Dominican Republic

There are five main passenger airports for the Dominican Republic (D.R.):

• Las Americas International Airport (SDQ)
• Puerto Plata International Gregorio Luper?n Airport (POP)
• Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)
• La Romana International Airport (LRM)
• Barahona’s Mar?a Montez International Airport (BRX)

For more information, see: The Dominican Republic.net or Hispaniola.com

Entry Tax

You must purchase a Tourist Card (US$10.00) to enter the DR; available either from your airline or at the immigration area.

Departure Tax

US$10.00 departure tax required to leave the country.

Tropical year round, with slight variations between summer and winter. The average annual temperature is 77°F (25°C). Cooler temps occur between November and April, with beach temps near 84°F (29°C). Interior and mountainous areas are considerably cooler, with rare snow occurring on the highest peaks. Warmer season from May to October, with average temps at 87°F (31°C), higher humidity, and occasional tropical showers. On the whole, sunny skies abound.

Telephone. The country’s area code is 809; dial directly to and from the USA and Canada by first dialing 1 and then the number, as if you were dialing the States. Telecommunications centers are abundant to make direct international calls, send a fax, or connect to the Internet. Prices are competitive between the national phone company CODETEL, and other long distance providers such as TRICOM, TURITEL and ALL AMERICAN.

Currency: the Peso (RD$)

Meals

• Low-end: US$5-8
• Middle: US$8-20
• High: US$20-35
• Gourmet: US$35+

Lodging

• Low-end: US$20-70
• Middle: US$70-150
• High: US$150-300
• Deluxe: US$300+

Visa

Visas are required for nationals of all countries EXCEPT:

nationals of Argentina, Ecuador, Iceland, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein and Uruguay who travel as tourists for up to 90 days. nationals of the following countries are entitled to travel on Tourist cards if holding valid passports: Albania, Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cura?ao, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Finland, France and French Overseas Territories, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, San Marino, Slovak Rep, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, the UK, the USA (including Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and Hawaii), Venezuela and Yugoslavia Fed Rep.

foreign nationals who are legal residents of Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, the UK, the USA and Venezuela in possession of a valid passport are also entitled to travel on Tourist Cards.

Types of visas include

Tourist Cards: All visitors are required to purchase a tourist card (tarjeta del tourista) which cost US$ 10 This card may be included with the airline ticket, otherwise they can be purchased at the airport or at border crossings. The card allows visitors to remain for up to 90 days per visit, with a small financial penalty imposed for visits beyond 90 days.

Business and Student Visas: Available from Dominican Republic Consulates. Direct all inquiries to the consulate closest to your home. Obtaining these visas is not a quick process and may take up to eight weeks.

Temporary residence: Obtaining this type of visa may be a lengthy and often confusing process. In the D.R., consider enlisting the services of a lawyer to help navigate the difficult process. Or, ask for information at the nearest consulate. Be prepared for hidden costs, and ask for clarification on all costs before proceeding.

The D.R. operates on a 110v/60Hz cycle electric current. North Americans can use 110 volt appliances as usual. European appliances require the use of a transformer. The country experiences recurring power shortages and outages, which larger hotels accommodate by using generators. Bring a flashlight.

Dominican Republic is well equipped to handle virtually every medical problem.

Water

Do NOT drink tap water unless you thoroughly boil it first. Drink bottled water which is readily available. Immunizations:

• Typhoid: Recommended for travelers who will eat or drink outside major restaurants and hotels
• Yellow Fever: Not recommended or required, except for all travelers over six months of age arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country in Africa or the Americas.
• Hepatitis A: Recommended for all visitors.
• Hepatitis B: Recommended for those who may make intimate contact with local residents, especially for stays longer than 6 months.
• Routine Immunizations: All visitors should have up-to-date tetanus-diphtheria, measles-mumps-rubella, polio, and varicella immunizations.
• Rabies: Recommended for those who may directly handle animals and may not have access to medical care.

The official language is Spanish.

Most of the D.R. is safe for tourists. A few lower-income areas such as the Simon Bolivar area of the capital and the lesser-traveled streets of Los Charamicos in Sosua are of questionable safety at night. Avoid walking through there with expensive jewelry and an obvious look of a tourist. Near tourist areas, scam artists may try to pose as guides offering tour services?beware of illegitimate operations.

Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -4 hours. No daylight savings time.

5% extra government tax on hotel rooms, and an 8% sales tax on food and drinks. Strong competition means food prices are quite moderate. Restaurants typically charge a 10% service charge. Wages here are quite low, so service employees rely on tips to survive. Pay an additional 5 to 10% tip, especially as a reward for excellent service.

• MD Travel Health
• CIA World Fact Book