What a tourist needs to know about the Dominican Republic. Dominican Republic is a vacation at the edge of the world, where it is located on the world map. Meeting with the hotel guide

Nature is the main value of the Dominican Republic. This includes its picturesque landscapes and paradise coast Caribbean Sea, and wild jungles, and national parks created to protect flora and fauna. All this is available to guests of the country and offers a lot of opportunities for active rest.

Dominican Republic is a charming country full of surprises and interesting places. A vacation there will be remembered for a long time, especially if you choose the right means of transportation around the country and its cities. Our article will tell you what types of transport are available in the Dominican Republic and which of them are suitable for tourists.

Rafting is one of the types of active recreation available to tourists traveling in the Dominican Republic. This is an extreme way to get acquainted with the nature of the country, with its wild rivers and rapids. Rafting in the Dominican Republic is possible for tourists with any level of training.

Ideally, a trip to the Dominican Republic should coincide with one of the local holidays. This will allow you to get to know the cultural traditions of the country better and have great fun with the Dominicans at lush carnivals, costume processions with songs and dances.

A wedding in the Dominican Republic is what you need to remember this day for the rest of your long married life. And it doesn’t matter at all whether the ceremony is official or just symbolic: vivid impressions The newlyweds and their guests are guaranteed if they hold the wedding on the seashore or on a deserted island.

Night rest– what young people come to the Dominican Republic for. Its towns and resorts offer a variety of nightclubs, with a variety of styles and offering a variety of music, delicious Dominican cocktails and even hotel transfers.

Holidays in the Dominican Republic are attractive due to its pristine picturesque nature. You can get to know it by climbing its mountains – not high, but very beautiful. They offer stunning views. Find out which mountains in the Dominican Republic are the most interesting from a tourism point of view.

The Dominican Republic attracts tourists not only with its beautiful beaches, but in general is very beautiful nature. This category also includes picturesque caves, of which there are about 5,000. Tourists can go on a tour of the underground kingdom of the island and see a lot of interesting things.

Costa del Ambar is one of the most popular tourist regions Dominican Republic. It stretched along north coast country and attracts foreign visitors with the bright lights of Puerto Plata, the beautiful beaches of Sosua, comfortable hotel complexes and dozens of types of entertainment.

When going on vacation to the Dominican Republic, you should take care of your own safety in advance. Our article will tell you whether it is safe to move around the country, what risks and dangers exist for travelers, and how they can be avoided.

Safari is a modern type of excursion where tourists take an active part. Those interested can go to unforgettable journey through the provinces of the Dominican Republic, admire the picturesque nature of its wildest places, get to know the local residents and their way of life outside the resort towns.

The nature of the Dominican Republic enchants all tourists with its magnificent beaches, picturesque national parks, lush jungle. It is interesting to visit the lakes of the Dominican Republic, plunge into their cool waters, and admire the beauty of underground reservoirs.

Uvero Alto is a young developing resort in the Dominican Republic. People come here for a beach-hotel holiday and fun entertainment, which is presented in a wide range. Tourists are pleasantly surprised by the beauty natural landscapes town of Uvero Alto.

Fishing in the Dominican Republic is one of the most exciting outdoor activities possible on paradise island. Here tourists will find a wide variety of fishing options: from the shore or from a boat, in the Caribbean Sea or in the Atlantic Ocean. Find out about all the features of fishing in the Dominican Republic!

Holidays in the Dominican Republic are not only about beautiful beaches, palm trees and rum. For lovers of excitement, this is also an opportunity to visit the best gambling houses in the Caribbean. Find out everything about casinos in the Dominican Republic: what they offer tourists, what resorts they are located at and how they differ.

Waterfalls are perhaps the most beautiful component of nature in the Dominican Republic. On the paradise island, tourists will find many picturesque cascades. The path to many of them will allow you to test your strength and courage, and the reward will be a magnificent view and the opportunity to swim in the reservoirs at the foot of the waterfalls.

Diving is one of the most common outdoor activities in the Dominican Republic. The country is washed by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and has big amount sites, dive centers, magnificent underwater world with unique inhabitants and ancient shipwrecks.

Punta Cana is the most popular Caribbean resort Dominican Republic. A wonderful holiday awaits tourists here, best hotels and beautiful beaches. The easiest way to get here is by air, especially since Punta Cana is served by the same name. international Airport, receiving Aeroflot flights.

Renting a car is a very profitable way to travel around a foreign country, including the Dominican Republic. However, a tourist planning to rent a car should be careful and take into account many factors: non-compliance with local traffic regulations, a worn-out vehicle fleet and strict Dominican laws.

Metro Santo Domingo is one of the most comfortable ways to travel around the capital of the Dominican Republic with the help of public transport. It surprises tourists with its cleanliness, novelty, convenient location of stations and the presence of an air conditioning system.

