Digital Nomad Guide to Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep

Summary: Digital nomads like living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep because of its affordability, vibrant culture, and great weather. The approximate population of Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep is 2.9 million. The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Santo Domingo is around $1,000 USD. It costs around $500 USD to rent a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Santo Domingo. The best neighborhood to live in is Zona Colonial, as it is the oldest part of the city and is full of culture and history. The weather in Santo Domingo Dominican Rep is usually warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit.

How do I meet people in Santo Domingo?

When we asked people living in Santo Domingo about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Any expat groups, spanish lessons at a qualified school. Join a dance group, a walking group and kind of group that gets you out meeting others," said one member in Santo Domingo.

"Sign up for a course in speaking Spanish at the Dominican Americano School, located on Antonio de la Maza in the block below Ave Abraham Lincoln. There you will meet Dominicans who are enrolled to learn English, giving you both something in common. Many who are there are willing to tell you about their culture and give you the do's and don'ts as to how best to avoid trouble and where to go socially. Other places are the bigger Malls and supermarkets and the Metro which is the new subway line," explained one person living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.

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What is life like in Santo Domingo?

When we asked people living in Santo Domingo what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"The culture revolves around home and community, it is one of the things I love about this country. It can make living here and getting things done a challenge. Embrace it as much as you can and learn to go with the flow when needed, and learn when to put your foot down!!," explained one expat living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.

"Yes! Just like most major cities. People are up early going to work or school. The proiorities in Santo Domingo are ME FIRST!! People here have total disregard for traffic laws and signals. If you are being helped by a customer service person at a bank or store, people will interupt and start talking to the service person as if you are not even there. If you are waiting in line, people will walk right up next to you and jump the line, thinking nothing is wrong with this," said one digital nomad in Santo Domingo.

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Where should I live in Santo Domingo?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"i have lived in various parts of the country. The first place was a tourist resort on the Caribbean sea, where I went as my job as a scuba diving instructor was there. A small studio came with the job and after a month I moved into a rental apartment. Here you just put the word out you are looking and people come to you with their apartments. Now I live in a little Dominican town, chosen as it was far from tourists and hence much safer and much cheaper. Again just put the word out and found the house," said one digital nomad in Santo Domingo.

"I first came to a beach town but then found that for a single older intellectual woman, the capital was best. I took my time, found the pool, the library, the neighborhood I liked best, then the apartment, not the other way around," commented a person living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.

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What do I need to know before moving to Santo Domingo?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Santo Domingo, they said:

"Before retiring in Santo Domingo, expats should be aware of the cost of living, which is generally lower than in other parts of the world. It is important to research the local healthcare system and to ensure that adequate medical insurance is in place. Expats should also familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the language, to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, expats should research the local job market and the availability of recreational activities to ensure that they have plenty to do in their retirement," explained one person living in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic.

"Be prepared to adjust. Be prepared to be frustrated and to want to smack your head into the wall. But also be prepared to find the small joys here!! The people are remarkably friendly and helpful. There are many many good people but that takes time to get to know who they are. You won't find them in your first few months here!!!!! After 11 years I am still learning so much. I live in a typical middle class Dominican neighborhood! I am the only expat and I love my life here. 11 years of business and consulting and I pretty much know how to get things done..... but every single day I learn something new!!!," wrote one digital nomad living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.

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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Santo Domingo?

"Expats in Santo Domingo appreciate the vibrant culture and friendly people. They enjoy the city's rich history, beautiful architecture, and lively music and dance. The city's tropical climate and stunning beaches are also a major draw for expats. The Dominican Republic is known for its delicious cuisine, which features a variety of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and flavorful spices. Expats also appreciate the country's relaxed pace of life and the opportunity to explore the many outdoor activities available in the area," said one foreigner in Santo Domingo.

"I appreciate the fact that under extreme poverty, the people somehow seem to survive on so little," remarked one member in Santo Domingo.

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What do people find most challenging about the culture in Santo Domingo?

"Expats in Santo Domingo often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. Additionally, the city's hot and humid climate can be difficult to adjust to for those coming from cooler climates. Expats may also find the local customs and traditions to be unfamiliar and difficult to understand. Additionally, the city's traffic and lack of public transportation can be a source of frustration for expats. Finally, the cost of living in Santo Domingo can be higher than in other parts of the country, making it difficult for expats to find affordable housing and other necessities," wrote one digital nomad living in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic.

"The most challenging aspect of the new culture for me has been getting business people to understand that when I pay for a service, I expect to get what I pay for in a timely manner. Example, ( I went to a local bank to open a checking account and I had to come back and forth four times to complete the process) ( my apartment lease includes TV internet and cable. The TV was a 30 year old TV that never worked, the cable only sometimes and the internet is much like waiting for a snail to travel one mile. I requested to have my lease reflect the fact that none of these services are being used due to the fact that the landlord removed the TV during my first week and I had to purchase my own, plus I had to purchase my own internet and cable to ensure that I have service. However, the landlord wants to stick to our original agreement even though he is not providing what is promised in the lease. These sorts of things are very common in Santo Domingo). Beware," said one foreigner in Santo Domingo.

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What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Santo Domingo for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Santo Domingo for a while, you will need to obtain a valid tourist visa. Depending on your nationality, you may also need to apply for a residency permit. You will need to provide proof of sufficient funds, a valid passport, and other documents as required by the Dominican Republic immigration authorities," explained one expat living in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic.

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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Santo Domingo?

We asked people in Santo Domingo if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"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," explained one person living in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic.

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What are healthcare services like in Santo Domingo?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Santo Domingo, they replied:

"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," explained one person living in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic.

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

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What are the pros and cons of living in Santo Domingo?

"Expats and digital nomads generally like the vibrant culture and friendly locals in Santo Domingo. They appreciate the affordable cost of living, which includes reasonably priced housing, food, and transportation. The city offers a variety of entertainment options, such as lively nightlife, beautiful beaches, and historical sites. The warm, tropical climate is also a major draw for many expats and digital nomads. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may dislike the traffic congestion and unreliable public transportation in Santo Domingo. They might also be concerned about the safety and security issues, as petty crime and theft can be common in certain areas. Additionally, the quality of healthcare may not be up to the standards that some expats are accustomed to, and the language barrier can be challenging for those who do not speak Spanish. Finally, the inconsistent internet connectivity and limited coworking spaces can be frustrating for digital nomads who rely on a stable connection for their work," said one member in Santo Domingo.

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