Dominican Republic Flights and Travel Guide

Language

Spanish is the official language, but English is spoken in the main tourist centers.

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Money

The currency is the Dominican Republic peso (DOP), divided into 100 centavos. Many of the hotels and restaurants in the main tourist destinations display their prices in U.S. dollars as well as in Dominican Pesos, and some places will also accept Euros. The peso cannot be exchanged outside of the Dominican Republic. Major currencies can be converted into pesos at Central Bank approved bureau; only 30 percent of the pesos bought can be re-converted and this only if the original receipts are produced, so it is best not to buy more pesos than you are likely to need for your visit. Major credit cards are accepted everywhere, but a commission is usually charged. The best exchange rates are paid on U.S. travelers checks and secondly on U.S. dollars cash and are best exchanged at exchange bureau (casas de cambio). Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm; some banks also open on Saturday. ATMs are widespread.

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Communications

The international access code for the Dominican Republic is +1, in common with the U.S., Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed by 809. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most major international operators. A bilingual operator can be reached by dialing 0. Direct international calls can be made from numerous telecommunications centers located in all towns and cities. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.

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Tipping

Hotels and restaurants generally include a 10 percent service charge as well as tax, but additional tips can be given for good service as often the charge 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.

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Safety

Due to the recent unrest in neighboring Haiti and the ongoing unpredictability of the security situation, it is inadvisable to travel across the border to Haiti. There is a low terrorism risk and incidences of violent crime are infrequent. Visitors should take normal precautions against petty crime, however. The Dominican Republic is vulnerable to hurricanes from June to November.

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Health

No vaccination certificates are required but precautions are recommended against Hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies and polio for those who plan to spend time outside the main tourist resort areas. There is a malaria risk throughout the year. Between May and September there is a risk of dengue fever, which is contracted from mosquitoes that bite during the day. It is advisable to use mosquito repellent. Travellers should be aware of the high prevalence of the HIV/AIDS virus in the Dominican Republic. Water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated in undeveloped areas; bottled water is available. Recent months showed an increase of travelers suffering from the norovirus, a gastrointestinal illness that causes diarrhea and vomiting, after visiting the resort areas; travelers should be wary of eating old food and coming into contact with dirty surfaces. 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 outside of these cities facilities are limited, and 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.

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Electricity

Electrical current is 110 volts AC, 60 Hz. American-style two-pin plugs are standard.

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