The Dominican Republic: Easy Caribbean Living
The beaches in the Dominican Republic are long expanses of fine white sand that stretch out along the coast. The blue-green waters are excellent for diving, swimming, surfing, and wind surfing.
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Fast Facts
Population: 9,956,648 (July 2011 est.)
Capital City: Santo Domingo
Climate: Tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation; seasonal variation in rainfall
Time Zone: GMT-4
Dominican Republic Articles
What I Found on This Beach in the Dominican RepublicPosted on February 6, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
Brilliant bright white sand reflects the warm early afternoon sunshine. Fresh breezes mean it’s pleasant to eat outside. On a peninsula like this you can rely on these breezes almost year round. The water is flat, clear and turquoise. The sand a rich tan. If you have preconceptions about the Dominican Republic, put them to one side.
The Dominican Republic Scouting Trip, Part 1Posted on January 28, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
Santo Domingo is the capital city of the Dominican Republic and one of the largest cities in Latin America. I haven’t explored it yet. That will have to wait until the tail end of my scouting trip. Pulling out of the airport…across the bay her skyline glimmers. I’m most interested in the restored colonial center. Museums, restaurants and short-term rental market. My 11-day scouting trip will end in Santo Domingo.
Caribbean Island OpportunityPosted on January 27, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
White-sand beaches. Turquoise waters. Coconut palms. Brightly colored beachfront pizzerias. And hopefully a big opportunity for us… My bags are packed. I’m heading to the Dominican Republic (DR).
How to Escape The UndertowPosted on January 19, 2012 by anon
What Life Overseas Really Looks Like…
Skeptics inquire: Are the opportunities overseas really as great as we at IL portray them to be? The short answer is “yes.” But don’t take my word for it… Listen, instead, to the many firsthand stories we’ve collected in this month’s issue—on-the-ground reports from folks who decided to answer the question for themselves…at the beach…in the hills…in cities…or on islands…
The D.R. Wants U.S. EntrepreneursPosted on January 19, 2012 by anon
If you’re an entrepreneur abroad, the key to your success is flexibility. If you have an open mind and a keen eye for opportunities and unmet needs, you’ll find your market niche. Just consider the variety of opportunities I uncovered in the Dominican Republic…
- Beaches, Caves, and Cane Fields: Five Surprises of the Caribbean DR
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Lindsay de Feliz
Only a two-hour flight from the U.S. and home to 1,015 miles of Caribbean …
- The Best-Value Real Estate
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Robert Carry
Ecuador, Scored 97/100 Ecuador topped the real estate category in this year’s Retirement Index—and …
Where to Look in the Year Ahead for the Best Property DealsPosted on November 9, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
Greetings from Quito, Ecuador. In a few moments, I leave for the north coast. This is Ecuador’s nicest stretch of coast. We have the opportunity to buy lots here with monthly payments of $500 or less. Because of the new highway we’ll reach the coast by 9.30 a.m. or so. In time for morning ceviche on the beach.
I’m looking forward to seeing the improvements in the coastal highway that runs south to Canoa since I last visited. I’ll send you my full report soon on the infrastructure developments and improvements at the Jama Campay project.
In fact, while the year is winding down…my travel schedule and deal pipeline is filling up. These are exciting times.
Where to Start a Business Abroad: Our 7 Top Picks for the Year AheadPosted on October 27, 2011 by International Living
It might be a palapa bar on a white-sand beach, deep-sea fishing tours, a restaurant, a surf shop, importing t-bone steaks, teaching English, making cheese, exporting art work…Whatever your idea, there’s a place overseas where you can make it a profitable reality. But readers ask us all the time: Where is best? That’s why we’ve put together International Living’s first-ever Business Index.
Property Picks: Dive Destination HomesPosted on October 27, 2011 by International Living
In this month’s Property Picks, we’re highlighting properties next to some of the world’s best dive destinations.
How to Buy a Beach Bargain in the Dominican RepublicPosted on October 22, 2011 by Margaret Summerfield
I have a couple of friends who would be the typical tourists who visit the Dominican Republic. They head to Punta Cana each winter to escape the cold and rainy weather back home.
