Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Report of what it's like to live there - 06/05/24
Personal Experiences from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
06/05/24
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, many others in EAP, NES, EUR, and WHA.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
DC-NY-DR
3. What years did you live here?
2022-2024
4. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomat
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Living in a compound can be wonderful, but please note that bidding here does not guarantee you will get compound housing. The assignment process can sometimes place those who prefer compound living in other properties and vice versa. Compounds are ideal for families with young children and for those who prefer a short commute.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Little less than DC.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
None
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Many to choose
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Roaches and ants
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Do not pay more than 1000 per day; the compound maids will ask for 3000 pesos and more.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
No
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Embassy and compound gym, it is unfortunate that the compound gym does not seem to be a priority. It would be beneficial to compound issues addressed.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
N/A
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Good to have
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Uber
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
High off the ground
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Claro
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Embassy provide phone or Claro
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Yes
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Low-level embassy jobs.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Casual
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Crime.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Dengue
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
OK
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Take your meds and follow your diet.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Low post moral. It is a hard to fill post for a reason.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Perfect.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Carol Morgan for higher education, few smaller schools for younger kids.
2. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Not many
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Beach trips, friends at work.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Single men.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
If you speak the language.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
In my opinion, no, machismo country.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes, people of color are targeted.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Beach trips, food, baseball, etc.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Beach trips and renting a boat.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
No
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
None, heavy traffic.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Nothing
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
With different staffing in place. Morale is extremely low
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter gear.
4. But don't forget your:
Beach gear