The Dominican Republic is located on one of the Caribbean Islands, and the easiest way to get here is by air. The country has 12 airports, half of which have international status. This allows you to fly to the airport that is closest to your resort.

Santo Domingo Airport – central Harbour Air capital and the entire state of the Dominican Republic. This major airport with a well-developed infrastructure, and its runways can accommodate huge Boeing 747 aircraft.

National cuisine visiting a foreign country is always very interesting, and not only for adherents of gastronomic tourism. Every tourist can taste the dishes that have been prepared in the Dominican Republic for centuries, especially since here it is quite safe and always very tasty!

Dominican Republic – wonderful place for active recreation on the water, especially if we're talking about about surfing. There is developed infrastructure: surf schools, spots, equipment rentals. Caribbean coasts and Atlantic Ocean offer tourists conquering a variety of waves.

Holidays in the Dominican Republic promise to be very exciting. Here, foreign tourists will find beautiful beaches, enchanting nature, interesting sights, well-developed resort infrastructure, a warm tropical climate and a wide variety of entertainment.

The traditions of the Dominican Republic will not leave any tourist indifferent. Besides natural beauty of this country and recreation opportunities, the Dominican Republic amazes with an amazing combination of poverty and happiness, Catholic and pagan beliefs, exquisite products and simple dishes from them.

People come to the Dominican Republic to relax on magnificent beaches, get acquainted with the exotic nature, and practice their favorite sports. However, study the culture and history of this unusual country it will be interesting too. Museums of the Dominican Republic offer to do this in the most exciting way.

The Dominican Republic is a hospitable country that does not impose any special requirements on tourists regarding clothing. Packing your suitcase should be based on personal preferences and taking into account the hot tropical climate. Read about how to dress in the Dominican Republic and what clothes you should take with you.

Playa Dorada is one of the most luxurious resorts in the Dominican Republic. It is located on the Atlantic coast and offers vacationers the best hotels, a high level of service, cleanest beach, warm climate and a variety of entertainment.

The Dominican Republic, along with the Maldives, is a real Mecca for romantic couples and newlyweds. Thousands of them cross the ocean for a relaxing island holiday Honeymoon or a long-awaited vacation together in this distant and attractive tropical country.

Getting to know the country

The Dominican Republic is a small country, occupying only half of the island of Haiti, living off the tourism industry. The entire state can be crossed by car in just 6 hours. The climate of the Dominican Republic is tropical, and average air temperatures range from + 26 to +29 degrees. Local natural feature There are night earthquakes, but you shouldn’t be afraid of them - Haiti shakes constantly and only slightly.

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The journey from Moscow to Punta Cana takes 12 hours, after which you can completely indulge in a measured, half-asleep rest. But don’t be lazy, take a break from the beach and the hotel, and visit the capital city of the Dominican Republic - Santo Domingo. It was not for nothing that UNESCO declared it a heritage of humanity. There are many beautiful narrow winding streets, ancient monuments and churches. The center is rich in buildings from the colonial era, since it was built by Europeans in the 16th century, so its architecture leaves the feeling not of the Caribbean, but rather of Spain.

Recommended for visiting, built from scratch half a century ago at the expense of some eccentric philanthropist, the “city of artists” (Altos de Chavon). Creative people live here (designers, artists, craftsmen), and film crews from world film studios meet at work (film shooting is common here).


Currency, tastings, purchases

With this versatile cash, you can bring back some excellent gifts from the island, especially for men. First of all, rum! Local factories produce as many as 15 varieties of rum, and their doors are always open to tourists.

The local drink “Mama Juana”, delicious coffee and, of course, tobacco are also noteworthy. Dominican cigars are in no way inferior to Cuban ones.

Among the dishes of Caribbean cuisine, Russian tourists note green bananas (“tostones”), fried with garlic and salt - this is truly exotic!

You can shop right in Punta Cana: at the Plaza Bavaro souvenir market (next to Hotel Bavaro Princess) or on the territory of the resorts, since prices here do not vary much.


Excursions

Choosing among long lasting excursion programs, pay attention to o. Saona is the largest in the Dominican Republic. The trip takes a whole day. You will also have the opportunity to see, touch and hold starfish. Echinoderms are even allowed to be taken out of the water, but for no more than 5 seconds.


Entertainment

For those vacationers who find it not quite enough to lie all the time on the most delicate white sand beaches of the Dominican Republic, looking into the endless expanses of the turquoise ocean, local services are able to offer a number of active recreation options:

Of course, the Dominican Republic is a paradise for lovers, where all conditions are created for privacy and immersion in the local luxurious nature. For single tourists, such a vacation may even seem boring, but not for those who came here together, on the wings of great feelings.

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Are you planning a holiday in the Dominican Republic? Our guide will help you prepare for your trip and have the most comfortable holiday possible! So, TOP-60 tips for tourists!

