Before I arrive?
Travel FAQ
Is it safe to drink the tap water at the hotels?
Tap water should be avoided unless it has been boiled. This means that it is
perfectly safe to use for teas and coffees. You may brush your teeth in
unboiled tap water but if you have a sensitive stomach I wouldn't advice it.
Almost all resorts provide purified water. Ice cubes are generally made from
this as well, especially at resorts and tourist places. Bottled water can be
bought almost everywhere.
Is it safe?
Sure there are dangers everywhere and in the DR as well. But the crime rate is
relatively low when it comes to acts of violence, whereas acts of petty theft,
such as pick pocketing) are common. However, act sensibly. Don't wear jewels
that attract attention and don't wave your $$ around for everyone to see.
Avoid walking in areas where there are no people around, take a taxi instead.
Is it all right for women to be traveling alone?
The Vice President of the Dominican Republic is a woman, and you will find
women in executive positions throughout most businesses in the country. While
machismo is alive and well in the barrios and rural communities, middle class
and up women have as much to say as the men in their homes and jobs. Note that
more women graduate from university then men in the DR. Women traveling alone
will not have any problems. Unless you dress very provocatively, the most you
will get is a compliment here and there from an admiring Dominican male.
Chivalry is alive and well in the DR. Use common sense and you will enjoy your
vacation just as you would anywhere else in the world.
Are Dominican beaches safe?
Some beaches are children-friendly, others have big waves, strong undertow and
rocks. When in doubt, stick to the shore. The same rules apply here as do
anywhere else in the world. Do not take a windsurf or sail boat out if you
have just finished eating. Don't go out swimming alone. Don't bring your
valuables to the beach. Don't leave anything you can't afford to lose on the
beach when going off for a swim. Many a tourist has fallen asleep to discover
their airline ticket or camera is missing.
What is the drinking and gambling age?
The drinking and gambling age is 18 years old. While lax in the past,
increasingly the authorities are enforcing a ban on serving alcoholic
beverages to minors. Many discos, especially in Santo Domingo, will ask to see
an ID if you do not look 18. The same will happen in the casinos.
What's the best time of the year to come?
The peak travel seasons to and from the DR are July-August (most travel) and
the months of December, January, February and March. This reflects the
vacation periods of Europeans and North Americans. Note that the weather
varies only a few degrees upwards and downwards in the Dominican Republic,
with the summer months being slightly hotter, so any time is just as fine. Try
to avoid the peaks of domestic travel, primarily Easter Week and the long
weekend holidays (http://www.dr1.com/travel/prepare/holidays.shtml), if
possible, when the major resorts will be full to the hilt.
When is the rainy season?
Anyone who tells you there is a rainy season in the DR hasn’t lived here. It
rains more frequently in the North Coast than in the South. The East Coast is
the driest. But aside from that the weather in the DR is relatively stable.
Only very occasionally will a storm be passing by that will bring more than an
afternoon of rain. The most common forecast is: partly cloudy with a chance of
short showers. The El Niño and El Niña currents bring longer periods of
drought and rain. But aside from that, bring your sun block as chances are the
sun will be shining strong.
I don't know Spanish. Will this be a problem?
Thousands of people visit the DR every year without knowing any Spanish at
all. If you at least know English, you should be able to get along fine. But
if neither English nor Spanish is your language, don't worry, be happy.
If you are just coming on a holiday you will be surprised how far a smile and
sign language and pointing will get you a long way.
If you are coming for business, it is most probable your host will have
someone who can communicate with you in your language, if he doesn't do so
himself.
As with traveling anywhere, picking up a key phrases in Spanish (like
"por favor"-please, "gracias"-thank you, will bring many
smiles and extra efforts to help you out.
Most resorts will have someone speaking English. Many resorts have
multi-lingual staff. If you are coming with a large group, there surely will
be staff fluent in your language to assist you. The best advice is to relax
and be patient if you do not get youself across the first time. Laugh and have
fun. After all, you are on a vacation.
I will be traveling with my one and a half year old baby? Special
recommendations?
Bring your baby down, she will love the DR too! Bring your brand of powdered
milk and use bottled water. You can also get UHT homogenized milk here
(Parmalat, Nestle and Rica). Also prefer pasteurized UHT containers for juice
(Bon, Santal). Bring a first set of disposable diapers. If you will be staying
for more than a week, you can purchase them in any city and many hotels will
stock them, albeit at a high premium. Bring mosquito repellent special for
babies. Also, two or three hats and special baby sunscreen. If you will be
renting a car to travel with your baby, bring your own car seat. Check with
your travel agent to make sure your hotel has cribs for the baby, or you might
consider bringing your folding crib.
Is it true that there is much topless bathing in the DR?
Most US travelers with family headed to the popular Punta Cana tourist area
will soon discover that European bathing styles (topless for women and men,
thongs for women and men) is a non-issue. Once the novelty wears off, you and
your family will barely notice the different bathing wear. There is too much
else to capture your attention. Of course the kids will notice the difference
at the start, but will only make an issue of it if you do. Explain the
tourists do not want any swimsuit tan lines, shrug it off as a cultural
difference (note Dominican women do not go topless), and everyone will get on
with their vacation.
Can I bring my pet?
It's easy to travel with a dog or cat to the Dominican Republic. But do not
bring a bird as the bird needs to remain in quarantine. To bring your dog a
veterinarian certificate issued for rabbies and distemper in the past 30 days
of the travel date is required. At the airport in the DR you should ask for
the animal control person (Sanidad Animal) in the customs area. He will
examine your certificate and fill out an official entry form or permission for
which you will pay less than US$10. Prior to traveling with your pet, you
should call your carrier for more information and the cost of transporting
your animal. You should make a reservation early because some airlines
restrict how many dogs can be carried onboard. If you are flying on American
Airlines make sure your connecting flight is not American Eagle in the case
your pet does not fit under your airline seat. American Eagle will only
transport dogs that fit onboard.
What is the DR policy on visitors and drugs?
You do not want to bring in, consume or risk buying or selling drugs in the
Dominican Republic. This is the easiest way to land yourself in jail with no
bail. This could turn your trip into a nightmare. Drugs are not welcome in the
DR and there are tough laws against trafficking and consumption regardless of
the amount.
Is prostitution legal?
Yes and no. It is tolerated, let's just leave it at that. Having any kind of
sexual relationship with minors (under 18 years) is illegal and those caught
face long terms in jail.
If I extend my stay over the 90 period tourist card, what happens?
Nothing. You have to pay a penalty. The scale starts at RD$60 for up to nine
months. RD$100 for a year, RD$160 for a year to a year and a half. RD$200 for
a year-and-a-half to two years. The maximum is RD$600 for staying more than
five years.
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