Guide Rep. Dominicana
An ideal destination for those who love the sophistication of modern cities blended with the charm and charisma of the old world: Dominican Republic. LOCATION: It extends over two thirds of old Hispaniola Island, the second in size of the Greater Antilles after Cuba. It covers an area of 48,484 km2, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south. RELIGION: The main religion is Roman Catholic. LANGUAGE: Spanish is the official language. MONETARY UNIT: Dominican Republic peso (RD$). WEATHER:The average temperature is 28º C in August, the hottest month of the year and January the coolest. POPULATION:The country has 7.4 million habitants while the capital, Santo Domingo,2.5 millions. ELECTRICITY: The electricity is 110 volts-120 volts for 60 hertz.First class hotels operate from 220-240 volts. American-designed switches are used. WATER: Around 80% of the population have drinking water available. However, it's recommendable to drink bottled water during the first days of your stay. TAXES: At airports, a letter of tourism should be bought for the value of US$10, in force during two months and a US$10 departure tax. Hotels charge 23 %; restaurants, a sale rate of 8% and 10% for the service. Tips are usually 10%. AFTERNOON NAP: This is still a costume since lunch is the main meal. SCHEDULE: Banks: 8.30 a.m.-3.30 p.m. Mon.-Tues. Government offices: 7.30 a.m. - 2.30 p.m. Mon.- Fri. Trade offices: 8.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. - 2.30 - 6.30 p.m. or 9.30 a.m. - 5.30 p.m. Mon.-Fri. TRANSPORTATION : Taxis: Private taxis are available for 24 hours. Taxi service is also provided at hotels for tourists but at a higher price. The rate is more affordable in the different stops of the city where prices for any distance range from 50 to 70 pesos. "Carros públicos", a sort of public taxi for several passengers are also available as well as buses and motoconchos, they all are more economical means of transportation. Car rentals: Several well-known local and international brands have their offices at the Dominican airports and cities. Updated Driving License and the international credit card available are required to drive for 90 days. No Rent a Car renders the service if a credit card is not submitted. The major ones are: Budget: J. F. Kennedy/ Lope de Vega. Phone: 567-0175 Fax:567-0177. Honda: J. F. Kennedy/ Pepillo Salcedo . Phone: 567-1015 Fax: 541-0039. Hertz: Ave. Independencia 454 Phone: 221-5333 Fax: 221-8927. National: Ave. A. Lincoln 1056/ John Kennedy Phone: 562-1444 Fax: 544-3030. Nelly: José Contreras 139. Phone: 535-8800 Fax: 535-1233. Thrifty: José María Heredia. Phone: 686-0133. Fax: 685-4933. Various bus companies are available and offer excellent transportation service in Santo Domingo and other major cities of the country, among them: Caribe Tours: 27 de febrero esq, Leopoldo Navarro. Phone: 221-4422. Emely tours: San Francisco de Macorís, 58. Phone: 687-7114. Fax: 686-0275. Metro Expreso: W. Churchill esq. Fco Pratts. Phone: 566-7126. Omni tours.Phone: 565-6591. Fax: 5676-4710. Terra Bus: 27 Febrero, Plaza Criolla. Phone: 472-1080. Transportes Tanya. Phone: 565-5691. Fax: 542-6224. What to Wear: The weather is warm all year round, thus the best material to wear is that made of cotton or natural fibers that allow your skin to breath and thus feel more comfortable. Of course you should also fill your luggage with indispensable items: sun glasses, bathing suits and sun protection lotion. ASSISTANCE EXTENDED TO TOURISTS: Tourism police in Santo Domingo is pleased to answer any question and solicitously help tourists. Sport: Baseball is the national game or "pelota" as Dominicans call it. The season covers from October to January and the country has raised internationally famed stars in this sport. Other sports are basketball, softball, athletics, jogging that can be practiced in this city at the waterfront (Malecón), Paseo de los Indios or Mirador Sur. Golf is being developed and high-level golf courses are available, some designed by Robert Trent Jones (See golf section). Among water sports are sport fishing with international tournament of blue marlin, dorado and bonito. Underground fishing with professional instructors and snorkeling and scuba diving can also be a pleasant choice. For these sports the best sites are: Cabo Rojo in Pedernales, beaches at Bahía Escocesa on the north, and Samaná Bay. What to Buy:To go shopping is another entertaining way to spend time at Dominican Republic for its wide assortment and affordable prices. The most outstanding items are: Amber: Regarded as the national jewel and endowed with magic powers, according to general belief. Art: Many art galleries are found featuring local art, the prices are affordable and they can be exported without any difficulty. Clothes and Shoes: All kind of local and international brands are displayed at SantoDomingo. Leather articles are for sale mostly made by Spaniards and Italians living in the country. Fabrics are also worthy of mentioning for its variety and low prices. Crafts: The spirit of the people from the Dominican Republic is expressed in this art, all kind of materials are elaborated: ceramics, wood, hide, shell conch, horns, pottery, thatch baskets and embroidered items. They can be bought at Mercado Modelo, Plaza Criolla, El Conde street, Las Atarazanas and Casa de Bastidas. Santo Domingo also offers modern commercial squares or plazas.