6 Pros & Cons: Retiring in the Dominican Republic as an Expat
Do you and your family still reminisce about that unforgettable Caribbean vacation you took all those years ago? Those magical experiences don’t need to remain memories! As you approach the golden years of retirement, why not make those memories a reality and retire in the tropical paradise of Sosúa, Dominican Republic?
If you are on the fence about relocating to the Dominican, Casa Linda has pulled together a comprehensive pros and cons list about life on the island. Keep reading to find out more!
Pro: Cost of Living
Your money will go further in the Dominican Republic than back home in the United States or Canada. You’re probably wondering: how is it cheaper to retire in a tropical paradise and live a life of luxury without breaking the bank? Well, the truth is your US dollar will go much further in the Caribbean than back home.
Everything is more affordable on the island. Whether purchasing a Casa Linda property or going out to eat and shop around town, life in Dominican paradise is a much more cost-effective way to retire.
Con: Hurry Up & Wait
Unlike the fast-paced North American environment, life in the Dominican Republic is tranquil. You will soon realize that time moves differently on the island. There’s no reason to hurry and stress. This can be a culture shock for many North Americans who are used to a go-go-go lifestyle.
What is retirement for, if not to put your feet up and enjoy life at your own pace? Don’t be surprised when things take longer than expected here in the Dominican.
Pro: Delicious Food
Food is a vital part of Dominican culture; if there’s anything you can count on about the Dominican Republic, it’s eating delicious food. We have lush tropical fruits and starchy vegetables naturally grown on the island.
We love to give huge portion sizes because you need to keep your energy up under the hot sun! Dominican food is all-natural, deliciously seasoned, and grown without steroids. Our food’s freshness and quality far surpass that found in North America.
Con: Driving
You will likely experience culture shock in many ways when moving to the Dominican, but driving is undoubtedly the most surprising. While there are rules to the road, Dominican drivers are different from North Americans!
Drivers have to compete with motorcyclists flying down the roads, pedestrians crossing the road wherever they want, pothole-filled rural roads, and so much more! Driving in the DR is a defensive activity; if you aren’t confident behind the wheel, leave it to the locals!
However, Casa Linda offers a complimentary shuttle bus service to Sosua and Cabarete several times daily, seven days a week. If you want to pop into town, we’ve got you covered.
Pro: Friendly People
If you are from Canada, you know the stereotype that all Canadians are so kind all the time! Dominicans are just as friendly and welcoming, if not more, than Canadians! That is especially true in the Casa Linda community, where a steady population of expats has grown over the past 40 years.
Community is everything in the Dominican, and you will be shocked at how quickly you’re welcomed into your new community. Strangers are willing to lend a helping hand, business owners love to chat with their customers, and friends are easily made around the bar, sipping ice-cold cervezas.
Con: Language Barrier
Learning basic Spanish should become a priority if you are considering permanently retiring in the Dominican Republic and plan to live on the island year-round. While most locals do speak English, you should at least have a few Spanish phrases in your back pocket.
Learning Spanish is a sign of respect to the locals, especially if you plan on living at Casa Linda full-time. You can get by with limited Spanish; learn how to talk to service providers like servers, gardeners, shop owners, etc.
Embrace the Trainquilo Lifestyle
Ready to learn more about investing in a modern luxury villa in the Dominican Republic? Contact Casa Linda today!
