For the people living in DR

UGACHRIS

New member
Jan 31, 2010
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Good afternoon. Its a nasty day here in Atlanta, GA. Me and the wifey who is from Santo Domingo and isnt a Sankie for all the haters. We are planning a move in the near future and If possible I would like to hear some feed back on the pros and cons of living on the island. We visit twice a year so I know all the little things, Im just trying to get some insight of life year round. Whats it like for a gringo living there, I speak full spanish so the language barrier will be non existint. More curious how the blond hair blue eyes stand out in regards to feeling like a target or being a target. We will be moving to Bella Vista to be close to her parents. I know this is a decent area from first hand experience. Here in Atlanta crime is at an all time high but mainly it depends on the area where the crime is. In Santo Domingo everyone is in the same cramped area together rich and poor so how does that play out? Do the people who live in the city live with fear due to being surrounded by the poor? And it seems that its not the poor area but a few bad apples possibly in each sector causing issues. I could continue on but this is getting a little long winded. Just curious on honest feed back of current residents.

Thanks in advance
 

RV429

Bronze
Apr 3, 2011
1,574
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36
Living near the family, double your budget for food, you will have many guests. Get a small house/apt or expect parts of the family to move in.
The blond hair blue eyes thing just makes it easier for you to stray. Living in SD, I couldn't, but as you say it is mixed. Take many precautions and don't flaunt you wealth.
 

Givadogahome

Silver
Sep 27, 2011
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On the contrary, you ill lap up the attention mostly. During the day, walking to and from work you are safe as it can get in a big city. The only really dangerous time is the drivers at night if they spot you walking a side street alone in the dark, if this happens, reach into your pocket as if getting keys out and walk into the nearest gate and go about as if it is your home, even if this makes for standing outside a door, looking like you are fumbling with keys. The best houses are with gates and a side entrance, then you can be sure they will drive by and consider you a local gone into your home.
The Capital is safe, just don't go anywhere unless in a car of some kind after 930ish and never ever walk home after an evening in the casino, bar or anywhere else you have to cross main roads.
Other than that, you will be popular with all!
Unless you are a dick and then probably there is little you can do about that:alien:
 

UGACHRIS

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Jan 31, 2010
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Her parents are well off so that will not be an issue. We will be eating at their house most times. Thanks for the feedback.
 

UGACHRIS

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Jan 31, 2010
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Great advice Givadogahome. It seems at her parents place the the watchmen seem to rotate everytime we are there. I also throw them a few pesos and chat for a while. It seems that keeping a close eye on these guys is important?
 

Givadogahome

Silver
Sep 27, 2011
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Again on the Contrary, by all means buy a beer on your way home for the nightwatchman but I never ever involve cash unless I am getting a product or service, for me, this only makes an already greedy mentality even more so.
The door stop thing happened to me a few times, I noticed cars drive by the junction then reverse up, it is obvious they are on the rob and so my natural instinct first time was to walk into a strangers property gate as if my own and it did the job. So I used the same out a couple of other times I got suspicious of cars around after 2am and breaking for no reason I could understand.
I think security guards in the DR are probably responsible or involved in over half of on duty assault and attacks on homes. Remember a security guard goes to work because he is a good guy, he wants to work for his family at 35pesos an hour. People like this hold no weight with ladrones and so are litterally told what will be happening, and they just have to accept it. Heroic security guards are usually the ones hanging out in the cemetery. For me, be nice, bring him a beer and cheese toasty home, but keep your money as far as I'm concerned, even 25pesos is a no no, 25 pesos rises to 250, then 2500 then 5000 then they vanish!
good luck!
 

UGACHRIS

New member
Jan 31, 2010
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Again on the Contrary, by all means buy a beer on your way home for the nightwatchman but I never ever involve cash unless I am getting a product or service, for me, this only makes an already greedy mentality even more so.
The door stop thing happened to me a few times, I noticed cars drive by the junction then reverse up, it is obvious they are on the rob and so my natural instinct first time was to walk into a strangers property gate as if my own and it did the job. So I used the same out a couple of other times I got suspicious of cars around after 2am and breaking for no reason I could understand.
I think security guards in the DR are probably responsible or involved in over half of on duty assault and attacks on homes. Remember a security guard goes to work because he is a good guy, he wants to work for his family at 35pesos an hour. People like this hold no weight with ladrones and so are litterally told what will be happening, and they just have to accept it. Heroic security guards are usually the ones hanging out in the cemetery. For me, be nice, bring him a beer and cheese toasty home, but keep your money as far as I'm concerned, even 25pesos is a no no, 25 pesos rises to 250, then 2500 then 5000 then they vanish!
good luck!

