Practical Life in the Dominican Republic

Banking as a Retiree

Opening a bank account is essential and straightforward, especially with a residency visa. Major banks like Popular, BHD, and Scotiabank are foreigner-friendly and offer accounts in both USD and Dominican Pesos (DOP).

What you'll typically need:

Valid Passport & Residency Card/Visa
Proof of Income (e.g., your pension statement)
Local Address Verification (like a utility bill)

Expat Tip: Use online banking and ACH transfers for safe and convenient money management from home.

Utilities, Internet & Mobile

Setting up your home services is a key step. Here’s what to expect from the main providers.

Electricity: Be mindful of A/C usage in hot months, as it can significantly increase your bill, potentially exceeding $150 USD/month.
Internet: Reliable fiber plans from providers like Claro and Altice offer speeds from 50-300 Mbps for around $50-$70 USD/month.
Mobile Phone: Claro offers the best nationwide coverage. Many expats start with a prepaid SIM and switch to a postpaid plan for better rates.

Expat Tip: Bundle your internet and cable TV services with the same provider to get a better deal.

Driving, Transport & Cars

While driving can be an adjustment, it offers the freedom to explore. Your foreign license is valid for 90 days, after which obtaining a Dominican license is easy with residency.

Car Importation: This is very expensive due to high taxes. Most expats find it more economical to buy a quality used car locally.
Public Transport: While "guaguas" (minibuses) are common, Uber is a safer and more comfortable option in major cities and tourist areas.

Expat Tip: In walkable towns like Las Terrenas or parts of Punta Cana, you may find you don't need a car for daily life.

Shopping & Daily Life

You'll find all the modern conveniences you need, from large supermarkets to charming local markets.

Top Supermarkets: Chains like Nacional, Jumbo, and Super Pola stock both local and imported goods.
Local Markets: Discover weekly organic and farmers' markets for the freshest produce, artisan goods, and delicious Dominican coffee.
Everyday Tips: Learning a few basic Spanish phrases will make your daily interactions smoother and more enjoyable.

Expat Tip: For the best seafood, buy your fish directly from the local fishermen's co-ops on the beach in the morning.

Safety & Paperwork

Living with peace of mind is a top priority. Most expats choose to live in gated communities which offer 24/7 security, controlled access, and well-maintained infrastructure.

Gated Communities: Popular options include Cap Cana, Casa Linda, and Sosúa Ocean Village, among many others.
Bureaucracy: Be prepared for paperwork and waiting times. Patience is key when dealing with official processes.

Expat Tip: Hire a "gestor" (a local expert who handles paperwork) to manage government processes for you. It's a small investment that saves a lot of time and stress.