Dominican Republic ~ Travel Information & Photos

Republica Dominicana ~ Caribbean holiday favorite!

Republica Dominicana -- Spanish for this Caribbean island country Dominican Republic -- is one of the most popular holiday destinations all year round, especially for Canadians and Europeans. The Dominican people are friendly, there's lots to do and lots of resorts and hotels to suit most travel budgets.

See packing for holidays to Dominican for what clothes, etc to pack. See more beaches pictures like this beach here-- all amber sand and blue inviting waters at Sosua, Dominican Republic -- and the beach at nearby Cabarete, considered one of the best windsurfing beaches. Ask your tour rep or hotel staff for information about day trips to Puerto Plata area waterfalls near Santiago, and historic Santo Cerro.

On one trip to the Dominican, I was also traveling into Haiti. At that time, the easiest way for me to get to Cap-Haitien from Canada was via Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. (See Haiti travel story and Sosua Dominican Republic travel story about this trip). See Dominican country travel information below. More photos coming soon, for Santo Domingo and Playa Dorada. Enjoy your Republica Dominicana holiday!

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What Clothes to Pack? What do I wear? See Tropical travel wardrobe packing tips for holidays to Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is tropical year round, with different rainy seasons times in the north and south. And the temperatures can be a lot cooler in the mountains. Most resort dining is casual dress, but DO NOT show up at the dining room wearing nothing but a bathing suit, or short shorts and tank tops. If you plan to be in the water all day and into the evening, then take several bathing suits so you always have a dry one to change into. Pack outdoor gear like shoes and rain jackets if you will be traveling outside resort areas.

What Language do they speak? Spanish is the official language, but English is spoken in tourism areas. It's a good idea to take along a Latin American Spanish phrasebook or this new Collins (UK) Latin American Spanish phrasebook. Phrasebooks are light to carry, last for years, are inexpensive, and make good reading on the flight -- and you can never tell when you will be very glad to have one with you!

Travel Health, Vaccinations For current government travel advisories, see the links on my Disclaimer page. Check with a travel health clinic, as always. Make sure your usual vaccinations are up to date. Not only will you be in contact with Dominicans and their environment, you'll also be in contact with tourists from around the world. And lot depends on your itinerary.

If you stick close to the resorts, use your sunscreen, and use insect spray especially at dusk and dawn, and generally act smart, if you get my drift, the risks are different than those for travelers who plan to be in the interior, or away from the resort and hotel areas. In February, 2008, news reports mention that a visitor from Canada to Punta Cana contacted malaria, but gave no other details, such as had she been off the resort area. See also vaccinations, etc here

Still, all Caribbean countries come with the risk of mosquito bornes illnesses. It's the real world, after all, though these tropical islands can feel like theme parks. To be on the safe side, drink bottled water or drinks. All-inclusive travel packages usually mean liberal amounts of alcohol. If you're not accustomed to large quantities of drink, especially all day in the hot Caribbean sun around the pool, make sure you have medical insurance -- see travel insurance tips), too. A misstep at the pool edge could lead to accidents, like a hard landing on your face and a broken nose.

The 'Oldest Profession' Just so you know, with no judgement intended in any way, prostitution is legal in the Dominican Republic, so be aware, ladies, should you leave your man waiting at the bar or disco, he'll be offered other company fairly quickly. Escorts are also resident at Casas de Chicas (as bordellos are known).

Phone Calls to and from the Dominican See Phone cards page and get one online before you go. Most resorts have calling card phones, and a pinless, pre-loaded one will save you a lot of time. You can even get calling cards just for mobile (cell) phones.

Maps and Travel Guides Get a Dominican Republic map. For travel guide books (the guides have small maps inncluded), I used the Lonely Planet Dominican Republic and Haiti, and I see there's new updated edition due out in October 2008 if you want to pre-order.

Rent a car - Driving in the DR The roads are generally good, though during heavy rains, they can be flooded in areas. You can rent a car to travel around, but (especially if your Spanish skills are minimal), it would be easier to join a local tour. You could also hire a guide or taxi. If you take a taxi, be sure you understand the full taxi rate and how it's to be paid before you get in the cab. Sample fare from Playa Dorada to Santiago in January 2008 is $230 USD return.

What side of the road do they drive on? In the DR, they drive on the right.

What money do they use in the DR? The Republica Dominicana Currency is called the Dominican Republic Peso (DOP). The exchange rates may fluctuate, but generally, about 1 DOP = 30 US cents OR $1 USD = .34 DOP. Change money at local banks, cambios (money changers) or your hotel; withdraw pesos in cash from ATMs. See travel currency tips page for how to carry safely, travellers checks, etc.

Do I need a Tourist Visa? Depends on where you are from (see country list at Dominican Embassy UK for details) but for most tourists, the tourist card is filled out on the plane, and the cost if any may already be included in your package fare.

Travel Diaries, Journals etc Keep a journal of your trip to the Dominican -- notebooks, journals and more!

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• February 18, 2008, 8:13 pm - Karen

  Change money in the Dominican; Dajabon was perfectly safe at the Canadian bank Scotiabank, but as a border town things can change without much notice. Or try Santiago or Puerto Plata.

• February 18, 2008, 8:09 pm - Horacio

  me podrian decir la ubicacion de cajeros ATM para retirar dinero en la Ciudad de Dajabon o en Republica Dominicana? desde ya gracias

  In the Dominican is safer?