Discover the Beauty and Culture of the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic promises thrilling stays at luxurious hotels, sunbathing on gorgeous beaches, and adventures down long country roads. Those who visit will relish discovering the country’s Spanish Colonial history, which goes all the way back to when America began.
In fact, the capital, Santo Domingo, became the first Spanish settlement in the Americas after Christopher Columbus initiated the first European New World settlement here in 1496. His legacy is preserved in the bricks and mortar of Santo Domingo’s historic old section.
The northern Amber Coast region around Puerto Plata, the beautiful Samana Peninsula, and the resort communities of the east coast are other tourist spots, while the South Coast contains some of the destination’s bigger cities and national parks. Those who venture off the beaten track will encounter an unspoilt tropical paradise, and welcoming locals.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Spanish is the official language, but English is spoken in the main tourist centres.
- Passport/Visa:
A return or onward ticket is required by all visitors, as is the travel documentation needed for their next destination. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The currency is the Dominican Republic peso (DOP), which is 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, as US dollars are widely accepted. Some places will also accept euros.
Major credit cards are accepted everywhere, but a commission is usually charged. It’s recommended that travellers use their credit cards at their hotels, as fraud incidents have been reported. The best exchange rates are paid on US dollars in cash, and are best exchanged at exchange bureaux (casas de cambio). Banking hours are Monday to Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm. Some banks also open on Saturdays. ATMs are widespread.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is between 110 and 120 volts, 60Hz. American-style two-pin flat blade plugs are standard.
Overview
The Dominican Republic is renowned as an affordable beach destination, and brims with package tours and enticing all-inclusive resorts. A captivating blend of culture, history, and stunning natural beauty, its main tourist magnets are the areas around Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, La Romana, and Samana. However, the capital, Santo Domingo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the country’s cultural jewel.
In addition to well-developed beach resorts and world-class golf courses, the Dominican Republic is home to vast coral reefs, waterfalls, jungles, secluded islands, pine forests, and the highest peaks in the Caribbean. Thanks to these diverse ecosystems, recreational opportunities abound. Adventure seekers can head to the mountains to raft the white waters of the Yaque del Norte River, while the rugged, alpine mountain trails will appeal to hikers and bikers. Along the coast, water lovers can snorkel, dive, kayak, kite board, sail, and surf.
Climate in Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is hot and tropical, and there is little seasonal variation in temperatures, which average about 77F (25C). Seasons can, however, be determined by rainfall; October to April is the rainy season on the north coast, while May to November is the wettest period in the south of the country. Temperatures are generally cooler and conditions less humid between November April, but the mountainous interior is always cooler than the rest of the country.
On average, Hurricanes occur once every two years on the island, with most striking the south between 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.
Health Notes when travelling to Dominican Republic
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if travellers are over the age of one and are arriving from the states of Mina Gerais, Espirito Santo, Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is also required of travellers who have transited for more than 12 hours through an airport in those same states.
Precautions are recommended against hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies and polio for those who plan to spend time outside the main tourist resort areas, and travellers heading to certain parts of the country should take prescription medication to prevent malaria. Between May and September there is a risk of dengue fever, which is contracted from mosquitoes that bite during the day, so it is advisable to use mosquito repellent.
Travellers should rely on bottled water in undeveloped areas, as other sources of water will potentially be contaminated, and 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 facilities are limited outside of these cities, and the 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.
Safety Notes when travelling to Dominican Republic
Though most visits to the Dominican Republic are trouble free, travellers should not ignore the crime rate. Incidences of violent crime are infrequent but it’s worth taking normal precautions against petty crime. Travellers should also check the situation before venturing to the Haitian border, as tensions in the region sometimes flare up. The Dominican Republic is vulnerable to hurricanes from June to November.
Customs in Dominican Republic
Being polite to others and having respect for elders is integral and is expected from visitors. If taking a photograph of a local, tourists should ask permission first and then offer a gift afterwards. Dominicans take care in their appearance and form judgements based on what people wear; they are likely to look down on tourists that are unkempt or wear clothes that are too revealing.
Duty Free in Dominican Republic
Travellers to the Dominican Republic over 16 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 1 litre of alcohol and gifts up to a maximum value of $100.
Doing Business in Dominican Republic
Good working relationships are vital and trust is an integral part of doing business in the Dominican Republic, as knowing the right people is half the battle won. Appearances are considered important so dressing smartly is advised. Meetings are initially rather formal and a polite greeting accompanied by a handshake is common practice. Punctuality is important, as is courtesy. Business cards are usually exchanged on introduction and it is useful to have all business material printed in English and Spanish, even though English is widely spoken and understood. Business hours are usually 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Communication in Dominican Republic
The international access code for the Dominican Republic is +1, as with the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed by 809 or 829. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the UK) but this is not required for calling North America. WiFi is generally available in most cafes, hotels and restaurants.
Tipping in Dominican Republic
Hotels and restaurants generally include a 10 percent service charge as well as tax, but additional tips should be given for good service, as the charge often does not go to the staff who provided the service. Waiters usually receive 10 percent extra for good service. For other services, including taxi drivers, tipping is discretionary depending on the service provided.
Passport/Visa Note
A return or onward ticket is required by all visitors, as is the travel documentation needed for their next destination. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport valid for period of intended stay in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required for touristic stays.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport valid for period of intended stay in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required for tourist stays.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must have a passport valid for period of intended stay in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required for holders of British passports endorsed ‘British Citizen’ or ‘British Overseas Territories Citizen’ travelling as tourists. Visitors are required to obtain a Tourist Card on arrival; these are generally valid for 30 days, but can be extended. Holders of passports with any other endorsement should contact the relevant embassy to confirm entry requirements.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport valid for period of intended stay in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required for those travelling as tourists.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport valid for period of intended stay in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required for those travelling as tourists.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid for period of intended stay in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required for those travelling as tourists.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport valid for period of intended stay in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required for those travelling as tourists.
Tourist Offices
Ministry of Tourism: http://www.godominicanrepublic.com
Dominican Republic Embassies
- In the United States:
Embassy of the Dominican Republic, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 332 7670.
- In Canada:
Embassy of the Dominican Republic, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 569 9893
- In the United Kingdom:
Embassy of the Dominican Republic, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7262 6856.
- In Australia:
Consulate-General of the Dominican Republic, Sydney, Australia: +61 2 4620 3247
- In South Africa:
Embassy of the Dominican Republic, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 362 2463
Foreign Embassies in Dominican Republic
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Santo Domingo: +1 809 567 7775
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Santo Domingo: +1 809 262 3100.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Santo Domingo: +1 809 472 7111
- Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for Dominican Republic): +1 868 822 5450
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Havana, Cuba (also responsible for Dominican Republic): +53 7204 9671
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
