Dominican Republic Information

• Barahona: María Montez International Airport (MDBH) BRX
• Sánchez Samaná: Samaná El Catey International Airport (MDCY) AZS
• Santo Domingo: La Isabela International Airport (MDJB) JBQ
• Constanza La Vega: Constanza Airport (MDCZ) COZ
• Dajabón: Dajabón Airport (MDDJ) DAJ
• Las Terrenas Samaná: El Portillo Airport (MDPO) EPS
• Monte Cristi: Osvaldo Virgil Airport (MDMC)0 MTC
• Pedernales: Cabo Rojo Airport (MDCR) CBJ

Clothing
Due to the warm and humid climate, cool and airy clothes of natural fibres or with moisture wicking properties are recommended. It is wise to have a sweater for cool evenings and air conditioned restaurants and a light long sleeve and long pants option for buggy nights may be needed. The resort restaurants usually require that men wear long pants and a shirt with sleeves (short sleeves are fine) and shoes that cover the toes. If this isn't your preference, you can bring one such outfit and then you can change into more comfortable clothing right after dinner. Good walking shoes are beneficial for land excursions, and water shoes, a hat and sunglasses are recommended for water tours. Topless sunbathing is illegal in the Dominican Republic but the rule is not usually enforced at the hotels.

Crime
The Dominican Republic is considered an "emerging" or "developing" nation as opposed to a third world country, but, even so, 40% of the population of the Dominican Republic lives below the poverty line. Ensure that your valuables are not left visible when unattended and when you can, leave your valuables at home. Most hotels offer free or inexpensive in-room safes which should always be utilized for passports, jewelry and money. Double check that your room is locked (don't forget your balcony/patio doors) and any car doors if you have a rental. On the page Heath & Safety you can find more info!

Customs and Duty
For goods being brought into the country, the limits are:

• 200 cigarettes or one box of cigars
• 1 litre of liquor
• 2 open bottles of perfume for personal use
• Gifts of up to US$100

Drugs
The use and possession of prohibited drugs is strictly prosecuted in the Dominican Republic with very heavy penalties (5 to 25 years in prison) and huge fines, offering no allowance for the payment of bail in exchange for your temporary release. Avoid any such activity and avoid contact with others who are so engaged. It is not uncommon for tourists to be implicated by association.

Electricity
All of the Dominican Republic suffers periodic electrical shutdowns and sometimes that includes the resorts. Most hotels have their own generators so tourists don't suffer the effects all that regularly, but if you choose to bring a flashlight, you may find yourself grateful.

As a rule, the Dominican Republic uses the (North American standard) sockets of 110 Volts/60 Hertz. You can buy adapters in the DR, but it's better for you to bring one from your country if needed. For laptops, surge protectors are recommended.

Holidays
Many shops and services are closed on the following annual holidays:
New Year's Day - January 1
Epiphany - January 6
Three Kings Day - January 6 (celebrated on the nearest Monday)
Our Lady of Altagracia - January 21
Duarte's Birthday - January 26 (celebrated on the nearest Monday)
Independence Day - February 27
Carnival - last weekend of February
Good Friday - April 22 (in 2011)
Easter Sunday - April 24 (in 2011)
Labor Day - May 1
Feast of Corpus Christi - June 23 (in 2011)
Restoration Day - August 16
Our Lady of Mercedes - September 24
San Miguel Day - September 29
Constitution Day - November 6
Christmas - December 25

Internet
Most hotels offer some form of on-site internet access. This may include an internet lounge with terminals available for use during set hours daily, wireless access in the lounge, hotel lobby or guestrooms, with hourly or weekly rates. Internet service is usually provided by contracted companies outside of the hotel and you will be entering into an arrangement with them for the services, not the hotel. There is usually an internet service provider in the community outside your hotel as well. The hotel service is usually more expensive, charging you for the convenience.

Language
The language spoken in the Dominican Republic is Spanish. English is spoken by management and those in most customer service positions at the resorts, airports and businesses in the tourist centers, with Italian and Russian and German also widely used. Dominicans appreciate the efforts of visitors in speaking their native language.

