Santo Domingo, the bustling capital of the Dominican Republic, offers a vibrant mix of Caribbean culture, warm weather, and economic growth that continues to attract international assignees and expatriates. In February, I had the opportunity to visit the city as part of research trip, where I collect cost-of-lliving data and firsthand insights on the realities of expat life around the world.
While the city boasts rich experiences and welcoming people, I discovered that relocating here—particularly for those on international assignments—comes with its own set of challenges that global mobility managers should be aware of.
While evaluating living conditions for expatriates, I met with Susana Acra, CEO of Acra Relocation, who provided insights into the expat rental market in Santo Domingo.
Many expatriates arrive expecting to find houses in gated communities, but such options are limited. Most expats end up living in apartments, often without ocean views—despite the city’s location along the Caribbean Sea.
Susana also pointed out several additional housing considerations:
Electricity costs are high, and power outages are common. Many apartment buildings are equipped with private generators to ensure continuous electricity.
Real estate listings can be unreliable. Properties are frequently shared among multiple agents, and listings are not updated in real time. In many cases, agents won’t reveal exact property locations until an in-person visit is scheduled.
For global mobility teams, these insights highlight the importance of working with local destination service providers to ensure a smoother housing experience for assignees.
Public transportation in Santo Domingo is often inefficient and lacks the reliability expatriates are accustomed to. Many expats opt to:
Own or lease a vehicle for day-to-day transportation.
Use Uber, which is safer and more reliable than traditional street taxis.
Susana emphasized that while traffic congestion is frequent, the city is relatively compact. “You can cross from one side to the other in 50 minutes with traffic—or just 10 minutes without it,” she shared.
Mobility professionals should help assignees understand commuting expectations and may want to consider offering transportation stipends or rental car services.
While Santo Domingo is generally welcoming and hospitable, safety is still a consideration for relocating assignees:
Petty theft can occur, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
Assignees should avoid walking alone at night or in unfamiliar areas.
Employers should provide safety guidance and emergency support as part of their relocation packages.
A thoughtful security orientation can help assignees feel confident and prepared for their move.
Despite the logistical challenges, Santo Domingo offers a rich lifestyle and quality of life that many expatriates enjoy:
“The sky is always blue, and the weather is pleasant all year round,” Susana said. “There are countless beaches, mountains, lakes, rivers, and entertainment options nearby. The city hosts concerts, operas, musicals, art exhibits, and theater shows throughout the year. Quality goods and products in grocery stores and shopping malls are available.”
As an AIRINC researcher, I not only collect economic data—I also experience daily life in the cities we survey. Santo Domingo was no exception. I was warmly welcomed by locals, and one highlight was trying Mama Juana, a homemade local drink with variations in every household. I even took an Uber with a karaoke machine—singing Adele while in traffic was an unexpected and memorable treat.
Shopping malls are abundant and feature diverse restaurants. One standout meal was seafood pasta at a restaurant tucked inside a cave—a perfect blend of culinary adventure and local charm.