The Dominican Republic is a tropical island that is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea to the south and the North Atlantic Ocean to the north. Boasting more than 1,600 kilometers of golden beaches brimming with coconut palms, it is clear why this land is considered paradise to so many! With an average of 27°C year-round, this sun kissed island is exotic and extremely hospitable.
Our Travel Professionals have put together their favourite insider tips based on years of on-site experience and recommendations to help you explore, unwind, and make the most of your vacation.
If you’re looking to pay a visit to the Dominican Republic, there is so much to see, learn and experience. Chances are you’ll want to stay for good, so let’s take a closer look at what makes the Dominican Republic so enchanting.
Cultural and historic sites are the biggest attractions next to the beaches and outdoor fun in most capital cities of tropical nations. Indeed, you’ll typically find plenty of beaches in such destinations, which makes Santo Domingo’s local culture and history a must-see. If this is what you’re after, then definitely follow the crowds and head for a dramatic setting on the Rio Ozama, which is filled with dozens of remarkable old buildings. Or visit the substantial colonial district of the city known as the Zona Colonial. However, you’ll easily find plenty of museums, cultural establishments, restaurants and a thriving music scene in every part of the capital that is Santo Domingo.
The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish. In different parts of the country, different variants of Spanish are spoken and the most commonly used Spanish dialect is Dominican Spanish. More than 90% of the country’s population understands Spanish, though other spoken languages include Samana English and Haitian Creole. Foreign languages also are often spoken so expect to hear English, Japanese, Italian and Chinese.
As mentioned above, the Dominican Republic boasts constant and warm temperatures (27°C) year-round. That being said, the ideal time to travel and soak up the most sun is between rainy seasons. The heavier season is from May to August, while the other is between November and December.
The official currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso. Depending on your budget, you can opt for practically on any kind of group tours for activities like hiking, snorkeling, etc., from $35 CAD ($1,648 RD). You’ll find ATMs throughout the country, and tourism-related businesses in most cities widely accept debit and credit cards.
The standard voltage in the Dominican Republic is 110 V, while the standard frequency is 60 Hz. If the standard voltage in your country is between 110 and 127 V (as it is in Canada), you will be able to use all of your electric appliances in the Dominican Republic.
The telecommunications company of the Dominican Republic is CODETEL, which is owned and operated by Verizon. It produces the “ComuniCard,” which allows tourists to phone virtually anywhere abroad from any touch-tone phone. Mobile coverage is good around towns and along most coastal areas, and a 3G network also exists. The Dominican Republic is quickly embracing the Internet and the number of Internet cafes are rapidly growing. For 30 minutes of use, you can expect to pay anywhere between 25 and 30 Dominican Pesos.
Reaching the Dominican Republic is typically done by airplane. Alternatively, there are countless cruise companies that specialize in visits to the Dominican Republic. Most originate in North America, although you can also find a few that start in the Dominican Republic.
