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Hello Gaby,

As you may know there are very few expats in the southwest region of DR including San Juan de la Maguana with exception of some volunteers, missionaries and a handful of expats.

My recommendation is to request the organization or individual who has sponsored you or whom you are working for to assist you find lodging even if it's only for a temporary basis until you find something more permanent.

Once you arrive in San Juan de la Maguana this person can tour you around and show you some homes that may be available. Hopefully he/she will speak Spanish and will have a good knowledge of the town and surrounding areas to be able to answer the following questions:

- Which neighborhoods are better?
- Would it be better to live in an apartment or a house?
- Is it furnished?
- Does it have an invertor (back-up electricity)?
- Is the home or apartment secure (difficult to break into)?
- Will you need an AC or will a fan be sufficient?
- How far is the nearest grocery store or restaurants?
- How much does it cost to take a bus or taxi from and to Santo Domingo (this is the city with the closest international airport?
- What is the distance between your place of employment and work?
- What safe means of transportation are available? (In small cities the common means of transportation are moto-taxis.)
- Which areas should I avoid?
- Is it safe to walk at night?
- Where is the closest ATM/ bank?
- How many months of security deposit are needed? (typically 2 + first month's rent in a one year lease)
- What type of visa do I need to remain legally in the Dominican Republic for six months?

I hope these questions will be useful to you.

Good ideas.   I am going to take much of this post and start a new thread as it is very very timely,  and I will expand on it.