Welcome to Dominican Republic 😊

Quick Facts About Dominican Republic

Money and Finances

The official currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso (RD$). Coins are available in RD$1, RD$5, RD$10, and RD$25 denominations. Notes are available in RD$20, RD$50, RD$100, RD$200, RD$500, RD$1000, and RD$2000 denominations.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist destinations in the Dominican Republic. However, it is recommended to withdraw money from ATMs located inside banks or shopping centers to avoid skimming scams.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas and major cities in the Dominican Republic. However, some smaller businesses may not accept credit cards. Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than AMEX.

Internet and Phones

The Dominican Republic has an average internet speed of 7.6 Mbps for downloads and 1.2 Mbps for uploads. However, there have been reports of government interference in internet use, with some websites and social media platforms being blocked in the past.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

Telco companies in the Dominican Republic include Claro, Altice, and Viva. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around 1000-2000 DOP (17-34 USD) per month. There are no major sim compatibility issues, but it is recommended to check with your provider before travelling.

Dialling to Dominican Republic

To call the Dominican Republic from another country, dial +1 (809 or 829 or 849) followed by the local phone number. When dialling within the country, the area codes used are 809, 829, and 849.

Transport Around Dominican Republic

Air Travel

The Dominican Republic has several major airports, including Punta Cana International Airport, Las Americas International Airport, and Cibao International Airport. Punta Cana International Airport is located in the eastern part of the country and is the busiest airport, while Las Americas International Airport is located near the capital city of Santo Domingo.

Train Travel

There is no inter-city train network in the Dominican Republic.

Metro / Local Trains

The Dominican Republic does not have a metro system.

Buses

The Dominican Republic has a reliable and extensive bus network, with both private and public companies operating services. An example of a private company is Caribe Tours, which offers routes between major cities at an average cost of $10-20 USD per ticket. Journey times can vary greatly depending on the distance traveled.

Rideshare

There are several ride-sharing companies operating in the Dominican Republic, including Uber, Cabify, and Lyft. Prices vary depending on distance traveled, but an average trip around Santo Domingo can cost around $5-10 USD.

Driving by Car

Driving in the Dominican Republic can be challenging due to the chaotic traffic and poor road conditions in some areas. The speed limit on highways is generally around 100 km/h (62 mph). The Dominican Republic uses right-hand drive.

Local Customs

In the Dominican Republic, tipping is common and expected in most service industries. The usual amount is around 10% of the total bill. Locals typically greet each other with a hug or a kiss on the cheek, regardless of gender. When speaking with strangers, it is polite to make eye contact and use formal titles such as señor and señora. Men and women typically address each other with the formal usted, unless they are close friends or family.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

The Dominican Republic has both public and private healthcare systems. The public healthcare system is often overcrowded and underfunded, so many people opt for private healthcare. Private healthcare can be quite expensive, with costs for a visit to the doctor ranging from $50-100 USD. It is important to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses in case of unexpected illnesses or accidents.

COVID Situation

The Dominican Republic has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a significant number of cases and deaths. The government has implemented measures such as curfews, social distancing, and mandatory mask wearing to slow the spread. The vaccination rollout has been slow, with only a small portion of the population vaccinated as of now.

Common Health Risks

The Dominican Republic has a risk of malaria, so it is important to take preventative medication and use mosquito nets. Travelers should also be cautious about food and water sanitation to avoid illnesses such as traveler's diarrhea. Dengue fever and Zika virus are also risks in the country, so travelers should take measures to avoid mosquito bites.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

The legal drinking age in the Dominican Republic is 18 years old. Alcohol is widely available in the country with numerous bars and clubs. However, public intoxication is prohibited and can result in a fine or even imprisonment. It is also illegal to drink alcohol while driving.

Recreational Drugs

Drug use, possession, and trafficking are illegal in the Dominican Republic. Penalties for drug offenses can be severe and can include imprisonment and fines.

Pre-Marital Relationships

There are no specific laws in the Dominican Republic governing pre-marital relationships. However, the country is largely Catholic and conservative, and public displays of affection may be frowned upon in some areas.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Homosexuality is legal in the Dominican Republic, but same-sex marriage is not recognized. The country's conservative attitudes towards homosexuality can make it difficult for LGBTQ individuals to be open about their sexuality.

Firearms / Guns

The Dominican Republic has strict laws governing the use and ownership of firearms. Only citizens who have been certified by the government are allowed to own guns, and there are limits to the number and types of firearms that can be owned. Carrying a firearm without a license is a serious offense and can result in imprisonment.