Dominican Republic - Quick Information Guide

Airports
For most destinations on the South Coast of the Dominican Republic, people fly into either the Santo Domingo Las Americas (SDQ) or La Romana Airport. For destinations on the North coast of the Dominican Republic, people generally fly into Puerto Plata Airport (POP) but the Santiago Airport (STI) is seeing an increase in traffic for flights from the US. For destinations on the west coast of the Dominican Republic, people fly into Punta Cana (PUJ) Airport.

Hurricane Season
The Caribbean hurricane season starts in the beginning of June to the end of November. Most hurricanes drift away before touching Dominican land.

Medical facilities in the Dominican Republic
In the mayor cities medical care is top notch but outside the city it can get to very insufficient, depending on what kind of medical assistance you need.

Internet
Internet cafes can be found in most tourist destinations in the Dominican Republic. Most hotels offer high speed Internet access in each room. Residential internet connection can be setup from 24h for wireless internet up to 1 month for a DSL with phone line.

Entry Requirement
US and Canadian citizens are required to have a valid passport or an original birth certificate along with a valid photo-bearing official document (driver's license or voter's registration) European are only required to have a passport.. Minors may enter with their passport or an original birth certificate. A tourist card (US$10.00) must be purchased prior to arrival to the country at select Dominican consulates, at airline counters abroad, or at the airport upon arrival. Departure tax is US$20.00. This tax may be included in the airline ticket

Geography
'The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola Island, which it shares with Haiti, and is the second largest country in the Caribbean-comprising an area of 18.712 square miles (48,884 square kilometer ). The country is bordered on the North by the Atlantic Ocean, and the South by the Caribbean Sea.

Electricity
Appliances run on 110 volts/60 cycles, the same as in the U.S. European appliances will only work with an appropriate transformer.

Pet Regulation
The Department of Animal Health requires proof of a rabies vaccination for dogs indicating that the inoculation was given 3o days prior to the animal's arrival in the country. For both dogs and cats, a Health Certificate issued not more than 15 days prior to the animal's arrival in the country is also required. If these requirements are not met, the animal will be quarantined upon arrival from 8 to 30 days, depending on its country of origin.

Population
The nation’s population is approx. 9 million inhabitants. Almost 3 million people life in Santo Domingo, the capital city and surroundings. The Dominican are known for there friendliness and hospitality.

Language
Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Knowledge of German, Italian and French is becoming more widespread. Traffic signs and most menus in restaurants are in Spanish, although menus in tourist regions tend to be multilingual.

Climate
The Dominican Republic surely is a country of an Endless Summer; the average annual temperature is 77 degrees Fahrenheit with August being the warmest month and January the coolest. Summer temperatures range from 89 to 95 degrees and in the winter, from 75 degrees to 90 degrees. The most usual weather forecast is partly cloudy. Rain showers usually last five to ten minutes

Telephone
The country has one of the most sophisticated telecommunications systems in Latin America. Service is provided by Verizon, Tricom, France Telecom (Orange) and Centennial Corporation.
To call to the US from the Dominican Republic you just add a 1+ area code to call to Europe you must dial
011 + country code

Property Purchase
Please visit our buyers guide for more information.

Tax
Please visit our buyers guide for more information.

Clothing
You will need fresh summer clothing, as shorts and t-shirts, but also a few warmer thing for air-conditioned rooms or the always ways to cold bus.

Credit cards
Credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, Eurocard are accepted in most mid size business nationwide.

Currency
The Dominican Currency is the Peso Dominicano, which is traded at approx. 1 euro to 35 Peso, 1 US to 28peso

Cost of Life
The cost of life in the DR, as in the most Latin American countries is much lower then in the US or Europe.

Siesta
The Latin tradition of a long lunch, which is the major meal of the day, is generally observed, and many shops and businesses still close from 12:30 to 2:3o pm. The main shopping centers, supermarkets and stores catering to tourists remain open at lunch time

Public Transportation
Buses: Very crowded and you may have to share your seat with some chicken, routes go from town to town, the minimum fare is 10 Peso.!

Carro Publicos: These commonly in not so good condition they follow set routes but drive considerably faster, the minimum fare is 10 peso just like the bus, but gets more expensive on longer routes! They are also more overcrowded than the local bus, imagine a car made for 5 passengers fits up to 12 persons easily.

Taxis: The same as in the rest of the world, negotiate the price before departure.

Motoconchos: Gradually being phased out as a form of transport, these are nothing more than motorcycle taxis.