Hi all,
Short intro: A Norwegian planning a permanently move to DR this year. Looking for all kinds of info related to a permanent stay, including recommended areas of living.
Will read forum before asking stupid questions.
Cheers from Norway!
Like CCCC said, the DR has got a lot to offer when it comes down to styles of living. From beach to mountain hermits.
What he said about bringing enough to cover your expenses for a year is far from a joke or lightly given advice. It's the best way to try and see if you can make it here, without sacrificing security or health. Adding some comforts to that list like 24/7 power and water. It takes money.
The best way to plan a move to the DR is to come doing it all the right way. First I would advice you don't skip the visa process.
Things are changing drastically in the DR to that end and if you start it correctly from your end, all will be much easier long term.
The golden rule is to RENT, never buy (unless you have money to burn or got a sweet deal from some buddy) property in the DR for the first year or so. Try and live in some areas first, instead of one spot, so that you can get a feel for what you'll really love for a long time. Short term rentals (furnished) are the best way to do it.
Don't buy a car just yet. Rent for the shortest possible time you can as public transportation can be cheaper in most cases.
If you can't live out of two suitcases, then you packed too much to come and do the temporary living test in the DR. Less is always better. Leave ALL your winter clothes back home and think summer 365 days a year. It won't be until your second or third year when your body will get "acclimated" and start feeling some "cold" nights.
Don't drink tap water until your stomach gets the local bacterial levels you need. It takes about 6 months to build it up. Mainly from dairy and fruits. Bottled drinks are ok, anything made fresh and not boiled first or served hot, is off limits during that period.
Access to generic and brand drugs is as easy as over the counter aspirins. Medical care varies from very bad (mostly state funded) to equal or better than back home (private and pricy). You can purchase health insurance for cheap and it's the best you can do whilst living in the DR.
Whatever you do, never rent a place directly. Always use the services of a reputed agency in the DR (avoid international offers). Leases are contracts in the DR and they can sue you for that or milk you if not careful of what you rent.
As soon as you arrive in the DR open a bank account. Then another at any other bank. One account you'll use to keep the bulk of your funds from your transfer back home and the other for everyday spending. The one for everyday spending is bound to get hacked or cloned eventually. This will shield your money from anything and everything.
If it can be paid with plastic, then keep it like that. Try and keep cash in your pockets to the lesser amounts you can.
Don't get a pet in the DR during your test living. Not worth the pain for both you and the pet on the long run.
If you want to practice living in the DR before you get here, remove or give away all foods in your fridge that need constant refrigeration. If your range is electric this will be avan easier. Turn off the power in your unit and try living like that for 10 hours a day. While at home, that is. This is how many people opt to live instead of having 24/7 power via generators of inverters. Many expats do.
Just some things from the top of my head...