Dominican Republic

Best Value for Your Money

The exchange rate of the Dominican peso (RD$) has been very favorable to the U.S. dollar in the past few years so vacation dollars go further. All-inclusive package prices and other tour operator products make the DR extremely affordable, and of course, commissionable.

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Eight International Airports

No matter where guests are staying on the island, an international airport is sure to be a short drive away.

Santo Domingo, the First City in the New World

As the First City of the Americas and with its Ciudad Colonial as a World Heritage Site, Santo Domingo appeals to travelers seeking a vacation that features cultural and historical attractions.

Popular Ecotourism & Adventure Tours

The DR has nine distinct ecological zones and approximately 25 percent of the DR’s land and coastal shores are preserved as national parks, reserves and sanctuaries, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to discover natural wonders.

World Best Beaches

With nearly 1,000 miles of coastline, the DR boasts 250 miles of the world’s top white-sand beaches.

Professional Golf Courses

The DR has 26 golf courses, with more planned to open in the next several years, and has been named
the “Golf Destination of the Year for the Caribbean and Latin America” by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).

Meeting & Incentive Facilities

With 85,000 hotel rooms, major convention centers and hotel meeting space that can accommodate up to 4,000 people, the DR is ready to welcome MICE groups of all sizes.

Top Weddings and Honeymoon Destination

A truly romantic island to say your “I do’s” or celebrate a new marriage, the DR offers all the components to make this important time in a couple’s life truly special amidst a spectacular tropical backdrop.

Great Casinos and Nightlife

For those who enjoy gaming, dancing at nightclubs, listening to music and more, the DR offers all-night fun.

World-Class Safety Offerings for Tourists

As part of the Tourism Recovery Plan which was developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, foreign visitors who enter the country from September 15 to March 31, 2021, will have a free, temporary, traveler assistance plan available during the duration of their stay provided at the time of check-in at their hotel. This offering, which no other destination in the region currently provides, will be 100% paid for by the Dominican government and will include cost coverage in case of an infection including access to COVID-19 testing, medication, lodging for prolonged stays and costs for changing flights.

Increased Sanitary Measures

In addition to mandatory social distancing and use of face masks throughout the country, all hotels, restaurants and tour operators have increased sanitary measures featuring strict protocols to offer a clean, safe environment and promote social distancing. To ensure the safety of staff and visitors, resort employees will be regularly tested and have adapted labor regulations to minimize and mitigate risks. Lastly, within the resort industry, a Sanitary Bubble will be implemented to ensure that hotel employees stay as long as possible within the facilities.

The Friendliest People in the World

Dominicans welcome visitors to their island with warmth and provide superior service for an unforgettable vacation.

Fast Facts
Location: The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Republic of Haiti. The country is the second largest in the Caribbean region, with a surface area of 19,292 square miles (49,967 square kilometers). Located in the heart of the Caribbean, the DR is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and to the south by the Caribbean Sea.

Population: About 10.5 million

Language: Spanish is the official language of the DR, however most employees in hotels and restaurants speak English well. If clients plan to venture out beyond the tourist destinations, it might be helpful for them to know a few basic Spanish phrases.

Government: The DR’s political structure is based on the principles of democracy (representative democracy). Every four years, the country elects its president, vice president and legislators.

Currency: The Dominican peso (RD$) is the official currency of the DR, but U.S. dollars are just as easily accepted throughout the country. (U.S. coins are not used or accepted.) Major credit cards are accepted at many tourist areas in the country and ATMs can be found in the majority of Dominican cities and at most resorts.

Climate: The DR enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round with mostly sunny days.  The average year-round temperature ranges from 77 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit (25°C to 31°C). The cooler season is from November to April, with relatively low humidity, while the warmest is from May to October, with a higher humidity, which can make it seem much hotter than it actually is.

Time: The local time zone is Eastern Caribbean Time (GMT-0400). The DR does not observe daylight savings time.

Tipping: Tipping is the norm throughout the island. Many times, restaurants will add a 10 percent tip to the bill, but it is customary to give a bit extra – up to 10 percent in additional tips. Tips are commonly given to taxi drivers, hotel maids, tour guides, etc.

