Practical Information

The best time for visiting the Dominican Republic is November through April, the dry season, when temperatures are pleasantly moderate. Summers (June through August) can be exceedingly hot, although often hotels and car rental companies offer discounts. Temperatures can vary with elevation; Cordillera Central is delightfully cool year-round. Cultural events occur throughout the year, but much of the country comes to a halt in March/April for Semana Santa (Holy Week).

Getting There

Although Santo Domingo’s Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) is the main airport, most international flights serving beach resorts land at Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), while other flights also arrive and depart from regional airports such as Aeropuerto Internacional Gregorio Luperón (POP), in Puerto Plata. American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, and US Airways offer services to the Dominican Republic, as do many charter airlines. Air Canada and WestJet provide direct flights from Toronto and Montreal to Punta Cana. Several European airlines connect through Miami.

Personal Security

A few safety precautions are advisable, as petty theft and crime is endemic in visitor venues and remote and unlit places at night. Leave all valuables in the hotel safe when exploring on foot. Driving on isolated rural roads at night is risky due to poor lighting, so avoid if possible and use extreme caution.

Health

Most destinations in the Dominican Republic are safe, and endemic tropical diseases are limited to dengue, and malaria (a rare occurrence primarily along the Caribbean coast). Additional threats include sunburn, dehydration, and riptides; check conditions with locals before swimming. Private doctors and clinics are found in every town, and basic government-run centros de salud (health centers) serve most communities. Hospiten operates medical clinics and an ambulance service in major resorts.

Passports and Visas

All foreign citizens need a passport plus proof of onward travel to visit the Dominican Republic. A tourist card ($10), valid for 30 days, is issued upon arrival or can be bought online in advance. Extensions for an additional 90 days cost $25 from the Dirección General de Migración

LGBT+ Safety

The Dominican Republic has an active gay scene, and Santo Domingo has several (somewhat discreet) gay bars and nightclubs. However, this predominantly Catholic country is still fairly close-minded about LBGT+ rights and equality. Displays of public affection between same-sex couples of either gender may elicit a negative verbal response, or worse.

Money

The Dominican currency is the peso (RD$), but the US dollar is accepted everywhere. Euros

and pounds Sterling can be exchanged at banks, including BanReservas, and foreign-exchange booths. Most shops and tourist outlets accept major credit cards. Traveler’s checks in US dollars are accepted in very few places. Most banks have ATMs, but they frequently run out of cash.

Cell Phones and Wi-Fi

Visitors can buy prepaid phones or SIM cards from main service providers such as Claro, Altice and Viva. If you are bringing your own mobile phone, check with your service providers to determine if it will work in the Dominican Republic. Calls from hotels incur a hefty surcharge. The Republic’s international dialing codes are 809 and 829. Calls within Santo Domingo require the ten-digit number including the area code, which should be preceded by 1 when dialing beyond Santo Domingo. Most hotels have Internet service; many have Wi-Fi.

Getting Around

Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial is easily negotiated on foot, while taxis are ideal for getting around the great metropolis. Tourist taxis await visitors outside most hotels. Locals rely on carros públicos (private unmetered cars) that operate as communal taxis, but are best avoided, as drivers tend to overcharge. Moto-conchos (motorcycle taxis) form the main transport for locals outside Santo Domingo and are best avoided as well. The rest of the country is most easily explored on organized excursions or buses, since self-drive can be a daunting experience despite the efficent road network. Air-conditioned buses link most destinations nationwide.

A 50-minute ferry ride links Samana to Sabanade la Mar, while there are air services between Puerto Plata and Punta Cana to Santo Domingo and other cities.

Visitor Information

The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism has offices in the US, Canada, and UK, as well as in major tourist centers in the Republic. The key local offices include one on Santo Domingo’s Parque Colón, in Bávaro, and Puerto Plata.

At a Glance