When traveling, avoid carrying a lot of cash, especially in big cities. This is valid anywhere in the world and is why it’s best to use travelers checks and credit cards.

The amount of cash you bring will depend on what you plan to purchase. You may need ready cash for minor expenses and to purchase souvenirs from local vendors. Most other purchases can be made by credit cards or travelers checks. There is also a large network of ATM’s in many bank branches and public places throughout the nation, especially in tourist destinations. You can withdraw money from your account at home or get a cash advance on your credit card, but remember, it will only be dispensed in Dominican pesos.

For immediate funds upon arrival in the Dominican Republic, you can change some money at the airport Banco de Reservas booth, open 24 hours.

What to pack?

Bathing suits, flip-flops, sandals, sunscreen and sunglasses. Shorts and short dresses appropriate for breakfast, lunch and shopping. Bring at least one casual/elegant summer outfit. Men should pack sports pants for evening dining or visiting churches. Sweater for chilly weather (December through March), when evening temperatures may drop to 20 degrees Celsius. If you are traveling with children, pack waterproof sunscreen and hats.

I will be traveling with my one and a half year old baby. Special recommendations?

Bring your baby down, he/she will love our villa in the Dominican Republic too! Bring your brand of powdered milk/formula and use bottled water. You can also get homogenized milk here (Parmalat, Nestle and Rica). Also prefer pasteurized containers for juice (Bon, Santal). Bring a first set of disposable diapers. If you will be staying for more than a week, you can purchase them in any city store. Bring mosquito repellent specially for babies. Also, hats and special baby sunscreen. If you will be renting a car to travel with your baby, bring your own car seat.

Our villa will provide you with a crib, high chair and plastic baby bathtub. Area shops will have the basics of what you need for your baby. But we suggest bringing a one-week supply of what your baby will need (formula, disposable diapers, powdered milk, baby food).

What’s the best time of the year to come?

The peak travel seasons are July-August and December-March. This reflects the vacation periods of Europeans and North Americans. Note that the weather varies only a few degrees upwards or downwards in the Dominican Republic, with the summer months being only slightly hotter, so any time is just as fine.

What type of medications should I carry?

Most prescriptions can be filled in the Dominican Republic. If the brand name is not available, a substitute can be found. It is recommended, though to bring an adequate supply of all prescription medications.

Sun screen and bug repellent are sold everywhere but are more expensive than back at home. Our villa is stocked with a first aid kit containing pain reliever, cough/cold medicine, stomach upset medicine, antacids like Pepto Bismol or Tums, band aids etc.

Under World Health Organization guidelines, no particular vaccinations are required to visit the Dominican Republic.

Is it safe?

Sure there are dangers everywhere and in the Dominican Republic as well. But the crime rate is relatively low when it comes to acts of violence, whereas acts of petty theft such as pick pocketing are common. However, act sensibly. Don’t wear jewels that attract attention and don’t wave your $$ around for everyone to see. Avoid walking in areas where there are no people around, take a taxi instead.

Is it safe for women to be traveling alone?

The Vice President of the Dominican Republic is a woman, and you will find women in executive positions throughout most businesses in the country. While machismo is alive and well in the barrios and rural communities, middle class and up women have as much to say as the men in their homes and jobs. Note that more women graduate from university than men in the Dominican Republic.

Women traveling alone will have no problems. Unless you dress very provocatively, the most you will get is a compliment here and there from an admiring Dominican male. Chivalry is alive and well in the Dominican Republic. Use common sense and you will enjoy your vacation just as you would anywhere else in the world.

Are Dominican beaches safe?

Some beaches are children-friendly, others have big waves, strong undertow and rocks. When in doubt, stick to the shore. The same rules apply here as they do anywhere in the world. Do not take a sail boat out or windsurf if you have just finished eating. Don’t go out swimming alone. Don’t bring your valuables to the beach. Don’t leave anything you can’t afford to lose on the beach when going off for a swim. Many a tourist has fallen asleep to discover their airline ticket or camera is missing.

Is it safe to drink water straight from the tap?

Tap water should be avoided unless it has been boiled. This means that it is perfectly safe to use for teas and coffees. You may brush your teeth in unboiled tap water but it is not advised if you have a sensitive stomach. Our villa provides purified water. Ice cubes are made from this as well. Also bottled water can be bought almost everywhere outside. Crystal, Santa Clara, Atlanta and Agua Orbis are leading bottled water brands readily available in local stores.

What should I know to avoid getting traveler’s diarrhea?

World Health Organization stats show that diarrhea affects an estimated 20-50% of all travelers, regardless of where they are traveling. One of the major problems is that people visit the Dominican Republic with a prejudice against the water, so they end up drinking less water and this aggravates the problem.

Most visitors find themselves in a hotter climate that what they are accustomed to and will dehydrate without even knowing it, especially if consuming alcoholic beverages. By keeping an adequate consumption of liquids (at least 10 glasses of water/non-alcoholic beverages a day), your body will be in a better condition to resist microbes to which your body is not immune.

While a mild case of stomach upset will last half a day, others can last two to seven days. The typical symptoms of the more severe traveler’s diarrhea are diarrhea, nausea and bloating. Most problems are temporary and should pass after a day. If you should need any medical help, our villa has a doctor on call 24/7.

What is the legal drinking and gambling age?

The drinking and gambling age is 18 years. While lax in the past, increasingly the authorities are enforcing a ban on serving alcoholic beverages to minors. Many discos and casinos will ask to see an ID.

What is the Dominican Republic policy on visitors and drugs?

You do not want to bring in, consume or risk buying or selling drugs in the Dominican Republic. This is the easiest way to land yourself in jail with no bail. This could turn your trip into a nightmare. Drugs are not welcome in the Dominican Republic and there are tough laws against trafficking and consumption regardless of the amount. 

I don’t know Spanish. Will this be a problem?

Thousands of people visit the Dominican Republic every year without knowing any Spanish at all. If you at least know English, you should be able to get along fine. But if neither English nor Spanish is your language, don’t worry, be happy.

If you are just coming on holiday you will be surprised how far a smile and sign language and pointing will get you a long way.

As with traveling anywhere, picking up key phrases in Spanish (like please, thank-you) will bring many smiles and extra efforts to help you out.  Please refer our handy English/Spanish Phrase Guide.