Water: Tap water is not potable in the Dominican Republic. While the water in most hotels in the DR is potable, travelers are still advised to drink bottled water as a precaution. Bottled water is widely available throughout the country and because of the strength of the Caribbean sun, it is recommended that visitors drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.

Drinking Age: 18 years old.
Getting There

The Dominican Republic has eight international airports, five cruise destinations, and a variety of marinas for boats and yachts of all sizes and smaller airports for private planes.

The approximate flight times from select cities to the DR:

Atlanta: 3 hours, 20 minutes

Chicago: 4 hours, 40 minutes

Miami: 2 hours, 15 minutes

Montreal: 4 hours, 25 minutes

New York: 3 hours, 45 minutes

San Juan: 45 minutes

Toronto: 4 hours, 20 minutes
DR International Airports:
Santo Domingo: Las Américas International Airport (SDQ), the second most visited airport in the DR, Las Américas is 30 minutes from the capital and very close to the tourist areas of Boca Chica and Juan Dolio. Joaquín Balaguer International Airport (JBQ), also located in Santo Domingo and sometimes referred to as La Isabela, handles mostly domestic flights.

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), the country’s largest and most popular airport, serves the Punta Cana, Bávaro, Macao, Uvero Alto and Miches regions. Many hotels are only a 10 – 35 minute taxi ride from the airport.

La Romana International Airport (LRM), located just 10 minutes from the town of La Romana and 20 minutes from Bayahibe, consists of a single terminal with four modern gates in the style of an old sugar mill.

Puerto Plata: Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP), this airport is located only 20 minutes from the north coast city of Puerto Plata. Nearby tourist destinations include Playa Dorada, Sosúa, Cabarete, Playa Grande and Cofresí.

Samaná: El Catey International Airport (AZS), El Catey is located 20 minutes from the city of Samaná and 30 minutes to the destinations of Las Terrenas and El Portillo on the northeast coast.

Santiago: El Cibao International Airport (STI), located 15 minutes from Santiago in the central region, El Cibao offers easy access to nearby La Vega, Jarabacoa, Constanza, San Francisco de Macorís and Moca.

Barahona: María Montez (BRX), located in the southwest coast. At the moment no international flights are scheduled.

The DR also has four domestic airports.

 
Arriving by Cruise Ship
There are five cruise destinations:

The Port of Santo Domingo (which includes the Don Diego and Sansouci cruise terminals).
La Romana Port (close to Casa de Campo) as well as the docking facilities of Catalina Island.
The Amber Cove Cruise Center located in Maimón Bay, Puerto Plata.
Samaná Bay docking facilities in the northeast coast.
The Cap Cana Marina.

There are also many private marinas including: Casa de Campo, Cap Cana Marina (the largest Marina in the country), Puntacana Resort & Club Marina, Ocean World Marina (Puerto Plata), Puerto Blanco Marina (Puerto Plata), and Marina Puerto Bahía (Samaná).

Entry Requirements: All foreigners who enter the DR need a valid passport. The tourist card (already included in your airline ticket) permits a 30-day stay. United Kingdom, European Union, U.S. and Canadian citizens do not need a visa. Travelers can extend their stay for up to 60 more days paying online or at the airport on departure. Visitors must also fill out embarkation/disembarkation forms, customs forms and a Traveler’s Health Affidavit form. These must be filled out before entering the immigration line. For more information
Getting Around
Car Rental: Clients can rent cars from such international companies as National, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Thrifty, Hertz and Dollar at the main airports, tourist destinations and towns. Rental car is an option to visit destinations and attractions that are located throughout the country.

A large network of roads links the towns and tourist destinations around the country, and cross scenic vistas including the green landscape along the Santo Domingo-Santiago-Puerto Plata motorway, panoramic views of the sea and mountains along the route towards Barahona, and the route through the Los Haitises National Park hills leading to the Samaná Peninsula and the north coast.

Taxis: Taxis are readily available at airports and hotels. They are also a good option in Santo Domingo as well as in many inland towns. Uber service is available in Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata, La Romana, Punta Cana, Higüey and San Pedro de Macorís.

Bus Facilities: Private bus companies available in the main tourist destinations are Metro, Caribe Tours and Expreso Bávaro.