Santo Domingo Travel Forum

Does anyone know how the rules apply for foreigners( I am a brit and a US passport holder) staying indefinitely in the D R? Health -wise- would we get any treatment if not insured?( I heard health care is free). I go often to the DR on vacation, but now would like to spend time there helping orphan kids or adults to learn English or something, or build homes, or whatever if somethign goes south with my job here. I am single so I can move on. But at 48 I'm thinking maybe I can give back a little..............

First, let me congratulate you for your interest in giving back :-) very nice of you.

You'll get any treatment, insured or not, but then be aware that people without insurance pays more for treatment than those with insurance.

What I'd suggest is that you guys rent for a while and study the "terrain" of Santo Domingo before purchasing any property. Once you've settled in and know that you wanna stay there for a long period, then become a resident (first you get a temporary residency and then a permanent one). After you become a resident, get a cédula (Dominican ID cards) and with that then get a health care insurance that will help you IF you need it.

Furthermore, with a residency permit you get the same treatment as us locals (and also the same duties, but you don't get to vote in our elections).

If you don't wanna become a resident, then make sure you have $$$$$ in case anything bad happens (which I hope it doesn't happen). You could have an account with an ATM card ONLY for transferring money, so that you can go to an ATM and withdraw it whenever needed (and then it's empty when you don't need it and avoid surprises). This is what we use when we visit.

just stay as long as you like. i know guys living here 22 y without residency. you'll need to pay a fine whenever you go out of the country, but that's not too bad, just puts money in the pockets of the airport workers... just pay attention they aren't over-zealous and don't over charge you!

healthwise, humana insurance or the best and most expensive one: Universal. you'll find office in ocean dream building in cabarete. they have cover for about 60us$/mo maybe less maybe more for your age/sex and if paid upfront for 1y, 6mo or 4mo.

good luck

That fine at the airport: there should be signs saying how much, but if not then they're here: http://www.migracion.gov.do/tarifas/vextranjeria.htm (in Spanish and the prices are in Dominican pesos).

many many thanks

thanks so so much

If I may, when are you thinking of going down there? And how's your Spanish?

I go there a lot. I have a friend in La caleta outside of Santo Domingo. Regreso el mayo paro solo pasare poco tiempo en Santo Domingo- voy a ver Constanza esta vez....