Money:
The currency is the Dominican Republic Peso (DOP), divided into
100 centavos. Many of the hotels and restaurants in the main
tourist destinations display their prices in US dollars as well as
in Dominican Pesos, as US dollars are widely accepted and some
places will also accept Euros. The peso cannot be exchanged outside
of the Dominican Republic. Major currencies can be converted into
pesos at Central Bank approved bureaux; only 30% of the pesos
bought can be re-converted and this only if the original receipts
are produced, so it is best not to buy more pesos than you are
likely to need. Major credit cards are accepted everywhere, but a
commission is usually charged and it is recommended that you only
use your credit card at your hotel as fraud incidents have been
reported. The best exchange rates are paid on US travellers cheques
and secondly on US dollars cash and are best exchanged at exchange
bureaux (
casas de cambio). Banking hours are Monday to Friday from
8.30am to 4.30pm; some banks also open on Saturday. ATMs are
widespread.
Time:
Electricity:
Electrical current is 110 volts, 60 Hz. American-style
two-pin flat blade plugs are standard.
Language:
Spanish is the official language, but English is spoken
in the main tourist centres.
Health:
No vaccination certificates are required but precautions are
recommended against Hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies and polio for
those who plan to spend time outside the main tourist resort areas.
There is a malaria risk throughout the year. Between May and
September there is a risk of dengue fever, which is contracted from
mosquitoes that bite during the day. It is advisable to use
mosquito repellent. Travellers should be aware of the high
prevalence of the HIV/AIDS virus in the Dominican Republic and take
the relevant precautions. Water should be regarded as being
potentially contaminated in undeveloped areas; bottled water is
available. Some species of fish, including tropical reef fish, may
be poisonous to eat even when well cooked. There are good hospitals
and other private medical facilities located in Puerto Plata,
Santiago and Santo Domingo, but outside of these cities facilities
are limited, and staff are unlikely to understand English. Most
resorts have doctors that can treat minor medical complaints.
Health insurance, including provision for medical evacuation, is
recommended.
Tipping:
Hotels and restaurants generally include a 10% service charge as
well as tax, but additional tips should be given for good service
as often the charge does not go to the staff who provided the
service. Waiters usually receive 10% extra for good service. For
other services including taxi drivers, tipping is discretionary
depending on the service provided.
Safety:
Due to the recent unrest in neighbouring Haiti and the ongoing
unpredictability of the security situation, it is inadvisable to
travel across the border to Haiti. There is a low terrorism risk
and incidences of violent crime are infrequent. Visitors should
take normal precautions against petty crime, however. The Dominican
Republic is vulnerable to hurricanes from June to November.
Customs:
Being polite to others and having respect for elders is integral
and is expected from visitors. If taking a photograph of a local,
one should ask permission first and then offer a gift afterwards.
Dominicans take care in their appearance and form judgements based
on what people wear; they are likely to look down on tourists that
are unkempt or wear clothes that are too revealing.
Business:
Santo Domingo is the centre of business in the Dominican
Republic. Good working relationships are vital and trust is an
integral part of doing business in the Dominican Republic; knowing
the right people is half the battle won. Appearances are considered
important and therefore dressing smartly is advised. Meetings are
initially rather formal and a polite greeting accompanied by a
handshake is common; expect small talk. Business cards are usually
exchanged on introduction. Punctuality is important. Although
English is widely spoken and understood, it is still useful to have
all business material printed in English and Spanish. It is
important to be polite and courteous at all times. Business hours
are usually 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm Monday to Friday.
Duty Free:
Travellers to the Dominican Republic over 16 years do not have
to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 1 box cigars; 1 bottle of alcohol,
unopened and maximum of 2 litres; and up to 2 bottles of perfume
for personal use. All animal products are prohibited.
Communications:
The international access code for the Dominican Republic is +1,
in common with the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed
by 809 or 829. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant
country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom); the outgoing code
is not required for calling North America. The local mobile phone
operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most
major international operators. Direct international calls can be
made from numerous telecommunications centres located in all towns
and cities. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and
resorts.