Dominican Republic

There are two sides to the Dominican Republic, just like there are two sides of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, which the Dominican Republic shares with neighbouring Haiti. On one side, tourists languish in luxury inside the confines of the many resort hotels along the beautiful coastline, sipping cocktails under the palm trees and bathing in beautiful blue lagoons.

The other face of the Dominican Republic can be found along the country roads, among the sugar cane, coffee and cocoa bean fields, where people labour in the sun and men play dominoes outside tumble-down shacks. For the local people (there are 8.5 million inhabitants of this well-populated part of Hispaniola), tourism is an important source of income, and the thousands of visitors who come to enjoy the resorts and to explore the Spanish Colonial legacy in this country 'where America began', are warmly welcomed.

The South Coast contains some of the country's bigger cities and national parks. The capital, Santo Domingo, was the first Spanish settlement in the Americas. Christopher Columbus initiated the first European New World settlement here in 1496. His legacy is preserved in the bricks and mortar of the historic old section of Santo Domingo, which has been turned into an entertaining and interesting Colonial 'theme park'.

The other tourist spots in the Dominican Republic are the northern Amber Coast region around Puerta Plata, the beautiful Samana Peninsula, and the resort communities of the east coast, where stretches of pristine tropical beach have been bought and developed into all-inclusive resorts. However, those who take the trouble to explore a little behind the scenes will find plenty of unspoilt tropical paradise off the beaten track in the Dominican Republic, and locals ready and willing to offer warm hospitality.

Climate

The Dominican Republic is hot and tropical, with little seasonal variation in temperatures, which average about 77°F (25°C). Seasons can, however, be determined by rainfall, with October to April being the rainy season on the north coast, while May to November is the wettest month in the south of the country. The driest area is the west. Cooler temperatures and less humidity are generally experienced between November and April, while the mountainous interior is always cooler than the rest of the country. Hurricanes occur on average once every two years on the island, most striking the south of the country and most happening in 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.

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 US dollars as well as in Dominican Pesos, as US dollars are widely accepted 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 bureaux; only 30% 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. Major credit cards are accepted everywhere, but a commission is usually charged and it is recommended that you only use your credit card at your hotel as fraud incidents have been reported. The best exchange rates are paid on US travellers cheques and secondly on US dollars cash and are best exchanged at exchange bureaux ( casas de cambio). Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm; some banks also open on Saturday. ATMs are widespread.

Passport Visa

In lieu of visas, Tourist Cards can be issued on-arrival to certain nationals, at a cost of USD 10 for a stay of 30 days. Extensions are possible. A return or onward ticket is required by all visitors, as well as the travel documentation needed for their next destination. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers going between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required, provided that visitors obtain a Tourist Card on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
• British citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required for passport holders endorsed as British Citizen or British Overseas Territories Citizen, provided that they obtain a Tourist Card on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days. Other British passport holders should contact the relevant embassy to check entry requirements.
• Canadian citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in the Dominican Republic. Passport exemptions apply to travellers in possession of an original birth certificate, birth registration papers, a military hospital-issued birth certificate, Canadian Citizenship Certificate or Naturalization Certificate issued to Nationals of Canada. If not including a photo of the bearer, these documents must be accompanied by an official photo ID document (e.g. driver's licence); and visitors must travel for touristic purposes only. Note that it is recommended that Canadian citizens be in possession of a valid passport upon arrival in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required, provided that visitors obtain a Tourist Card on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
• Australian citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required, provided that visitors obtain a Tourist Card on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
• South African citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required, provided that visitors obtain a Tourist Card on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
• Irish citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required, provided that visitors obtain a Tourist Card on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required, provided that visitors obtain a Tourist Card on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.

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 and take the relevant precautions. Water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated in undeveloped areas; bottled water is available. 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.

Embassy Consulates

• Embassy of the Dominican Republic, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 332 6280.
• Embassy of the Dominican Republic, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7727 6285.
• Embassy of the Dominican Republic, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 569 9893.
• Consulate-General of the Dominican Republic, Sydney, Australia: +61 (0)2 9363 5891.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Santo Domingo: +1 809 221 2171.
• British Embassy, Santo Domingo: +1 809 472 7111.
• Canadian Embassy, Santo Domingo: +1 809 685 1136.
• Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for Dominican Republic): +1 868 628 0695.
• South African Embassy, Havana, Cuba (also responsible for Dominican Republic): +53 (0)7 204 9671.