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Before You Go
Entry Requirements for US Citizens:Passport or Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate
of Citizenship for entry & exit. Tourist card or visa also required. US
Embassy recommends ID, such as driver's license or photo ID. Minors travelling
without parents require additional documentation besides passport. Charter passengers
should verify entry & exit requirements with charter company.
UK Foreign
and Commonwealth Travel Advisory current as of 17th January 2003
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Visitors to the Dominican Republic should take normal precautions
against petty crime. Never leave valuables or baggage unattended in public places,
including on the beach. It is always advisable to keep valuables, particularly
jewellery, in hotel safety deposit boxes. Whilst violent crime against tourists
is rare, pickpockets and petty thieves are more common, so it is important to
take care of personal belongings and remain vigilant particularly when venturing
outside of resorts and hotel complexes. Particular care should be taken when
moving around after dark and it is advisable to avoid quiet, poorly lit areas.
Passports should be kept in a secure place - carry a photocopy. Anyone
who loses their passport or has it stolen should obtain a police report before
contacting the British Embassy.
Visitors are urged to avoid any excursions that are not recommended
by tour operators and to take care of possessions on trips.
LOCAL TRAVEL
Taxis are cheap and reasonably reliable. But there have been reported
cases of theft in taxis, so it is always advisable to keep valuables and cash
well hidden. Tourist taxis are safer and more reliable, but also more expensive.
Public transport is not recommended, but private companies operate good bus
services between cities; buses are air-conditioned and usually run on time.
ROAD SAFETY
It is easy to hire a car in the Dominican Republic with many international
franchises available. Although roads are reasonably good, the standard of driving
is extremely erratic. Drivers weave from lane to lane and seldom signal. Many
vehicles are in a very poor state, often as a result of numerous collisions.
Motor cyclists are numerous and a real danger. Road accidents are extremely
common and British visitors involved in any accident are liable to be detained
by police until the circumstances of the accident have been investigated. It
is worth bearing in mind that police tend to favour the motorcyclist in the
event of an accident between a motorcycle and another vehicle. Anyone detained
as a result of a road accident is strongly advised to contact the British Embassy.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
There are high penalties including long prison
sentences in unpleasant conditions for anyone convicted of drug trafficking.
There is an efficient anti-drugs control agency.
Tourism police, who usually speak reasonable
English, are available to assist tourists.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All visitors require a tourist card, which
can be obtained before travel through the Embassy of the Dominican Republic,
139 Inverness Terrace, Bayswater, London, W2 6JF; (tel: 020 7727 6285) or on
arrival at the airport at a cost of $10 (US Dollars) or equivalent. There is
also a $10 (US Dollars) departure tax.
Meat and dairy products are currently banned
from EU countries until further notice. Such items are liable to be removed
from luggage and destroyed by airport officials.
HEALTH
There have been occasional outbreaks of malaria
mainly in the border areas with Haiti. The number of cases are very small but
visitors are nevertheless advised to seek advice from their GP before departure
from the UK. In the hot season - May to September - there is the threat of dengue
fever, which is contracted from mosquitoes that bite during the daytime. It
is advisable to use anti-mosquito skin repellents, which are readily available
locally.
Rabies exists in the Dominican Republic and
so it is always sensible to steer clear of stray dogs and cats.
To reduce the likelihood of contracting gastro-intestinal
viruses, visitors should not drink tap water nor is it advisable to buy food
from street vendors.
Visitors should ensure that they have up-to-date
immunisations, including protection against polio. Visitors are advised to contact
their GP for information prior to departure.
Travellers should be aware of the high prevalence
of the HIV/AIDS virus in the Dominican Republic and should take standard precautions
to avoid exposure to the virus.
NATURAL DISASTERS
The hurricane season is from June until November.
The Dominican Republic was struck severely by Hurricane George in 1998 but recovered
well. The previous occasion when a severe hurricane struck was in 1979. Local
weather radio channels track nearby hurricanes, and most hotels have plans in
place to handle an emergency situation. Travel operators may be able to give
more information.
Earthquakes are a potential threat but there
has not been a significant one for more than fifty years. Minor tremors are
felt occasionally.
Travel to Haiti
Visitors should make enquiries with the British
Embassy in Santo Domingo before travelling across the border. Due to the current
politically unstable situation in Haiti, we strongly advise against holiday
and other non-essential travel to Haiti. Visitors should consult the Travel
Advice for Haiti before travelling.
GENERAL
Visitors are strongly recommended to take out adequate travel
and medical insurance prior to travel. Medical fees are very expensive and some
visitors’ families have been left with large bills to pay following medical
treatment to those that have travelled without insurance and have then been
involved in accidents or have become ill. It is important to be aware that most
local tour companies offering excursions, water sports, jeep and quad bike rental,
horse riding etc do not provide insurance cover so it is essential to check
the terms and conditions of travel insurance policies before undertaking any
such activities.
