| Currency | The official currency of the Dominican Republic, the Peso (RD$), is a
floating currency, so check the current exchange rate when planning a
vacation. | | Electricity | The Dominican Republic uses the 110-volt system, so visitors from the
U.S. and Canada do not need adapters; all other visitors should
consider this when packing. |
| GDP Per Capita | The average household income of the Dominican Republic is $8,200(USD). |
| Island Size | The half of Hispaniola occupied by the Dominican Republic is about 18,816 square miles in area. |
| Language | Spanish is the official language, but Creole is also widespread on the island. |
| Population | The Dominican Republic is home to about 9,837,747 people; the country
also sees 2,882,000 visitors annually, of which 24 percent are from the
U.S. |
Getting There
The Dominican Republic has two international airports for Caribbean travelers. Las Americas
International Airport is located in Santo Domingo in the south; farther
north is La Union International Airport, 23 miles east of Puerto Plata.
Las Americas can be confusing and chaotic. Overworked and underpaid customs
officials are sometimes sharp with visitors, and insist on very
thorough customs checks. Remember to continue to be polite, as being rude can only make the
process more difficult. Be wary of letting anyone handle your bags, since
thieves frequently pose as porters. Keep valuables in carry-on luggage,
not your checked bags; stolen luggage is not uncommon. Keeping an
eye on your bags is helpful, but keeping a hand on them is better. For
these reasons most Caribbean traffic passes through La Union which,
though farther from tourist destinations, makes for an easier arrival
and departure.
Entry Requirements
All visitors to the Dominican Republic, even those from within the Caribbean, need a valid passport and visa
and, upon arrival, must purchase a tourist card for about $10(USD). Keep
track of your passport and tourist card at all times. Although entry
customs and immigration may be difficult, be tenacious; all the work is
worth the end benefits.
Climate
Like many islands of the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is an extremely tropical country, experiencing
nearly 70 inches of rainfall annually. August is the warmest month of
the year, and January the coolest, although it is still usually warm
enough to swim at this time. January temperatures range from 70 to 81
degrees, and July temperatures from 77 to 87 degrees (Fahrenheit).
Geography
Haiti and the Dominican Republic share the island of Hispaniola, or
"Little Spain." Situated amid Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico,
Hispaniola is often said to be the heart of the Caribbean archipelago.
The Dominican Republic is home to the highest mountain peak in the West
Indies at a startling 3,125 feet above sea level. Approximately 33
percent of the country's 870 miles of shoreline are devoted to public
beaches.
Health and Safety
Although the Dominican Republic is known for social unrest and crime,
most of these problems are limited to the less visited areas of Santo
Domingo. Nonetheless, many north coast resorts are isolated and lack
proper security. If looking into the north coast area, be sure to check
with the hotel or resort about security offered to visitors. Always
exercise extreme caution with handbags and wallets; avoid wearing
expensive-looking clothes and jewelry; and don't flash lots of cash.
When visiting the Caribbean, follow the same common sense rules that apply in any major American or
European city such as Chicago, New York, or London: Avoid dark,
deserted areas and alleyways, don't talk to strangers, and never walk
alone after dark. As far as water goes, it is advisable to stick to
bottled water. Although the water is filtered, it is still questionable.
People
Despite a history of violence and social unrest, and a reputation for
crime, Dominicans are lovers of hospitality, and are genuinely friendly
towards tourists, since tourists provide most Caribbean islanders with their
daily bread. Politeness and modesty in behavior are the best ways to
guarantee good treatment. Islanders typically view Westerners as
lacking in these traits, and good manners are highly valued in local
culture.