Dominican Republic

There are two sides to the Dominican Republic, just like there are two sides of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola on which the Republic is situated. The Dominican Republic shares the island with neighboring Haiti. Inside the confines of the many resort hotels along the beautiful coastline, tourists languish in luxury, sipping cocktails under the palm trees and bathing in beautiful blue lagoons. The other face of the Dominican Republic can be found along the country roads, among the sugar cane, coffee and cocoa bean fields, where people labour in the sun and men play dominoes outside tumble-down shacks. For the local people (there are 8.5 million people on this well-populated part of Hispaniola island) tourism is an important source of income, and the thousands of visitors who come to enjoy the resorts and explore the Spanish Colonial legacy in this country 'where America began' are welcome.

The South Coast contains some of the country's bigger cities and national parks. The capital, Santo Domingo, was the first Spanish settlement in the Americas. Christopher Columbus initiated the first European New World settlement here in 1496. His legacy is preserved in the bricks and mortar of the historic old section of Santo Domingo, which has been turned into an entertaining and interesting Colonial 'theme park'. The other tourist spots in the Dominican Republic are the northern Amber Coast region around Puerta Plata, the beautiful Samana Peninsula, and the resort communities of the east coast, where stretches of pristine tropical beach have been bought and developed into all-inclusive resorts. However, those who take the trouble to explore a little behind the scenes will find plenty of unspoiled tropical paradise off the beaten track in the Dominican Republic, and locals ready and willing to offer warm hospitality.

Basics

Time: Local time is GMT -4.
Electricity: Electrical current is 110 volts AC, 60 Hz. American-style two-pin plugs are standard.
Money: The currency is the Dominican Republic peso (DOP), divided into 100 centavos. Many of the hotels and restaurants in the main tourist destinations display their prices in US dollars as well as in Dominican Pesos, and some places will also accept Euros. The peso cannot be exchanged outside of the Dominican Republic. Major currencies can be converted into pesos at Central Bank approved bureau; only 30% of the pesos bought can be re-converted and this only if the original receipts are produced, so it is best not to buy more pesos than you are likely to need for your visit. Major credit cards are accepted everywhere, but a commission is usually charged. The best exchange rates are paid on US travelers cheques and secondly on US dollars cash and are best exchanged at exchange bureau (casas de cambio). Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm; some banks also open on Saturday. ATMs are widespread.

 

Note: This is not updated daily and should be used as a guide only.

Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is spoken in the main tourist centers.
Entry Requirements for Americans: A passport is required by US citizens. No visa is required for a stay of up to 30 days, provided holding a Tourist Card (issued on arrival).
Entry Requirements for UK nationals: British nationals require a passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 30 days, provided they hold a Tourist Card (issued on arrival).
Entry Requirements for Canadians: A passport is recommended for Canadian nationals, but an original Birth Certificate or Naturalization papers (with an official photo ID document) are also accepted, provided traveling for tourist or business purposes. No visa is required for a stay of up to 30 days, provided holding a Tourist Card (issued on arrival).
Entry Requirements for Australians: Australians must have a passport. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days, provided travelers hold a Tourist Card (issued on arrival).
Entry Requirements for South Africans: South African nationals require a valid passport and a visa.
Entry Requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals must have a passport. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days, provided travelers hold a Tourist Card (issued on arrival).
Passport/Visa Note: Tourist cards can be issued on arrival for certain nationalities at a cost of US$10 for a stay of 30 days; extensions are possible. A return or onward ticket is required by all visitors. From 23 January 2007 all US citizens traveling to and from the Dominican Republic by air will require a valid passport; by 1 January 2008 the requirement will be extended to include all land and sea border crossings as well.
Health: No vaccination certificates are required but precautions are recommended against Hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies and polio for those who plan to spend time outside the main tourist resort areas. There is a malaria risk throughout the year. Between May and September there is a risk of dengue fever, which is contracted from mosquitoes that bite during the day. It is advisable to use mosquito repellent. Travelers should be aware of the high prevalence of the HIV/AIDS virus in the Dominican Republic and take the relevant precautions. Water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated in undeveloped areas; bottled water is available. Some species of fish, including tropical reef fish, may be poisonous to eat even when well cooked. There are good hospitals and other private medical facilities located in Puerto Plata, Santiago and Santo Domingo, but outside of these cities facilities are limited, and staff are unlikely to understand English. Most resorts have doctors that can treat minor medical complaints. Health insurance, including provision for medical evacuation, is recommended.
Tipping: Hotels and restaurants generally include a 10% service charge as well as tax, but additional tips can be given for good service as often the charge does not go to the staff who provided the service. Waiters usually receive 10% extra for good service. For other services including taxi drivers tipping is discretionary depending on the service provided.
Safety: Due to the recent unrest in neighboring Haiti and the ongoing unpredictability of the security situation, it is inadvisable to travel across the border to Haiti. There is a low terrorism risk and incidences of violent crime are infrequent. Visitors should take normal precautions against petty crime, however. The Dominican Republic is vulnerable to hurricanes from June to November.
Business: Santo Domingo is the centre of business in the Dominican Republic. Good working relationships are vital and trust is an integral part of doing business in the Dominican Republic; knowing the right people is half the battle won. Appearances are considered important and therefore dressing smartly is advised. Meetings are initially rather formal and a polite greeting accompanied by a handshake is common; expect small talk. Business cards are usually exchanged on introduction and visitors sometimes have their cards printed in Spanish and English. Punctuality is important. Although English is widely spoken and understood, it is still useful to have all business material printed in English and Spanish. It is important to be polite and courteous at all times. Business hours are usually 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm Monday to Friday.
Communications: The international access code for the Dominican Republic is +1, in common with the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed by 809. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom); the outgoing code is not required for calling North America. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most major international operators. A bilingual operator can be reached by dialing 0. Direct international calls can be made from numerous telecommunications centers located in all towns and cities. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.
Duty Free: Travelers to the Dominican Republic over 16 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 1 box cigars; 1 bottle of alcohol of maximum 2 liters (unopened); and up to 2 bottles of perfume for personal use. All animal products are prohibited.
 

Activities

Wind- and Kite surfing

Cabarete is ranked as one of the top ten windsurfing destinations in the world and Cabarete Bay is the capital of windsurfing in the Caribbean. The conditions are also fantastic for kite surfing or kite boarding, and international competitions for both sports are held here every year. Kite Beach is considered to be the best place in the world for kite surfing. Consistent easterly trade winds blow across the bay year round and are light in the morning to suit beginners, while stronger winds whip up the waves for more experienced wind- and kite surfers in the afternoons. The reef surrounding the bay provides protected and flatter waters within the bay, as well as wavy conditions for wave jumping on and outside of it. In winter the winds tend to be lighter, but waves are at their biggest, while summer provides flatter conditions and stronger winds. Numerous wind- and kite surfing schools and centers offer lessons as well as equipment for rent.

 

Santo Domingo

If any city in the world could be declared the perfect holiday destination, then Santo Domingo would probably be a prime candidate, with its modern sophistication, old world charm and Latin charisma, not to mention its position on the tropical southern Caribbean coast of the Dominican Republic. The only blight on the landscape is the crime rate: robbery, muggings and petty theft are common so guard your belongings with care. Santo Domingo is used to being first: it was the first European settlement in the New World; it boasts the western hemisphere's first cathedral, first monastery, first hospital, first university and first law court. This rich colonial heritage, sparked off in the 15th century by legendary Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus, has been turned into a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of the city. Known as the 'Colonial City' it is now a delightful area of cobblestone streets and 16th-century buildings interspersed with cafes, bars, small hotels and restaurants. Visitors don't need to stray from the Colonial City to enjoy a great time in the city, but it is advisable not to ignore the modern part of Santo Domingo. The superb shopping, delicious dining, dazzling casinos, seductive parks and vibrant nightlife all beckon enticingly, from the monumental Columbus Lighthouse right down to the depths of the Guácara Taina nightclub with its multi-level dance floors inside a real cave. And an opportunity to visit to the Estadio Quisqueya to watch a game of the Dominican Republic's adored national sport, baseball, shouldn't be passed up on by any visitor to the city between the months of October and February.