Living in the Dominican Republic
If you are planning to buy or build a home in the Dominican Republic, you will face different regulations than Dominican citizens and different from those who are merely visiting the DR. Secure a trusted advisor prior to planning your move to the Dominican Republic.

Luggage
Airline luggage rules have become very restrictive since November 2006. Airlines worldwide limit the liquids, gels and creams we can carry on-board the aircraft in carry-on luggage. You are allowed only 3 oz bottles which can fit into a 1 quart sized plastic bag (if you don't have one, you can get one from airport security when you arrive for screening), of which only one bag is allowed per passenger. See more here. If you have special needs, like medicines or baby food, again check the website to get the up to date details on what you have to do to gain clearance.

Restricted items:
There are other items which are restricted as well, so educate yourself on what you are allowed to take, what you are not allowed to take, and possibly even more important, why you are not allowed to take them since that rule may then extend to other items which aren't on the formal list. "Sharp objects" are not allowed in carry-on bags but are allowed in your checked luggage. See here the list of prohibited items. Many people have had their umbrellas confiscated when leaving the Dominican Republic because it is deemed that an umbrella can become dangerous in the wrong hands. If you needed an umbrella to get to the airport, pack it in the outside pocket of your checked luggage once at the airport, easily extracted when you collect your bags on the other side. This may not be on the list of prohibited items, but you can understand why it might be. This may extend to knitting needles as well. They are not a weapon on their own, but may be prohibited due to their potential to be used as one.

Electric equipment
You are not allowed to take extra long corded appliances on the aircraft. Standard length cord, on a hair dryer or curling iron or laptop, should not be a problem however.

Batteries
Batteries have also been taken at the security checkpoint in the Dominican Republic. The rule on batteries is laid out here with details on how to pack your individual batteries for travel. There is no cited quantity of batteries which are allowed, but the security staff may confiscate if you are just carrying way too many.

Specific Regulations
The rules on checked luggage vary with the tour operators and airlines that serve the country. Check the luggage tab on the website for your airline for the detailed information as it applies to you. Generally accepted and not accepted items are listed in this chart.

Weight Limits
Make sure that you weigh your luggage before departing for the airport so that you know with certainty that your bags are not overweight. There will be a charge imposed at the airport if they are. You can find a variety of luggage scales for a good price. You only need be caught once with overweight luggage to decide that this may be a sound investment for the future.

Money

Music
During your vacation you can enjoy the tropical sounds of meringue, bachata, salsa and reggaeton. You will have opportunity, at the hotel and airport, to buy your favorite music on the island. You will not find the same selection or pricing at music stores at home. The hotel staff may sell CDs of the music that you hear the most on the beach and at the pool.

News
For the latest news from the Dominican Republic, you can follow online Dominican newspapers, including:

Souvenirs - some are prohibited
Remember that there are many items sold as souvenirs which are either prohibited as an export from the Dominican Republic (sea turtles, shells, starfish, coral) or which may be confiscated when you arrive at home. Among those might be reed hats woven on the beach, mamajuana (an indigenous drink consisting of tree bark and flavourings), wooden statues and sculptures; each prohibited because it is plant life which is not permitted to cross international borders. The reason for the ban is the fear of transporting dangerous or rapidly multiplying animal life (bugs or insects).

Taxes, Service Charges and Tips
Taxes are usually included in the hotel room and restaurant prices as quoted. A tip of between 5 and 10 percent of the price of a purchased service as an expression of satisfaction and gratitude is customary and appreciated. Tourism services are usually tipped at the same rates as elsewhere in the world. Maid service in the room: $2 to $5 a day. Bellmen/airport porters: $1 per bag. Buffet servers: $2 to $5 for two people per meal. A la Carte servers: $5 to $10 for two people per meal. $1 - $2 per round of drinks when served; if a bartender, $1 per round depending on the complexity of the drinks or order. Half day excursions $5 per person; full day excursions $5 to $10 per person. Your hotel booking may say that your price includes taxes and tips, but that tip money rarely makes its way to the hotel staff so the extra tip delivered in person is appreciated. If you save your tip for the end of your vacation, your favorite housekeeper, bartender or restaurant server may be having a day off and will be unavailable to receive your gesture. Many people like to tip those who are outside of the traditional tipping roles as well, like gardeners, line chefs, resort entertainers and security personnel.

