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The Expat Life
Blog
Real talk on moving abroad, building relationships, and making peace with island life one story at a time.

Dominican Republic
Explore the real Dominican Republic beyond the resorts 🇩🇴 — from hidden beaches and local food to everyday life and culture. We share experiences, travel tips, and stories that help you see the island through both local and expat eyes.
#dominicanrepublic #jerrysheilaislandliving #jerryandsheilaislandliving #jerryandsheila


The REAL Cost of Living in Santo Domingo 🇩🇴 (2025 Guide for Expats & Long-Term Travelers)
A real look at daily life and monthly expenses in Santo Domingo — from housing and utilities to food, transportation, and lifestyle costs. Moving to the Dominican Republic — or even staying long-term — can feel like a dream. Sunshine, culture, good food, good people, and a slower pace of life. But let’s talk facts: Santo Domingo is NOT the cheapest city in the Caribbean. If you’re thinking about relocating, retiring, or staying for a few months, here’s a realistic breakdown
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Nov 18, 20253 min read


How to Start an Airbnb in the Dominican Republic (Beginner’s Guide)
By Jerry & Sheila Island Living Starting an Airbnb in the Dominican Republic comes with requirements, challenges, and opportunities most new hosts don’t expect. The Dominican Republic has become one of the hottest destinations for travelers—and one of the most attractive places for Airbnb investors. With millions of visitors every year, sunshine year-round, and a growing expat community, it’s easy to understand the hype. But here’s the truth most people don’t hear until it’s
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Nov 17, 20254 min read


From Soldier to Santo Domingo 🇩🇴 | My First Year as a Veteran Living in the Dominican Republic
When Jerry retired from the U.S. Army, he never expected his next mission would lead him to Santo Domingo 🇩🇴. Together with his wife Sheila, they built a life and brand from scratch — inspiring others to live with peace, purpose, and patience through Island Reset Mode.
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Oct 20, 20254 min read


Building Real Relationships in the Dominican Republic 🇩🇴 | Expat Lessons
English Version When you move or travel to the Dominican Republic, relationships quickly become one of the biggest parts of your experience. For many expats, the question isn’t just about finding love. .. It ’s about building something real and lasting across cultures. Living here with my wife has taught me that Dominican culture places a strong emphasis on family, respect, and community. But let’s be honest. .. dating in the DR can be very different from what you might be u
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Aug 22, 20253 min read


🇩🇴 How to Find the Perfect Woman in the Dominican Republic (The Right Way)
So, you're thinking about finding love in the Dominican Republic? You're not alone. Thousands of men visit or move to the DR hoping to find a woman who is loyal, loving, and ready to build a future together. But finding the right woman here takes more than charm and sunshine. It takes wisdom, patience, and cultural understanding. We’ve lived it, and in this blog post, we’re breaking it down for you, no filters, just real talk. 👉📽️ Bonus: Don’t miss our video on this exact
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Jul 14, 20253 min read


Top 7 Mistakes Expats Make When Moving to the Dominican Republic 🇩🇴 (And How to Avoid Them)
Intro: So, you're dreaming of warm weather, beautiful beaches, and affordable island living? We get it — that's exactly why we made the move to the Dominican Republic. But trust us, there's a right way to do it... and then there are a few common mistakes that can turn your dream into a disaster. Here's what you don't want to do when making the leap, plus how to get it right from the start. 📍 Mistake #1: Moving Without Visiting First It might sound obvious, but many people
Jerry & Sheila Daily Blog
Jun 25, 20252 min read
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