Your First 30 Days: Getting Settled and Connected

So, you’ve made the big move. You’re in Dominican Republic. The bags are unpacked, the excitement is high, reality is setting, and there’s no turning back (I’m only kidding). Your first question should be, “how do you turn this new country from “vacation mode” into real life?” I wish I had of asked myself this question on day 1. It would have probably sped up the process of my actually getting adjusted to my new environment.

Because now I realize that the first 30 days are crucial. This is when you lay the foundation for your long-term success abroad. From setting up your essentials to building connections, here’s a checklist that I wish I had to help me navigate my first month like a pro. I want to share it with you (thank me later)

1. Get a Local SIM Card

Staying connected is non-negotiable. A local SIM card gives you instant access to data, local calls, and cheaper rates than using your home provider’s roaming plan.

• Research the top carriers (e.g., Claro, Altice, or Viva in the Dominican Republic).

• Buy a prepaid SIM at the airport or local shop. It’s usually quick and inexpensive.

• Set up WhatsApp (if you haven’t already) it’s the go-to messaging app here in Dominican Republic and most Latin Countries.

Pro Tip: Keep your U.S. number active with a low-cost plan like Google Voice for important bank texts or two-factor authentication or you can go the E-SIM route with companies like Saily and Airalo.

2. Open a Local Bank Account

Having a local bank account simplifies life whether it’s paying your rent, bills, or avoiding international fees. I wish I had done this process much earlier. Having a local bank account just made things much easier.

• Bring your passport, visa/residency papers, and proof of address (like a lease).

• Choose a bank that’s foreigner-friendly and offers online banking in English if possible. I personally use Banco Santa Cruz. I found them to be the easiest and with less red tape for foreigners.

• Use money transfer apps (Wise, Revolut, or Remitly) to send funds from your U.S. account at lower fees. I personally use Remitly to send money from my U.S. account to my Dominican account. The fees are very reasonable in my opinion.

Scenario: Instead of paying a $6 or more in international fee every time you withdraw cash from the ATM, you can transfer larger amounts once and manage locally saving hundreds per year.

3. Secure a Temporary Home Base

Don’t feel pressured to sign a long-term lease right away. Give yourself space to explore neighborhoods and decide where you truly want to live. This what we did. We stayed in an Airbnb for about 2 months before we figured out where we wanted to live. We did one month in Punta Cana where we thought we wanted to live and realized, meeehhh we didn’t like it…lol (too touristy). Then we did one month in Santo Domingo in the Gazcue area because this is the area I was most familiar with as a frequent traveler to Santo Domingo because of it proximity to popular tourist attractions and hotel chains. Ultimately we ended up in Naco because we were able to move around within that month to see where we wanted to be. So I recommend:

• Start with an Airbnb or short-term rental for the first month or two.

• Visit areas in person before committing. What looks nice online may feel totally different on the ground.

• Ask locals and expats which neighborhoods fit your lifestyle (quiet, family-friendly, walkable, nightlife, etc.).

Pro Tip: In cities like Santo Domingo, you may want to explore Piantini, Naco, Bella Vista, Evaristo Morales, and La Esperilla before locking in your spot.

4. Learn the Local Transportation System

Transportation will shape your daily life more than you think. Since we had a car this one was not as important for me to learn. But having lived here back in 2015 for a year, I was familiar with the transportation system a little. This was pre-Uber in Dominican Republic. But if I didn’t have a car this is what I recommend:

• Try buses, metros, or taxis to see what’s efficient and safe.

• Download ride-hailing apps (like Uber or InDriver). They’re often cheaper than back home. I prefer Uber (ride share). With InDriver you get to name your price for the trip. Keep in mind the driver still has to be willing to accept it so don’t go too low..lol!

• If you’re considering buying or renting a car, research insurance, traffic rules (are there any), and parking challenges first.

Scenario: In Santo Domingo, many expats find Uber the easiest option for the first few months while they learn the city’s layout. And some have made the decision driving is too much especially here in the city and prefer to Uber their way around.

5. Build Your Community Early

Loneliness is one of the biggest challenges expats face but it’s avoidable if you connect quickly. I’ve seen this over and over. This wasn’t too big of an issue with me because I had my wife’s family, however on the flip side you sometime want to have a piece of your own culture, mainly the language. Those you can speak to in your own language. The first 6 months to a year this was my world. There weren’t many expats that I knew who were here. But what made it easier for me was, my wife being a Content Creator there was always someone flying into town to meet her (at the time I wasn’t on YouTube) so I would get that opportunity to connect with people from my culture from time to time. But many of you aren’t Content Creators nor do you have Dominican wives or husbands (not for now at least (-:) So do this:

• Join Facebook expat groups or local WhatsApp communities. But be careful in some of these spaces they are known to be toxic at times so choose these communities carefully.

• Attend language exchanges, coworking meetups, or cultural classes (dance, cooking, etc.). I did dance and cooking, enjoyed them both.

• Introduce yourself to neighbors and the owners/workers at the local colmado. These small connections add up.

Pro Tip: Say “yes” to invitations, even if you’re tired or nervous. Your first friendships often form in these early moments. This one simple action changed my experience here and that saying “yes” in the beginning. I wanted and need to understand this culture that I decided to spend my life in. But let me tell you, now I have to say “no” sometimes because Dominicans always have something for you to do.

6. Figure Out Daily Essentials

Small things will make your life smoother:

• Learn where the nearest grocery store, pharmacy, and hospital/clinic are.

• Find a gym, yoga studio, parks, or activity that keeps you grounded.

• Identify services like cleaners, delivery apps, and laundry.

These things make you feel local and connected. This is what shifts you from “visitor” to “resident.”

Final Thought

The first month abroad is less about perfection and more about building your foundation. With the right systems in place, phone, banking, housing, transportation, and community you’ll feel grounded and confident.

Remember: the goal isn’t to figure it all out at once. It’s to create enough stability so you can start enjoying the adventure of your new life.

Until then,
🌴 Live Your Best Life
Jay