Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Report of what it's like to live there - 08/21/08
Personal Experiences from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
08/21/08
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Caracas, Mexico City, Rome, Salamanca, Buenos Aires, Venice, Palermo.
2. How long have you lived here?
Now just a year but I've followed the country closely since 1989.
3. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
4 hours from NYC direct flight, cannot fly direct from DC (go through Miami or San Juan).
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Press Officer at the U.S. Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Varies greatly. Some folks have great houses, others not so great. General move is to apartments so families with many kids might have problems here.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
3. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Dangerous.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
5. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
3. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
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?
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Moderate/Unhealthy.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Frequent house break-ins, muggings. Muggings are generally non-violent. Credit card fraud is high.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Very good schools, especially Carol Morgan. Problem is bringing in kids who are above 15. Very cliquey.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Some good programs here. Very reliable, inexpensive childcare available.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
2. Morale among expats:
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Great for everyone but large families because of potential housing problems.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Sure.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Some racial prejudice against dark skinned persons owing to complex socio-economic, cultural, and historical factors, particularly in relation to Haiti and Haitians.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
9. Can you save money?
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
3. But don't forget your:
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
7. Do you have any other comments?
Sorry, gotta go! This is an AWESOME city/country. Many people love it, some hate it. I love it.
