Choosing a Destination: Dominican Republic

Tourists have mixed feelings about the Dominican Republic. On one hand, it offers the characteristic white sand beaches and natural beauty of the Caribbean; on the other hand, the country has a reputation for poverty, crime, and general social unrest. These opposing qualities may deter tourists who are unaware of the amazing possibilities this country has to offer.

Despite these concerns, the people of the Dominican Republic are genuinely friendly and the tourism industry is booming. The government and resort owners are making strides in providing tourists with increased security: As a result, petty crime is on the decline in tourist areas. For more information on the Dominican Republic, check out the CIA World Factbook or the Official Dominican Republic website.

Dominican Republic: Facts at a Glance

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 $6,100(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 8,545,300 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.

CONTENTS