Out of so many options in the paradisiacal
Caribbean, why the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic has the appeal
of a country with cities where colonial
architecture abounds—especially
in the capital which boasts one of the
most beautiful colonial zones in the
world—with a mixture of sunshine
and tropical scenery.
The Dominican Republic has a splendid
climate—sunny almost all year
long with infrequent rainy seasons and
one hurricane season. A gentle breeze
blows during the winter, for the pleasure
of visitors from all over the world.
Food is another feast in this country.
Virtually all types of food can be enjoyed
in such a diversity as to please the
most demanding and disparate tastes.
It is possible to enjoy a great variety
of typical dishes as well as international
cuisine. Of course, for the conservative
ones, the larger cities have restaurants
with the most renowned franchises in
the world, such as MacDonald's, Kentucky
Fried Chicken, Burger King, etc.
What are the major tourist destinations
in the Dominican Republic?
Definitely, the major tourist destinations
are the cities along the coast. Some
of these are in the famous "Deep
East," with the Punta Cana and
Bavaro resorts; La Romana, with its
renowned Casa De Campo resort and its
wonderful beaches and golf courses;
the Samana peninsula, Barahona, Puerto
Plata, Playa Grande—which has
one of the most beautiful golf courses
in the world, with more than twelve
holes along the seashore; Sosua, Cabarete—the
surfing center. But perhaps the greater
diversity is found in the capital, with
its mixture of culture, night life and
impressive restaurants.
What is the currency used in the Dominican
Republic?
The currency in this nation is the
peso. In cities, some of the most important
currencies in the world, such as euros,
dollars and sterling pounds are available
for exchange. Travelers' checks are
also viable.
How is the transportation system?
In cities, the most frequently used
means of transportation are buses and
the so-called public cars for multiple
passengers. This is a relatively cheap,
although not very comfortable, system,
but it allows for easy transportation
to virtually anywhere, because tourist
attractions are within close distance
in most provinces. People who are more
particular prefer to use taxis, available
through dispatchers, the best known
of which are Apolo Taxi—which
also offers limousine service—and
tecnitaxi.
And what about the health system?
Most resorts have health-care centers
for tourists.
After several complaints about the unhealthiness
of water and incorrect food handling,
most hotels modernized their food-handling
service. Food poisoning due to poor
food handling is very rare. Nevertheless,
tourists are advised to bring with them
their prescription medicine and other
medication for ailments like diarrhea,
fever, and insect bites, for those who
want to go on excursions.
Daily documentation?
As in most countries throughout the
world, it is advisable for tourists
to make a copy of their passport, driver's
license, or any other identification,
and to carry those copies with them
when going outside the hotel.
What about personal safety?
The Dominican Republic is considered
one of the safest places in the Caribbean.
Outbursts of violence and vandalism
are very isolated and rare. Tourists'
abduction is unusual or nil in our country.
However, in certain areas of the capital
and even in other parts of the country,
it is important to be careful and people
are advised to get information from
the appropriate tourist guides. In general,
hotel zones have a quite efficient security
system 24 hours a day.
Trouble with the language?
In tourist zones, most managers, doctors,
administrators and activity staff speak
English, French and German, so tourists
in general do not have communication
problems. In cities, it is preferable
to be assisted by a guide or to have
a map of the city.
Ways of access?
There are charter flights coming in
from Europe. Some airlines, like Air
France, have direct flights from Santo
Domingo to Charles De Gaulle Airport
in Paris.
For the North American and South American
markets, as well as for the rest of
the Caribbean, there are direct flights
with multiple connections to the airports
in La Romana, Santo Domingo, and Santiago.
For you convenience,
click here to see some flight itineraries.
