Dominican Republic: Practical information to prepare a trip

I spoke about my must-see and do activities in the Dominican Republic, But today I will try to tell you a little more about how to prepare for this trip by giving you more practical information. Budget, transportation, accommodation, safety, important events, when to leave, are all important points to consider before traveling to the Dominican Republic.

This 12-day trip was carried out in collaboration with the tourism office of the Dominican Republic, With whom we built a fairly intensive program to get a first glimpse of the different regions. The trip began in the region of Punta Cana, Then I went to La Romana, Bayahibe and the beautiful island of Saona. Then I discovered for 3 days the capital Saint Domingue, then I crossed the island to reach Puerto Plata on the North coast, then Cabarete and finally the region of Samana and Las Terenas. Of course, I only flew over each of the regions visited trying to immerse myself in the local atmosphere as much as possible throughout the stay, but I can only recommend extending the duration of the stay significantly in order to take the time to enjoy each part of the country or to favor slow travel by focusing on only one region to discover thoroughly.

Before leaving for the Dominican Republic, I had some preconceived notions, including the idea that postcards depicted landscapes with large white sandy beaches lined with coconut trees, located in front of large resorts that lined up one after another. In the end, I realized that the destination was very diverse and had a lot to offer for all tastes and budgets. Some would prefer to spend their vacation relaxing and choosing a club or hotel on the beach, while others would rather explore different regions of the country and discover other riches of the Dominican Republic. But I remain convinced that it is perfectly possible to combine everything! This destination is full of wonders; why deny oneself the opportunity to enjoy them all?

As I explained in my previous article, I had a huge crush on the capital Saint Domingue, rich in exceptional cultural and historical heritage, but also on the northern coast of the island, with Puerto Plata, Cabarete and especially the peninsula of Samana, with its unique natural landscapes.

How to travel in the Dominican Republic?

The ideal approach remains to book your return flights to the Dominican Republic separately, then book several hotels according to the itinerary you have planned, and finally rent a car to get around and enjoy your trip in complete freedom.

If you’re more looking for rest and relaxation, in that case you can book a turnkey stay with flight + hotel, then rent a car for the day to explore the area where you are staying.

The third alternative is to buy a flight + hotel package online at a great price (often the same price as a single return non-stop flight), to enjoy the first nights in the city, and to go on a tour by booking other accommodations yourself and renting a car (or taking the bus).

How to get around in the Dominican Republic?

Renting a car remains the best solution to discover the Dominican Republic with more freedom. The main roads are quite well maintained, but the secondary roads in the countryside are a bit less so, so opt for a 4×4 that will cost you about 60€ per day (compare online). Driving is quite sporty, but it’s not more dangerous than in another country; you just need to be careful and vigilant.

To travel from one city to another in the Dominican Republic, you can also take comfortable buses like Metro Bus, Caribe Tours or to turn to private companies like Colonial Tours, Specializing in transfers, activities and the creation of stays on site.

For short distances, you can still try taking the «guaguas» (pronounced ouaoua), those famous mini-buses packed with people who wander around at breakneck speed in the city centers. With moto-taxis, these remain the two least expensive and most picturesque alternatives for getting around the city (hold on tight!)

When to go to the Dominican Republic?

The best time to visit the Dominican Republic is from December to the end of April when traveling to the South Coast, and from June to September for the North Coast. The first rainy season takes place from May to June, and from September to November is hurricane season.

To avoid periods of high tourist influx, prioritize the period from mid-August to mid-September and opt for exploring the north of the island. If you want to enjoy more of the local culture, visit the Dominican Republic during February and March; there are many festivities throughout the country, including the Saint Domingue Carnival which ends on February 27, the anniversary of independence. There is also the La Vega Carnival which takes place the first week of March. Don’t miss the festivals dedicated to Merengue, the local dance, which takes place in Saint Domingue in late July to early August and in Puerto Plata in the first week of October. Another music festival, Latin Music Festival, welcomes many visitors in October in Saint Domingue.

Money in the Dominican Republic

It is best to bring Euros or dollars in cash with you because card payments are often taxed (+5 to 10%) and withdrawals are capped at ATMs. I recommend changing your money into pesos at a bank, as the exchange rate will be more favorable than at a currency exchange office. Also note that US dollars are accepted in much of the country, but it is more advantageous to pay in Dominican pesos.