Business Index 2011…What Our Experts Say…Posted on October 21, 2011 by Robert Carry
To evaluate our seven countries for our Business Index 2011 we consulted seasoned entrepreneurs who’ve made the move and learned the ropes, as well as worked through in-country attorneys. We asked them about visa requirements, financing, and how easy it was to set up a bank account. They told us about local taxes, business expenses, infrastructure and the local culture for doing business, Here is what they had to say…
Thinking of a Business Overseas? Here’s What the World NeedsPosted on October 21, 2011 by Robert Carry
For International Living’s first ever Business Index we asked our in-country correspondents and a host of expat entrepreneurs what opportunities they see around them in their new homes. These gaps in the market include everything from small guesthouses to dog grooming services… read on to spot your opportunity.
Caribbean Beach Bargains in the Dominican RepublicPosted on October 17, 2011 by Len Galvin
Columbus landed in the Dominican Republic in 1492—the same year he “discovered” some of the other Caribbean islands. Like those other islands, the Dominican Republic is ringed by white sand beaches and coconut palms. Unspoiled towns boast stone churches and candy-colored home facades.
Dominican Republic: Caribbean Island Life on $66 a DayPosted on October 1, 2011 by Yana Beranek
With some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, friendly locals, and a buzzing international expat community, the lifestyle we have in the Dominican Republic is incredible at the price. Our monthly budget is $2,000 (that’s $66 a day). It includes renting a luxury apartment, a maid, heath care…everything. And you could live here for even less.
Your IL Magazine – 5 Must-Read Stories This MonthPosted on October 1, 2011 by Eoin Bassett
“First-World infrastructure, an honest culture, a beach-strewn coast, and a heartland of small cities and towns with cobblestone streets and historic stone homes… a place where gauchos still tend their herds on the rolling pampas, as they have for centuries…”
In this month’s issue of International Living Lee Harrison takes us on a tour of Uruguay, a 21st-century safe haven, a place where you can live beachside for $1,424 a month, and where expats are now arriving in record numbers… Find out what he’s learned living in the “Europe of South America” on page 18 of your issue.
How a Couple Can Live the Caribbean Island Dream for $66 a DayPosted on September 16, 2011 by Yana Beranek
With some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, friendly locals, and a buzzing international expat community, the lifestyle we have in the Dominican Republic is incredible at the price. And you could live here for even less.
Nine Santiago Secrets from a Dominican Republic ExpatPosted on July 20, 2011 by Yana Beranek
Surrounded by a ring of mountains in the lush Cibao Valley, Santiago makes the ideal staging point for a visit to the Dominican Republic.
A Fun Nine-to-Five Job in the Dominican RepublicPosted on July 12, 2011 by Yana Beranek
Horseback treks to waterfalls, whale watching boat trips, ATV expeditions to the beach…high points of any vacation. For Terry Bandi, however, this is the nine-to-five.
One Expat’s Success Story in Samaná, Dominican RepublicPosted on June 20, 2011 by Yana Beranek
Whether it’s the action-filled fun of ATV excursions to remote beaches or horse-back riding to towering waterfalls, Terry Bandi enjoys running his business on the Samaná Peninsula in the Dominican Republic. His enthusiasm for life here is contagious as he explains local customs and points out things of interest all around.
Don’t Overlook the Dominican Republic: a Caribbean GemPosted on December 30, 2010 by Margaret Summerfield
The lemon-yellow beachside bar serves up fresh-grilled fish and ice-cold beer to the strains of merengue. From my perch there, I can see where the deep-blue sky meets the sun-dappled ocean.
GlobetrotterPosted on February 2, 2010 by International Living
Discover the easiest way to get to Latin America and learn about Thai Airways unique program that focuses on Asia’s world famous pilgrimage sites
From the Caribbean to the Greek Isles: Your dream beach hideaway awaitsPosted on September 25, 2008 by International Living
Discover your dream beach hideaway with International Living…
Get Your Piece of Undervalued Caribbean…Before Prices RisePosted on January 16, 2008 by International Living
The Dominican Republic is one of the most undervalued Caribbean destinations. And although the Samana Peninsula isn’t the cheapest area in the Dominican Republic, recent economic progress suggests this hidden gem may be one of the best locations for investors looking for real estate.
