Listed here are a number of the most commonly asked questions and their answers to help you in your planning a vacation here. If you have additional questions or questions specific to a property we represent, please feel free to contact us directly.
| Q: |
Is it safe to travel to the Dominican Republic? |
| A: |
Very much so, the people of the Dominican Republic are some of the kindest people you will ever meet. They take great pleasure is showing foreigners their unique blend of Latin culture and island life. In fact, the Dominican Republic receives more travelers in the Caribbean than any other country! |
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| Q: |
What are the travel requirements for the Dominican Republic? |
| A: |
We have assembled a brief overview of entry requirements but generally speaking you must have a passport. Although Dominican law technically allows U.S. citizens to enter the country with other forms of identification, you won't be able to return to the U.S. without a passport. |
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| Q: |
Where is the Dominican Republic? |
| A: |
The Dominican Republic is located on the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. The island is the second largest in the Caribbean after Cuba and is located between Cuba and Puerto Rico, south of Turks and Caicos. |
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| Q: |
When is it considered the "rainy season" in the Dominican Republic? |
| A: |
The Dominican Republic is unique in that it has many localized micro-climates due to the soaring mountain ranges and bordering Caribbean / Atlantic Ocean. However, generally speaking, the rainy season will be from Sept-Oct and in the later parts of January and April. |
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| Q: |
Which airport is best to fly into? |
| A: |
The answer to this question depends a lot on where you are taking your vacation and where you are flying from. However, most everyone flies into the Puerto Plata (POP) airport or the Santiago (STI) airport. You can learn more about the other airports on our Getting Here page. |
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| Q: |
Can I rent a car in the Dominican Republic? |
| A: |
Yes, there are many international automobile rental agencies such as Hertz, Avis and Eurocar located in the major airports of the country. |
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| Q: |
What is the airport VIP service and how can I use it? |
| A: |
At the Puerto Plata (POP) airport only, you can arrive into a nicely decorated air conditioned lounge to enjoy refreshments and use of the facilities while you are cleared through passport control. This allows you to bypass the long tourist lines to make your arrival on the island more enjoyable and immediately relaxing. To arrange for this service you must inform your concierge at least 24 hours before your arrival. |
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| Q: |
Do I have to pay anything to get into the country? |
| A: |
When you arrive in the country, through VIP service or not, you are charged a Tourist Tax imposed by the government. As of this writing it is only USD $10 and must be paid in cash. |
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| Q: |
Can I use a credit card in the Dominican Republic? |
| A: |
Yes, although many establishments do not accept credit cards and many others have an additional handling fee they apply if you use a credit card. |
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| Q: |
Are there automated teller machines (ATM) in the Dominican Republic? |
| A: |
Virtually every bank in the country, large and small, have an ATM located nearby. They are often identified with the initials ATH as the acronym for the Spanish words of "always open." The exchange rates offered at an ATH are consistent and are regulated by the government. |
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| Q: |
I see people on the street offering to change money for me, why is that? |
| A: |
In major tourist areas you will often see many small shops (Cambio) where you can exchange money. Often they have 'stringers' working on the streets to help tourists exchange their cash. You should be very careful in giving anyone ont he street a large amount of currency on the promise they will exchange it for you. |
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| Q: |
Is there Internet connectivity in the Dominican Republic and your properties? |
| A: |
Yes, virtually every property we represent provides a high speed (broadband) connection to the Internet. The government of the Dominican Republic is also in the process of installing free wireless Internet in many of the larger cities. |
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| Q: |
What type of electricity is in the Dominican Republic? |
| A: |
The Dominican Republic uses the same electricity as North America, 120v / 60Hz. If you are traveling from Europe you should bring a converter / transformer as locating those in this country is very difficult. |
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| Q: |
Can I get married in the Dominican Republic? |
| A: |
Absolutely! The Dominican Republic has very favorable regulations in this respect. Our company provides dedicated wedding planners for our properties to help coordinate and manage weddings from the most basic to the most lavish. |
