What Expats Wished They Knew Before Moving To The Dominican Republic

[@Liveandinvestoverseas]

Discover your overseas haven here 👉 bit.ly/3uvRj6f 👈

[@enough1494]

BTW, I am from PR. Now living in southern USA

[@Adonias.]

The Dominican Republic has all the things that you could expect in the Caribbean and a lot of things that you don't even expect to find, like deseart and pine forest where temperature can drop below 0°C, like Valle Nuevo in Constanza, there's everything you looking for, if you want for the bestest beaches, there it is, if you want for cold montains, there it is, even if you want for desearts or tropycal places to live, there it is, the phrase "dominican republic has it all" is very literal

[@kkevinjsmith]

Accurate on most but the $2k a month is for someone trying to continue the American lifestyle. You could live good life with $1200-$1500 a month easy!

[@yadiradelcarmen3434]

Yess

[@jennyolivo8216]

Yes

[@kevintownsend3840]

Thank you as I'm making plans to move to Puerto Plata

[@ingridfrancetravels]

Jarabacoa and Constanza are beautiful and clean locations in the mountains with lots to see and do!

[@yadiradelcarmen3434]

Yes 👍

[@alonzathomas6389]

I simply love the Dominican Republic... and I do wish to explore relocating/ retiring there in the next 5 to 7 years

[@rafaelacevedo5873]

Excellent video. Explains most of the things that are important to anyone considering a relocation. The DR is simply fabulous.

[@easyrawlins2392]

Great video. I plan on moving to Dominican Republic within 2 years

[@harryharry87]

This is great content!! I think people would love to hear about Caberete… it’s a neat place!!🎉

[@danielantonio4850]

Great job! I ador the Dominica Republic I am not a beach person but I frequent beaches worldwide I am amazed at the amount of good quality beaches there are. God has blessed these people with a great beach plenty of food extremly good weather, and a rich and divers culture. It kills me how a Dominican will go out of their way to help you find your way around on buses Walking and train. Bendiciones hermanos. Well done one and all for helping me to enjoy this wondrfull island and its people. Now I want to live here.

[@brandonleverett5076]

You are right about the people. They help me every time I am there. I drive and get lost, trapped on one way streets and my spanish is very limited. These amazing people go out of there way to help me, lame as I am.

[@jacquelinewade9072]

Great info! I really appreciate you sharing from an insider’s perspective!!! I’ve been to Punta Cana but would love to come back to visit other areas and possibly make it my home!!

[@topplacetoLive]

Your tips make it feel doable and exciting. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@lazarocedeno5270]

Thanks dear for sharing your beautiful experiences. Very helpful, informative, interesting. Loved your video.

[@khalidelshabazz4020]

I plan on retiring to the Dominican in 5 years

[@pinballguru]

Great Info. we are subscribed and will watch many videos. We want to buy a small 2 bdr on the beach. Which is the best company or way to search properties? TIA.

[@fleminj]

Thank you for creating this video and making it available to us!!! The Dominican Republic is very desirable and is on our radar. One road block we have encountered to making the move to the DR is getting health insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions. Do you have any advice for us that would open the doors?

[@Bugjuck]

The current government Luis Abinadel put out a health insurance for foreigners or those traveling, but there are also plenty of insurances available prices vary.

[@Truckinglife24]

Good video 👏🏽👏🏽

[@IceBreaker1]

Great stuff, Kat. Thanks much.

[@Liveandinvestoverseas]

Thanks Eric! Glad you enjoyed

[@kathybirkett7986]

Good information. I intend to move to Central America from Canada in the next few years and dismissed DR because I thought it would be more expensive being an island. I'm very pleased to hear that is not the case! I will do more research.

[@Liveandinvestoverseas]

Hi Kathy, yes the DR can indeed be a great choice. If you want more info, you can check our hub page where you'll find further resources on everything you need to know from cost of living to visa and residency information 👉 bit.ly/3y521SG

[@kathybirkett7986]

@@Liveandinvestoverseas Thank you. I will check out your site.

[@donald8354]

If you live away from the coast is cheaper. Best wishes.

[@kathybirkett7986]

@@donald8354 Thanks for that. I don't intend to live on the beach... would rather live near the mountains and just visit the beach. 🙂 Good to know that would be cheaper!

[@donald8354]

@@kathybirkett7986 Also if you can live where the locals live it would be cheaper I understand in the mountains is cooler. Stay away from resort town prices are higher. Find somebody that is in a mountain town and see what are the pros and cons. Best wishes to you.

[@dennyoviedo4884]

wonderful info, kept doing the good work .

[@jackielaurin4001]

it will be intersting for a reply, that would interest me as well.

[@chrisgordon2307]

Exellent Video. Very informative. Thank you and keep 'em coming!

