best place for me to relocate?

nanita

Well-known member
Jul 28, 2014
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Hi guys. Please help. I've been working on a relocation plan for a number of months and have narrowed it down to the DR or Colombia? with the DR winning, lol? I'm torn regarding location in the DR, though. My background: I've visited the DR a few times, spending a total of a few months there. I've also lived in Latin America (various countries) for 3 years, fluent in Spanish. Work online but probably need to pick something up to supplement.
My interest is to get to know Dominicans and Dominican culture, I'm not looking to live in an ex-pat bubble. I had been seriously considering SD and Santiago, especially Santiago, but Punta Cana is just so darn beautiful! But I'm worried about having a hard time connecting with locals there. I'm a Canadian woman, educated, and also a yoga/zumba instructor and massage therapist. Have done ESL in Asia for a few years.
Could you please let me know your thoughts on these 3 communities and which one might be the best choice for me? I do love the beach but have lots of hobbies and interests so I wonder if a bigger centre might be more stimulating? Thanks in advance.
 

Lobo Tropical

Silver
Aug 21, 2010
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Hi guys. Please help. I've been working on a relocation plan for a number of months and have narrowed it down to the DR or Colombia? with the DR winning, lol? I'm torn regarding location in the DR, though. My background: I've visited the DR a few times, spending a total of a few months there. I've also lived in Latin America (various countries) for 3 years, fluent in Spanish. Work online but probably need to pick something up to supplement.
My interest is to get to know Dominicans and Dominican culture, I'm not looking to live in an ex-pat bubble. I had been seriously considering SD and Santiago, especially Santiago, but Punta Cana is just so darn beautiful! But I'm worried about having a hard time connecting with locals there. I'm a Canadian woman, educated, and also a yoga/zumba instructor and massage therapist. Have done ESL in Asia for a few years.
Could you please let me know your thoughts on these 3 communities and which one might be the best choice for me? I do love the beach but have lots of hobbies and interests so I wonder if a bigger centre might be more stimulating? Thanks in advance.

Consider starting in Santiago.
You'll be close to the beaches and mountains.
SDQ and P.C. are also not too far.
Explore and after a while let your heart take you where it will.
 

texan

Member
Apr 1, 2014
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I have been to Colombia a lot and know a couple of people in Medellin and one in Cali. I talk to one of the people who lives in Medellin a lot and we talk about the differences between DR and Colombia.

Medellin might be the nicest place in Colombia. Bogota has a ton of traffic and is colder. There seems to be more of a middle class in Colombia. DR seems to be more 3rd world then Colombia.

It is much cheaper to rent a car in DR. The distances between a bunch of places is much closer in DR. I am in Puerto Plata. I can easily drive to Sosua, Cabarete and Santiago for the day. DR is better for road trips. I enjoyed driving around Colombia places just seem father apart. There are a lot more beaches in DR.

I have only been to Punta Cana once and stayed at two different Barcelos. We drove around but it seems like the area is a lot of all inclusives. What is nice about Sosua and Caberete is since it isn't just all inclusives there are more places to go out eat, drink, etc. Someone who lives in Punta Cana or has been there more should have more knowledge then me. I just thought the area seems like it was built around all inclusive resorts then there was some stuff in-between. But I need to visit Punta Cana again and learn more about the area. Maybe I missed places when I was there.

Santiago seems like a decent size city. It is also close to a lot of places so road trips from Santiago would be easy. You could make trips to the beach, Jarabocoa, Santo Domingo. I stayed with my friend when he lived in Santiago and make some trips there from here.

As far a picking up something to supplement that would be a big issue. That could determine where you want to live.
 

nanita

Well-known member
Jul 28, 2014
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Thanks Lobo… any reason in particular for Santiago? Are you familiar with the Punta Cana region? I've been there a couple of times, but as a tourist, so I don't have a feel for how "artificial" the area is, or how difficult it might be for me to make any real connections there. But I feel like I might have an easier time picking up bits and pieces of work in PC.
 

nanita

Well-known member
Jul 28, 2014
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Thanks texan. I used to live in Colombia and it has a lot to offer, for sure… Great beaches, not so much, lol… I know what you mean about PC, that is kind of my concern.
If anyone is familiar with PC and/or Santiago, could you advise me on the possibility of finding fitness/massage work in either of these places?
Thanks, and I see that one of your members has just experiences a great loss… very sad for him.
 