Health: Medical Facilities limited. Doctors
& hospitals often expect immediate cash payment. US medical insurance not
always valid outside USA. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including medical evacuation, has proved useful.
Health Risks: Polio is endemic. Risk of typhoid is uncertain;
vaccination strongly advised. Malaria risk, exclusively in malignant
falciparum form, exists throughout year in Barahona Municipio & Cabral Municipio
(Barahona Prov.), Dajabón Prov., Jimaní Municipio (Independencia Prov.), Pedernales
Municipio (Pedernales Prov.), Comendador (Elias Piña Prov.) & Montecristi
Prov. Regard all water as potentially contaminated. Consider sterilization
essential. Boil water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice. Milk
is pasteurised. Powdered or tinned milk available. Only eat well-cooked meat
& fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad & mayonnaise may carry increased
risk. Vegetables should be cooked & fruit peeled. Rabies present.
For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If bitten
abroad seek medical advice without delay. Bilharzias is (schistosomiasis)
present. Avoid swimming & paddling in fresh water. Diffuse cutaneous
leishmaniasis recently discovered.
Crime & Security: Petty street crime involving US tourists
occurs infrequently. Take normal precautions. Valuables, unattended in parked
cars, on beaches & in public places subject to theft. Burglaries of private
residences on increase. Some incidents of violent crime have involved foreign
residents & tourists, including US citizens. Larger, better-known resort
complexes, which rely on private security, generally not been affected.
Money: Dominican Republic Peso (RD$) = 100
centavos. Notes of RD$1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 & 1. Coins of RD$1,
& 50, 25, 10, 5 & 1 centavos. US$1 = approx. RD$14 but rate fluctuates
& should be checked. Exchange currency at commercial banks, hotels &
exchange houses. Exchange rate set by Central Bank based on prevailing market.
No more than US$10,000 or equivalent may be taken out on departure. RD
Peso not available outside of DR. Hard currencies may be converted into local
currency. At departure reconvert all unspent RD$ into US $ at any bank. All
exchange must be done through official dealers such as banks & hotels approved
by Central Bank. Mastercard, Amex, Diners, Visa & travellers checks accepted
by some banks.
Weather: Hot with tropical temperatures all
year. Av. temp 77F with Aug warmest & Jan coolest months. Rainy season June
- Oct. Hurricanes sometimes occur at this time.
Advice & Tips for the Dominican Republic:
Road Safety: Road conditions range from excellent to very poor. Traffic laws
similar to those in USA, but undisciplined driving common due to lack of adequate
traffic controls. Avoid travel at night on inter-city highways & in rural
areas, due to vehicles being driven at excessive speeds, often with malfunctioning
headlights.
Taxes/Tips: Government
charges 5% extra tax on hotel rooms, & 8% sales tax on food & drinks.
In most tourist centres, prices for food usually quite moderate (except for
occasional high scale places) because of fierce competition. Restaurants typically
charge 10% service charge, but wages in this sector very low & most employees
rely on extra tips to survive. Generally customers should pay additional 5 to
10 %, especially if service has been good.
Customs: Duty free allowance - 200 cigarettes
or tobacco to value of US$5; 1 bottle alcohol (opened) to value of US$5;
reasonable amount of perfume (opened); gifts up to US$100. All animal products,
agricultural & horticultural products prohibited.
Electricity & Voltage:
110 volts AC, 60Hz. US-style 2-pin plugs in use. Frequent
power cuts, often for several hours, so take torch with you when you go out
at night. Many establishments have own (often noisy) generators.
Public Holidays: Jan 01, 06 & 26; Feb 27; Mar 28; Apr 14; May 01; Jul 16;
Aug 16; Sep 24; Oct 12 & 24; Nov 01; Dec 25.
Tourism Contacts:
Secretary of Tourism: Avenues Mexico & 30 de Marzo, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
(809) 221-4660 or (800) 752-1151
Tourist Information: Av. Hermanas Mirabel, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
(809) 586-3676.
Department of Tourism:
Dominican Consulate, 1501 Broadway, # 410, New York, NY 10036.
(212) 768-2480.
2355 Salzedo Avenue, # 305,
Coral Gables, FL 33134. (305) 444-4592.
Airports of the Dominican Republic
SDQ:
Aeropuerto de las Americas, SantoDomingo
Information - 5490450/80
15 miles east of Santo Domingo just before
Boca Chica
Fixed taxi fare to downtown is c. US$20. To
La Union US$15. Tel: 549-0328/04
Boca Chica Express’ bus from José Martí y París,
north of Parque Enriquillo, which drops you at main road, US$4, buses every
few minutes in either direction.
