Dominican Republic Life for expats

Welcome. Does your wife or you speak Spanish? Do the kids? It is a huge plus if any of you do. Having family nearby is a blessing & will "grease the skids" so to speak. If you watch the news programs you will notice that bad news dominates always. Crime is overstated by the media & the disaffected everywhere in the world. Basic caution exercised anywhere is a normal way of life. To embark upon such a major change is never an easy challenge. however, it is an adventure that grows the spirit & gives a boost to personal growth.  Relish the opportunity before you. Again, welcome. go for it!

Welcome Keith. This topic is a hot one.

For me , single female here for over 14 years, live simple but smart and you wont have issues. Use all the precautions here that locals do.  I dont know much about la vega but i am sure there are better areas to live.

Part of Dominican life is next Saturdays (April 14th) ex-pat meet-up.  BUT, I don't know where or the time or what to expect. Does anyone else know?  Rather perplexing eh?

I understand a little spanish and can speak a little. My wife and 2 eldest boys can speak some spanish. Wife wishes to move to La Vega because her family lives there. As i know very little about the Dominican i have done some research but the violence covers over all what is good it seems.
My wife has spoken with her family and we are able to put the children into a private school where her family attends.
For me its all about getting along with the locals and blending in but i do have some fears about being accepted and obviously safety concerns.

Thankyou for your responses and i look forward to hearing from otherz in the group

Smile, always be polite, show respect to everyone . Use what Spanish you possess & learn more, have patience, never say , we do it this way back home. YOU ain't home, a sense of humor is essential to  become used to the Latin  culture & way of doing things.  You are way ahead of the game with family there to help guide you in the way of life here. The school is a major plus for your family.  One thing that expats can't seem to accept as a fact is that you can be here for 50 years & Never "FIT IN". We will forever be "Gringos". It does not ever rub off. we are blessed to be able to be welcomed  into Dominican life.  This is a wondrous thing to achieve.  Welcome to this glorious island.  Crime is vastly overplayed.  Just take normal care & you will be fine.

Wow