1 Euro = about 45 RD$

Take out travel insurance before leaving for the Dominican Republic

When you’re about to take off for the Dominican Republic, a tropical destination par excellence, taking out travel insurance with Heymondo becomes a wise choice to ensure a carefree getaway. In addition to comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, Heymondo offers protection against cancellation and disruption of travel, ensuring a refund in case of unforeseen circumstances. As you prepare to explore the paradise beaches, lush jungles, and historical sites of the Dominican Republic, Heymondo also protects you against the loss of luggage and other potential incidents. With a 24/7 support team available, you receive constant support, even in remote situations. Opting for Heymondo before leaving for the Dominican Republic, It’s investing in peace of mind, allowing you to fully focus on discovering the Caribbean treasures without unnecessary worries. Whether you’re planning excursions to Saint-Domingue, adventures in Punta Cana, or relaxation in Puerto Plata, Heymondo is your ally for an unforgettable and stress-free trip.

Useful information

Time difference: there are 6 hours less compared to France and 5 hours less in the winter

Electricity: 110v as in the USA. But remember to bring an international adapter to plug your equipment in.

Phone number: The dialing code for calling the Dominican Republic is 001. As a practical advice, to avoid being dependent on Wi-Fi networks or incurring extra costs with your mobile phone, I recommend you buy a local SIM card from Claro or Orange. The SIM card costs about 3€ and then you can buy a pack with unlimited internet for 5 days for about 3€!

Entry formalities: Passport valid for travel. Upon your arrival in the Dominican Republic, you will need to purchase a tourist card. The cost is 10€ or 10$ to be paid before passing through customs. So be sure to have some cash on you!

Embassy abroad

Calle las Damas nº 42, Colonial Zone – tel. +1 809 69 54 300; fax. +1 809 69 54 311; ; www.ambafrance.org.do

Embassy in France

45, rue de Courcelles 75008 Paris – tel. +33 (0)1 53 53 95 95; ; www.embajadadominicanaenfrancia.com

What memories to bring back from the Dominican Republic?

You will find many markets everywhere to buy specialty products and local crafts. If you are passing through Saint Domingue, make a stop at Mercado Modelo; you are sure to find what you are looking for there! The list of things to bring back includes: Mamajuana (local alcohol), old rum, cigars, spices, Merengue, Bachata and Salsa music, larimar (the national stone of the country with a light blue color) and amber.

Where to sleep in the Dominican Republic?

The big strength of the Dominican Republic is that you can find a wide variety of accommodations in different styles, suitable for all tastes and budgets. You can find resorts for families, prestigious hotels for couples, picturesque charming hotels for romantics, eco-lodges for nature lovers and many others… In fact, I invite you to visit the «housing» section on the website of the Dominican Republic tourism office, There is the possibility to filter your searches according to your preferences. I had the opportunity to discover several of them throughout my stay, and here is my experience.

Punta Cana

Hotel Barcelo Bavaro Palace

This immense hotel located on the beautiful beach of Bavaro has everything to appeal to couples and especially families seeking relaxation and leisure activities. I have rarely seen a resort as large that offers such a wide variety of amenities with such a high level of quality. There are many comfortable and elegant living spaces, the rooms are large and beautifully decorated in a contemporary style. My room was located on the ground floor facing the sea and even had a jacuzzi on the terrace! The Barcelo Bavaro Palace hotel has ten restaurants offering different types of cuisine from around the world, a spa, several large swimming pools, a children's club and numerous activities.

Website of the Barcelo Bavaro Palace hotel

Hotel Now Larimar Punta Cana

Like the Marcelo Bavaro Palace, the Now Larimar Punta Cana also has many features to appeal to families and couples! There are 6 restaurants, 5 large swimming pools and a very beautiful green central garden that is well maintained. The overall facilities and service are of high quality; my room was quite spacious with a king-size bed, a small living room and a beautiful terrace overlooking the garden, the pool and the sea. The hotel offers many leisure and entertainment activities: children's clubs, water sports, a spa, a fitness room, a casino, a climbing wall, animated shows for both young and old.

