Relocating to the Island

Quality of life

1. It's a good place to live and raise a family.
2. It's got great weather.
3. Well organized business community.
4. Geographically located near major trade markets in the center of the Americas.
5. Abundant non-skilled work force of earnest and fast-learning young people.
6. Abundant, qualified managerial staff available.
7. It has a large domestic market.
8. It has the largest tourism industry in the Caribbean which is a large export market within the country.
9. Excellent telecommunications service.
10. Diversity of investment opportunities.
11. Preferential trade agreements signed with Europe, the United States, the Caribbean and Central America.
12. Positive attitude towards foreigners and foreign investors.
13. Fastest growing economy in Latin America for the past five years.
14. Political stability.
15. Low crime rate.
16. DR is a true melting pot with little racial tensions.

Yes, you will be able to find American styled supermarkets in the DR. Also, you will also be able to find American foods as well as a large selection of international foods.

Security

For the most part, life around the north coast and its towns is pretty safe. However, with any developing country it is always wise to ensure you give some thought to the security of your family and possessions. Gated developments are always popular, not least because of good security. For those who wish to live in the countryside, it is not unusual to take on a security guard, who can be engaged via a Security Company, or whom you can employ privately at reasonable cost.

Banking and Currency

The Dominican banking system is controlled the Central Bank, based in Santo Domingo and the currency used is the Dominican peso.  At the time of writing the exchange rate was around RD$33 to US$1 or RD$65 to GBP1.

The best exchange rates are paid in either US traveler’s checks or US dollars.  It is generally considered that the best exchange rates will be found at one of the Dominican banks rather than on the street or hotels, etc. 

ATM machines are plentiful at most banks throughout the Dominican Republic, although the amount you will be able to withdraw will vary from bank to bank.

 

Opening a Bank Account

There are some myths here; firstly you do not need to be a resident, you will however need all of the following:

• Your passport.
• Letter of recommendation from your own bank.
• Personal recommendation from a person known to the bank.

You may then open a bank account in dollars or pesos or both.

Transfer of funds into and out of your dollar account may be by wire transfer, check or cash.  You should be aware that the banking system here takes up to 30 days to clear checks, including cashiers checks or bank drafts.

 

Communications

 

Land Telephone Systems

There are a limited number of companies providing telephone communication.  Codetel, previously Verizon, has a monopoly on land lines and internet connections.  Generally their service is adequate, but slow.

Mobile or Cellular Telephones.

There is both a very good land telephone system as well as a number of mobile operators. 
All mobiles that would normally work in America will work here. Any modern UK mobile, or older ones with tri-band, will also work. If you already have a cell phone you can activate it here, depending if your phone is activated by one of the major providers of cellular service. These are available from a number of providers, with Codetel and Orange having the greatest share of the market .  Both these providers cover the major cities and towns, but once outside of these areas you will need to check who seems to have the better coverage locally as neither providers invest anything like enough in infrastructure. 
If you have a GSM phone, you can go to any number of Orange outlets and, for a small fee, they will activate your phone, and you can either purchase pre-paid phone cards or a phone plan. If you have a CDMA phone, you can go to many Verizon or Centennial outlets and purchase a plan.      
Recently Tricom has begun to offer a new telephone plan where those in the Dominican Republic can call New York, or anywhere in the U.S., and be charged at local dialing rates. This development is a clear indicator of the progress of telecommunications in the Dominican Republic.

T.V.

Cable:

Cable services in the DR are provided by a variety of companies. These companies offer both English and Spanish language television, plus a variety of shows in other languages. Also, the channels come from not only the Dominican Republic but also the United States and Europe.

Satellite:

If you can afford the service, there is also satellite television available from Direct TV, available through distribution by Caribe Dish System, for example. Once you purchase the satellite dish the vendor will provide you with details on installation and maintenance. 

Internet

This is available in either ‘dial up’ or ‘flash’ which is similar to broadband and is only from Codetel.  Flash is available in a number of speeds with the price increasing proportionally. 

 

Mail Service

Whist there is a mail service through most of the towns, business mailing addresses are used extensively and various express delivery services such as UPS and FEDEX operate widely.  Within the island, Caribe Tours and the Metro Bus service offer a delivery service.

 

Utilities  

                                        

Electricity

The electrical supply in the Dominican Republic is based on the US system, 110 and 220 volts at 60Hz.  Most houses and commercial locations have dual voltage.  This allows for the use of 220 volt appliances such as air conditioners.

Most computers will work on a varying voltage from 100 – 220 volts and are generally protected from voltage spikes; however for most high cost electrical items such as computers, televisions, etc, it is a good idea to run them through a UPS (uninterrupted power supply) unit.  These cost around US$30 each and can maintain up to four items.

Power outages are extremely common in the Dominican Republic; therefore most homes will have an alternative source of power such as an inverter or generator.  Many developments or complexes have this already, usually by way of a generator which runs up after about 30 seconds.  Timing will vary depending on the type and system being employed.

An inverter is a simple device that uses power from a battery source and converts this to 110 volts.  This device switches in immediately there is a power outage without the owner being aware.  Some available within the DR are somewhat basic and use mechanical switching to create the 60 Hz.  These are easy to detect as your fans will ‘hum’, sometimes quite loudly.  Typical costs for a 3kw inverter will be about US$1,000 including 4 batteries and should give a typical house around 8 to 10 hours.

A better quality inverter will generate electricity via an electrical switch which will be also identical to the mains supply and will not create any humming.  These cost around US$2,000 plus batteries.  Another benefit is that you can set the minimum and maximum voltage allowed; in other words you can set the inverter to allow no less than 90 volts to 120 volts through the public system. 

