Dominican Republic flights and travel guide

Language

Spanish is the official language, but English is spoken in the main tourist centers.

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Communications

The international access code for the Dominican Republic is +1, in common with the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed by 809. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom); the outgoing code is not required for calling North America. The local mobile phoneoperators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most major international operators. A bilingual operator can be reached by dialling 0. Direct international calls can be made from numerous telecommunications centres located in all towns and cities. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.

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Tipping

Hotels and restaurants generally include a 10 per cent service charge as well as tax, but additional tips can be given for good service as often the charge does not go to the staff who provided the service. Waiters usually receive 10 per cent extra for good service. For other services including taxi drivers tipping is discretionary depending on the service provided.

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Safety

Due to the recent unrest in neighbouring Haiti and the ongoing unpredictability of the security situation, it is inadvisable to travel across the border to Haiti. There is a low terrorism risk and incidences of violent crime are infrequent. Visitors should take normal precautions against petty crime, however. The Dominican Republic is vulnerable to hurricanes from June to November.

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Health

No vaccination certificates are required but precautions are recommended against Hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies and polio for those who plan to spend time outside the main tourist resort areas. There is a malaria risk throughout the year. Between May and September there is a risk of dengue fever, which is contracted from mosquitoes that bite during the day. It is advisable to use mosquito repellent. Travellers should be aware of the high prevalence of the HIV/AIDS virus in the Dominican Republic. Water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated in undeveloped areas; bottled water is available. Recent months showed an increase of travelers suffering from the norovirus, a gastrointestinal illness that causes diarrhea and vomiting, after visiting the resort areas; travelers should be wary of eating old food and coming into contact with dirty surfaces. Some species of fish, including tropical reef fish, may be poisonous to eat even when well cooked. There are good hospitals and other private medical facilities located in Puerto Plata, Santiago and Santo Domingo, but outside of these cities facilities are limited, and staff are unlikely to understand English. Most resorts have doctors that can treat minor medical complaints. Health insurance, including provision for medical evacuation, is recommended.

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Electricity

Electrical current is 110 volts AC, 60 Hz. American-style two-pin plugs are standard.

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