Planning a trip

  1. It’s better to plan your trip in advance: firstly early booking- it's always beneficial. Secondly, you will have more time to study all the nuances and choose the right resort and hotel
  2. If you are traveling for less than a month, it is more profitable to take a trip from a tour operator, which includes flights, hotel and insurance. If you plan to stay in the Dominican Republic for longer long term- you can look for housing to rent for several months and then buy air tickets separately.
  3. The best time to visit the Dominican Republic is from October to May. During the winter months the island is not as humid and hot as in the summer. But the prices for tickets are more expensive, especially for new year holidays. IN summer time In the Dominican Republic you can also have a great holiday, and at good prices.
  4. If you are attracted by the Atlantic coast, choose the resorts of Punta Cana, Bavaro, Puerto Plata, Sosua and Cabarete. If you want to relax on the Caribbean Sea, the resorts of Boca Chica, Juan Dolio or La Romana are suitable for you.
  5. Most Dominican hotels operate on an all-inclusive basis and have great service. But before making a choice, we advise you to study reviews on different sites about food, entertainment and the beach.
  6. Russians do not need a visa to enter the Dominican Republic. Today you can stay in the country visa-free for 3 months. But these rules change all the time, so check up-to-date information before your trip at the Dominican Consulate in Moscow.
  7. Before traveling, check the expiration dates of your passports and bank cards.
  8. Never neglect health insurance. In the Dominican Republic, medicine is very expensive and without insurance, even a simple visit to the doctor can cost 100-200 dollars.
  9. There are no mandatory vaccinations to enter the Dominican Republic.

On our website you can purchase wonderful excursions in the Dominican Republic!

What to take with you to the Dominican Republic?

  1. The national currency in the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso. However, dollars are also in use throughout the country. It is best to exchange dollars in advance, before your trip. Do not change money at the airport under any circumstances - the rates there are the most unfavorable. It is much more profitable to do this at a local bank or exchange office. Don’t take euros and rubles - you won’t need them here, and exchanging them will be difficult and unprofitable.
  2. Take the necessary medications with you: antiseptics, antivirals, something for colds and stomach upsets, painkillers. Mosquito spray and repellent will also come in handy. sunburn.
  3. Do not take electrical appliances such as a hair dryer or razor with you. In the Dominican Republic, the voltage in sockets is not 220, but only 110 volts, so be prepared for the fact that your gadgets will charge more slowly than usual, and some devices will not work correctly at all.
  4. In most cases, in Dominican Republic you will find the American type of outlets. You can purchase the adapter on the spot, so you don’t have to buy it in advance.
  5. In the Dominican Republic they speak Spanish, but they hardly speak English. Therefore, before your trip, it would be a good idea to learn a few common phrases in Spanish, and also take a dictionary with you (preferably as an application on your phone, so as not to take up space in your luggage).

Flight

  1. Moscow time is 7 hours ahead of Dominican time. It is better to prepare your body in advance for changing time zones. To do this, try to get up and go to bed a little later than usual a few days before your trip.
  2. If you are flying in the cold season, take light clothing in your hand luggage so that you don’t have to sweat in warm sweaters upon arrival and find yourself in the humid tropical heat.
  3. Take movies, books, and guidebooks with you on the plane to pass the time on the road - a direct flight from Moscow lasts 12 hours.
  4. If you are flying with small children, do not forget about entertainment for them. We advise you to choose night flights - most likely the child will oversleep most ways.
  5. On the plane, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and energy drinks to keep your body fresh and rested.
  6. You will also need a pen on board the plane to fill out the migration card. It is usually given out by flight attendants so that you don’t waste time filling it out at the airport, and they are happy to answer questions.
  7. No tourist fees are charged either upon arrival at the Dominican Republic airport or upon departure back.
  8. To save time and not have to go around all the hotels on a group transfer, you can take a taxi at the airport or order private transfer on our website.

On a rest

  1. Most likely, you will not need the local currency (pesos) - dollars are accepted almost everywhere. But in stores they can give you change national currency. Also, stock up on pesos if you drive around the country - roads in the Dominican Republic are toll roads and payment is accepted in pesos.
  2. Most hotels in the Dominican Republic provide safes. We advise you not to neglect this.
  3. Visiting a la carte restaurants located on hotel premises is most often included in the all-inclusive system, but access to the restaurant is only possible by appointment.
  4. As for tips, 10% of the bill is welcome in restaurants, and 1-2 dollars for maids and porters.
  5. Some hotels ask you to adhere to a dress code in restaurants: keep in mind that you may simply not be allowed to dinner if you are wearing swimsuits and shorts.
  6. Going to local restaurant, be careful: sometimes an 18% tax is added to the check amount, so it’s better to ask in advance whether the tax is included or not.
  7. Not all hotels have accessible and free internet. To stay in touch, we recommend buying a SIM card from one of the local operators - Orange or Claro, which provide Internet access on good terms.

