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The appeal of the Dominican Republic is due to the combination of its magnificent natural beauty, its near perfect year ‘round weather, sugar white beaches, often lined with palm trees, and people that are among the friendliest anywhere in the Caribbean. This combination has made the Dominican Republic one of the fastest growing destinations in the area.
- History & General Information
- Climate
- Language
- Currency
- Time Zone
- Communications
- Tipping
- Safety
- Health
- Electricity
History & General Information
The Dominican Republic lays claim to some of the more intriguing culture
and history in the area, dating back to its early cave-dwelling groups,
the Taínos , who recorded much of their activities in the form of rock
art – you may even find yourself clambering down a dark cave to view some
of these preserved paintings during your stay.
In addition, as Dominicans are often quick to point out, their land was the setting for Christopher Columbus's first colony, La Isabela, and Spain's first New World city, Santo Domingo , at the end of the fifteenth century.
Columbus sighted its coral-edged Caribbean coastline on his first voyage to the New World and pronounced: "There is no more beautiful island in the world." The first permanent European settlement in the New World was on November 7, 1493, and its ruins still remain near Montecristi in the northeast part of the island. Much of what Columbus first sighted still remains in a natural, unspoiled condition. One-third of the Dominican Republic's coastline is devoted to beaches.
The Dominican Republic is in the heart of the Caribbean archipelago - nestled amid Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico – on island of Hispaniola (Little Spain) which is divided between Haiti, on the westernmost third of the island, and the Dominican Republic, which has a lush landmass about the size of Vermont and New Hampshire combined.
The Dominican Republic is the most geographically diverse island in the Caribbean. In the interior, the fertile Valley of Cibao (rich sugar-cane country) ends an upward sweep at Pico Duarte, the highest mountain peak in the West Indies, which soars to 3,125m (10,250 ft.) Its eco systems have been compared with Costa Rica’s
The Dominican Republic also boasts virgin alpine wilderness, tropical rainforests and mangrove swamps, cultivated savannas, vast desert expanses and everything in between within its relatively small confines - slightly smaller than the US states of New Hampshire and Vermont combined - providing staggering opportunities for ecotourism and adventure traveling. One-third of the Dominican Republic's coastline is devoted to beaches.
The Dominican Republic has its own distinct cuisine and rich cultural heritage. Its Latin flavor is a sharp contrast to the character of many nearby islands, especially the British- and French-influenced ones.
One side of the Dominican Republic can be found inside the confines of luxury hotels along the beautiful coastline, guests languishing in luxury, sipping cocktails under the palm trees and bathing in beautiful blue lagoons.
Another side of the Dominican Republic can be found along the country roads, among the sugar cane, coffee and cocoa bean fields, where people labor in the sun and men play dominoes outside tumble-down shacks. Or the dynamic hustle and bustle of larger towns like the capital Santo Domingo or Santiago.
Visitors to the Dominican Republic are delighted to find a warm welcome from the Dominican people. Their first instinct is a welcoming friendly smile. Without a doubt, they are the friendliest in the Caribbean.
The South Coast contains some of the country's bigger cities and national parks. The capital, Santo Domingo, was the first Spanish settlement in the Americas. Christopher Columbus initiated the first European 'New World' settlement here in 1496. His legacy is preserved in the bricks and mortar of the historic old section of Santo Domingo, which has been turned into an entertaining and interesting Colonial 'theme park'.
Other tourist spots in the Dominican Republic are the northern Amber Coast region around Puerta Plata, the beautiful Samana Peninsula, and the resort communities of the east coast, with their long stretches sugar-white pristine beaches.
Climate
The Dominican Republic is hot and tropical, with little seasonal
variation in temperatures, which average about 77°F (25°C). Seasons can,
however, be determined by rainfall, with October to April being the rainy
season on the north coast, while May to November is the wettest month in
the south of the country. The driest area is the west. Cooler temperatures
and less humidity is generally experienced between November and April,
while the mountainous interior is always cooler than the rest of the country.
Hurricanes pass by the island from time to time, only during the months of August and September. The last hurricane to create serious damage on the Dominican Republic was Hurricane George in 1996. Most are just a couple of hours of hard rain and wind.
The busiest time of year to visit the Dominican Republic is between December and April when North Americans take a tropical break from their winters, and from June to September, which coincides with European summer holidays.
Language
Spanish is the official language, but English is spoken in
the main tourist centers. The Dominican people are very encouraging to
visitors who want to practice their Spanish.
Currency
The currency is the Dominican Republic peso (DOP), divided
into 100 centavos. Many of the hotels and restaurants in the main tourist
destinations in display their prices in US dollars as well as in Dominican
Pesos, and some places will also accept Euros.
The peso cannot be exchanged outside of the Dominican Republic. Major currencies can be converted into pesos at commercial banks.
For the last two years (2007 and up May 2008) the peso has had an exchange rate with the U.S. dollar of approximately 33 pesos per US $. In other words, a 100 peso note is approximately $ 3 US.
Major credit cards are accepted everywhere, but a commission is usually charged. The best exchange rates are paid on US travelers cheques and secondly on US dollars cash and are best exchanged at exchange bureaus (casas de cambio). Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 5pm; some banks also open on Saturday. ATMs are widespread.
Time Zone
Local time is MT-5 with no daylight savings observation.
For example, it is the same time as New York, until daylight saving time
ends.
Communications
The international access code for the Dominican Republic
is +1, in common with the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed
by 809. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code
(e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom); the outgoing code is not required
for calling North America.
The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most major international operators. A bilingual operator can be reached by dialing 0. Direct international calls can be made from numerous telecommunications centers located in all towns and cities. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.
Tipping
Hotels and restaurants generally include a 10% service
charge as well as tax, but additional tips can be given for good service
as often the charge does not go to the staff who provided the service. Waiters
usually receive 10% extra for good service. For other services including
taxi drivers tipping is discretionary depending on the service provided.
Safety
Due to the recent unrest in neighboring Haiti and the ongoing
unpredictability of the security situation, it is inadvisable to travel
across the border to Haiti. There is a low terrorism risk and incidences
of violent crime are infrequent. Visitors should take normal precautions
against petty crime, however.
Health
No vaccination certificates are required but precautions
are recommended against Hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies and polio for those
who plan to spend time outside the main tourist resort areas. There is
a malaria risk throughout the year. Between May and September there is
a risk of dengue fever, which is contracted from mosquitoes that bite during
the day. It is advisable to use mosquito repellent. Travelers should be
aware of the high prevalence of the HIV/AIDS virus in the Dominican Republic.
Water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated in undeveloped areas; bottled water is available.
Some species of fish, including tropical reef fish, may be poisonous to eat even when well cooked. There are good hospitals and other private medical facilities located in Puerto Plata, Santiago and Santo Domingo, but outside of these cities facilities are limited, and staff are unlikely to understand English. Most resorts have doctors that can treat minor medical complaints. Health insurance, including provision for medical evacuation, is recommended.
Guests at Casa de Campo, should dial “Zero” on the house phone for EMS (emergency medical services) There is also a medical clinic and hospital in nearby La Romana. Medical facilities and service are given high marks by visitors to Casa de Campo.
Electricity
Electrical current is 110 volts AC, 60 Hz. American-style
two-pin plugs are standard.
