Important information for your holiday destination
General information
The Dominican Republic occupies nearly two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola. It borders Haiti to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and east, and the Caribbean Sea to the south. Approximately 9,5 million people live in its roughly 49.000 square kilometers. The capital, Santo Domingo, has about 3 million inhabitants, while Santiago de los Caballeros and San Francisco de Macorix are other major cities.
Species conservation
Please note that you are not allowed to bring into Germany the many beautiful souvenirs, such as black coral, tortoiseshell, and various types of seashells, that street vendors, especially on the beach, offer you. Violators face severe penalties.
Doctor
Should you require medical assistance, please contact the hotel's guest services or your tour guide. Some accommodations even have an on-site doctor. Local doctors do not accept international health insurance certificates. Medical and medication costs must be paid in cash.
Car rental
Exploring the country independently by car is certainly enjoyable and interesting, but it's very dangerous here. Technical defects in vehicles, unclear traffic regulations, and animals standing on the road around a bend are the most frequent causes of accidents. Local car rental companies don't offer comprehensive insurance, and we, as your tour guides, can't help you if you're asked to pay for the damage to your car or motorcycle in the event of an accident.
Bathtubs
Topless bathing and nudism are prohibited on public beaches!
Diplomatic missions
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Dominican Republic:
Avenida Núñez de Cáceres No. 11; Edificio GINAKA 2.0,
Piso 5/6, Bella Vista, Santo Domingo
Tel: + 1 809 542-8949
Email: info@santo-domingo.diplo.de or embal@verizon.net.do
Internet: www.santo-domingo.diplo.de
Austrian Consulate General in the Dominican Republic:
Av. Gustavo Mejia Ricart 102, Santo Domingo
Tel: + 1 809 412-4014
Email: cdo.austria@verizon.net.do
Internet: www.cdo-austria.org.do
Consulate General of the Swiss Confederation in the Dominican Republic:
Edificio Corporativo 2010, Piso 10
Av. Gustavo Mejía Ricart 102, esq. Av. Abraham Lincoln
Piantini, Santo Domingo
Tel: + 1 809 533-3781
Email: representation@sdd.rep.admin.ch
Internet: www.eda.admin.ch/santodomingo
Theft
Just like at home, you should keep an eye on your handbag and other valuables while traveling. To avoid carrying your entire holiday budget, it's best to rent a safe at your hotel upon arrival to securely store your valuables. When traveling, please do not leave any items, no matter how worthless they may seem, visible in your vehicle. In the event of theft, you will need a police report to file a claim with your insurance company. Cash is not covered by insurance. Furthermore, please be sure to notify your tour guide immediately.
Electricity
The voltage is 110 volts. You can get a suitable adapter in some hotels or souvenir shops. You will need to convert your electrical device to 110 volts to use it here. Adapter plugs are often also required.
Guest service
For minor matters or requests, simply contact the hotel's guest services if your tour guide is not currently available. Guest services are usually located in the hotel lobby and often speak German.
Health
According to the consulate, no special vaccinations are required. However, it is best to avoid drinking too many cold beverages or spending too much time in the sun, as these are the most common causes of stomach upset and discomfort.
Golf
The Dominican Republic boasts several excellently managed golf courses. Please inquire with guest services or your tour guide for the nearest ones.
Climate
Sea breezes temper the hot, humid tropical coastal climate, creating pleasant weather conditions. The hottest time is during the rainy season between May and October, when daytime temperatures of 30-35°C are accompanied by high humidity. During the winter months, the dry season, the average daily temperature is a comfortable 24-28°C.
Luggage Tag
Please leave the luggage tags from your outbound flight attached to your luggage and only remove the airline's baggage claim tag. It is important that you write your home address on it so that your suitcase can be returned to you if it gets lost.
Post
Postcards and stamps can be purchased at all hotels. Please remember to write "AIRMAIL" on them! Unfortunately, the Dominican postal system is not well-developed, so cards can take up to seven weeks or longer to arrive, or may never arrive at all. Therefore, we offer our special service: We will send your holiday greetings to Europe via courier within ten business days.
Safe
We recommend using the hotel or room safe to store valuables such as passports, money, traveler's checks, jewelry and airline tickets.
Sunbathing
Protect yourself from strong sunlight, especially during the first few days of your vacation. Find a shady spot and use a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor.
Language
Spanish is the official language. Most people also understand English and German, which are even spoken quite frequently in tourist areas.
To phone
Germany: 011 49 + area code without the 0 + phone number
Austria: 011 43 + area code without the 0 + phone number
Switzerland: 011 41 + area code without the 0 + phone number
You can call Europe from the hotel at any time. One minute costs approximately USD 3-6. Outside the hotel grounds, you can make cheaper calls from public telephones or internet cafes. A 3-minute call to Germany costs approximately RD$ 90 (90 Dominican Pesos). You can also send a fax at any time, which is usually cheaper than a phone call.
Gratuities
The porter expects approximately USD 1 per piece of luggage, and the nanny about USD 5-10 per week. Restaurants and bars add a 10% "legal" tax and 16% sales tax. The usual tip is around 10% of the bill, though you can certainly tip more for exceptional service.
Time-sharing / Vacation Club
It is common for representatives to approach you during your vacation about so-called vacation clubs. They offer you the opportunity to spend your holidays in their properties for a certain period each year for a specific sum. If you are interested in these offers, we strongly recommend that you carefully and critically read the relevant terms and conditions before signing a contract. Unlike in Germany, you usually cannot withdraw from the contract within a few days. Nevertheless, the contract is binding, and the agreed payments will be demanded even in Germany. Furthermore, the place of jurisdiction is generally in the Dominican Republic.
Drinking water
You can use tap water for brushing your teeth, but you shouldn't drink it. You don't need to avoid ice cubes, as an ice machine makes them from drinking water.
Transportation
The typical mode of transport in the country is the "guagua." These are vehicles of various sizes, from cars to buses, that run regularly from sunrise to sunset. Almost always, there are more passengers than seats. Another, admittedly somewhat unusual, option is the "motoconcho." This is a motorcycle taxi used only for short distances and, due to its unpredictable driving style, can be quite dangerous. Taxis are available in front of every hotel or can be called for you by the bellboy. Price lists are posted in all hotels, so please be sure to check them!
time shift
The time difference between the Dominican Republic and Germany, as well as Austria and Switzerland, is five hours during our winter time and six hours in the summer.
