Travel Dominican Republic • Caribbean | She is Wanderlust Travel Blog

Located in The Caribbean , the Dominican Republic is one the most geographically diverse countries in the area, boasting stunning natural wonders and beaches, colonial charming, incredible rum and a lot of adrenaline pumping activities. Something for every type of tourist.

Why Visit The Dominican Republic

NATURAL WONDERS

The Dominican Republic is the most natural diverse country in the Caribbean, with incredible National Parks such as Los Haitises, Tres Ojos or Salto del Limón. In a single visit you can be on the beach, in the mountains, waterfalls, the city, and see cenotes. Wherever you turn, you will find something that will enchant your sight.

BEACHES

The Dominican Republic is very famous for its spectacular beaches, and leader in the hospitality industry. With over 1000 miles (1600 km) of coastline filled with all-inclusive resorts, its white sand beaches have been a relax getaway for many throughout the years, while also offering an array of adrenaline pumping activities to get you up and moving, like kitesurfing, paragliding, snorkeling, surfing and more.

CULTURE & ARCHITECTURE

The Dominican Republic is a country full of history. Dominicans are a mixture of cultures between the Spanish, the African and the Taíno natives. All these influences can be seen in their food, religion, music and architecture. Santo Domingo, the oldest colonial city in America, has well preserved colonial buildings that will take you back more than 500 years.

RUM

Rum is more than just a drink for dominicans, it’s part of their culture. This spirit was born in the Caribbean in 1620, even used as a currency back them. The original Dominican Republic rum distillery, Bermudez, was founded in 1852, and it’s been going strong ever since.

PEOPLE

Dominicans are famous for its kindness and joy. They are always happy and welcoming. Experts in hospitality, and excellent dancers, Dominicans will spice up any situation. Prepare to laugh, dance, and chat.

Why Visit Dominican Republic

NATURAL WONDERS

BEACHES

CULTURE & ARCHITECTURE

RUM

PEOPLE

Name: Dominican Republic
Capital: Santo Domingo
Official Languages: Spanish
Currency: Peso
Time Zone: UTC-4

Name: Dominican Republic
Capital: Santo Domingo
Official Languages: Spanish
Currency:Peso
Time Zone: UTC-4

Bucket list

What to expect

LANGUAGE

Spanish is the official language in Dominican Republic. Due to their big tourism industry, English will be widely spoken in hotels and tourist attractions, but not in the countryside. You are encouraged to learn simple words and basic phrases in Spanish, cuban will really appreciate it.

ELECTRICITY

In the Dominican Republic the standard voltage is 110V and the frequency is 60 Hz. That’s the standard voltage in the american continent; If you are traveling from the EU you will need an adaptor.

CURRENCY

The Dominican peso is the official currency in the Dominican Republic. USD are widely accepted as well. Other foreign currencies, like euros, will be accepted in hotels and major attractions but not local wise. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are easy to find in the cities. You can exchange your currency at the bank, airport, exchange houses or withdraw directly from the ATM. 1 USD equals 54 pesos (as of 2023).

CLIMATE

The Dominican Republic has a tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. The country experiences two distinct seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the wet season (May to October). The average year-round temperature is approximately 79 °F (26 °C).

SAFETY

The Dominican Republic is relatively safe to visit overall. Crime rates are low, especially by the touristic areas where police presence is common. However, petty crime do happen, and some violent crime can be seen in poor neighborhoods. Exercise caution and try to avoid walking alone late at night if you are outside the hotel complex.

How to get around

Rental Cars: Renting a car is a popular option for travelers who want flexibility and independence. Several car rental companies operate in major cities and airports. Driving in the Dominican Republic is on the right side of the road, and it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with local traffic rules and regulations. Road conditions can vary, so exercise caution, especially in rural areas.
Taxis: Taxis are widely available throughout the Dominican Republic, particularly in tourist areas and airports. It’s best to use licensed taxis, which are easily recognizable by their distinctive color and markings. Negotiate the fare in advance or ensure the driver uses the meter. In major cities like Santo Domingo, you can also use ride-hailing apps for convenient and reliable transportation.
Public Buses: Public buses, known as “guaguas” or “conchos,” are a common mode of transportation for locals. These are shared vans or minibusses that follow fixed routes within cities and between towns. While they are affordable, they can be crowded and may not always follow strict schedules. It’s essential to confirm the route with the driver or other passengers before boarding.
Motoconchos: Motoconchos are motorcycle taxis that operate in many areas, particularly in urban centers and rural towns. They are a quick and inexpensive way to get around, but safety precautions should be taken. Always wear a helmet, negotiate the fare in advance, and choose licensed motoconcho drivers.
Carros Públicos: Carros Públicos, also known as “public cars” or “carritos,” are shared taxis or vans that follow specific routes between towns and cities. They are a popular mode of transportation for both locals and tourists. Carros Públicos have designated pickup and drop-off points and can be a cost-effective way to travel longer distances.

Visa Policy

The visa policy of the Dominican Republic allows citizens of many countries to enter the country for tourism purposes without requiring a visa in advance. The specific requirements and lengths of stay vary depending on the nationality of the visitor. Citizens of the United States, Canada, European Union member countries, Australia, and New Zealand, among others, are granted a tourist card upon arrival. This tourist card is valid for 30 days and allows visitors to engage in tourism-related activities.

For citizens of the following countries, a tourist card can be obtained upon arrival: United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, European Union member countries, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, Panama, Mexico, Venezuela, and several Caribbean nations.

For citizens of some countries, a visa is required before traveling to the Dominican Republic. These countries include China, India, Russia, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and several others. Visitors from these countries should apply for a tourist visa at the nearest Dominican Republic embassy or consulate before their trip. The visa application process usually involves submitting relevant documents, such as a passport, application form, proof of travel arrangements, and financial information.

For longer stays or purposes other than tourism, such as business, work, or study, different types of visas are available. These visas typically require additional documentation, such as letters of invitation, proof of employment or study, and may have specific requirements for duration of stay and activities allowed.

It’s essential to check the most up-to-date visa requirements and regulations before traveling to the Dominican Republic, as they can change periodically. It’s recommended to consult with the nearest Dominican Republic embassy or consulate or visit the official website of the Dominican Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the most accurate and current information regarding visa requirements for your specific nationality.