Safety in the Dominican Republic

  1. Drink only bottled water. Tap water is not suitable for drinking. Always carry a bottle of water with you - in hot climates this will help keep you cool and avoid dehydration.
  2. Wash your hands thoroughly before eating. It is better to wash vegetables and fruits with soap.
  3. Be sure to use sunscreen, even if there are clouds in the sky, the Dominican sun is very active. We recommend purchasing products with a protection factor of at least 30 SPF, and for the face and sensitive skin, 80 or even 100 SPF is better.
  4. Domestic fumigators will not save you from local mosquitoes - it is better to take products in the form of a spray or lotion.
  5. Don’t be afraid to go outside the hotel, even if the hotel tells you that it is very dangerous: take this information critically.
  6. Follow basic safety rules: do not carry large sums of money with you, do not wear jewelry, hide expensive equipment from view. Well tourist areas It is better not to leave at night, especially alone.
  7. In order not to attract the attention of thieves, it is better not to show off the hotel bracelet that is put on your hand upon check-in. when going for a walk, wear a light jacket that disguises the bracelet: this way there is less chance that you will be mistaken for a tourist.
  8. Be wary of compatriots who ask you to send something to Russia - they often send drugs under the guise of a package, taking advantage of the gullibility of tourists. In the event of exposure at the airport, all criminal liability falls on the unsuspecting carrier.
  9. At the market, fruit stalls - you can safely bargain. But in shops and supermarkets there are fixed prices.

Excursions, travel in the Dominican Republic

  1. Do not rush to buy excursions immediately upon arrival - hotel prices are often greatly inflated. Study all offers, prices and make a choice.
  2. We do not recommend booking excursions on the first days of arrival - you will need a couple of days to acclimatize. But don’t put it off until the end of the trip either - you never know what will suddenly change or be postponed.
  3. Think about what type of excursions is closest to you? The Dominican Republic has a large selection of nature, sea, adventure excursions, as well as historical programs and trips that are suitable for the whole family.
  4. TOP 5 excursions that are recommended for every tourist: Saona Island, Samana, Santo Domingo, Mount Redonda, 27 waterfalls.
  5. Excursions for the active: buggy or jeep rides on the Dominican off-road, zip line flights, horseback riding, diving, surfing, fishing will surely appeal to adventure lovers!
  6. Where to go with children? You can visit the Dolphinarium to swim with sea animals, feed the monkeys in the Monkey Land Park, visit the Adventure Park, or choose one of the not very tiring excursion programs, for example, Mount Redonda.
  7. Do you love nature? There is nothing better than going to explore the beauty of the north of the Dominican Republic - the Samana Peninsula, Los Haitises Nature Reserve, 27 waterfalls, wild beaches will delight lovers of beauty!
  8. If you don’t like well-worn routes and want something special, then it’s best to order
  9. When going on a full-day excursion, especially if you are traveling north, take a raincoat with you. Rainfall in the Dominican Republic is usually short-lived but heavy.
  10. On sea excursions, take care of your equipment and use waterproof covers - the ingress of salt water can lead to irreversible consequences!
  11. If you are going to rent a car, carefully read the conditions, inspect vehicle and take a photo of every scratch to avoid any misunderstandings when returning.
  12. To rent a car, you will need a regular Russian driving license, and you will also need to leave a deposit.
  13. Traffic in the Dominican Republic is very chaotic, but you'll likely get the hang of it quickly. On the roads, you should be wary first of all of unexpected motorcyclists.

Shops, souvenirs in the Dominican Republic

  1. People usually bring rum, cocoa, coffee, jewelry made from larimar and amber, mama juana (local healing tincture), natural oils and cosmetics from the Dominican Republic.
  2. Prices for souvenirs in hotels are often overpriced. Buy everything on the beach with caution - there are many fakes. The price tag is more affordable in local supermarkets, but there is a very limited choice there. Wide range of souvenirs favorable prices Available in Russian Ola Souvenirs stores, transfer from the hotel is free!
  3. You shouldn’t put off buying souvenirs until the last minute and rely on duty-free: the prices there are very high and the selection is very limited.
  4. It is prohibited to export from the Dominican Republic:

    Shells, corals, starfish (except for those purchased in a store: they may ask for a receipt)

    Items and things of historical and artistic value (without special permission)

    National currency (peso)

    Some types of orchids

  5. You can export up to 5 liters of alcohol from the Dominican Republic, but according to the rules, only 3 liters per person are allowed to be imported into Russia. Tobacco: you can export 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars (cigarillos) or 250 g of tobacco or the specified products in an assortment with a total weight of no more than 250 g.
  6. Place cigars, drinks, fruits and other foodstuffs in your suitcase: hand luggage their export is prohibited.