Dominican Republic Travel Tips

The currency of the Dominican Republic is the peso (RD$). One peso is equivalent to 100 centavos. Notes can be found in denominations of RD$2,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins come in denominations of RD$1 and 5 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos. Every coin is legal tender, but only the RD$1 and RD$5 coins are actually used because the smaller denominations are so impractical.

The peso is not available outside of the Dominican Republic, so all currency has to be exchanged when you arrive in the country. On departure, up to 30 per cent of the exchanged currency can be reconverted into US dollars at any bank, provided original receipts are shown.

Currency exchange must always be carried out through banks and hotels which have been approved by the Central Bank. Some street vendors in tourist areas accept US dollars, although this is not legal tender in the country. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all accepted and there are ATMs throughout the country which accept the above cards as well as Cirrus and Maestro. Traveller's cheques are accepted by limited banks only.

Banks are open from 08:30 until 17:00, Monday to Friday. They close on public holidays.

The import and export of local currency is forbidden. The import of foreign banknotes is allowed, providing they are declared on arrival. Foreign currencies up to the amount imported and declared may also be exported. The import and export of traveller’s cheques is unlimited.

The following goods may be imported into the Dominican Republic without incurring customs duty by travellers over 16 years of age: 200 cigarettes or one box of cigars; on litre of liquor; two bottles of perfume (opened) for personal use and gifts of up to US$100. All baggage must be declared on arrival and departure. The following items are prohibited: all animal products, agricultural and horticultural products, and illegal drugs.

110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style two-pin plugs are in use.

Visitors to the Dominican Republic are advised to vaccinate themselves against typhoid, polio, and hepatitis B and to make sure that standard vaccinations such as tetanus are up-to-date. Malaria is present in the rural areas of the western provinces of Castañuelas, Hondo Valle and Pepillo Salcedo, which border Haiti. If you are visiting these areas, you should consider taking malaria tablets. Rabies is present in some areas, and if you feel that you will be at high risk, you should consider getting vaccinated against the disease.

Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is endemic in the Dominican Republic and because of this, you should avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Swimming pools which are well-chlorinated and well-maintained are safe. Outbreaks of dengue fever are known to occu, and as there is no vaccination against the illness, you should always wear long sleeves and trousers during sunrise and sunset, and use mosquito repellent at all times.

All water could be potentially contaminated and sterilisation is essential. Always drink bottled water and only ever eat well-cooked meat and fish. As with many places, pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Milk is pasteurised, and vegetables should be always cooked and fruit peeled.

Health insurance including emergency repatriation is highly recommended. Medical care is limited throughout the country and the quality of care varies significantly. An emergency service is available in Santo Domingo only. There are pharmacies throughout the country, with trained pharmacists on hand to treat minor ailments.

Medical emergency telephone number (Santa Domingo): 911

Most visits to the Dominican Republic are trouble-free, but if you are planning a holiday here, you should be aware that there has been an increase in violent crime against the local population. Although threats to tourists are minimal, it is still important to ensure that you stick to the well beaten track and do not venture outside of tourist areas on your own. Always keep hold of your belongings and never flash cash or expensive jewellery around in public.

The hurricane season in the Dominican Republic normally runs from June to November, so it is important to listen out for hurricane warnings and to heed adviuce if caught in a storm.

The Dominican Republic does have police that are specially trained to assist tourists who require assistance. These tourist police can speak very good English and are there to help you.

Police: 911

The Dominican lifestyle is more in tune with northern American lifestyles than those in Latin America. Despite the culture being strongly influenced by Roman Catholicism, 72-hour divorces may be obtained.

Daytime dress is generally casual, but beachwear and shorts are only acceptable in resorts and at swimming pools; it is considered offensive to enter a church wearing shorts and a T-shirt. Evening dress tends to be smarter, especially at top-end restaurants and hotels.

The Dominicans are a tough and resilient people. Tourists who arrive and constantly complain about things will be perceived as being weak and will be treated with contempt. The locals place a great amount of importance on manners and good grooming. Always behave in a polite and courteous manner and try to dress your best, especially in churches and in the presence of officials such as police.

Hotel and restaurant bills automatically include a 10 per cent service charge on top of a 12 per cent tax, but an additional tip may be given if you feel the service was particularly impressive.

The international dialling code for the Dominican Republic is +1 809. An increasing amount of internet cafés can be found throughout the country as well as wireless services.

GMT -4

Travellers arriving from the US, the UK, Australia and most European countries are not required to have a visa. Passports must be valid for twice as long as you intend on staying in the Dominican Republic. Tourist visas and single-entry business visas are valid for 60 days. Multiple-entry business visas are valid for up to one year. http://www.serex.gov.do/