Drinking Age
18 years old is the drinking age in the Dominican Republic.
Driving
Driving here is on the right side and the 50mph speed limit is strictly enforced. Drivers 25 and older can rent cars with proof of insurance and a driver’s license. Many of the large car rental agencies have offices in the Dominican Republic so reservations are easy. If you want to rent after you arrive there are plenty of car rental agencies available locally and through most hotels. For car rental agencies click here.
Electricity
As in North America the electricity in the Dominican Republic is 110 Volts. Therefore, converters for North American travelers are not necessary. However, voltage spikes and dips, especially in the country, are common and the use of surge protectors for you appliances and computers is highly recommended.
Entry Requirements--click here
Language
The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish. However, tourist areas will likely have a high percentage of workers and local population that speak English fairly well. If you are heading into the country, and as a general good idea, it helps to have a selection of useful Spanish phrases practiced and ready to use.
Medical Precautions
Over the past few years the country’s water filtration system has improved dramatically making tap water in most tourist areas safe to drink. However, to be on the safe side, bottled water is readily available. Boiled water, as in tea and coffee is, of course, quite safe to drink. Being the tropics, we strongly suggest that whatever source you choose, be sure to drink lots of water each day to avoid dehydration.
Sunscreen and mosquito repellant are two highly recommended items to have and use.
There are plenty of pharmacies , however, you should try to bring all the medications you will need during your trip just to be safe. It is also a good idea to have a copy of your prescription(s) with you or at least have someone at home who can fax them to the pharmacy if need be.
Tip: Scan your prescriptions and email them to yourself at a free email account like gmail or Yahoo. Then you can print or forward them as need be.
Should you need medical assistance during your stay most hotels and resorts have doctors on call and small dispensaries on site. The best medical facilities are probably found in Santo Domingo. For more serious instances, emergency rooms are located in many spots throughout the DR. Some include:
Santo Domingo
- Hospiten Santo Domingo. Alma Mater corner Bolivar. 809 541-3000.
- Centro de Medicina Avanzada Abel González. Av. Abraham Lincoln.
- Clínica Abreu. Calle Beller 42, esq. Independencia. Tel. 688-4411.
- Corazones Unidos. Av. Fantino Falco 21, Naco. Tel. 567-4421
La Romana (Southeast)
- Central Romana medical center. Tel. 523-3333
- Centro Medico Dr. Canela. Av. Libertad 44, La Romana. Tel. 556-3135
Punta Cana/Bávaro
- Clínica Perozo (Higüey). Calle Juan XXIII No. 157. Tel. 554-2893
- Hospiten Bavaro. Carretera Higuey, Punta Cana (500 meters from the Cruce de Veron). Tel. 809 686-1414.
North Coast
- Clínica Dr. Bournigal (Puerto Plata city). Calle Antera Mota. Tel. 320-0246
- Policlínica Bahía Príncipe (Río San Juan-Playa Grande). Pueblito Bahía Príncipe. Tel. 226-1590
Air Ambulance
Yes, there are air ambulance services in both Santiago and Santo Domingo. These services can be arranged for flights into the main Dominican airports.
Packing Tips--click here
Passports
Passports are extremely important to have for a number of reasons including renting cars, buying large ticket items and cashing travelers checks. Keep it locked up in the hotel front desk safe, not the room safe, when not needed. Do carry a photo copy of it with you. Click here for more information.
Safety
As with anywhere, there is crime. Common sense precautions though should spare you from any unfortunate mishaps. Don’t leave valuables in your room, not even in the room safe. Use the hotel safe. Don’t leave valuables in your car, don’t walk alone at night, don’t flash large amounts of cash or wear excessive jewelry. Just common sense tips. These are good tips no matter where you are, in the DR, another country or even at home.
Taxis
Taxis are available just about everywhere. As with any country, be sure to agree on the fare before getting into the taxi. More info--click here
Telephone
For complete information of phones, international calling, cell phone usage and cell phone rentals in the Dominican Republic, click here.
Time
The Dominican Republic is on Atlantic Standard Time. GMT -0400. The DR does not recognize daylight savings time.
Tipping
Tipping is much as it is elsewhere, 15%-20% for most services. Be aware though that restaurants automatically add a 10% tip to the bill. In these cases it is typical to supplement that a bit - up to 10% more is pretty standard. Don’t forget to tip maids, bell hops, porters, taxi drivers and pool help too. Use your judgment.
Tourist Card
Tourist cards are required at arrival into the Dominican Republic. They cost US$10 per person and may be picked up at the airport upon arrival or prior to your trip from certain issuers. For more information click here.
U.S. Embassy
The U.S. Embassy is located at the U.S. Consular Section at the corner of Calle César Nicolás Pensón and Avenida Máximo Gómez, (809) 221-2171 . Business hours for the public are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you are a US citizen needing assistance you need to arrive there before 7:30 a.m..
Weather
Beautiful is a word often used to describe Dominican Republic weather. Being in the tropics means the seasons are not clearly defined and you can expect temperatures in the 80’s year round. Winters, Nov – April, are a bit cooler as are the evenings. If you are getting a bit too warm the best spots are by the beaches and higher up in the mountains. Both areas offer trade winds and respite from hot days.
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