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Guide Book Recommendations |
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Is
it safe to drink the tap water at the hotels?
Tap water should be avoided unless it has been boiled. This
means that it is perfectly safe to use for teas and coffees.
You may brush your teeth in unboiled tap water but if you
have a sensitive stomach I wouldn't advice it. Almost all
resorts provide purified water. Ice cubes are generally made
from this as well, especially at resorts and tourist places.
Bottled water can be bought almost everywhere.
Is
it safe?
Sure there are dangers everywhere and in the DR as well. But
the crime rate is relatively low when it comes to acts of
violence, whereas acts of petty theft, such as pick pocketing)
are common. However, act sensibly. Don't wear jewels that
attract attention and don't wave your $$ around for everyone
to see. Avoid walking in areas where there are no people around,
take a taxi instead.
Is
it all right for women to be traveling alone?
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The
Vice President of the Dominican Republic is a woman,
and you will find women in executive positions throughout
most businesses in the country. While machismo is alive
and well in the barrios and rural communities, middle
class and up women have as much to say as the men in
their homes and jobs.
Note that more women graduate from university than men
in the DR.
Women
traveling alone will not have any problems. Unless you
dress very provocatively, the most you will get is a
compliment here and there from an admiring Dominican
male.
Chivalry is alive and well in the DR.
Use
common sense and you will enjoy your vacation just as
you would anywhere else in the world. |
Are
Dominican beaches safe?
Some beaches are children-friendly, others have big waves,
strong undertow and rocks. When in doubt, stick to the shore.
The same rules apply here as do anywhere else in the world.
Do not take a windsurf or sail boat out if you have just finished
eating. Don't go out swimming alone. Don't bring your valuables
to the beach. Don't leave anything you can't afford to lose
on the beach when going off for a swim. Many a tourist has
fallen asleep to discover their airline ticket or camera is
missing.
What
is the drinking and gambling age?
The drinking and gambling age is 18 years old. While lax in
the past, increasingly the authorities are enforcing a ban
on serving alcoholic beverages to minors. Many discos, especially
in Santo Domingo, will ask to see an ID if you do not look
18. The same will happen in the casinos.
What's
the best time of the year to come?
The peak travel seasons to and from the DR are July-August
(most travel) and the months of December, January, February
and March. This reflects the vacation periods of Europeans
and North Americans. Note that the weather varies only a few
degrees upwards and downwards in the Dominican Republic, with
the summer months being slightly hotter, so any time is just
as fine. Try to avoid the peaks of domestic travel, primarily
Easter Week and the long weekend holidays, when the major
resorts will be full to the hilt.
When
is the rainy season?
Anyone who tells you there is a rainy season in the DR hasn’t
lived here. It rains more frequently in the North Coast than
in the South. The East Coast is the driest. But aside from
that the weather in the DR is relatively stable. Only very
occasionally will a storm be passing by that will bring more
than an afternoon of rain. The most common forecast is: partly
cloudy with a chance of short showers. The El Niño
and El Niña currents bring longer periods of drought
and rain. But aside from that, bring your sun block as chances
are the sun will be shining strong.
I
don't know Spanish. Will this be a problem?
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Thousands
of people visit the DR every year without knowing any
Spanish at all. If you at least know English, you should
be able to get along fine. But if neither English nor
Spanish is your language, don't worry, be happy.
If you are just coming on a holiday you will be surprised
how far a smile and sign language and pointing will get
you a long way.
If you are coming for business, it is most probable your
host will have someone who can communicate with you in
your language, if he doesn't do so himself.
As with traveling anywhere, picking up a key phrases in
Spanish (like "por favor"-please, "gracias"-thank
you, will bring many smiles and extra efforts to help
you out.
Most resorts will have someone speaking English. Many
resorts have multi-lingual staff. If you are coming with
a large group, there surely will be staff fluent in your
language to assist you. The best advice is to relax and
be patient if you do not get youself across the first
time. Laugh and have fun. After all, you are on a vacation.
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| I
will be traveling with my one and a half year old baby?
Special recommendations? |
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Bring
your baby down, she will love the DR too! Bring your
brand of powdered milk and use bottled water. You can
also get UHT homogenized milk here (Parmalat, Nestle
and Rica). Also prefer pasteurized UHT containers for
juice (Bon, Santal). Bring a first set of disposable
diapers.
If you will be staying for more than a week, you can
purchase them in any city and many hotels will stock
them, albeit at a high premium. Bring mosquito repellent
special for babies. Also, two or three hats and special
baby sunscreen. If you will be renting a car to travel
with your baby, bring your own car seat.
Check
with your travel agent to make sure your hotel
has cribs for the baby, or you might consider bringing
your folding crib. |
Is
it true that there is much topless bathing in the DR?
Most US travelers with family headed to the popular Punta
Cana tourist area will soon discover that European bathing
styles (topless for women and men, thongs for women and men)
is a non-issue. Once the novelty wears off, you and your family
will barely notice the different bathing wear. There is too
much else to capture your attention. Of course the kids will
notice the difference at the start, but will only make an
issue of it if you do. Explain the tourists do not want any
swimsuit tan lines, shrug it off as a cultural difference
(note Dominican women do not go topless), and everyone will
get on with their vacation.
Can
I bring my pet?
It's easy to travel with a dog or cat to the Dominican Republic.
But do not bring a bird as the bird needs to remain in quarantine.
To bring your dog a veterinarian certificate issued for rabbies
and distemper in the past 30 days of the travel date is required.
At the airport in the DR you should ask for the animal control
person (Sanidad Animal) in the customs area. He will examine
your certificate and fill out an official entry form or permission
for which you will pay less than US$10. Prior to traveling
with your pet, you should call your carrier for more information
and the cost of transporting your animal. You should make
a reservation early because some airlines restrict how many
dogs can be carried onboard. If you are flying on American
Airlines make sure your connecting flight is not American
Eagle in the case your pet does not fit under your airline
seat. American Eagle will only transport dogs that fit onboard.
What
is the DR policy on visitors and drugs?
You do not want to bring in, consume or risk buying or selling
drugs in the Dominican Republic. This is the easiest way to
land yourself in jail with no bail. This could turn your trip
into a nightmare. Drugs are not welcome in the DR and there
are tough laws against trafficking and consumption regardless
of the amount.
Is
prostitution legal?
Yes and no. It is tolerated but it is not legal. Having any
kind of sexual relationship with minors (under 18 years) is
illegal and those caught face long terms in jail.
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