Dominican Republic Travel Guide

Dominican Republic — Travel Tips

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Social Conventions

The Dominican lifestyle is a mixture of American and Latino reference points. Though the culture is rich in Roman Catholic and Spanish influences, for example, 72-hour divorces may be obtained.

Daytime dress is generally casual but beachwear and shorts are only acceptable in resorts and at pools; it is rare for locals to enter a church wearing shorts or a T-shirt. In many areas, evenings tend to be smarter, with dressing up common at better restaurants, hotels and for social functions. Despite a relatively conservative culture, meanwhile, young female visitors to towns and cities are likely to draw attention, not always of the respectful kind.

International Travel

Getting There By Air

The Dominican Republic’s national airline is Air Santo Domingo (EX).

Departure Tax

A ‘Stay tax' is levied on all passengers staying longer than three months: RD$60.48 (three to nine months); RD$100.80 (nine to 12 months) or RD$160.16 - 600.32 (one year or more).

Note: When buying an international air ticket in the Dominican Republic a tax of approximately 12% is levied on the carrier by the government. This expense is passed on directly to the customer on the price of the ticket. If the ticket is bought outside the Dominican Republic, there is no tax.

Main Airports

Santo Domingo (SDQ) (Internacional de las Américas) is 18km (11 miles) east of the city (journey time – 30 minutes). To/from the airport: Taxi services are available to Santo Domingo. Facilities: Outgoing duty-free shop, post office, bank/bureau de change, restaurants, bars and car hire.

Puerto Plata International Airport (POP) (Internacional General Gregorio Luperón). To/from the airport: Taxi services are available. Facilities: Outgoing duty-free shop, banking and exchange facilities, gift shop, post office, restaurant, bar and car hire.

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is 10 to 30 minutes’ journey time from the Punta Cana and Bávaro resorts. To/from the airport: Taxi services are available. Facilities: Gift shops and duty-free shop.

Getting There By Water

Some international cruise lines call at the Dominican Republic.

Getting There By Road

There are three routes from Haiti: on the road from Port-au-Prince to Santo Domingo at Jimaní/Malpasse; on the road from Cap-Haitian to Santiago at Dajabón/Ouanaminthe; and a third route near the center of the island at Elías Pinâ/Belladere. The borders are open from 0800-1600.

Duty Free

Overview

The following goods may be imported into the Dominican Republic without incurring customs duty by travelers over 16 years of age:

• 200 cigarettes or one box of cigars.
• 1L of liquor.
• Two bottles of perfume (opened) for personal use.
• Gifts of up to US$100.

All baggage must be declared on arrival and departure.

Prohibited Imports

All animal products, agricultural and horticultural products and drugs.

Internal Travel

Getting Around By Air

Air Santo Domingo runs regular flights between Santo Domingo, Santiago, Samaná, Punta Cana and Puerto Plata. Planes may also be chartered.

Getting Around By Road

Traffic drives on the right. There is a reasonable network of roads, including the Sanchez Highway running westwards from Santo Domingo to Elias Pina on the Haitian frontier; the Mella Highway extending eastwards from Santo Domingo to Higuey in the southeast and the Duarte Highway running north and west from Santo Domingo to Santiago and to Monte Cristi on the northwest coast. Not all roads in the Dominican Republic are all-weather and 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for wet weather. Checkpoints near military installations are ubiquitous, though no serious difficulties have been reported (those near the Haitian border are most likely to be sensitive). Keep doors and windows locked at all times. Driving at night is not recommended because of poor lighting and and signage.

Bus: Cheap and efficient air-conditioned bus and coach services run from the capital to other major towns.

Taxi: Travelers are advised to hire tourist taxis or radio taxis that can be arranged in advance. Avoid unmarked taxis.

Car hire: There are several car hire companies in Santo Domingo. The minimum age for car hire is 25. A credit card is required for car hire transactions. Insurance is compulsory.

Regulations: The speed limit is up to 60kph (38mph) in cities and 80-100kph (50-63mph) on motorways. Seat belts are legally required to be worn.

Documentation: A national or International Driving Permit is accepted, but is only valid for 90 days.

Getting Around Towns and Cities

Santo Domingo has flat-fare bus and minibus services, and an estimated 7,000 share-taxis called Carro de Conchos. These operate a 24-hour service in Santo Domingo, Santiago and Puerto Plata. Hotel taxis are also available. In old Santo Domingo, the streets are narrow with blind corners, so care should be taken, particularly as Dominican drivers have a tendency to use their horns rather than their brakes. Horse-drawn carriages are available for hire in tourist areas for tours around parks and plazas.

Journey Times

The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Santo Domingo to other major cities and towns in the Dominican Republic.