Again, Thanks for the great advice.
 

Ken

Platinum
Jan 1, 2002
13,884
495
83
He is right on about the watchmen. They are often involved in one way or another, even if only to look the other way when threatened.

Don't expect much help from the police, either.

If your wife's parents are well off and have influence, that will be your best protection. Influence counts for a lot here.
 

JMB773

Silver
Nov 4, 2011
2,625
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0
Good afternoon. Its a nasty day here in Atlanta, GA. Me and the wifey who is from Santo Domingo and isnt a Sankie for all the haters. We are planning a move in the near future and If possible I would like to hear some feed back on the pros and cons of living on the island. We visit twice a year so I know all the little things, Im just trying to get some insight of life year round. Whats it like for a gringo living there, I speak full spanish so the language barrier will be non existint. More curious how the blond hair blue eyes stand out in regards to feeling like a target or being a target. We will be moving to Bella Vista to be close to her parents. I know this is a decent area from first hand experience. Here in Atlanta crime is at an all time high but mainly it depends on the area where the crime is. In Santo Domingo everyone is in the same cramped area together rich and poor so how does that play out? Do the people who live in the city live with fear due to being surrounded by the poor? And it seems that its not the poor area but a few bad apples possibly in each sector causing issues. I could continue on but this is getting a little long winded. Just curious on honest feed back of current residents.

Thanks in advance

I have a BIGGG!!!! con for you. You know how when you are home in ATL relaxing enjoying and nice quiet evening at home, and you phone rings and a person ask " are you busy right now is it Ok if I come over"

You will never have to worry about this in DR friends and family will just show up no matter how TIRED you are, and the fact they were just over the last TWO NIGHTS.
 

webmacon

Active member
Jul 4, 2006
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caribbeanostriches.com
Have been living in SDQ for 10+ years with no major problems so far, I think one important aspect is keeping a low profile which nowadays I think would be good anywhere around the world. I usually don't go out at night, park always in what I think safe places and you should live in a ok area. If you have to work here than be aware of rush hour.
 

Chip

Platinum
Jul 25, 2007
16,772
429
0
Santiago
To the OP:

There are many good areas in Santo Domingo and chances are if you are close to the family and they are well off you will be in a good area.

I live in Santiago and my wife is Dominican and I like it here. I think it helps to be friendly and sincere and be careful who you associate with. Usually here it's easy to tell a book by it's cover with regard to that.

Also, we live in a nice neighborhood but rarely have the family come over and visit or eat, they are too busy making a living like we are. Generally that is only seen in the barrios and not in the nicer neighborhoods.

Also, take with a grain of salt what some will say here as many can't stand it here much less Dominicans and their culture and do their very best to make everyone believe we are living in hell.
 

Keiser777

New member
Feb 18, 2008
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just a thought again.....why the hell people are even thinking to relocate to such place (SD) where you can not freely walk in the night (ahh, unless you live in even deeper culo del mundo as ATL)? Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, Berin, Toronto, Sidney, Melnbourne, even san Francisco, welll, I cna walk 24/7 freely across the city without even thinking about "passing by cars"
 

Chip

Platinum
Jul 25, 2007
16,772
429
0
Santiago
just a thought again.....why the hell people are even thinking to relocate to such place (SD) where you can not freely walk in the night (ahh, unless you live in even deeper culo del mundo as ATL)? Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, Berin, Toronto, Sidney, Melnbourne, even san Francisco, welll, I cna walk 24/7 freely across the city without even thinking about "passing by cars"

I expect because they have no family in Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, Berin, Toronto, Sidney, Melnbourne, or san Francisco.
 

UGACHRIS

New member
Jan 31, 2010
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He is right on about the watchmen. They are often involved in one way or another, even if only to look the other way when threatened.

Don't expect much help from the police, either.

If your wife's parents are well off and have influence, that will be your best protection. Influence counts for a lot here.

I appreciate the advice. That is what I was thinking as well.
 

UGACHRIS

New member
Jan 31, 2010
27
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0
Have been living in SDQ for 10+ years with no major problems so far, I think one important aspect is keeping a low profile which nowadays I think would be good anywhere around the world. I usually don't go out at night, park always in what I think safe places and you should live in a ok area. If you have to work here than be aware of rush hour.

Thanks