TRAVEL TIPS:
When you are flying into the Dominican Republic you are allowed to bring 200 cigarettes or one box of cigars, two bottles of perfume (opened and for your own use), gifts up to $100 and one litre of liquor. Baggage is declared upon arrival on the island and when you depart. Do NOT bring illegal drugs, animal products and agricultural items.
Drink bottled water and always make sure the cap was secured before opening
CURRENCY:
The Peso is the National currency of the Dominican Republic. It comes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500,1000 and 2000 Peso notes. In and around the tourist zones and resorts the American Dollar is well accepted even though the rate of exchange may not be ideal. Tourist Taxis, hotel stores and Excursions often publish their rates in U.S. Dollars and gladly accept them. Other currencies are not readily accepted or changeable at the resorts, and even if and when possible, the exchange rate will normally be very poor. Many currencies are exchangeable at banks in those airports which have banks (during banking hours). To change money from your currency to Pesos the best rates are offered at Banks or Money Stores (Casa de Cambio) such as Western Union and Caribe Express. Many travellers get Pesos from ATM machines all of which only dispense Pesos. Do know that your bank may have a surcharge or fee and that all the local banks now charge a transaction fee of 170 RD and up. People do get a better deal with goods when they use Dominican Pesos with the local vendors and in the markets shopping for souvenirs and food. Away from the resort areas, the U.S. Dollar is NOT widely accepted, and if it is a poor rate of exchange is to be expected. Tolls and Gas Stations around the country generally require Pesos only, although a few stations can now be found which take foreign Visa/Mastercards. Always ask first, never assume because acceptance is not the norm.
Also, be aware that most ATM machines have a 10,000 Peso per transaction withdrawal limit up to your own Bank's daily limit. So if you need more than 10,000 Pesos at one time you will need to make multiple transactions.
Be sure to check the currency exchange rates for the time you are in the country so you know exactly how much you are paying for goods and services. A good place to check daily exchange rates is on any currency exchange page on the internet. ATM's in the Dominican Republic only dispense Pesos. You can not get USA currency or your own countries currency from a bank machine in Dominican Republic. Buying U.S. Dollars or another currency back from banks can be done but at a low rate of exchange.
Lastly, be sure to tell your home bank where you are going so that they do not put a security hold on your cards when you use them in a foreign country. And a good rule of thumb is to always to use an ATM connected to a bank or at a resort so that assistance is available.
ELECTRICITY:
The electricity in the DR is the same as in North America. It's alternating current with a nominal voltage of 115/120 volts and the frequency is 60 hertz (cycles per second) Many guests ask if they will need a converter so that their appliance plug will fit the plugs: 1) If it's got a three prong plug on the cord, it's probably best to leave it at home. It's designed to be grounded, and you won't find one there.
2) If it's got a two prong plug, get an adapter socket. These are about an inch long and will plug into the socket in the DR because the prongs are both the same size (small). Your plug will plug into the adapter easily. If you already have a converter for your European travels, one of the adapter plugs that came with it should be just perfect. You should also be able to find one at a travel shop, The Source (formerly Radio Shack) or WalMart (to name but a few).
VACCINES:
No vaccines are required for travel to Dominican Republic. Please be sure to bring along bug spray to protect from mosquito bites. Many travelers to the Caribbean opt for the Twinrix shot to prevent Hepatitis, but this is a matter of personal preference. Please discuss with your family doctor.
TIME ZONE:
Dominican Republic operates under Atlantic Standard Time. They do not observe Daylight Savings Time. Toronto operates on the same time zone. They are one hour behind Halifax time.