 

Cathedral of Santa Maria Inside the Colonial City stands the oldest cathedral in the western hemisphere, built in 1523 and still in use. Its mix of late Gothic and Renaissance elements provide a beautiful example of Spanish Renaissance architecture, with its golden coral facade and Gothic interior. Its walls have seen a great deal of history, including the coming of Sir Francis Drake who captured Santo Domingo in 1586 and held the town for ransom. He made the cathedral his headquarters.

East Coast

The East Coast boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic and is the ideal destination for a beach vacation. Miles of powdery white beaches lined with palm trees, and aquamarine waters beckon those intent on kicking back and doing not much more than relaxing on a beautiful beach. Large, all-inclusive resorts ensure that all holiday details are taken care of. There are no towns of interest in the area, but resorts act like mini self-contained cities offering different dining and nightlife options, a variety of water sports, and good facilities for deep-sea fishing and golf. However those looking for a more cultural and varied vacation will come away disappointed.

 

Punta Cana

Punta Cana is centre of the east coast region and is becoming a growing tourist destination with several attractions. The 40-mile (64km) stretch of coast where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic offers pearly-white sand sprinkled with thousands of coconut trees and is largely unspoiled. Attractions in and around Punta Cana include the Manati Park, with its performing dolphins and sea lions, and an authentic replica of an ancient Taino Indian village.

 

Sosua

To the east of Puerto Plata is Sosua, a small village with a cosmopolitan character, which offers a superb crescent-shaped beach and numerous cafes, bars and restaurants. The town was developed by a group of approximately 600 Jewish refugees from Europe who settled here in 1940 and founded the now-thriving dairy industry for which the village is noted. The original synagogue built by this expatriate community is still standing and features a museum dedicated to the history of the community. Near to Sosua is a major family holiday attraction, the Columbus Aquapark, offering plenty of watery diversions.

 

Cabarete

A small, laid-back Caribbean seaside town, Cabarete is considered by many to be the windsurfing and kite surfing capital of the Caribbean and the town has hosted international competitions since the 80s. It is the perfect tropical destination, particularly for younger travelers seeking sun, adventurous sports and has a buzzing beachside bar and restaurant scene. Tour operators also offer plenty of other activities including hiking, horse riding, mountain biking and surfing.

 

Airports

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)

Location: The airport is situated within 30 minutes of most hotels in the Punta Cana resort area. Time: GMT -4. Contacts: Tel: +1 809 668 4749. Transfer to the city: Those on an air/hotel package with ground transfers included will be met by hotel reps, otherwise taxis are available. Car rental: Car hire is available. Facilities: Facilities include a variety of shops and stores, snack bars, restaurants and bar, duty-free shopping and ATMs. Parking: There is short and long-term parking at the airport. Departure tax: US$20 (for stays of up to 2 weeks), US$25 (for stays of more than 2 weeks).

 

Climate

The Dominican Republic is hot and tropical, with little seasonal variation in temperatures, which average about 77°F (25°C). Seasons can, however, be determined by rainfall, with October to April being the rainy season on the north coast, while May to November is the wettest month in the south of the country. The driest area is the west. Cooler temperatures and less humidity is generally experienced between November and April, while the mountainous interior is always cooler than the rest of the country. Hurricanes occur on average once every two years on the island, most striking the south of the country and most happening in August and September. The busiest time of year to visit the Dominican Republic is between December and April when North Americans take a tropical break from their winters, and from June to September, which coincides with European summer holidays.