is every on-time. Por ejemplo.. If they plan a dinner party at 7:00pm at night. That means the party won’t start unit 8:30pm.. 😂 The most important thing I learned is patience. Caribbean people take their time, unless they’re driving! 😂

[@NorberisR]

This is true😂🤣

[@bronz9019]

We call that dominican time.. for example when we say we are 15 mi s away that means we are 1 hr away lol

[@NorberisR]

@@bronz9019 🤣😂

[@mercedescheco9620]

That seems to be the same in other Latin American Countries as well.

[@greggwilliams4533]

The most frustrating thing is littering. I can never understand it

[@NorberisR]

That bothers me also😡

[@duffslife]

I feel the same way. The island is paradise and they treat it like a big trash can. It makes no sense to me.

[@jacquelinemarie9655]

De acuerdo😥

[@SV-lw8jo]

Driving without the horn (Klaxon ) is like driving without the brakes.

[@NorberisR]

🤣😂

[@matthewfreeman4817]

The main thing that annoys me about the driving in DR are the hidden speed bumps.

[@NorberisR]

And the pot holes 🤣😂

[@sharonderhayes-checo2095]

Yes, don't forget hiring family to do work on your property while you are away 😉. I have cameras all over I watch everyone

[@kenhilliard5845]

In what city did you record this video? Is it Santiago? Looks like a nice apartment.

[@NorberisR]

This was in Uvero Alto

[@conservativethought1460]

It’s basically easy come easy go…

[@NorberisR]

In so many words😁

[@IffyEdem]

I live in Florida, so I’m pretty sure I’m prepped 🤣plus I’ve driven in Puerto Rico 🤣and rode in El Salvador and honestly, Salvadoreños use the turn signal more than Floridians 🤣

[@NorberisR]

Your Florida driving experience doesn't prep you for Santo Domingo driving 😂🤣

[@IffyEdem]

@@NorberisR 💀💀🤣

[@IffyEdem]

@@NorberisR maybe my Nigerian one does 🤣💀first day I was in my dad’s country, and we saw someone had crashed into an egg cart🤣everyone was just going along their business 🤣

[@db6189]

Lo peor que me paso a mi manejando fue en julio. Me robaron los retro visores. 😮

[@NorberisR]

😂😂 sounds like you were parked instead of driving. We've had ours stolen too when we lived here in 2015.

[@clenzohill]

Did your husband come resident and how and cost. My wife is from DR

[@NorberisR]

Not yet. We are about to start the process. The last time we checked the cost was $1,500 for the process and lawyer fees. But it's other cost associated but this is the bigger piece.

[@the8419]

Dominican Republic is heaven.. the bubble butts and beer burps.. 😍😍😍🍺🍺🍺

[@NorberisR]

😂🤣

[@jodahamunra686]

Great advice amiga... #Hotep

[@NorberisR]

Thank you. Have you moved to DR yet?

[@jodahamunra686]

@@NorberisR Not yet amiga, trying to get to Punta Cana for some business in February... Do you have AirBNB you manage in Punta Cana? I'm going to email you b4 year end... #Hotep

[@NorberisR]

@@jodahamunra686 yes we have an Airbnb in Punta Cana on the Hard Rock Resort and Casino property.

[@randythomas2888]

🌳🎷🎶💞A very chilled, breezy & 🆒️ heart to heart from NORBER👣S!... 👖🌬... 🤷‍♂️👁Where was the dish of 🍇& beautiful fresh fruit to nibble on!...🎬📽🏆😎👊or just in case "my favorite cameraman" needed to peel you a grape!!!😋 ...🏝🏃‍♀️🐝👀🍯 ...😂👍Smooth Operator-Go w/the Flow Lesson #101🌺Punta Cana Flavor🍹

[@NorberisR]

🤣😂 I just love reading these comments with all the emojis ❣️

[@karodemar107]

I love Dominican Republic, been there twice and found the love of my life been married for 3 years now. My background is from Afghanistan and it’s very rare for Afghan girls to marry people outside of their country. And of course the culture is totally the opposite compared to my country but if you live and learn the language it becomes just like when you live in Canada or US. 😇😇😇❤️❤️

[@NorberisR]

You are correct 👍🏼

[@clenzohill]

We’re going to move to the DR for six months and live in the US for six months and rent out our property

[@NorberisR]

Sounds good.👍🏼

[@tinogibson9514]

Hola

[@NorberisR]

Hola

[@bryanridley4561]

Home for thanksgiving would for my wife and to meet you and husband for dinner or lunch

[@NorberisR]

Are you in Santo Domingo now?

