The driving force of your expatriation in Dominican Republic

The driving force for me was finding a country in the Caribbean where obtaining residency was easy and gave me the ability to work and travel regionally. Having a more agreeable cost of living and being larger and less limiting than other islands was also a factor.

The downside was the difference in language but as one becomes aquainted with the country that becomes less and less of a problem.

I am more than happy with my choice having discovered the diversity of the island, its abundance of nature and its people.

My priorities have not changed under current circumstances and the island provides an permanent escape from the inconveniences and intolerance seen in my home country and other western nations.

Diksha, I imagine Mauritius as being much the same as DR had my work interest been in that part of the world. Had work friends who were part of a constructiin project there and everything they said about that country and their new found wives suggested so.

Agree with Lennox and add that a big advantage is the lack of a minimum stay.
Many countries insist on a minimum stay-- 90-120 days or more

The DR rule is that you can't be absent for more 6 mo .

I moved for the culture first and foremost.  Second for me was the abundance of business opportunities.

Surprises - nothing is easy!  And I mean nothing!

I love my life here and cannot imagine living elsewhere!

In reply to Diksha. This is really simple for me to answer. Firstly, my wife is Dominican and Canadian so the transition was easy for me. Secondly, I hate the cold weather! I have a little arthritis but when I'm here I don't have any pain. As soon as I return to the northern climate, I'm suffering. So the warm weather is a blessing. However!!! I do have some negative feelings about living here but I will save that for only those that would like to read about it. I don't want to be negative in this post.

What are your negative issues with the Dominican republic?

None so far, and I've been married to a Dominican for 30yrs. As for the Country itself, no issues either except for the so called high crime rate I have yet to experience.

Negatives? As Planner indicated nothing is easy here. And I am speaking of everyday things....hot water, clean water, electricity, banking, grocery shopping, getting from point A to point B, etc. As an example compare fueling up your auto here versus doing the same in N. America. I rest my case.  It may be aggravating at times but it is nothing we didn't expect.

I have not moved.  I am in the process of purchasing a home.  As Planner mentioned, it seems everything is difficult.  I am patient to a fault with people and situations.  However, I am finding things like getting an home owners insurance quote, getting a return message from the attorney, or the builder, or.... it, as my mom used to say, slower than molasses in the winter time.  I am a detailed organized person and I am learning there are many parts of the process in which the people I connect with are not.  BUT that is just the difficult part.  I chose the DR for the culture, the diversity, the SUN and BEACHES,  the affordability, it just makes me happy thinking about being able to experience so much.  The island seems to be self sustaining - like the farming.  For example in the Bahamas everything is shipped in and the food was so expensive... I mean what I would call cheap food cost a lot, like hamburger.  I think once I get into the swing of things, I will be more patient with some of the DR processes.  I am learning so much from you all that I believe my adjustment will be much smoother than it would have been already.  So thankful I came across this group.

The Dominican Republic has one of the lowest costs of living in the world. Can you imagine paying less than $150 for a three-bedroom flat? Yes. I mean a three-bedroom apartment in Santiago De Los Caballeros.

For the fairly elderly, the country is also excellent should you prefer a laidback lifestyle after your retirement. 

The country's perpetual sunshine and warm clime are fantastic for a senior citizen's
aching joints. For older couples, the DR is simply a paradise.

$150 for a three-bedroom apartment in Sanitago? I've not priced apartments there, but I have a feeling that if something is available at that price, it's not going to have any amenities that expats, particularly retired ones, are looking for.

You are correct!  So they are available.  Low cost apartments are available in almost all areas. You have to know where to look for them, you better speak spanish or want to learn right quick,  you need to be willing to live simpler and you will be living at least a modified expat life.

I will always remember my very first apartment here. It cost  RD4,500 at the time per month,  was partially furnished and had electricity only  12 hours a day!  It was my immersion into the culture and language!  I learned fast, believe me! I lived as a single woman in the barrio, with all the noise, with neighborhood kids befriending me, with the area women unsure of me and I was an oddity for sure. 

My point is its possible but you give up many of the comforts!

To the point of this country having one of the lowest costs of living in the world -  please state your sources because that is not  true!  In terms of  relative costs of living maybe for those with higher  income in US dollars,  but ask Dominicans if its cheap to live here!

Your other points, I absolutely agree.

But, of course this sort of rent is never available in the shop window on the High  Street. The local estate agents charge rents and agency fees that are extortionate. Prized information is only obtainable from locals. You'd have to be able to speak Spanish and be sociable.  Pop into the local Colmado and socialise not womanise. Have one or two genuine friends. You'll get plenty of valuable information.

Akinkunmi Akinpelu wrote:

But, of course this sort of rent is never available in the shop window on the High  Street. The local estate agents charge rents and agency fees that are extortionate. Prized information is only obtainable from locals. You'd have to be able to speak Spanish and be sociable.  Pop into the local Colmado and socialise not womanise. Have one or two genuine friends. You'll get plenty of valuable information.

Have you rented an apartment in Santiago for $150/month? Is that where you live?

You are absolutely correct.  In order to get the local prices and info you need to be integrated in the local culture. That takes time, Spanish and willingness! 

Local realtors get paid to do what they do!  That's why we say " boots on the ground" is the best way to find a place to rent! Most places on low to middle end will not be using a realtor.  Walk the neighborhood and contact people, ask questions, follow up