Telephone
You can make phone calls directly from your room, or you can leave your phone number for friends and family to contact you. After you make your first call, check with the front desk to find out the cost so that you know for the next call you will have to make. Beware a tent card that you may find on the bedside table suggesting that you use that service to make your long distance calls. It is a service which charges excessive sums and should be avoided.

If you would like to use your cell phone, confirm with your provider before you leave home that they have coverage in the Dominican Republic and set a back-up plan with family or business associates at home should your phone not work.

Time Zone
The Dominican Republic falls within the Atlantic Standard Time zone (AST) summer and winter. In the summer, they are an hour ahead of New York City (GMT-4). In the winter, they are the same as New York City (GMT-5).

Transportation
For travel within the Dominican Republic you can use many different modes of transportation. From the airport, you will usually have an airport transfer included in your tour package. If you don't, you can arrange an airport pick up with your hotel, you can take a taxi from the airport (there is a set rate from the airports to the various regions to which they would take you), or you can book a private transfer. You may be transferred by luxury coaches, buses, extended vans and vans. The vehicles will be clean and reliable.

You can book a private transfer with:
http://www.ibkservicios.com/
http://dominicanairporttransfers.com/
http://www.isairatours.com/

Within the country, you can travel from area to area by domestic airline or bus. Caribe Tours offers punctual and efficient service with air conditioning and sometimes a movie. The other option is Metro bus which does much the same on a different schedule. The travel time from Puerto Plata to Santo Domingo, for example, is about 3.5 hours and costs about $10 or 300 pesos. To travel from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo, look into the Bávaro Express.

Many cruise ships depart from or have day visits at one of three ports in the country: Santo Domingo, La Romana and Samana.

Travel Documents & Visa
To enter the Dominican Republic you will need a passport which will still be valid for six months after your departure date from the Dominican Republic. When arriving in the country, you will need a tourist visa which comes in the form of a card costing US$10 per person. Most airlines include this cost in your airfare and distribute the cards on the plane. If this does not apply for you, you can purchase the card as soon as you enter the terminal building for US$10. There is a departure tax of US$20 required to be paid when leaving the country. It is again being included in the ticket price for your package with most airlines. Look for those costs in the fine print of your invoice and confirm that you do not have to keep this money aside. Some European airlines may suggest buying this card in advance, paying for shipping and service charges to have it delivered. This is a waste of money and not necessary. Wait until you arrive at the airport to buy it.

Travel Insurance
It is recommended that everybody buy travel insurance, for cancellation or interruption of your trip for many different reasons. If you opt to waive the offer of insurance, bear in mind that you may lose the entire cost of your trip if you have to cancel in advance of departure, or may have to pay for a full fare return flight and nightly accommodations if you attempt to modify your return travel once already in the Dominican Republic. It is extra important that you have full travel medical coverage however since a broken bone might cost thousands and should you suffer something like kidney stones or an accident requiring air evacuation, it could cost tens of thousands of dollars. You can buy insurance through the tour operator, your bank, independent insurance companies, or online travel insurance companies.

Vaccinations
Vaccination recommendations should be based on your health and consultation with your doctor. Though not updated with any regularity, you can check here for guidance. Doctors in certain countries tend to prescribe some vaccinations with more frequency than the doctors in other countries so there is no general consistency. Some of the recommended vaccinations are for diseases or ailments that many can acquire while at home and are only suggested for travel in general and not particularly for travel to the Dominican Republic. Those include Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Polio and Measles/Rubella. For travel to the Caribbean, a Typhoid immunity is recommended, though the chance of contracting the disease on your vacation is unlikely. The best protections against Dengue and Malaria are long sleeves, staying indoors, sleeping with windows closed, insect repellant with DEET ranging from 30% to 50% in proportion or picaridin in 7% to 15% concentrations. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, Tea Tree Oil and cinnamon oil are also natural insect repellents.