Dominican Republic travel guide

 

Domincan Republic - Punta Cana

 

Meet Dominican Republic Dominican Republic weather reportGetting into Dominican RepublicFrom the Dominican kitchenFrom the Dominican bar Currency in Dominican RepublicMajor airports in Dominican RepublicExamples of food and drink spendThings to have at hand in Dominican RepublicDid you know?

 

Meet Dominican Republic

 

The Dominican Republic is a Latin country in the Carribean that occupies over 60% of the island of Hispaniola, the rest being occupied by Haiti.  The North Atlantic Ocean and Carribean Sea provide a lot of beachlife, both energetic and lazy.  Its 31 provinces harmonise colonial memories with modern living, with the busy Santo Domingo (itself not totally overrun with tourists) balanced against the secluded village of Bonao. The country is moderately developed, with several National Parks spread across the land, decorated with rugged highlands and fertile valleys.

 

Claimed by Columbus in 1492, Hispaniola was a springboard for Spanish conquest of the Americas, quickly decreasing the population of native Tainos.  In the 17th Century, the French took over a portion of the island (what was to become Haiti) that would later temporarily rule the rest of it, until the Dominican Republic was established in 1844.  Since the mid-90s, the country's economy has grown with rapid success.

 

The attitude to tourism here is very laissez-faire.  There is not much visitor-directed signage, which makes it an excellent place to wander around, and discover your own gems.  What most will inevitably find is captivating wildlife, delicious food, and plenty of art and entertainment embedded in breathtaking scenery.  There is even the opportunity to learn Spanish here.  Visit in the Spring, when the airfare is low, the weather is warm, and the hurricane season is far away.

 

Back To Top

Dominican Republic weather report

 

The Dominican Republic enjoys a tropical maritime with little seasonal temperature variation.  There is some variation in rainfall, and as the island is in the middle of the hurricaine belt, severe storms are likely between June and October.  There are periodic droughts and occasional floods.

 

For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool.

Back To Top

 

 

Getting into Dominican Republic

 

Passports must be valid for twice as long as the intended stay.  Most nationals will not need Visas, but a tourist card will be required to enter, which takes 7 days to process and lasts for 30 days.  Visas are required for business purposes, and minors will not need travel documents if they are entering/leaving with the same guardian.

Back To Top

 

 

From the Dominican kitchen

 

Unsurprisingly, local food has a particularly Caribbean flair.  Seafood and fruit are plentiful, and complement the tropical climate well.

A few dishes of note include:

  • Mangu – savoury puree made with mashed plantains or cassava.

  • Mazamorra – a version of mangu made with butternut squash

  • Jagua and Zapote – local fruits enjoyed raw or as juice

  • La Bandera Dominicana – bean stew, rice and meat.  Ingredients are often chosen for the most colourful presentation.

  • Salsa Criolla – vegetable based sauce with onion, pepper and tomato.  Often combined with meats.

Back To Top

 

 

From the Dominican bar

 

Do not drink the tap water. All water must be boiled before consumption (this includes for brushing teeth).  Most hotels will provide bottled water.

 

The Dominican Republic produces many beers, famous brands including Presidente, Brahma,  and Bohemia.  Local Rums include the 3 Bs of Dominican Rum – Brugal, Barcelo, and Bermudez.

 

A famous local drink is Mama Juana.  It is made from a mixture of bark and herbs, and left to marinate in rum, red wine, and honey.

Back To Top

 

 

Currency in Dominican Republic

 

The currency here is the DOP (Dominican Republic Peso).   Notes are in denominations of 2,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of 1 and 5 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos.

 

ATMs are widely available, and only some banks will take travellers cheques.  It is reasonably easy to exchange and use USD here. For the latest info on your rates, please use the Pampo exchange rates calculator.

Back To Top

 

 

Major airports in Dominican Republic

  • Samana  (AZS)

  • La Isabela (JBQ)

  • La Romana (LRM)

  • Puerto Plata (POP)

  • Punta Cana (PUJ)

  • Santa Domingo (SDQ)

  • Santiago (STI)

Back To Top

 

 

Examples of food and drink spend

  • Pizza/deli sandwich - $5.00

  • Deluxe restaurant meal - $35.00

  • Water – free in hotels

  • Beer - $1.50

Back To Top

 

 

Things to have at hand in Dominican Republic

  • Camera

  • Sunscreen

  • Bottled water
  • Insect repellent

Back To Top

 

 

Did you know?

  • The Dominican Republic features the first cathedral, university and hospital in the Americas.

  • Major exports include Ferronickel, Gold, Tobacco, and Coffee

  • The aboriginal name for the Dominican Republic is Quisqyena, which is Taino for “Mother of All Lands”

  • Fashion designer Oscar de la Renta was born here

  • Santo Domingo was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990

Back To Top