Dominican Republic ~ Travel Information

Republica Dominicana ~ Caribbean holiday favorite!

Dominican Republic (Republica Dominicana in Spanish) is one of the most popular Caribbean island holiday destinations all year round.

From the beaches near Puerto Plata with its fort and Playa Dorada there are hundreds of resorts to choose from.

Ask your tour rep or hotel staff about day trips to Puerto Plata, a rum factory and the Larimar museum, or to the waterfalls near Santiago, and historic Santo Cerro, with tours of potteries and a cigar factory, and get a guidebook.

See packing for holidays to Dominican.

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Dominican Republic Travel Information

Do I need a Visa? Most visitors fill out a Dominican Republic tourist card on the plane, and the cost if any should be included in your package fare. See Do I need a visa.

Do I need a passport for the DR? Yes. Even for Punta Cana. In order to get on a plane, anywhere, get your passport.

What Clothes to Pack? What do I wear? See my page for Tropical travel wardrobe packing tips at holidays to Dominican Republic. 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.

Climate 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 or during rain storms.

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 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 a lot depends on your itinerary.

Is it safe to travel in the Dominican Republic? Generally, yes, but just be smart.  If you  plan to be in the interior, or on your own in the bigger cities (Puerto Plata, Santiago, Santo Domingo), keep your wits about you as you would in any country.

All Caribbean countries come with the risk of mosquito borne illnesses. It's the real world, after all, though these tropical islands can feel like theme parks. Use your sunscreen always, and use insect repellant spray especially at dusk and dawn.

Is the Water Safe to Drink? From the resort dining room water pitcher, yes. But drink bottled water.  Bring some from the hotel, or stop at a store and buy some. Make sure the cap is sealed, or buy agua con gas - carbonated water: If the cap has been tampered with, the water will not be fizzy.

Do I need Travel Insurance? Yes. 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). 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 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 for mobile phones. Make sure your SIM card will work or use a public Codatel phone. Codatel has internet services, too.

Maps and Travel Guides See guide books at Amazon.com and a Dominican Republic map - Guide books like Lonely Planet Dominican Republic and Haiti and (updated edition).

Rent a car - Driving in the Dominican Republic 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  is $230 USD return.

What side of the road do they drive on? In the Dominican Republic, 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.

Haiti travel tours: Some tour companies in and around Puerto Plata are offering day trips into Haiti near the Dajabon border crossing. There is bus service between Santiago DR and Cap-Haitien Haiti -- see Caribe Tours. Check with your hotel for details, as the availability can change without notice. See also Cap-Haitien, Haiti, Haiti travel story and Sosua Dominican Republic travel story.

MORE Dominican Republic:

>Beaches around Sosua, Cabarete  >Playa Dorada >Puerto Plata >Waterfalls >Santiago >Sosua Dominican Republic travel

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