[@JaimeRobledodotcom]

I love the video and the information, what if you're not retiring and you own your own business and want to move?

[@chulo201]

On the island of Hispaniola there are no wild monkeys, neither in Haitian territory nor in Dominican territory

[@ElMufflon97]

Should check out sint maarten ,its a very small island 37 square miles with monkey raccoons and many animals..the monkeys are all over the place ..and tons of cristal clear beaches at every corner.

[@jabarigray]

Agreed.

[@maritzadominguez49]

But not in Dominican Republic wild monkeys no way maybe she get confused.

[@RichRotorhead]

I was like... Isn't it enough that we have to deal with "tigres" on every street corner, now we gotta add wild monkeys to the mix 😬😳

[@manuelpimentel31]

There arent monkeys in the forest of DR. The aligators are locatated in Lake Enrriquillo, not around the island.

[@NINJET]

😁Oh yeah you missed a lot, Santiago de los 30 Caballeros, Jarabacoa, Constanza, mountains, one small desert, rivers, forrest gastronomic is a lot bigger so many types of food, fruits, history, Dominican Republic has it all and you have me.😂

[@mrspecialedition]

Dominican Republic (DR) cost of living and lifestyle reminds of Jamaica 🇯🇲. Great islands to live on.

[@carlosperez4252]

it's safe to say that Las Terrenas would be a lot more expensive than lets say Cabarete and the budget you estimated would not work there.

[@walidabdul-jaleel3669]

Planning a n moving there soon!

[@Wonderer1356]

Does it have tropical storms? If yes what are the cyclone prone areas?

[@FeedScrn]

They are more likely to brush the D.R... as Puerto Rico gets most of the flak as storms pass by.

[@NoNoLynn]

I'm in San Cristobal for a month now and have Traveled around Santa Domingo All the way to Cacao, and everywhere in between, Yes it's Lovely and Tropical but The Roads are Not Good 😳 I wondered if you could recommend a portable wifi that Works here as I am thinking of moving here but need wifi to be able to work here. Thanks in advance..

[@andydennis4863]

There are not wild monkeys or alligators in the DR.

[@amorelove9626]

No,not at all.

[@jonpotthoff2868]

There are gavials in the DR at Lago Enriquillo, in the southwest of the country. Gavial = crocodilian.

[@jorgeduran7168]

H​@@amorelove9626caimán at lago enriquillo. Enriquillo lake.

[@hd3zchris]

You will find crocodiles over at Lake Enriquillo

[@monicagalley8953]

Puerto Plata Airport is an international airport you don’t need to fly into Santo Domingo!! Also Santiago also has an airport!! You forgot to mention Cabarete and Sosua!

[@roundtwo3321]

Why was Punta Cana #4 on the list, and not #1? There is so much buzz about it these days. Subscribed. Is there any beach town with single-family homes for $60K - $90K USD?

[@allanmay8766]

My wife and I want to move to the Dr next year,but I am on scocial security so the rent must be far as I get 1200 per month usd any suggestions n we have two dogs

[@Zle_blacklightning]

I could live there from a 3000.00 pension comfortably?

[@marimartinez7351]

Omgosh definitely, like royalty. Good luck

[@savageantigua2416]

With 3000 You live very good and can save Money in the bank

[@FeedScrn]

After spending time in the D.R.... I can say that there is an 'untied' feeling to many things. This is not an all 'i's dotted / 't's crossed kind of place. I think that this is done on purpose, as part of the culture there. Hope this helps.

[@jamesparnell1131]

Well said: but the reality is different. In DR it’s not easy to get a permanent visa. They will lose your passport, your birth certificate. It’s a total chaos. Also, no matter what country you come from you will be issued a one month visa and you have to renew it every month: that’s how they make money. Yes, it’s very nice for short stay but it’s not easy to reside in DR.

[@williamshaw8106]

A Pencionado visa is the ONLY way to go..

[@nygardenguru]

Gracias good to know

[@estervinamartesoriano9800]

It is not difficult to obtain a Dominican residency, although you must truthfully implement your desire to reside in the DR. first they grant you a temporary residence for one year

[@katyanasalvador1142]

GREAT VIDEO i have a question what about health insurance how is over there any insurance company from USA work there or i need to buy my owe and how is the prices and what cover

[@enough1494]

I am a retired artist. What areas are more bohemian?

[@ucdileadership]

Las Terrenas, Playa Bellena, etc.

[@minor12828]

16,000 in food you are eating like a king i mean if you are alone. Greetings from DR.

[@cristianonyc]

I live every year from January to April in Punta Cana and you need at least $3,000 a month to live comfortably . DR is not that affordable as they say , specially if you are used to US lifestyle .

[@donald8354]

I would live like a local a lot cheaper.

