Santo Domingo - Post Report Question and Answers
Do you have any other comments?
OK, you've been assigned to the DR. Not the best news, perhaps, but just make the best of it. It won't be your favorite tour, but maybe you can turn it into a positive. Enjoy the beach and try to survive the traffic. - Jul 2019
Yes, personally, I would not consider bidding here again. - Jan 2019
Unfortunately, the move to the new Embassy caused an across-the-board drop in staff morale. The new Embassy has some advantages of a new building, but it has an alienating feel to it. Location just awful. Almost everyone I know preferred the old buildings, even in their dilapidated state. Diplomacy is now less fluid due to the long distance between the Embassy and contacts. OBO really dropped the ball on that one. In the old Embassy, morale among staff ranged from high to low. Santo Domingo is one of Latin America's least exciting capital cities, but some people got the most out of its beach life. In the new Embassy, there is the added stress of unpleasant commutes, cubicle overload and an isolated workplace. So I would rate current morale "below average." However, if you love beach/sea/baseball, this might be your place. If you get a job with upward or professional growth potential, might be worth it. If you're a tandem and both get a job, it's a no-brainer. If you need to be close to the US, or if you're consular-coned and want the invaluable experience of working in one of the world's most challenging sections, go for it. However, for most FSOs, the DR is more of a fall-back bid. Beats Caracas, but few other South American posts. - Apr 2016
Be prepared for really shocking traffic situations. Yes, you will sit in traffic a lot and it takes forever to go just a few miles, but it's more about the way people drive - any civilization vanishes the minute they get behind the wheel. Lots of honking, lots of getting cut off, no attention to lane markings, etc. I am surprised every single day that I make it home without getting in an accident. And I don't drive...I take taxis everywhere. I am too scared to get behind the wheel myself. The DR ranks number 1 in the world for traffic fatalities per capita and if you're here to experience the roads, you are not surprised at all. - Jan 2016
This isn't a horrible post but it isn't the best. Have an open mind and try your best to get out of the city as much as possible. There are some beautiful beaches. You will need that to de-stress from the city. Have patience. You will need it, trust me. Nothing will make sense and once you grasp that, things get easier. The 24/7 delivery of beer and alcohol will get you through your tour here! =) - Aug 2015
I guess it all depends on your perspective. There certainly inconveniences associated with living here, but for me, the positive aspects of living here far outweigh the negative ones. - Apr 2013
Please don't think I am negative, I am talking as the mother or a toddler and as a person that knows good food. Now there are many positives, people are patient with kids in restaurants, help is not cheap but cheaper than in US and with patience and lots of training you can train your dominican helper, if you are not expecting great quality in food you might find food delicious here, if you like beach and don't mind spend half of your salary trying to get out with your family there are awesome beaches around. - Feb 2012
The rudeness, bad attitudes, and value system of Dominicans just rubs me the wrong way. That said, I'm sure that as soon as my attitude changes, I will be able to enjoy the country more. I love the way merengue and bachata music and dancing are a big part of the culture. - May 2011
take advantage of the AMAZING beaches and natural wonders and forget about santo domingo.sometimes im out of the city every weekend of the month. - Nov 2010
If you're a teacher and speak Spanish, try to get to know the Dominicans that don't have kids at the school. The maintenance workers and their families, for example, are wonderful, fun-loving people who will take good care of you if you visit their homes. Try to visit your maid's house. (Just remember to put on the bug spray before you go or you'll enjoy none of it). - Nov 2008
Consider all the former post reports and weigh them all seriously in your decision to come here. This post is totally do-able, but the lack of support and constant battle of re-inventing the wheel on a consistent basis can be wearing at best and infuriating or more at worst. The Dominican culture even drives Dominicans crazy. Add to that lack of support and it makes for a difficult living circumstance over time. - Oct 2008
Sorry, gotta go! This is an AWESOME city/country. Many people love it, some hate it. I love it. - Aug 2008
You can enjoy it here if you just shut everything out and think happy thoughts, but the combination of grinding poverty, corruption, and misplaced governmental priorities make it hard to take if you try to make a difference. - Jun 2008
If you're posted to Santo Domingo I wish you all the best. - Feb 2008