The second option is a generator which can be either on auto or manual start, depending on your preference.  Auto start is likely to delay by about 15 to 30 seconds.  The big advantage of a generator is that it should be powerful enough to run your air conditioning.  Generally inverters are not.

Water

Tap water in the DR is normally safe to use for cooking, washing clothes and bathing but not for brushing your teeth or drinking.  The supply is generally continuous even if the pressure sometimes falls.  All houses have a standby tank system with a pressure pump, so water is not normally a problem.

Drinking water is available in 18 liter or 5 US gallon containers, and is cheap at around US$1 per container.  Dispensers with built in chillers are available at around RD$5,000 or US$150.  Most shops or garages sell these containers.

Garbage Collection

If you live in a condo complex or some gated developments, this is sometimes part of your monthly maintenance fee, and your only obligation is to ‘put it out’.   If you live in an area where this is not part of your fees or you live outside of a gated development, then you will have to organize this yourself.  There are a number of private collection services, and most have a bi-weekly collection for around RD$300 or US$10 per month.  They also tend to take virtually all household and limited garden rubbish.

Gas

This is always supplied in bottles and may be come as part of your condo fees or, more likely, you will have to occasionally arrange to have your bottles refilled.  You can either take them yourself to one of many locations, or arrange for them to be collected.  In either case this is a painless and inexpensive experience.

 

Domestic Staff  

                                           

Most foreigners employ domestic staff to assist with the basic household work and gardening.  Typically costs will vary considerably, but as a rule you should expect to pay around RD$6,000 to RD$8,000 or US$200 to US$250 per month for a full time maid or cleaner and about half that for a gardener.

What To Do

Social

Expatriates

The island has attracted a very broad spectrum of expatriates using the Dominican Republic as a second home or a permanent residence. Nationalities such as Canadians, Americans, British and Germans have settled in large numbers and the island has developed an international feel.

Working in the Dominican Republic is quite easy and the attitude towards foreign workers is quite positive. It may, however, be easier to set up your own business than to try to adapt to the Dominican way of business, especially if you don’t speak Spanish. 

Language

The main language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish. Most hotels, restaurants, bars, shops etc will have some employees that speak English. However, if you intend to live on the island permanently it is a good idea to learn some key words and phrases.

Lifestyle

All you would expect from a Caribbean island. The pace of life is slow and it can take a while to settle into the relaxed atmosphere. Dominicans do very few things with haste, and you will benefit if you can learn to adapt a little to their pace, thereby avoiding some possible frustrations.  The cost of living is less than most other Caribbean islands, and property is certainly more affordable. There are few favorite commodities from home which cannot be found in the larger cities of Santiago or Santo Domingo, and there are perfectly adequate supermarkets, hardware stores etc. in the towns of Puerto Plata, Sosúa and Cabarete. Most people live a reasonably simple, al fresco type of lifestyle, many spending their spare time relaxing around the pool and eating out of doors. Barbeques, fresh fish, and locally grown tropical fruits and vegetables provide a healthy and enjoyable diet for the climate. There are numerous excellent, reasonably priced restaurants to choose from, especially along the beach in Cabarete, where many people take a stroll in the evening and catch up with friends. Alcohol, cigarettes and cigars are considerably less expensive than in developed countries, as taxes are low on these items.

Many expatriates find time to get together in one of several social groups that meet at least once a month to try out a new restaurant or to enjoy the luxury of a dinner in one of the better restaurants along the north coast. 

One such group is called ‘The Dinner Club’ and operates in the Sosúa – Cabarete area.

Sport is catered for well on the island with many golf courses, stables and riding clubs, tennis clubs and beach sports. Cabarete also plays host to kite boarding, known as the ‘capital of kite-surfing in the Caribbean’.

For evening entertainment, there are many reasonable and varied restaurants between the cities and towns. Cinemas can be found in both the south and the north. There is a large cultural heritage in Santo Domingo.  
 
For the more adventurous there are more than enough ‘tourist attractions’ even for the most hardened of residents to find enjoyable.  
 
Finally, to keep you up to date on what is happening, there is an English-speaking radio station and at least four good websites devoted to the Dominican Republic.

Weather

Weather in the Dominican Republic

The weather in the Dominican Republic remains tropical year round, with slight variations dividing it into basically two seasons, summer and winter. Being in a tropical zone brings humidity, but by the shoreline the sea breezes tend to make it feel less hot and more comfortable.  
 
Temperatures average 23°C in the early mornings to 32°C at mid-day. There is little difference between winter and summer temperatures with July averaging at 82ºF (28ºC) and January at 76ºF (23ºC).  
 
The months of May and November-December are regarded as the rainy season. The hurricane season** lasts from June through November, with August-September being the peak months. 

Cool Season

Is from November to April, with what is considered pleasantly warm weather, relatively low humidity and low precipitation. The temperature hovers fairly constantly around 27°C (80°F) during the day and drops to around a comfortable 20°C (68°F) at night. November and December are the months to expect rain and it can be heavy although brief.

Hot Season 

This is approximately from May to October. Average temperatures rise to 31°C (87°F) during the daytime and drop to about 22°C (72°F) at night. At the height of summer, expect the temperature to rise above 30°C (90°-100°F) There is high humidity, which means there is more chance of rain from May to August, but usually the 30-minute tropical (sometimes heavy) showers are overnight.

Hurricanes? 

The Caribbean hurricane season lasts from June to end November. August and September are the months when most hurricanes have hit and these affect the south and east coast primarily. In the rare instance when a hurricane comes over the island, because the north coast is sheltered by two mountain ranges, it is usually downgraded to a tropical storm, only resuming hurricane strength when it reaches the open seas.