DOMINICAN REPUBLIC HAS IT ALL

Of all of the countries my daughter has visited (20 so far), Dominican Republic is at the top of her list for most beautiful.   

This is another stop on the Caribbean cruise that my daughter, sister, and niece went on a couple of years ago.  You can check out the entire post about this island at Live Life Be Happy.

While you are there, check out some of her other travel destinations.  She has tons of information on Florida Beaches along with beautiful photos and descriptions.  It's perfect for those wanting to vacation in Florida but haven't decided on a destination. 

If you missed the other posts about countries visited on this cruise.......Aruba ~ Grand Turk ~ Curacao.

The Dominican Republic is at the top of my list of places to visit.  As soon as I can find a cheap flight, I'm grabbing my flip flops and suitcase and heading to the airport.

LOCATION/GEOGRAPHY

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 18,704 square miles (48,442 square kilometers). Located in the heart of the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and to the south by the Caribbean Sea.


TIME ZONE

Local time is GMT -4. It is an hour ahead of Atlantic Standard Time in the United States in the winter. Unlike the United States and Europe, the Dominican Republic does not observe daylight saving time.

LANGUAGE

Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic. However, you’ll be surprised how many hotel and tourist destination employees speak English, French, German and Italian. If you decide to venture out of the tourist areas, it is helpful to learn some basic phrases in Spanish.

CURRENCY

The Dominican Peso (RD$) is the official currency of the Dominican Republic. You can find the peso exchange rate for several international currencies at www.bancentral.gov.do/tasas_cambio/TMC4001.PDF

Major credit cards are accepted at most tourist locations, but it is best to check in advance at small hotels, restaurants and shops.

ATMs are located in almost all of the Dominican Republic’s cities, as well as at most resorts. Large supermarkets have ATMs that are open until late.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A valid passport is required. You may also need a tourist card (US$10 or €10) or a visa.

TOURIST CARD

Citizens of countries who are legally able to enter the European Union, Great Britain, the United States of America or Canada may enter the Dominican Republic by presenting a Tourist Card.

The Tourist Card is valid for a year from the date of purchase and is valid for an up to 30-day visit for one person who will only be able to use it once. The Tourist Card can be acquired at point of sale locations in land, air or sea ports in the country. It is also sold at Dominican embassies and consulate offices overseas and by tour operating companies. It can be purchased online at www.dgii.gov.do/tarjetaTuristica/EN/about/Paginas/default.aspx

Tourists staying beyond the usual 30-day period need to pay a proportional fee depending on the extension, which can be paid at the Department of Migration or at the migration desk upon departure.

www.migracion.gob.do/web/tarifas.php