Are you planning to ditch the cold Canadian winters and move to the Caribbean? If so, the Dominican Republic is the place to be!
At Casa Linda, we provide luxury villas to ex-pats who want to make a new life in paradise. You’ll be ready to make the permanent switch and become a local once you experience the vibrant culture and tropical climate and relax with a drink on the soft, sandy beaches of Cabarete.
As you finalize your plans and prepare to settle in our beautiful island, we’ve listed a few essential tips for moving to the Dominican Republic from Canada. Keep reading to learn more!
Sort Your Documents
Before leaving your home country, it’s vital to ensure you have all the correct documents to verify your identity and eligibility to live abroad.
If your passport is expired, make sure to renew it before you leave! If you plan to live in the DR for an extended period (over 120 days), you’ll have to apply for a Resident Visa before taking off.
Other documents, such as your birth certificate, ID, and/or driver's license, are also essential to have at the ready. We recommend making copies of these documents for extra safety!
Get Your Health in Order
When moving abroad, you shouldn’t take any risks with your health! Before you travel, make sure that all your routine vaccinations are up-to-date and that you have a supply of any essential prescription medications.
Unlike in Canada, you will have to pay for healthcare services in the Dominican Republic. On average, affordable healthcare will cost around $1600/year for a couple living in the DR. Research the healthcare plans in your new area to see which best suits your needs!
Pick Up Some Spanish Phrases
Spanish is the official language of the DR, and learning a few key phrases will help you fully embrace the culture and community of this vibrant country!
You can take language classes online through YouTube, a courseware site, download a language learning app, or even use a phrase book.
You don’t have to become fluent—just learning a few key terms will make it much easier for you to communicate with locals, ask questions, and get around!
Familiarize Yourself with Local Etiquette
Canada's customs differ from the Dominican Republic in some ways, so it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the local etiquette. Knowing these differences will help you better adjust to your new surroundings, get along with others, and better embrace the culture of the DR!
While you finalize your move, look into the basic etiquette and social customs of the Dominican Republic. Some essential tips to remember include:
- Greeting people with a handshake and accepting a kiss on the cheek
- Addressing people with titles such as Senor (Mr.) and Senora (Mrs.)
- Give priority to elders on public transit and offer assistance (carrying groceries, helping across the street, etc.)
- Avoid discussing sensitive and controversial topics (politics, religion, etc.) and stick to light-hearted subjects (sports, food, music, etc.)
Buy a Casa Linda Villa and Become an Ex-Pat in the Dominican!
Are you prepared to take the leap and move to the Dominican Republic? At Casa Linda, we’re happy to welcome Canadian ex-pats, providing luxury villas and condos on the north coast of the Puerta Plato region.
If you’d like to purchase one of our beautiful villas and become a DR local, contact us to learn about our villa-buying process. We’re excited to make your dreams of paradise come true!