[@maritzadominguez49]

Well is you want to live in tourism location like punta cana ,Puerto plata, Las terrenas etc those tourism places are going to be expensive .

[@knadia81]

That's a different story the lifestyle. Are you going to vacation all the time? 1500 is doable

[@Mmmmkaaay]

I'm finding airbnbs in those towns for $300 or $400 a month. And if you know you're going to stay for several months, you can probably talk them down even lower than that. Maybe you're just eating out all the time and spending your money on frivolous stuff or living in a fancy condo?

[@krickenthekraken8844]

I’m just watching you for the first time, I was hoping you would mention whether it would be a viable option for a single older, white female who wants to retire there. Is it very safe? Or questionable?

[@charliearias7911]

Mejor cuidamos de ti. Puedes venir a República Dominicana 🇩🇴 sin ningún problema

[@NoNoLynn]

Absolutely 💯 People Are Amazing here ♥️ The Spanish is different here, at least for me. I'm going to need a course lol Everything is Organic and pesticide free. No GMOs or chemicals 💯✌️♥️

[@PierreFromCanada]

not sur you portrayed the residency process correctly... getting residency often requires the assistance of local lawyers. the process is a multi-year process required continuous yearly renewals (only done in Santo Domingo). Overall, your lawyer fees can vary between $5k to $11K US. and count from 2 to 3 year to get your first residency card... (It's hell!!!) You need to understand, that in the DR, there is a full industry focused on exploiting "Gringos".. You will get no true help from the State, its employees, or any Legal Professional. You will find pretenders (including other "gringos") that say they want to help you, but in fact they just want to make money off you. My best advice: is to follow the successful path taken by a previous expat, and be prepared to pay way more, and take much more time than you would have ever imagined... On a positive note, you do not need residency to do anything in the DR. As a non-resident, you can own a car, a house, etc... with no real issues. Getting domestic help is always a good idea. In adition to cooking and cleaning, local Dominicans will pay much less for local groceries (like chicken, porc, fish, eggs, fruits and vegs... etc.) Remember. the "gringo" always pays more. (Sorry for the harsh truth. )

[@Mmmmkaaay]

As a gringo, I'm happy to pay more of it means locals are making a living. 😁

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Can you discuss more about the climate and weather in Las Terrenas compared to elsewhere in the country? Is it difficult dealing with humidity on the coast?

[@nesq4104]

Hot. If you're on an island it's going to be humid to very humid

[@Liveandinvestoverseas]

Hi Dovy, the temperature here is pretty consistent throughout the year. Annual average highs are about 30°C (85°F) and average lows stay at about 21°C (69°F). It’s typical tropical weather.

[@junal27]

@@Liveandinvestoverseascompared with Houston Tx is a perfect weather. You need a couple of summers here to n Tx to appreciate what a Caribbean weather brings to you

[@mrouzer75]

There are NO alligators in the wild in the Dominican Republic

[@nesq4104]

PR, jamaica, cuba has caymans so DR must have them

[@jonpotthoff2868]

DR has gavials, which is a crocodilian species.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Which location would be more appealing to older retired folks comparing the Sosua area to Punta Cana?? Also comparing the DR to Costa Rica or Panama?

[@AnaGonzalez-yi8zf]

Samana península ❤️❤️

[@dovygoodguy1296]

What would be the difference for post-age 65 retirement in the DR and retirement in Jamaica or Barbados? And how should expats looking for a calm environment within the context of the ongoing migration crisis with Haitians? Does it present anything precarious about older retirees living in that situation? What about the effect of taxes on everything imported including Amazon or anything else (including Las Terrenas)? How would retirement be different than being in Mexico?

[@nesq4104]

Jamaica Killing retirees, so no. If you not in good health most places are no good regardless

[@dovygoodguy1296]

​@@nesq4104 Could you elaborate on your comments relating to my questions? You might have missed the points. I didn't understand your reply exactly.

[@nesq4104]

@@dovygoodguy1296 I'm saying for retiree what glitters is not gold. You must know the criminal environment of each island. Jamaica has been killing retired people. If you are not in good health mobility is a challenge especially if you are in a wheelchair or a cane due to roads and mountain environments. Importing anything is costly due to fees. Find a location that is highly self sufficient with low crime and produces more of its food and goods then imports. And scope about the medical and transportation services before you retire. As per haitians in DR. I have traveled a few times and hatians are friendly in DR. But avoid border towns and crossing into haiti. All of this I have done. I am early 40s.

[@nesq4104]

@@dovygoodguy1296 and public transportation in many places is highly limited. You must be fit to walk miles and in heat. Driving a car can be hazardous but not impossible because locals drive crazy, no street signs, narrow roads, pot holes, no street lights, and hill/mountain roads where you cannot see who is coming up or down. Also internet can be lacking and GPS services. This why I am saying you must be fit and good health. Otherwise find a expat retirement community somewhere that provides everything

[@dovygoodguy1296]

​@@nesq4104 Whew..... which would be the best location for example?? Even with taxis? the North Coast communities and Santiago?