At departure reconvert all unspent RD$ into
US $ at any bank.
Has been modernized, very clean & smart.
Immediately on arrival see tourist office on
right (helpful, will make bus reservation if you want to go straight out of
Santo Domingo), & just past that office selling tourist cards (blackboard
indicates who needs card). Check if you need card, otherwise long queue to get
through immigration will be wasted.
In customs hall is bank for exchanging dollars;
open Sunday & at night (good rates). Pesos changed back into dollars, at
bank in departure hall, but only up to 30% of what you purchased on arrival,
receipt required.
In departure area duty-free shops, cafés, &
limited seating.
Upstairs good facilities with burger restaurant
with plenty of seating & good view of airport.
POP: Puerto Plata International Gregorio
Luperon Airport
Located 20 mins from Puerto Plata serves north
coast. 7 mins from Sosúa & 20 from Cabarete.
Information - 5860219
Taxi from airport to Puerto Plata or Cabarete
US$20, to Sosúa US$10.
Small bank at airport for exchange.
Do not panic at the airport when approached
by Dominicans in overalls attempting to take your bag. They are baggage handlers
trying to make a living. Proper tipping is about US$2 per bag.
PUJ: Punta
Cana International Airport
Serves the east.
BRX: Barahona Maria Montez International
Airport,
On southwest coast opened in 1997.
Named after Dominican Hollywood actress of
1940s & 1950s: designed to promote tourism development in area.
LRM: La
Romana
STI: Santiago
(Cibao)
Customs: Duty free allowance - 200 cigarettes
or tobacco to value of US$5; 1 bottle alcohol (opened) to value of US$5;
reasonable amount of perfume (opened); gifts up to US$100. All animal products,
agricultural & horticultural products prohibited.
Airline Offices: In Santo Domingo: Air Canada, ACES,
Aeroméxico, LTU & Finnair all at Gustavo Mejía Ricart 54, T5415151; Air
France, Avenida George Washington 101, T6868419; ALM, L Navarro 28, T6874567;
American Airlines, Edif IN TEMPO, W Churchill, T5425151; American Eagle, Juan
S Ramírez esq Mahatma Gandhi, T6820077; Continental, T5626688; Copa, T4722223;
Iberia, T5080188; Martinair, M Gómez y Juan S Ramírez, T6886661; Cubana, T2272040;
at 27 de Febrero esq Tiradentes are Air Portugal, T4721441, Varig, T5633434;
at George Washington 353 are Lufthansa, T5415151, Hapag Lloyd, T6828133 &
Condor, T6828133. Air Santo Domingo information & reservations, T6838020,
at Herrera airport T6836691, at Las Américas T5491110, at Punta Cana T2211170,
at Puerto Plata T5860385.
Recreational drugs
such as marijuana & cocaine are strictly illegal, & laws are severely
enforced. Baggage may be closely inspected when entering country, especially
by land from Haiti, & penalties for possession, even very small amounts,
extremely severe.
Regions and Cities
The Dominican Republic shares island of Hispaniola with Haiti. Republic
occupies east two thirds of island & is 2nd largest country in Caribbean.
Country divided into 29 provinces & National Territory surrounding capital,
Santo Domingo. 2 major cities with large population concentrations, Santo Domingo,
with more than 1.5 million residents, & Santiago de los Caballeros, with
more half a million.
Santo Domingo: Founded
in 1498, original walled portion of city is called Zona Colonial and should
be explored on foot. Charm of old and vitality of new Santo Domingo will stay
with you long after visit.
Punta Cana: started as dream & personal challenge
of Frank Rainieri, developer & hotel owner recently awarded Hotelier of
Year by Caribbean Hotel Association. Beaches along eastern coast among most
beautiful you are likely to discover. Bávaro, with string of resort hotels,
parks & golf course, short distance from Punta Cana airport. Manatí Park
offers chance to swim with dolphins & interact with marine mammals. Spectacular
Dancing Horses rival Vienna Spanish Riding School with show of magnificent
thoroughbreds & great horsemanship.
Sightseeing & Leisure for the
Dominican Republic
NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN:
in Altos de Gala area occupying area of 2 million sq. meters. Climate tropical,
humid with av. year precipitation of 1366mm & av. temp. Of 25.8 C. Schedule:
Tues to Sun 9:00 to 6 pm.
NATIONAL ZOO:
one of biggest in Latin America with view to Isabela River. Animals exhibited
in areas similar to natural environment.<
NATIONAL AQUARIUM: < combination of displays & educational programs. Main species of fresh
& salted water fauna shown emphasizing importance of protection &
handling of aquatic life.