Website of the Now Larimar Punta Cana hotel

La Romana

Hotel Dreams Dominicus La Romana

The Dreams Dominicus hotel is located less than 5 km from the picturesque village of La Romana, near the Del Este National Park and the playa Bayahibe beach, from where you can take a boat to visit the paradisiacal island of Saona. The setting is pleasant and relaxing, the rooms are comfortable, the staff is very friendly, and there are many activities: 3 swimming pools, a beach cinema, shows, dance classes, beach volleyball, and many more. A good choice for families traveling as the hotel offers two clubs for children aged 3 to 12 and teenagers aged 13 to 17.

Website of the hotel Dreams Dominicus La Romana

Juan Dolio

Hotel Emotions by Hodelpa

The ideal hotel if you want to enjoy a quiet stay in the region of Juan Dolio, located a hundred kilometers from the capital Saint Domingue. The hotel has been renovated in a modern, contemporary and elegant style and offers many activities on site according to the preferences of each person. There are especially 7 restaurants, 3 swimming pools, a gym and many activities provided by a warm staff! But the real highlight is this beautiful and long beach of fine sand on the Caribbean coast, the ideal spot to relax. Don’t forget to venture out of the hotel to enjoy the atmosphere of the village of Juan Dolio!

Website of the Hotel Emotions by Hodelpa

Saint Domingue

Hotel Casas Del XVI

Without a doubt, one of my most beautiful highlights of the stay… I didn’t have the opportunity to stay there, but just to visit these magnificent luxury 16th-century houses located in the heart of the colonial district of Saint Domingue, among the first of the New World! I was literally spellbound by them; you feel out of time and completely disconnected as soon as you step through the door of one of these magnificent houses, all decorated in a refined, conceptual and elegant style that does not detract from the atmosphere of the place; the perfect combination of traditional style and modern comfort. The 4 colonial houses are: Casa de los Mapas, Casa Macorís, Casa del Diseñador and Casa Del Arbol. All of them have a beautiful small garden / green patio with a central pool for cooling off. The service is impeccable and up to the standard of this luxurious boutique hotel (including providing iPhones for guests, a butler, concierge, etc.). The ideal address for lovers of exceptional addresses, unique in their kind. Here, everything is about luxury, tranquility and voluptuousness…

Website of the hotel Casas Del XVI

Hotel Nicolas De Ovando

A very beautiful 4-star hotel ideally located in the heart of the historic center of Saint Domingue, in front of the famous «Calle de las Damas», the first paved street of the New World. This is the former home of the city’s founder, Governor Nicolas De Ovando, built in 1502. This characterful hotel has 97 rooms, 4 suites, a beautiful outdoor pool, a fitness room, and a large courtyard with a terrace where the restaurant is located. An exceptional hotel steeped in history that will transport you back in time… I recommend it!

Website of the hotel Nicolas de Ovando

Hotel Hodelpa Caribe Colonial

A great address located right in the heart of the Colonial district, ideal for discovering the cultural riches of the Dominican capital! The lobby is modern, bright, and clean, and the 54 rooms, although a bit small, offer all the comfort you could wish for. A particular highlight is the very comfortable king-size bed (it’s hard to leave it in the morning!). The hotel has a bar and a restaurant where you can enjoy your breakfast on a small terrace. The staff is welcoming, friendly, and always available to recommend good places to discover in the city center.

Website of the Hodelpa Caribe Colonial hotel

Hotel Novus Plaza Hodelpa

This 3-star hotel is located in the colonial district, just a few steps from the lively pedestrian street «Calle El Conde». The hotel is very colorful, graphic and design-oriented with a contemporary hall and rooms in a more refined and conceptual style. An excellent value for money! I recommend getting up early in the morning to walk up the street «Calle Hostos» (where the hotel is located) towards the monastery of San Francisco; you will find plenty of small traditional colorful houses there and the morning light is superb.

Website of the Novus Plaza Hodelpa hotel

Puerto Plata / Cabarete

Viva Wyndham V Heavens

Change of decor, heading to the north coast of the Dominican Republic! We packed our bags at this large resort located 5 km from Puerto Plata, near the beautiful beach «Playa Dorada» (5 minutes on foot). This «all-inclusive» hotel is perfectly suited for couples and friends who want to enjoy the charm of the Puerto Plata region without children (Adults Only). Among the hotel’s 5 restaurants (accessible without limit and without reservation), I had a big crush on the cuisine of Sofrito, which offers varied and absolutely delicious local cuisine. There are also two bars where you can enjoy delicious cocktails (my favorite is the one with Brugal rum!). There is a large swimming pool for cooling off and relaxing in peace, but also a Jacuzzi located in the middle of a solarium. The rooms are spacious, modern, bright, and the suites have a living room and a beautiful terrace. There are many activities throughout the week, but I also invite you to venture outside the hotel to enjoy the charm of the Puerto Plata region.

