More and more people are mentioning to their loved ones that they are considering a permanent move abroad. This applies to both young and older individuals. Western European countries are among the most frequently chosen destinations. However, exotic destinations are beginning to emerge in our minds. There are many reasons for this, one of which is a change in diet or the desire to live in a warm country.
One such place is the Dominican Republic, located in the Caribbean archipelago. This paradise on Earth offers apartments under palm trees on the first coastline. In recent years, the Dominican Republic has repeatedly appeared on the list of the best countries for retirement. Link to the article: https://tiny.pl/wqpk6. It is no coincidence that Hollywood stars and politicians from the United States spend their vacations here. They also own properties here.
In this blog, we will take a closer look at Hispaniola, attempting to present the most important issues to consider when relocating.
In the Dominican Republic, we will find many communities that are ideal for living. These are usually places where expats from the United States or Europe reside. They are mostly gated, which does not mean they are surrounded by a large wall with barbed wire. Such communities offer many amenities that will make life more pleasant. Most often, these include swimming pools, tennis courts, a gym, or simply a bar or a workspace. Many people, when thinking about the Dominican Republic, imagine it as a third-world country. They are convinced that it is difficult to find a shop, bank, or pharmacy here. Nothing could be further from the truth. The eastern coast, referring to the broad Punta Cana region, consists of towns where everything necessary for life can be found. Spending a little more time here, we can observe that it is a country that does not differ much from some parts of Europe. Of course, I am referring to the infrastructure available in the Dominican Republic. In the land of eternal summer, we will also enjoy ideal temperatures and a delicious diet. These two factors will certainly have a positive impact on our health and well-being.
An important aspect of relocating to the Dominican Republic is also the weather. This is a factor we very often consider when moving. The Dominican Republic is a country where the average annual temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius. The temperature amplitude between morning and evening is only a few degrees. Thanks to this, we can spend the evening in flip-flops and a light shirt, just as we started the morning. This is an optimal temperature for living. It means we can forget about jackets or winter hats for the entire year. Humidity throughout the year will be most noticeable from June to September. The best months on the island are from November to May. While discussing the weather, we would like to debunk the myth of the “danger” caused by hurricanes. We cannot hide the fact that the Dominican Republic is located in a hurricane corridor. However, it is the safest country in the entire Caribbean. This is primarily due to the geographical diversity of the entire island. There are very high mountains here, which contain masses of cold air. In the event of an approaching hurricane, it is pushed south or north. It most often hits Mexico and Honduras or the Bahamas and Florida. The temperature on the island will certainly have a positive effect on our body. The sun provides vitamin D, thanks to which we will sleep better. Positive changes in our complexion may be noticeable, and if we have rheumatic problems, they will subside.
The diet in the Dominican Republic is considered one of the healthiest. After all, it is a Mediterranean diet. The menu is rich mainly in fresh and juicy fruits, fish and seafood, and less meat. Most of the meat sold comes from free-range animals, as caged farming simply does not exist here. This makes it better and much tastier. It is important to remember that local products are inexpensive. Everything that needs to be imported to the island will be more expensive. The Mediterranean diet will help us lose weight and shed a few kilograms. The result will be the regulation of blood levels in the body and the lowering of cholesterol. Initially, this may be a big change for us. By preparing wholesome meals from local products, we will get rid of many problems that may have troubled us before. What’s more, we will also save some money on dietitian consultations. This will also be a good opportunity to update our wardrobe.
It is also worth considering the property where we will live. It must be remembered that such a trip is nothing like a journey or an organized tour. You need to have adequate knowledge, which experienced agents will provide you with. They know not only the real estate market but also local customs in the Dominican Republic. This will save you a lot of stress and hours spent searching for proven and reliable developers. Based on their experience, they will match you with suitable real estate offers for rent or purchase. They will also help organize the formalities related to the relocation. Property prices in the Dominican Republic can be a pleasant surprise. An attractive apartment a short distance from the beach can be purchased for as little as $150,000. Those in gated and prestigious communities cost a little more. For a property with two bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchenette, you will pay around $250,000. Of course, there is also the secondary market. It is important to remember that in the real estate market, apartments that have already been built are more expensive than buying a proverbial hole in the ground.
If you are seriously considering moving to the Dominican Republic, you may be interested in obtaining residency. There are 3 possibilities based on which you can obtain such residency. These are (1) marriage to a Dominican man/woman, (2) demonstrating passive income, (3) demonstrating retirement income. We, of course, recommend choosing the second option. We write more about this in our blog: https://tiny.pl/wqppx. If you cannot meet any of these requirements, you can simply stay in the Dominican Republic for an indefinite period. The only thing the country will require from you is money… Exactly, at the airport upon departure, depending on the time spent, you will have to pay a designated amount.
We forgot to mention a very important element. This concerns dangerous animals and insects. There are far fewer of them here. Compared to other countries in South and Central America, the Dominican Republic has the privilege that there are no spiders, snakes, or other mammals here that could threaten our health. However, this does not mean that there are no places here where you can encounter interesting animal species. There is a large population of iguanas, crocodiles – only in the Enriquillo lake region – flamingos, and dolphins. These are excellent attractions that can fill a trip around the island.
ABOUT THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ITSELF
The Dominican Republic captivates in all aspects. It is no coincidence that the Ministry of Tourism’s slogan is Dominicana – Lo tiene todo, translating to Dominican Republic has it all. And that is indeed the case. It is a country where everyone will find something for themselves. Above all, it boasts incredibly beautiful nature. There are many attractions worth seeing here.
Here you will find beautiful beaches with sand as white as flour, crystal-clear water, a jungle stretching across the entire Peninsula, numerous rivers and waterfalls, the highest peak in the Caribbean, dunes, and caves. Every year, whales come here, which can be observed from boats. The Dominican Republic is an excellent country for practicing water sports such as kitesurfing, surfing, and sport fishing. You can also go rafting, mountain climbing, diving (not just marine), and golf. This is where you will find the most beautiful golf courses in the world!
There are also wild, undiscovered places where you can spend the night in tents or treehouses. One cannot forget about the classic attractions either. Saona Island is one of those places that can be visited several times a year.
It is a country with a developed economy and infrastructure. This is an important consideration when relocating. Dominican products such as cigars, rum, chocolate, pineapples, and avocados are exported to countries worldwide. Additionally, there are over 60 free trade zones here. This is where ostomy equipment, electrical equipment, surgical materials, and leather products are manufactured. In the west of the Dominican Republic, there are the largest deposits of gold in Central and South America, as well as mines for the endemic stone larimar. It is worth noting that 20% of the Dominican Republic’s GDP comes from tourism, but it is not a country that relies solely on this sector. The telecommunications sector is very well developed here. Many international companies have their service centers here.
In the capital city of Santo Domingo, we will be able to use shopping centers that are no different from those in Europe. We will have dinner in very good restaurants here. There will be no shortage of Caribbean atmosphere when, during a night walk through the old town of the capital, we come across a group of locals partying outside a colmado (grocery store). These are not the only attractions in this Caribbean nation. Punta Cana is the best-connected place in the region. It is an excellent starting point for travel. Thanks to this, trips to North, Central, or South America will not be as tiring. Moving to a new region of the world will open doors to new countries and allow us to meet new people and cultures. This is another step towards fulfilling our dreams.
If you would like to learn more about life in the Dominican Republic, please contact us.
Jędrzej Pacak