[@bryanridley4561]

@@NorberisR yes I live here and travel all over the US and Canada

[@bryanridley4561]

Maybe we can have a drink tomorrow

[@NorberisR]

@@bryanridley4561If it's time day it'll have to be later this evening Friday or maybe Saturday or Sunday. Send me an email a [e-mail]

[@thewolfgangartist6142]

This was a great video with topic to think about while someone plan to move over to the Dominican Republic. One question I do have is: If I decide to go to a bar or club, is it true that you can ask someone to dance it won’t be considered strange 😂? I’ve met a couple of bad apples so I’m a little nervous of asking someone to dance though I’ve been told a thousand times it’s not as bad as the US. So I wanted to hear your opinion

[@NorberisR]

Yes this is true.

[@thewolfgangartist6142]

@@NorberisR Well that’s great to know. Looking forward to the upcoming experience without worry 😊 thank you so much 🙏

[@IffyEdem]

It hurts to know you’re married 😭an intelligent and beautiful woman

[@NorberisR]

Are those the type of women you expect to be married😁?

[@IffyEdem]

@@NorberisR of course! Always the intelligent ones!😁

[@db6189]

Yo estoy miserable cuando no estoy ahi. New York is miserable.

[@db6189]

@Swiss Travelblogger no los politics. El crimen. La basura. Etc

[@wolvesden7777]

NYC does suck now, it's a crime friendly city.

[@jaespinnaz]

Yo te amo tu pais mucho 🇩🇴🇯🇲

[@NorberisR]

Gracias🙏🏾

[@jaespinnaz]

@@NorberisR De nada 👌🏿

[@clenzohill]

Our kids will be homeschooled

[@NorberisR]

Based on living between places this is a good idea.

[@blogcast1]

So disobeying traffic laws is Dominican culture? 🤔

[@slatesanchez6933]

No more than black people disregarding human life by shooting and killing each other in the streets and outside of nightclubs is black culture. I'll take disobeying traffic laws for $200 Alex🤣.

[@blogcast1]

@@slatesanchez6933 WoW! Your comment screams insecurity! You should try a little harder to camouflage it. 🤔

[@NorberisR]

Well that's not what I said. I said motorcycles do this but you go ahead and try it and let's see what happens🤣😂

[@slatesanchez6933]

@@blogcast1 screams truth to me. It's no secret that blacks celebrate the worst parts of their culture. Then have the nerve to speak on Dominican culture as if it's weird. Deleting each other every weekend is far more weird to me 🤣😂

[@andreben3000]

But as an outsider won't they always look at you as such? To want to take advantage of you because of that 🤔

[@jbevolve2024]

learn the culture, yes people will try to take advantage of you all the time.

[@andreben3000]

@@jbevolve2024 OK what is your opinion of what their culture is?

[@jbevolve2024]

@@andreben3000 Each culture is unique. Learn to maneuver correctly in it and you can save lots of time and having to deal with unnecessary BS. its like any other Latin country, it has it's good things and bad things.

[@NorberisR]

I would have to disagree that people try to take advantage of you all the time. I understand what Jon B. is trying to say but it's not like everyday you walk out of your house people are try to swindle you. It's not like that. My husband is American and does a lot of things by himself and I never hear him say this. Your normal day to day activities going to supermarkets, gas stations, malls, pay bills, restaurants no one is trying to take advantage. If you frequent business where they don't have prices for things or in tourist areas sometimes they can increase the prices if they think you are a foreigner. Even then they charge you a couple dollars extra.

[@jbevolve2024]

@@NorberisR I should have been more clear. Taxi drivers, random people asking you for money on the street because of the way you look. But yes, if you go to restaurants and established places you won't have people trying to take advantage of you.