advice on moving to Punta Cana
Thought I would give you 24 hours before answering your post....giving you time to learn your lesson according to the "forum police" haha (Quite frankly, most Dominicans dont care what you call it as long as you bring your Euros with you!! Politically correct is not a way of life here)
There are only 3 reasons I can think of, at the moment, for moving here...you have a very good job offer (with a pre-signed contract) 2) you have lots of money, are prepared to spend it,and just want to enjoy the Caribbean 3) you have met some of the local guys, had a good time,and think you died and went to heaven..if that is the case, you SERIOUSLY need to read the forum on relationships further down the board...Having said that....
Punta Cana is not cheap and everything is based on the U.S.dollar...nobody wants pesos...if you dont have dollars..they take the pesos on the rate of exchange for that day(unless the rate of exchange for "them" is better the day before)....nothing new about that...
If you are smart, you will stay in a gated community with good (hmmm) security.. a furnished apartment will cost you anywhere from $400 to $800 U.S per month , not counting electricity ..use that frequently..add another 100-150 (yes, dollars) per month....cable is usually included...maid...another $100 per month...by the way, for that kind of money dont expect everything to be in ship-shape condition..it takes ages for things to be repaired if ever.....you can opt for less expensive areas, not much security, and if you have chosen #3 from above, thats where you will end up....a friend of mine, trying to cut corners lives in one of those areas, with security...However, ironically, last week ....the security guard shot the owner 5 times ...along with shooting his 72 year old mother in the leg...he was dead before he got to the hospital...strangest thing..the hospital diagnosed him with lead poisoning!!!
(You did ask for advice on medical facilities!!!!)...All kidding aside, it was a tragedy..
Next, transportation..........taxis are expensive, motor scooters are dangerous with all of these buses and mac trucks involved with the new construction ....so, if you dont buy a car because you are on a budget you will need to stoop to motoconchos...once again if you have chosen #3..thats what you will end up doing.......Now, after all that...you have not even had your first Presidente!!!!.....NOTHING is cheap here including food and booze................if you are living it up..that will cost you as much as your rent if not more!! Once again, if you have chosen #3 double that!
My personal opinion......if it is sun you are looking for,go to the Canaries, or Costa del Sol..its cheaper and closer to home....but if you are still hell-bent on moving here ..drop me a line when you get in town and say Hi