Is It Important To Know Spanish in the Dominican Republic?

Recently, someone asked in the comments section of one of my videos if it's important to know Spanish in the Dominican Republic. This is a very good question as Spanish is the national language of this Caribbean country.  In my opinion the answer to this question depends if you are staying here for a short vacation or if you are planning on being here for an extended amount of time. 

If you are coming to the Dominican Republic for a short time and you plan on staying in resort areas such as Punta Cana or near touristic spots such as La Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo then I would say not knowing Spanish will not be such a big barrier or problem. 

In most situations you will be able to find someone who can speak a decent level of English. And even if you can't find someone who speaks an intermediate level of English, people here will try to understand you the best they can because you are a tourist/customer. 

However, if you are planning on being here for an extended amount of time, then knowing at least a  high beginner level of Spanish can go a long way. For example, when I first arrived to Las Terrenas I was able to talk to the caretakers of the apartment building about my intentions on living here in the Dominican Republic. 

Those conversations helped open the door for me finding a cheaper place to live then what I was finding on Airbnb and also helped me discover about a portable internet option that has been a lifesaver in allowing me to work online. 

In general, you should always be open to improving your language skills in whatever country you are staying in, because communication is the key to success. 

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