What No One Tells Americans About Living in the Dominican Republic

#1: Patience is Key

Dominicans are known for their relaxed, welcoming way of life. In fact, this tranquilo lifestyle (meaning to slow down and not worry) is what initially draws many Americans to living in the Dominican Republic! The tranquilo way of life has deep roots in Latin American culture. From siestas (afternoon naps) after lunch to spontaneous Bachata dances in the evenings, this slower rhythm of life is one of the most beloved in the Dominican Republic.

That’s not to say that everything must always be left to mañana, but this laid-back rhythm can take time for some expats.

#2: You Don’t Need to Drive Everywhere

Driving is often one of the biggest culture shocks to Americans living in the Dominican Republic. While Dominicans do drive on the right-hand side of the road, the flow of traffic can be challenging for expats to get used to. It’s not uncommon for intersections to be directed by cars, motorcycles, and minibusses weaving in and out of traffic instead of hard rules.

Americans, on the other hand, are usually more accustomed to a strict traffic flow. Fortunately, there are many different yet viable means of getting around. Many areas of the Dominican Republic are walkable, and taxis and buses are widely available. Some expat communities even provide complimentary shuttles to popular destinations.

#3: Spanish Becomes Much Easier to Learn

One of the best ways to learn any language is by immersing yourself in the culture. Practice makes perfect, and there’s no better way to do so than by conversing with locals! Dominicans are warm and welcoming, and they love to see newcomers learn their language. Skip the app, and practice instead by ordering lunch en español at the local comedor (a neighborhood, family-restaurant)!

#4: Expect High Quality Healthcare with Low Costs

One of the many things that attracts expats to the Dominican Republic is the low cost of living. After all, who can say no to a tropical paradise without the costly price tag? But many Americans living in the Dominican Republic are still sometimes surprised by just how affordable essential healthcare services are.

In the United States, the average price of health insurance (without contributions or credits) for a 30-year-old couple is $1,075. But as you age, this cost is generally expected to increase substantially—rising to over $1,200 for individuals over 60 years old. Fortunately, expats in the Dominican Republic can enjoy a robust, high-quality healthcare system at a fraction of the cost. Here, health insurance for couples can cost as little as $1,600 annually and includes checkups, hospital stays, medications, and more (depending on your plan).

#6: Close-Knit Communities Are the Norm

Towns in the Dominican Republic’s north coast are known for their strong, tight-knit expat communities. Cabarete has a comfortable population of around 16,000, giving it a warm, welcoming vibe. Here, you’ll find a large community of expats from all over the world, including Americans, Canadians, and Europeans. While this can be a definite change of pace for those used to city life, the sense of community is hard to match!

Expat communities often organize outings and events, from samba dancing nights at local restaurants to beach excursions!