Quick Facts:

Language:
Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken, as well as Italian, French and German especially in tourist areas. Traffic signs and most menus in restaurants are in Spanish, although menus in tourist regions tend to be multilingual.

Visas:
Most people will need to buy a US$10 tourist card to enter the Dominican Republic, these are available from the airport when you arrive. Most countries do not need an additional visa. However, you are advised to check your visa requirements with your countries Dominican embassy before departure.

Clothing:
Light casual resort wear for day and night. Sport jackets and cocktail attire is recommended for elegant evenings out in Santo Domingo and some of the bigger resorts. Don't forget a light sweater as conference will be held in air-conditioned meeting rooms. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not permitted in landmark churches, casinos and some restaurants.

Time:
On the same time zone as New York in spring (Eastern Standard Time). Daylight Savings is in effect year-round, so the time is one hour ahead of New York in the fall.

Electricity:
110/220 volts/60 cycles, the same as the U.S; larger hotels carry converters if needed.

Climate:
Tropical climate averaging 27°C (80°F) and ranging from 18°C (64°F) in winter to 34°C (93° F) in summer. The hottest month is August, the coolest is January. Trade winds keep the air cool and fresh; temperatures can drop to 0°C (32°F) in the mountains.

Currency:
The official currency is the Dominican Peso, the exchange rate has being fluctuating lately, the official exchange rate is RD$ 35.00 to US$ 1.00 and RD$ 35.00 to 1 Euro. Please not that both currencies tend to fluctuate daily.

Tips:
In Dominican Republic there is a 10% tip included in you bill at hotels and restaurants, it is customary to leave additional tip in restaurants.

Tax:
There is a 12% tax on al merchandise and services by law. Because of this you will see in your hotel bill a 22% charge, equivalent to the 10% tip and the 12% tax. When leaving the country, at the airports there is departure tax of US$ 20.00.

Commercial Hours:
The majority of the commercial establishments are open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Bank Hours:
Commercial banks are open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday thought Friday and Saturday until 12:00 noon. But you can use automatic teller around the clock.

Religion:
Catholic religion is profess by the majority of Dominicans; but their exist freedom of religion.

Safety:
The Dominican Republic is a safe country, but like in most parts of the world it never hurts to take precautions.

Water:
Tap water is safe, but we do not recommended for consumption due to the change from one country to the other could cause illness. It is preferable to consume bottled water.

Transportation:
The going rate for transportation is detailed below. (Rates could change without prior notice).
 

 

ABOUT DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
General Data:
Capital:	Santo Domingo
Official Language:	Spanish
Population:	9 .2 million
Geographical Area:	48,511.44 Km2

Geography
The Dominican Republic occupies two thirds of the island of La Hispaniola, together with Haiti to the west. The island is the second largest in the Caribbean.

The country has three major mountain ranges:
The Central, the Septentrional and the Oriental. The Central starts in Haiti and crosses through the centre of the country and ends in the south (San Cristobal just West of Santo Domingo). This mountain range features the highest peak of the Antilles, Pico Duarte (3,175 m.). The Septentrional Mountain range run parallel to the Central separated by the Valley of the Cibao, Diego de Ocampo peak being it's highest elevation. The Oriental range, the shortest and lowest of the three is in the east section of the island. Other ranges of importance but smaller are Bahoruco and Neyba on the South East region.

The country has a vast amount of rivers many of which are capable of navigation, including the Soco, Higuamo, Romana, Yaque del Norte, Yaque del Sur, Yuna, Yuma, Bajabonico, Ozama (partially navigable).

Santo Domingo
The capital Santo Domingo combines the sophistication of the modern world with the charisma of the old world and the passion of Latin America. Here you can sample excellent gastronomy, vibrant night-life and international fashion outlets. 

Santo Domingo is the first European city of the western hemisphere and preserves an important part of its cultural heritage amongst the wall of the colonial city bordered by the Ozama River. It boasts an impressive collection of 16th Century buildings including stone houses and churches, which reflect the latter part of the medieval period. Santo Domingo prides itself of having many of the New World's first cathedral, monastery, hospital, university and court of law.

Recognising that Santo Domingo is the cradle of  European civilisations in America UNESCO declared the colonial city Heritage of Humanity. The cobblestone  streets and centuries old façades have being turned into picturesque cafes, bars, small hotels and well known restaurants.

In the plaza bordering the castle of Diego Colon  (the Alcazar), the museum of the Royal Houses and the 17th century sun clock, the cafes of the antique streets come alive at night to attract visitors and residents alike who seek to  relax and unwind.

From the plaza, you can see the brilliant lights of the Columbus Lighthouse Monument located on the east side of the Ozama River. This mausoleum holds the mortal remains of Christopher Columbus. On clear nights the enormous cross projected by the monument’s laser lights can be seen in the sky.

Nearby the Tres Ojos (Three Eyes) park, which comprises of three underground lagoons located inside caves, is another popular tourist attraction.

Santo Domingo is a delight for shoppers. It would seem as if every international trade mark wants to have a presence in this city. You can find abundance of beautiful tropical clothing and bathing suits everywhere as well as marvellous Dominican jewellery made of amber, larimar and bone.

When looking for that perfect gift to take back to family and friends don’t forget the beautiful miniature farm houses which play Dominican music, a box of aromatic Dominican cigars, smooth Dominican rum or the rich coffee all at great prices.

From the ancient to the modern in Santo Domingo you can travel through time visiting the local museums that celebrate all aspects of Dominican live, past and present.

The museum of the Dominican Man, Museum of Modern Arts, National Museum of History & Geography and the National Museum of Natural History are all located in the Cultural Plaza a great place where visitors can easily go from one to the other.

During the day you can also visit the National Aquarium, Botanical Gardens and the Santo Domingo Zoo (ZooDom).

As dinner time approaches the selection is endless, whether you would like to pick up something off the street like a quipe (Arab treat made of wheat), a meat or cheese pie or if you desire a 7 course meal served in a luxurious restaurant the gastronomy of Santo Domingo rival any cosmopolitan city in the world. In Santo Domingo you can taste plates from practically every country in the world.

Meanwhile not too far away in the discos and night clubs the rhythm of merengue (the national dance), salsa and bachata can be heard till late hours of the night, especially on weekends.

Late at night tourist can join the locals and dance the night away in many of the night clubs like the fantastic Guacara Taina the great cave converted into a cultural centre and discotheque. Or you can visit the many casinos in the city, which stay open till the early hours of the morning.