Local Information

Wind/weather
Sideshore/cross off shore from left, side onshore at the east coast spot.
Anual average wind days in %>= 4bft

Official language
Spanish

Capital
Santo Domingo

Form of government
Presidential Republic

Size
48.730 km²

Population
8.833643

Density of population
181 inhabitants per km²

Religion
Christians; mostly Catholics (80%)

Entry requirements
Please check the visa requirements for your destination at the appropriate consulate or embassy in your county and do this as well in advance of your travel date.

Location
The Dominican Republic is situated in the Caribbean and makes up just under two thirds of the Island Hispaniola. In the west the Dominican Republic borders on Haiti, in the north on the Atlantic Ocean and in the east and south on the Caribbean Sea.

Time difference
CET -5 hours. During summer CET -6 hours.

Electricity
110/120-volt alternating current, 60 hertz. An American adapter plug is recommended.

Telephone
Mobile network: only American systems

Internet
There are several internet cafés nearby.

Climate/clothing
The climate is tropical with temperatures about 30 degrees. Easily washable light cotton clothing is recommended. For the cooler evenings during winter and the air-conditioned rooms a light pullover is advisable. You also should take something with you to protect you from the sun and the brief but heavy showers.
You will also need a jacket, if you travel to the mountains of the Dominican Republic. Pico Duarte is 3175 metres high and the temperatures up there are accordingly low.

Health regulations
If you travel from Europe there won't be any immunization required. Nevertheless it is recommended, especially for individualistic travellers, to get a vaccination against hepatitis A and typhoid.
Malaria exists regionally, especially in the rural areas close to the border of Haiti (provinces Dajabon, Elias Pina, Monte Christi). Everywhere else the risk is little.
We advise you to take insect repellent and medicine against Malaria (standby therapy) with you.

Transfer
The transfer from the airport in Puerto Plata takes about 20 minutes.

Rental car and transport
Good bus connections between major towns. Taxis are available, too (negotiate about the prices before departure).
We advise against renting a car.

Currency
Local currency is the Dominican Peso (RD$)
1 Dominican Peso = 100 Centavos.
Pesos may neither be imported nor exported. Foreign currency may be imported in unlimited amounts. The amount imported may be exported again minus the amount changed into Dominican Pesos.
Hotels, shops and car rental agencies generally accept international credit cards.
US Dollar traveller's checks are accepted, too.