Dominican Republic Travel Information

The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean paradise, known for its beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and rich history and culture. From exploring ancient ruins to lounging on the beach, there's something for everyone in the Dominican Republic. Here are the top 10 things to do in the Dominican Republic:

1. Visit Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas. Visitors can explore the historic city center, known as the Zona Colonial, which is filled with centuries-old buildings, museums, and art galleries.

2. Relax on the Beach

The Dominican Republic is home to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, including Punta Cana, Bavaro, and La Romana. Visitors can lounge on the beach, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or try their hand at water sports such as snorkeling, diving, and windsurfing.

3. Explore the Jungle

The Dominican Republic is home to some of the most diverse and beautiful jungle landscapes in the Caribbean. Visitors can explore the lush jungles on a guided tour, and discover a wide variety of plant and animal life, including the endangered and endemic hutia, the solenodon, and the solenodon.

4. Visit the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua

The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua is a must-see for adventure seekers. Visitors can hike through the jungle and swim in the pools beneath the waterfalls. It's a fun and challenging experience that requires a bit of stamina and a sense of adventure.

5. Take a Catamaran Cruise

A catamaran cruise is a great way to explore the beautiful coastline of the Dominican Republic. Visitors can relax on deck, swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

6. Visit the Altos de Chavon

Altos de Chavon is a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village that offers stunning views of the Chavon River. Visitors can explore the village, visit the art museum, and see a traditional Taino Indian village.

7. Go Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a popular activity in the Dominican Republic. Visitors can explore the countryside and beaches on horseback, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

8. Visit the National Park of the East

The National Park of the East is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life, including mangroves, coral reefs, and the endangered hawksbill sea turtle. Visitors can explore the park on a guided tour and see some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the Caribbean.

9. Go to the Jarabacoa

Jarabacoa is a mountain town located in the central highlands of the Dominican Republic. Visitors can hike in the mountains, go white-water rafting and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

10. Visit the Pico Duarte

Pico Duarte is the highest mountain in the Caribbean, and visitors can hike to the summit for stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It's a challenging hike that requires a good level of fitness, but the views from the summit are well worth the effort.

Overall, the Dominican Republic offers a wide variety of activities and experiences for visitors, from exploring ancient ruins and lounging on the beach, to hiking in the jungle and swimming beneath waterfalls. There is something for everyone in the Dominican Republic.

Climate

The Dominican Republic has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. The country experiences two seasons: the rainy season, from May to October, and the dry season, from November to April.

During the rainy season, the country receives the majority of its annual rainfall, and visitors can expect heavy downpours, especially in the afternoon. The dry season is the most popular time to visit, as the weather is generally sunny and dry, with less humidity and milder temperatures.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Dominican Republic is during the dry season, from November to April. This is the peak tourist season, and visitors can expect great weather, with clear skies and warm temperatures. The beaches are also at their best during this time, as the sea is calm and the water is clear.

If you prefer to avoid the crowds and save money, the rainy season (May to October) is a good option, as the prices are lower and the beaches and tourist sites are less crowded. Although the weather is not as good as during the dry season, the rain is usually limited to short afternoon downpours and the Caribbean Sea is still warm enough for swimming and snorkeling.

Overall, the climate in the Dominican Republic is warm and pleasant year-round, and visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities and experiences, regardless of the time of year.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

The Dominican Republic offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Visitors can choose from luxury resorts, budget-friendly hotels, apartments, and vacation rentals.

Luxury Resorts

The Dominican Republic is home to many luxury resorts, offering high-end amenities and services such as spas, fine dining, and private beaches. These resorts are perfect for those looking for a relaxing and indulgent vacation. Some of the most popular luxury resorts in the Dominican Republic are located in Punta Cana, La Romana, and Cap Cana.

Hotels

There are many hotels in the Dominican Republic that offer comfortable and affordable accommodation for travelers. Visitors can choose from budget-friendly hotels, mid-range hotels, and 4- and 5-star hotels. Popular hotel destinations include Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, and La Romana.

Apartments and Vacation Rentals

For those looking for a more independent and authentic experience, apartments and vacation rentals are a great option. Visitors can rent apartments, villas, and houses in popular destinations such as Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, and La Romana. This type of accommodation allows visitors to experience local life and culture and have more flexibility with their travel plans.

Overall, the Dominican Republic offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels and apartments, making it a great destination for travelers of all budgets and preferences.

The Dominican Republic offers various transportation options to make getting around the country convenient and easy.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available throughout the Dominican Republic, and they offer an easy and convenient way to get around. Taxis are metered and the fare is based on the distance traveled. It's important to note that some taxi drivers may not use the meter, so it's important to negotiate the fare before the trip.

Buses

Buses are also a popular transportation option in the Dominican Republic. The country's bus system is extensive, and buses run frequently between major cities and towns. The buses are usually well-maintained, and the cost of a bus ride is relatively cheap.

Rental Cars

Renting a car is a great way to explore the Dominican Republic at your own pace. There are many car rental companies in the country, and visitors can rent cars at the airports or in major cities. It's important to note that driving in the Dominican Republic can be challenging, as the roads are often in poor condition and traffic can be heavy.

Air Travel

Traveling by air is the most convenient way to get around the country. The country has two major international airports: Punta Cana International Airport and Las Américas International Airport. Visitors can also fly to smaller regional airports such as La Romana International Airport and Santiago de los Caballeros.

Private Transfers

Another option is hiring a private transfer service, which can be arranged in advance, they will pick you up at the airport and take you to your final destination. This is a great option for those who prefer a more comfortable and stress-free trip.

Overall, the Dominican Republic offers a variety of transportation options, including taxis, buses, rental cars, and air travel, making it easy for visitors to explore the country.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.