[@timersk1]

Hi I'm age 60 Canadian and retired. I'm looking for some contacts at a suitable location close to the beaches and city I could rent, either a 1 bedroom or 2 that is affordable. Thanks.

[@kimphilley621]

nice

[@Pete-d4x]

Excellent revue I'm planing to become an ex lima Charlie regarding the higher elevations. The D R.. appears to be be managed and governed responsibly ...unlike the United States

[@AntonioGonzalez-yc7kx]

BEUTIFUL VIDEO is if good to Leaving in Puerto Plata and Cabarete .Because Bavaro and Punta Cana are too Spencer's

[@AntonioGonzalez-yc7kx]

Do you Come Affort like two week in Cabarete Like spend 3 day in punta Cana very affordable

[@EnlightenmentQueenElisheBA]

Do you know anything about san Cristóbal somewhere safe to live

[@HealthKick-tq6ds]

how is it living in paris? is it cheap

[@salmiller6901]

Hi do you have an imagration attorney that you recommend

[@robertbenning6982]

Dominican wage is not a couple hundred a month. 12k a year is more like it in punta cana..I live here..budget is 2k a month for me..easy living

[@michaelcuello2508]

The Dominican Republic IS NOT an island nation, it shares it's territory with Haiti to the west. Long story between France and Spain ......in conclusion: 2 different countries.

[@geftiler2112]

its still an island.. duh

[@elbamullen4391]

It's an island because it is an island. 2 independent countries on one island surrounded by water on all sides not connected to another land mass.

[@ciscokid1999]

What, not an island, really? I guess the world is flat too…sigh

[@MtyQuinn69]

Great video! I have an apartment in Santo Domingo, and Punta Cana. I love the DR. I plan to move there permanently in a few years. Do you live there currently?

[@paulpeele8387]

What about safety for foreigners?

[@Mmmmkaaay]

I haven't heard about any mass shooting so it can't be any worse than America...

[@ruddypena2438]

There are no monkeys or jungles in the DR, just forests and beaches

[@RA-qb4gl]

They didnt discover shit. Dominicans have been living there forever.

[@renebrodowsky5840]

I'm not sure she has ever been there...

[@1drummer172]

No.

[@charliearias7911]

🇩🇴☀️🌊⚾️💪🇩🇴

[@savageantigua2416]

You are very cute and beautifull

[@hd3zchris]

Monkey? I can assure you that the Dominican Republic does not have native monkeys in their jungles. 😂

[@winkyleft]

She doesn't now much about the cities, 😂, 2000k a month good luck

[@palootto4021]

The Dominican Republic is not an island. Please know your content.

[@Mmmmkaaay]

Yes it is. Just because it's attached to Haiti doesn't mean they're not an island. 🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@palootto4021]

@@Mmmmkaaay Do you know the definition of an island? In case you don't know -- it is a piece of land surrounded by water. The Dominican Republic is not surrounded by water. As you said, it is attached to Haiti. So, how can it be an island. It is your responsibility to educate yourself. I should not have to explain to you what an island is, especially when you can do a quick Google search.

[@Mmmmkaaay]

@@palootto4021 omg🙄🙄🙄 If you look at the entire piece of land it is an island. It is not attached to any continent. Get a grip with your ridiculous semantics.

[@palootto4021]

@@Mmmmkaaay The island is Hispaniola, which includes two countries, neither of which is an island itself. Please stop your nonsense. You cannot change facts or reality.

[@thetiredtourist3927]

get ready to be robbed...

[@marg3153]

It also happens in the USA.

[@gilalan150]

I would not trust this company or anything they say! They have been charging me monthly for something I never signed up for. If I call the customer service number no one ever answers. I have written to customer service at least 6 times and they never ever respond. How can you run a company like that? This is a bad sign. I dont know of any other legitimate company that has no customer service or a non-responsive customer service.They have literally just be stealing money for my account for the last 6 months. I say Stay away!!!

[@Mmmmkaaay]

Gee. Have you considered telling your bank to stop allowing them to take money out?🙄

[@gilalan150]

@@Mmmmkaaay of course I did (what a stupid sarcastic comment) - but that was after I had already noticed all the charges. Although this company finally did respond to me after I made this post on all their youtube videos.

[@LuisRodriguez-tm1ld]

Really nice and informative video , I appreciate all the great recognition you gave to my country. By the way Santiago is a pretty big city with over a million people. They are even building its own train system in Santiago. You should look it up , Santiago DR monorail 🚝 still can’t believe it myself lol

[@jonpotthoff2868]

The current administration is working on establishing a light rail link between Santo Domingo and Santiago.