Retirement in the Dominican Republic?

Question

I'm UK citizen. Age 61. No family or dependants.

Took early retirement in the UK. looking to retire in the Dominican Republic.

Any advice appreciated.

Ian M

Answer 1

Hello Dear Ian !,

First congratulations with your retirement.

To advise you in the best way is very difficult because to do this I need first to know what do you want ? What are you looking for ? So dear Ian, I suggest that you take contact with

me on my private mail, and there you are more "private" to tell me your dreams and needs. In any way don't worry this is paradise if you handle it well from the beginning.

Happy to help you : [e-mail]

Happy Feet

Answer 2

As a Dominican woman I must say that Puerto Plata is not "heaven" but the closed to it. So if you want to retire in

this country, I would suggest to take first a vacation (2/3 weeks minimum) to see and discover the area where you want to stay and then with the help of serious people (like Happy Feet) you can settle down.

Answer 3

Dude, go to the Philippines instead.  The country has a broader economy, everyone speaks English, MUCH lower cost of living, very little crime (in the DR you WILL need bars on the windows), The beaches are more pletiful and nicer, the beer is better (cheaper), the list goes on ....

The only real disadvantage is that the flight to the UK is 4 hours longer - but if you only do that once or twice a year who cares!

Answer 4

I know that there are tons of Europeans living in my country. The life is cheap and comfortable, not to mention how beautiful it is.  You can go ogle something like "moving to the Dominican Republic" and you will find tons of answers. It will explain the transition process and give you a very good idea of what to expect when living there. Have you been there for a long period of time? maybe for a few months at least? I you haven't, I strongly suggest you you do. Good luck.

Answer 5

if you have enough money to buy a house u should think about moving to sosua it's a turist town close to the sea and english is spoken widely, or a gated community in a suburban area of the island

Answer 6

I am a Brit. who has been happily living in Puerto Plata since 1992. Visit the DR a few times, initially staying in a hotel, then in an apartment to get more of a feel of the living experience as opposed to the tourist experience. Rent don't buy property to start with. Chat with experienced expats. The DR has changed a lot in the last 15 years but the good still outweighs the bad. And amongst the good I count the Dominican people whose irrepressible optimism, indomitable spirit and generosity of soul has led to a kinder, less abrasive, more humane...........me. I mean that sincerely - it even features in the acknowledgements of a book I wrote about moving to the DR.

The DR isn't for everyone and you do need your streetsmarts. But if you're the sort of person who defines challenges as 'opportunities' not 'problems' then it may be for you. Those opportunities are a terrific way to keep aging at bay (I'm nearly 65, I know whereof I speak). Finally, if you want to volunteer to help out there's lots to do and you really CAN make a difference. Not bad for the golden years, eh? Retirement with a purpose.

Answer 7

Stay away from your fellow Brits answering you here.  They will make a commission on everything they "HELP" you out with and make a cottage industry out of you.

This place is great.  Great weather, women, food and so much more.  

You have all the property rights of a Dominican unlike the other country mentioned.