Who Else Wants a $70,000 Home in the Caribbean?Posted on October 9, 2007 by International Living
With prices so low for a view like this…does it really matter if the lights go out once in a while?
There is no one-place-fits-all paradise, no one destination that is perfect for everyone reading this…but the Dominican Republic comes pretty close.
Tropical coasts, Caribbean bliss, and colonial grandeurPosted on August 22, 2007 by International Living
Look to countries in the Americas for this month’s three emerging markets
Buying your own piece of paradise…it’s easy in the DRPosted on May 23, 2007 by International Living
The Dominican Republic is one of the only places I have visited where you have to pay for your tourist visa. You stand in a line with other foreigners, pay $10 for your visa, and then stand in another line for immigration.
World-class beaches, signature golf courses, and affordable property: this Caribbean frontier is poised to boomPosted on May 22, 2007 by Suzan Haskins
In 1492, when Columbus spotted the coral-rimmed island he later named Hispaniola, he proclaimed, “This is the fairest land under Heaven.” I have to agree. Home to the highest mountain range in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic—which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti—offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Columbus’ journal is full of descriptions of how beautiful the island paradise was. But he wasn’t looking for verdant valleys or turquoise waters and palm-lined beaches. He was on a mission to find gold.
World-class beaches, signature golf courses, and affordable property: this Caribbean frontier is poised to boomPosted on May 22, 2007 by Suzan Haskins
In 1492, when Columbus spotted the coral-rimmed island he later named Hispaniola, he proclaimed, “This is the fairest land under Heaven.” I have to agree. Home to the highest mountain range in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic-which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti-offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Columbus’s journal is full of descriptions of this beautiful island paradise. But Columbus wasn’t looking for verdant valleys or turquoise waters and palm-lined beaches. He was on a mission to find gold.
My Favorite Caribbean HideawayPosted on May 9, 2007 by International Living
On the north coast of the Dominican Republic–at the Atlantic side of the Samana Peninsula–sits the quaint little beach resort of Las Terrenas. Up until 1988, this was nothing more than a typical Dominican fishing village. Then the first European moved in… followed by another…and another. With its beautiful beaches, mouth-watering bakeries, and top-class restaurants, it’s no surprise that, today, Las Terrenas is a favorite hideaway among the French, Germans, English, and Italians. And yet, the typical Dominican town feel remains strong.
Searching for Undiscovered Caribbean in a Little Yellow HelicopterPosted on May 9, 2007 by Suzan Haskins
The little canary-yellow helicopter looked like a wind-up toy or a carnival ride. It had no doors or side windows, and its capacity was but four people…including the pilot…who delighted in taking his flying machine as low as he could.
"The Fairest Land Under Heaven…"Posted on May 9, 2007 by Suzan Haskins
When Columbus spotted the coral-rimmed Dominican Republic, he proclaimed, “This is the fairest land under Heaven.” We have to agree. The Dominican Republic is home to the highest mountain range in the entire Caribbean and offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Yet it may be the least-expensive island in the Caribbean when it comes to real estate and cost of living.
Calling All Caribbean EntrepreneursPosted on May 9, 2007 by Suzan Haskins
On the Dominican Republic’s southeastern shore, Punta Cana is the area of the island that is most rapidly developing.
Five years ago, with Bávaro Beach at its heart, Punta Cana was a deserted paradise–overgrown tropical vegetation kissing up against baby-powder-soft white-sand beaches. Today, large hotel complexes line those beaches and the tropical vegetation has been immaculately groomed into “civilized” gardens and walking paths. Some of the newest designer golf courses in the Caribbean are here, too. Around them and their anchor hotels, elite gated communities have sprouted.
The World According To International Living—25 Places To Watch In 2005Posted on May 1, 2005 by International Living
The world according to International Living: Where should you be thinking about spending your time and your money right now? Following are the top 25 places on our radar screen:
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