Travel Tips
Useful information
Dominican Republic
Travel Tips Dominican Republic
When traveling, it is important to plan ahead and use travel tips in Dominican Republic. Research the destination you are visiting, including the language, currency exchange, and culture. Make sure to pack essentials such as a passport, medications, and necessary documents. Travel insurance is also recommended in case of emergency. It is also important to stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. Finally, make sure to save important contact information in case of emergency.
Climate
The Dominican Republic has a tropical climate with high temperature and humidity year-round. The average annual temperature is 25C (77F). The coolest month is January, with an average temperature of 21C (70F) and the hottest month is August, with an average temperature of 28C (82F). The rainy season typically runs from May to November, with the heaviest rains occurring during the months of June, July, and August. The average annual precipitation is 1,200mm (47 inches). The driest months are typically January and February, with an average precipitation of less than 20mm (less than 1 inch).
Hurricane Season
The hurricane season in the Dominican Republic typically runs from June 1st to November 30th. Most hurricanes occur between August and October, with the peak of the season taking place in September. During hurricane season, the Dominican Republic is commonly affected by hurricanes originating in the Atlantic Ocean.
The country is prone to severe storms, flooding, and destructive winds. It is advised that tourists and residents alike take extra precautions when visiting the Dominican Republic during hurricane season. All travelers should always check the latest weather forecasts and emergency alerts before planning any trips.
Language
The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish. The language is spoken by the majority of the population, although English, French, and Haitian Creole are also spoken. English is spoken by a small portion of the population, mostly in the tourist areas. French is spoken by a minority in the northwest, particularly in Monte Cristi province, and Haitian Creole is spoken by many of the Haitian immigrants living in the country.
Money
The official currency in the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso. The peso is divided into 100 centavos. US dollars are widely accepted in the Dominican Republic, although it is illegal to pay for goods and services with US dollars. US dollars are typically exchanged for Dominican pesos at exchange offices, banks and hotels. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted in most tourist areas. Other currencies, such as euros and British pounds, can also be exchanged at banks and exchange offices.
Tipping
Tipping is common in the Dominican Republic, with 10-15% being the standard amount. It is customary to tip wait staff at restaurants, bar staff, bellboys, tour guides, and taxi drivers. It is also polite to round up to the nearest 100 or 500, depending on the amount of the bill.
Water
Water supply and sanitation in the Dominican Republic is characterized by a number of achievements and challenges. Access to drinking water has increased significantly in the last decades, from 68% of the population having access to improved water sources in 1990 to 89% in 2010. Access to improved sanitation increased from 40% to 68% over the same period.
The Dominican Republic has a long tradition of government involvement in the water sector. The government has increased its investments in the sector significantly in the past two decades. The sector is characterized by a large number of small and medium-sized private operators. The National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewerage (INAPA) is responsible for the regulation and supervision of the sector.
Water quality is generally satisfactory, although there is a risk of contamination in certain areas due to the lack of wastewater treatment and sewage systems. The government is working to improve water and sanitation services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
We recommend using only bottled water. Please use that travel tips.
Sun Protection
The Dominican Republic has a tropical climate year-round, with hot and humid temperatures in the summer and mild temperatures in the winter. This means that sun protection is essential when travelling to the Dominican Republic. It is important to wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses when outdoors in order to protect the skin from sunburn and other sun-related damage. Additionally, it is advised to stay hydrated and avoid direct exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day.
We recommend using these travel tips for the Dominican Republic.
Medical Care & Emergencies
Medical care in the Dominican Republic is generally good, but can vary in quality depending on the region. Public hospitals are free, but services may not be as reliable as those in private hospitals. Most major cities have private hospitals that offer a higher standard of care. In the event of an emergency, it is best to call 911 for medical assistance. There are a number of private clinics and hospitals across the country that are well equipped to deal with emergencies. It is important to have travel insurance when visiting the Dominican Republic, as medical costs can be expensive.
That is one of the most important travel tips in the Dominican Republic.