LOS TRES OJOS NATIONAL PARK: huge
natural cave with 2 fresh water lakes & sulphur lake. Volcano's extinguished
crater. Most beautiful of all. Depth unknown.
NATIONAL THEATER: < opened 1973. Big auditorium called Sala Principal, capacity for 1,600
people. Sala Ravelo with capacity for 175 & used for speeches and
cultural activities.
COLUMBUS LIGHTHOUSE: < museums displaying valuable & historic relics from time of Great Admiral,
Columbian Library. In central axis and crosspiece of monument is mausoleum containing
Great Admiral's mortal remains.
MERCADO MODELO: Main
arts 7 crafts centre of city. Diversity of artistic products, natural
medicines, with products plus fruits & vegetables.
Motorcycles: Noisy mopeds & motorcycles everywhere. Most beach
resorts rent motorcycles for between US$20 - 35 a day. By law, driver of motorcycle
must wear crash helmet; passengers not required to wear one.
Entertainment & Night Life
Choice varies from Las Vegas-style review,
discotheques & casinos to quiet café by sea in Santo Domingo.
Hotels offer more traditional
shows including folk music & dancing. Popular dances are merengue, accompanied
by 3-man group called perico ripiao, & salsa.
The Malécon, along Seaside Boulevard in Santo
Domingo, known as world's longest discotheque.
Concerts & other cultural
events often held at Casa de Francia & Plaza de la Cultura in Santo Domingo,
among others.
Eating Out in Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo Restaurants
Tipping: Usual
practice: 10% on food and beverages.
Water & Beer: Tap water or water, which has not been
thoroughly boiled, is unsafe. Fresh, bottled drinking water sold everywhere.
Most popular local beer is Presidente, of fairly high quality and more
than acceptable for most tourists. Also variety of excellent rums, including
brands of different levels of quality made by local Barcelo and Brugal companies.
Restaurants & Eateries:
Cafe Cito - Puerto
Plata
Bachata Rosa Café Concierto:
Dominican music. Creole & international refreshments. Free pick-up from
hotels.
Bocca Marina:
Seafood with view.
La Bricciola:
Italian cuisine in restaurant with "colonial soul and Italian flavour".
Camp Davis Ranch:
View of El Cibao valley from height of 2,000 feet while tasting "best
international cuisine in Santiago".
El Conuco:
Dominican cuisine from pot and gourmet. <
Jiacosa: View of Rio Chavon.
Lago Grill: View
of lake and sea beyond, breakfast buffet & lunch.
Mesón de Castilla:
Spanish and international cuisine. A long-time favourite.
Mesón de La Cava:
Cave 50 feet deep, with international fare and live music.
Neptuno's: Seafood served in exclusive atmosphere, right over
sea, at east end of Boca Chica lagune.
Pappalapasta: Homemade pastas & fresh imported seafood, black
Angus cured steaks and international contemporary cuisine.
Reina de España:
Spanish, international cuisine & local delicacies. Seafood, including lobsters
& favourite seafood casserole. <
Restaurant Roma II:
One of best restaurants in town! Pastas made fresh daily & served with variety
of special sauces.
La Taberna Verde:< Gourmet restaurant .
El Vesuvio:
International, pastas & Caribbean dishes, indoors or under stars.
Shopping in the Dominican Republic
Dominican
locally produced items: Handicrafts, paintings, straw macramé & mahogany
goods. Amber, the national gem, & Larimar found to west.
Sales tax: All merchandise & products subjects
to 8% sales tax.
Shop hours normally 0800-1900, some open all
day Saturday & mornings on Sunday &holidays. Most shops in tourist areas
stay open through siesta & on Sunday.
Everett Designs
- jewellery fashioned in exclusive designs created in 18K gold. Ready-made jewellery,
precious & semi-precious stones including amber & larimar.
Fine Gift Centre
offers arts, crafts & souvenirs, plus fine jewellery.
Galería de Arte Nader< - Works by best Caribbean artists, including Dominican and Haitian.
Gianni Versace
in beautiful house built in 1520. Signature, Jeans Couture & Home Signature.
Harrison's Caribbean Jewellers offers gold & platinum
jewellery plus world's most prestigious products.
Joyas Criollas - Jewellery
of amber, larimar and black coral. Located in Plaza Criollas, a spectacular
complex where shops are surrounded by tropical gardens.
La Canoa Gift Shop -
Jewellery from semi-precious stones - larimar, black coral, amber & bull
horn also art.
Marcel's has
a wide selection of shoes & accessories.
Museo del Ambar - collection
of valuable Dominican amber on display with guided tours offered Mon to Sun.
Santo Domingo Art & Jewellery Shop -
Amber, larimar & coral with full guarantee
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