Real Talk: Top 5 Things We Wish We Knew Before Living in the DR in 2025

What living in the Dominican Republic really teaches you — beyond the beaches. These are the 5 things we wish someone had told us before making the move in 2025.

Living in the DR in 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, Sheila and I have been sitting on our terrace, looking back at our year in Santo Domingo. It’s been a wild, beautiful, and sometimes exhausting ride.

We love this island, but if we could send a letter back to ourselves in January 2025, there are five things we would definitely warn "Past Jerry & Sheila" about. If you're planning your move for 2026, take notes—this is the stuff they don’t put in the tourism brochures.

1. The "Residency Visa" must start BEFORE you arrive

We saw so many expats get stuck this year. Many thought they could fly in as tourists and "switch" to residency once they fell in love with a neighborhood. Big mistake. In 2025, the rules got tighter. You must apply for your Residency Visa (RS) at a Dominican consulate in your home country before you move. Doing it the other way around leads to expensive "visa runs" and a mountain of legal headaches. If we knew then what we know now, we would have started our paperwork three months earlier. Living in the DR in 2025.

2. Law 85-25 changed the Rental Game

In August 2025, a new law (Law No. 85-25) changed how renting works here. For decades, it was almost impossible for a landlord to evict a tenant. Now, the process is modernized.

• The Good: It’s easier to find high-quality rentals because landlords aren't as scared to rent to foreigners.

• The Catch: You need to be much more careful about your lease terms. Don't just sign a "standard" contract you found online. Ensure your security deposit is handled correctly under the new regulations.

3. The "Power" of a Backup Plan (Literally)

We thought we could handle the occasional apagón (power outage). We were wrong. In 2025, as the city grew, the grid felt the heat. We wish we knew that an "Inverter" (inversor) isn't just a luxury—it’s a survival tool for your sanity. If you're moving into an apartment, don't just ask if it has a generator (planta); ask if that generator is "full" (meaning it runs the AC) or just "common areas." Trust us, 90°F (32°C) at 2:00 AM with no fan is a mistake you only make once.

4. Traffic is a "Sport," not a Commute

We knew Santo Domingo had traffic, but 2025 hit different. Between the new construction and the sheer number of cars, a "15-minute drive" can easily become an hour. What we wish we knew: Use Uber for everything in the beginning. Driving yourself in the capital is a high-stress sport. If you must buy a car, get a dashcam immediately. It’s the only way to protect yourself in a "he-said-she-said" fender bender.

5. The "Gringo Price" is real, but Negotiable

Whether it was at the beach in Boca Chica or hiring a plumber for the first time, we definitely paid the "tax" for being new. In 2025, we learned that the first price you're given is usually the "starting conversation." We wish we knew that building a relationship with local vendors is better than just hunting for the lowest price. Once people know you're a vecino (neighbor) and not just a tourist, the prices—and the service—change for the better.

Final Thoughts for 2026

Living in the Dominican Republic is about 10% "Paradise" and 90% "Adjusting your Expectations." We wouldn't trade this life for anything, but we’ve definitely earned our "island stripes" this year.

What was your biggest "I wish I knew" moment this year? Let us know in the comments!