Website of Viva Wyndham V Heavens

Viva Wyndham Tangerine

We continue to explore the North coast, this time heading to Cabarete, a fishing village known for its wild coastline where enthusiasts of windsurfing, surfing and kite surfing can be found. The hotel is located on the seafront, along a beautiful large beach lined with coconut trees, from which one can admire a magnificent sunrise early in the morning. This all-inclusive hotel offers many quality services with numerous daily activities, the possibility to participate in yoga classes, local dance lessons, cocktail preparation and local cuisine. If you want to experience the full spectrum of sensations, you can also take kite surfing lessons with professionals who will share their passion with you. While the children have fun at the Viva Kid’s Club, the adults can relax at the SPA, enjoy the hotel’s two swimming pools, and also have fun playing volleyball, tennis, or enjoying non-motorized water sports (kayaking, canoeing, sailing, snorkeling, etc.). As you can see, there is something for everyone here!

Website of Viva Wyndham Tangerine

Samana

Viva Wyndham V Samana

Here is one of my favorite hotels from the Viva Wyndham group… It is located in the sublime peninsula of Samana, the most wild, authentic, and beautiful region on the North coast of the Dominican Republic. The V Collection is exclusively reserved for adults in order to fully enjoy the tranquility of the place; the ideal address for couples seeking relaxation and comfort in a remarkable setting. I really liked this gigantic hall with its contemporary style and beautifully decorated walls with plant life. Along the hall there is a large central corridor lined with beds and sofas installed in intimate areas in the wood. Around it there is a large lush garden with many coconut trees. A little further on there is the beautiful and large Coson beach, surrounded by coconut trees… Can you imagine the view from the hall? In any case, it is truly magnificent… The rooms are spacious, well decorated in an elegant and contemporary style with a touch of local inspiration. Some of the rooms located on the ground floor even have a terrace with a small private pool for cooling off. The hotel has a renowned spa, the Coconut Whispers, where you can enjoy many body treatments.
If I ever return to the Samana region in the Dominican Republic, I will be checking into this hotel!

Website of Viva Wyndham V Samana

The Sublime Samana

Without a doubt one of the most beautiful hotels in the Dominican Republic and it really lives up to its name… This luxurious resort, recognized as a Small Luxury Hotel of the World, has all the qualities to attract couples on a honeymoon as well as families seeking rest and relaxation. This hotel is absolutely stunning in every way and the services offered are of impeccable quality… Just like at Las Casas Del XVI, here everything is all about luxury, tranquility and indulgence. I had a big crush on this immense and long pool surrounded by Balinese beds that runs through the resort to the Coson beach. There are two restaurants offering refined and exquisite local cuisine (I recommend the catch of the day, a delight!). Some will enjoy the large hammocks on the beach while others will want to play a game of tennis. The Sublime Samana is resolutely on a small scale and it is rare to encounter other guests as this large luxury resort has only 26 rooms. Here, silence reigns… Moreover, the hotel does not offer any entertainment or all-inclusive services, as can be found in other nearby establishments (the V Collection Samana, for example).

Website of Sublime Samana

 

Glad to see Los Haitises National Park making the @lonelyplanet’s Best in Travel 2018 “Ten Regions Rising up Our Bucket List”! Here’s what they had to say: “In the south of Samaná Bay, Parque Nacional Los Haitises is a 1375-sq-km patchwork of craggy islets, blue canals and verdant forest, an ecosystem that appears plucked from prehistory. Venture deep into the park and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Dominican Republic’s cultural history. Los Haitises is hardly a well-kept secret, but visitor numbers are rising: some big hotel projects are brewing nearby, so get here before the crowds arrive.” 📷: @antoinejans

A publication shared by GoDominicanRepublic (@godomrep) the 2 Nov. 2017 at 9:31 PDT