SugarMorena

New member
Mar 24, 2013
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I live in Santiago and know a lot about it. I just don't happen to know where you can find a job like the one you are looking for.
 

tommeyers

On Vacation!
Jan 2, 2012
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I live in Santiago
Santiago could be a a fit for you. It is large enough to support a business like yours. It could be a good stepping stone as you look for a place to settle in to the the culture. SD could do that too but it might be overwhelming at first.

DR1 can be a resource as you narrow down your choices to neighborhoods.
 

Criss Colon

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Jan 2, 2002
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In Punta Cana, you might be able to teach "Yoga/Zumba" classes in a "AI" or give Massage therapy sessions.
( The "Local Competition" Always gives a "Happy Ending!!!!) :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::cheeky::cheeky::cheeky:;)
But, you can NOT COUNT on ANY additional income from working here.
It would be nice, but there would be no "Safety Net".
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
 

LTSteve

Gold
Jul 9, 2010
5,449
23
38
Hi guys. Please help. I've been working on a relocation plan for a number of months and have narrowed it down to the DR or Colombia? with the DR winning, lol? I'm torn regarding location in the DR, though. My background: I've visited the DR a few times, spending a total of a few months there. I've also lived in Latin America (various countries) for 3 years, fluent in Spanish. Work online but probably need to pick something up to supplement.
My interest is to get to know Dominicans and Dominican culture, I'm not looking to live in an ex-pat bubble. I had been seriously considering SD and Santiago, especially Santiago, but Punta Cana is just so darn beautiful! But I'm worried about having a hard time connecting with locals there. I'm a Canadian woman, educated, and also a yoga/zumba instructor and massage therapist. Have done ESL in Asia for a few years.
Could you please let me know your thoughts on these 3 communities and which one might be the best choice for me? I do love the beach but have lots of hobbies and interests so I wonder if a bigger centre might be more stimulating? Thanks in advance.

Nanita:

I tried to send you a private message re: the postives of living in Las Terrenas on the Samana Peninsula. I see you are not accepting or can't accept PMs. Check out the area by accessing the local bi-weekly newspaper at lt7.com or go to www.lasterrenaslive to get a feel for the area. If you are not familiar with the Samana Peninsula is has some of the most beautiful scenery and beaches in the country. Las Terrenas is a beach community with a laid back and real world feel. Unlike Punta Cana, there are no all inclusives in Las Terrenas There are many Europeans but also many businesses owned by locals. Also you can fly direct from Toronto or Montreal direct into El Catey Airport (AZS) and you are 30 minutes from Las Terrenas. This is suburban not urban but with a great balance of services available and hidden beaches.
 

texan

Member
Apr 1, 2014
442
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If anyone is familiar with PC and/or Santiago, could you advise me on the possibility of finding fitness/massage work in either of these places?

When my spouse was taking english classes in Puerto Plata she was paying 450 pesos a month and it was one three hour class on saturdays. Then she had private lessons at home that cost 2400 pesos a month. That was a one hour class twice a week. The professor had to of course get to her house and back. That is around $55 a month and $7 per lesson. With gas over $6 a gallon there is some cost to get there and back.

I think in Santo Domingo or Santiago you might be able to teach private english lessons and ask for more money then that but I am not sure how much more money. Or teach private spanish lessons since you are fluent in spanish.

I think you could rent a studio in a place like Santo Domingo or Santiago. I am guessing any of the all inclusive resorts pay locals close to nothing for yoga, zumba, spin classes, massage work. Unless some of the more expensive all inclusive pay more money but I would be surprised. For you to work for someone else I think it would be hard to be paid well. If you built a business you could make more money but it would take time. It could be low overhead if you just rent a studio when you are teaching classes. Also with social media you can get the word out.

Have you been to cabarete ? You might enjoy that area.
 

Chirimoya

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Dec 9, 2002
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I would say have a proper look at Punta Cana. In contrast to common belief (which I shared until I moved there 6 years ago) there is more to the area than just All-Inclusives - there is a growing permanent population with relatively high purchasing power, a combination of expats and Dominicans, plus the winter resident 'snowbirds', in Bavaro, Punta Cana and Cap Cana. There is certainly some demand for yoga, zumba, massage etc. but you would have to see if there is any room for more as several people are already catering for it. It's not quite 'the real DR' but it is a pleasant place to live with 24/7 electricity and better security than most other parts of the country.
 

texan

Member
Apr 1, 2014
442
2
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I would say have a proper look at Punta Cana. In contrast to common belief (which I shared until I moved there 6 years ago) there is more to the area than just All-Inclusives - there is a growing permanent population with relatively high purchasing power, a combination of expats and Dominicans, plus the winter resident 'snowbirds', in Bavaro, Punta Cana and Cap Cana. There is certainly some demand for yoga, zumba, massage etc. but you would have to see if there is any room for more as several people are already catering for it. It's not quite 'the real DR' but it is a pleasant place to live with 24/7 electricity and better security than most other parts of the country.

