Move To The Dominican Republic

Once you have made the decision to move permanently, deciding what household goods to bring the Dominican Republic and what to purchase in-country is the next step.

Things to be considered include whether or not you can import the items duty-free, whether they can be serviced locally and whether they are even necessary given the local circumstances (space heaters, for example, are obviously not something you will need in the tropics).

The electric current in Santo Domingo is the same as in the United States, 110-120 volts. Plugs are also the same two-prong outlets as in the North America.

Rented homes generally do not come with major appliances such as washing machines, dryers, refrigerators or even ovens.

Newcomers are advised to seriously consider leaving those big items at home and buying locally.

Purchasing such items locally will allow for easy and convenient servicing should that become necessary, and any guarantees on items bought abroad will probably not apply in the Dominican Republic.

Gas ranges that can be used during the frequent power outages are preferably to electric ones.

Air conditioners are expensive on the local market, and standing and ceilings fans are helpful to keep air circulating and the bugs at bay.

A dehumidifier is also useful given that high humidity is a constant in life in the Dominican Republic.

Surge protectors and UPS (uninterrupted Power Supplies) are highly advisable for sensitive electronic equipment, not only to give you time to save work on a computer when the power fails suddenly, but also to protect from surges that can damage the items.

Also consider bringing tools, as they are very expensive locally. Consider rechargables that can be kept plugged in and used even when there is no power.

Flashlights that remain plugged in are also useful, not only because they are always fully powered but because you always know where to find them — even in the dark.

New residents are allowed to bring in used household goods duty-free once they have official residency.