Dominican Republic Life for expats

2POSTS

8 years ago

Hello All

Not sure where to start so a little about myself 1st, im married with 4 children. Jessica my wife is originally from the Dominican Rep and left to Panama in her childhood. I use to have my own business in the building trade and now do a part time job driving, Jessica is an accounts analyst and has a good job here.
Jessica has a large family based aroud La Vega and we are both seriously considering moving there as i have no family here. Having 4 children is draining but has its rewards. Having a family close by is going to be a massive i provement for us all.

I have joined your forum to find out as much info about life in Dominican for a British expat and what to expect. Ive read and seen so much about crime and various ongoings but mich seems to be over exagerated and i wish to learn more from expats that live and work there.

Please tell me more about what the satety issues are for everyday life. Im not one for flashy clothes and jewellery etc so that is one thing to help blend in.
I appreciate as much info as possible as main main concerns are safety for my family

Regards

Keith

1 member reacted to this post

See also

Useful contact information in the Dominican Republic - Guide
Associations for expatriates in Dominican Republic - Business
Taxes for expats in Dominican Republic - 14 Replies
The Dominican Republic, a welcoming destination to expats? - 3 Replies
How to adapt to the expat challenges of everyday life in Dominican Republic - 5 Replies
Adapting to the pace of life in Dominican Republic - 67 Replies
Enquiries on Dominican Republic expats - 4 Replies

the tinker40 ViP

1236POSTS

8 years ago

Welcome. Does your wife or you speak Spanish? Do the kids? It is a huge plus if any of you do. Having family nearby is a blessing & will "grease the skids" so to speak. If you watch the news programs you will notice that bad news dominates always. Crime is overstated by the media & the disaffected everywhere in the world. Basic caution exercised anywhere is a normal way of life. To embark upon such a major change is never an easy challenge. however, it is an adventure that grows the spirit & gives a boost to personal growth.聽 Relish the opportunity before you. Again, welcome. go for it!

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17774POSTS

8 years ago

Welcome Keith. This topic is a hot one.

For me , single female here for over 14 years, live simple but smart and you wont have issues. Use all the precautions here that locals do.聽 I dont know much about la vega but i am sure there are better areas to live.

the tinker40 ViP

1236POSTS

8 years ago

Part of Dominican life is next Saturdays (April 14th) ex-pat meet-up.聽 BUT, I don't know where or the time or what to expect. Does anyone else know?聽 Rather perplexing eh?

keith potter Member

2POSTS

8 years ago

I understand a little spanish and can speak a little. My wife and 2 eldest boys can speak some spanish. Wife wishes to move to La Vega because her family lives there. As i know very little about the Dominican i have done some research but the violence covers over all what is good it seems.
My wife has spoken with her family and we are able to put the children into a private school where her family attends.
For me its all about getting along with the locals and blending in but i do have some fears about being accepted and obviously safety concerns.

Thankyou for your responses and i look forward to hearing from otherz in the group

the tinker40 ViP

1236POSTS

8 years ago

Smile, always be polite, show respect to everyone . Use what Spanish you possess & learn more, have patience, never say , we do it this way back home. YOU ain't home, a sense of humor is essential to聽 become used to the Latin聽 culture & way of doing things.聽 You are way ahead of the game with family there to help guide you in the way of life here. The school is a major plus for your family.聽 One thing that expats can't seem to accept as a fact is that you can be here for 50 years & Never "FIT IN". We will forever be "Gringos". It does not ever rub off. we are blessed to be able to be welcomed聽 into Dominican life.聽 This is a wondrous thing to achieve.聽 Welcome to this glorious island.聽 Crime is vastly overplayed.聽 Just take normal care & you will be fine.

3 members reacted to this post