Arriving
1. International Airports
Your point of arrival is normally determined by where you are staying, whether in Santo Domingo or one of the principal tourist regions. These have their own international airports. Most scheduled flights land at Las Américas, near Santo Domingo.
Las Americas • 809 947 2220
Punta Cana • 809 959 2376
Gregorio Luperón • 809 291 0000
Santiago • 809 233 8000
Dr Joaquín Balaguer • 809 826 4019
Samana, Presidente Juan Bosch • 809 338 5888
La Romana • 809 813 9000
2. Tourist Cards
Tourists must present a tourist card at passport control. The card costs US$10 and is valid for 30 days. Cards are available at all airports and must be filled in before going through immigration. They can also be bought online from your local Dominican Republic embassy website.
3. Changing Money at the Airport
It is unlikely that you will arrive already in possession of Dominican pesos, so the airport is a good place to exchange currency. The Banco de Reservas offers a money-changing service at Las Américas, in Santiago, and Puerto Plata. There are also ATMs at all the airports, although these are sometimes empty during high season.
4. Touts
Incoming flights are often met by hordes of touts, offering services such as hire cars, money exchange, and guided tours. It is always sensible to decline their offers politely. Visitors arriving on pre-booked holiday packages are met by bona fide representatives.
5. From Las Americas into Santo Domingo
The Aeropuerto Internacional de las Américas is about 8 miles (13 km) east of the city center. There is no bus service, so it's best to take a taxi into town. Choose an official taxi driver (look for a brown certificate on the windscreen) and agree the price (about US$30) before setting off.
6. Punta Cana Airport
Most of the Punta Cana-Bávaro hotel complexes are within 30 minutes' drive of Punta Cana International airport, a rather picturesque cluster of thatch-roofed buildings. Hotels usually organize air-conditioned buses to pick up guests, however, taxis are always available, costing about US$40 to travel to most hotels.
7. Puerto Plata Airport
Situated between Puerto Plata and Sosúa, the Aeropuerto Internacional Gregorio Luperón is the main entrance point for North Coast visitors. A 15-minute drive into Puerto Plata, or any of the Playa Dorada hotels, costs around US$33.
8. Other Airports
There are also airports at Santiago (Cibao International), La Romana (used mostly for flights to Casa de Campo), Samaná (Presidente Juan Bosch), Barahona (María Montéz), and Santo Domingo (Dr Joaquín Balaguer).
9. Arriving by Boat
Several cruise lines include the Dominican Republic on their itineraries, stopping at the port in Santo Domingo, La Romana, or Samaná.
10. Ports of Entry
Official ports of entry for independent sailors are Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, Luperón, Samaná, and Punta Cana. A customs fee of US$10 is applicable per person, payable at the customs and immigration facility, granting immigration clearance for 30 days.