I would like to know more about the Punta Cana area and what all there is with not being a part of the All Inclusive scene. I think the information would be useful for this topic and her decision on where to live. I have a different reason of wanting to get information.

I am in Puerto Plata but they are adding nonstop flights from Houston to Punta Cana. So it will be easier and hopefully cheaper for my friends and family to meet in Punta Cana area. I was there once and tried to drive around and explore a little bit. Are there different areas of bars, restaurants and disco that I missed ? Is there a lot there for nightlife ? Sounds like for casinos that the Hard Rock Hotel has a great casino, some concerts and a disco.

I would have friends and family that would want to golf, fish, gamble and go out at night. I also like the idea of renting a villa if there is a large group instead of doing the all inclusive. Sometimes the all inclusive is easier and you might get a deal with playing golf.

Do you know much about the fishing there? How long does it take to get out to the fishing locations? Is the water smooth sometimes or mostly choppy?

Also if I ever do move down here full time I do not have to be on the north coast. I like the idea of being around a lot of golf courses because I think I would play more once I am retired or semi retired. Also a place that is easy with nonstop flights for people to come and visit.

You mentioned Cap Cana and I know there has been some discussions on that location. I haven't been there to check it out first hand but it sounds like it had some major problems.

24/7 electricity and security is a good point. Normally our power is pretty consistent where I am but it is not 100 percent of the time. It can be annoying not having 24/7 electricity. It wouldn't be hard to have a surge protector with battery back up to power your television, cable and wifi. But it is harder to have your AC and fridge staying on.
 

nanita

Well-known member
Jul 28, 2014
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In Punta Cana, you might be able to teach "Yoga/Zumba" classes in a "AI" or give Massage therapy sessions.
( The "Local Competition" Always gives a "Happy Ending!!!!) :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::cheeky::cheeky::cheeky:;)
But, you can NOT COUNT on ANY additional income from working here.
It would be nice, but there would be no "Safety Net".
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC

Hahahahahaha?. I am willing to "bet" that the AI staff do "not" always give a "Happy Ending"!!!!!! What is with you guys and the legendary "Happy Ending"????????
Thanks for the useful info though, to you and others? I can't find the "thank" button (noooooob!!!!!!) yet. :rambo:
 

nanita

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Jul 28, 2014
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Thanks LTSteve, I will have a look. I am guessing PMs aren't enabled for me yet.
 

nanita

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Jul 28, 2014
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Thanks for the info. I see your point about trying to build a business. Thankfully, my main income is online and in dollars, I haven't been to Cabarete but I have heard some good things about it.
 
Thanks for the info. I see your point about trying to build a business. Thankfully, my main income is online and in dollars, I haven't been to Cabarete but I have heard some good things about it.

If you don't want to be in an expat bubble I don't think you would like Sosua or Cabarete. Only you know if the beach or city would be better for you. My vote for you is Santiago. :)
 

mountainannie

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Dec 11, 2003
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I agree with LT Steve that the Village might provide you with a good place.. I do not know about PC but Chiri does and so those two would be my suggestions. The cities are... well... the cities.. And you have to work vERY hard to get a following and there are already teachers here who have them and you certainly will not be giving classes on the beach.. or even be able to GET to the beach after work.

And if you are NOT going to be on the beach, .. well// the wages are low and life is expensive.

There is a pretty large expat community in LT of all year round residents.. And the pilates instructor moved back to France.
 

pauleast

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Jan 29, 2012
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Hahahahahaha…. I am willing to "bet" that the AI staff do "not" always give a "Happy Ending"!!!!!! What is with you guys and the legendary "Happy Ending"????????
Thanks for the useful info though, to you and others… I can't find the "thank" button (noooooob!!!!!!) yet. :rambo:

I would take that bet. Every massage therapist here gives a "complete" massage, otherwise they would be out of business. Even the girls that give massages in the nicest hotels in Santiago and Santo Domingo give full release rub downs.
Trust me. :)