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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC  FACTS SHEET

HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Before the arrival of Christopher Columbus on December 5, 1492 the island was inhabited by Taino Indians. The colonial history of the country is marked by Spanish and French cultures. Slaves brought in elements of Black African cultures to complete the national identity. In 1822 the country was invaded by Haitian troops. This domination lasted 22 years until on February 27, 1844 independence was proclaimed by Juan Pablo Duarte and his followers. It was lost again in 1861 with the annexation to Spain and regained in August 1863.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Citizen and resident of the United States need only their valid passports, or re-entry permits as the case may be, and a tourist card (US $10) to enter the country. The citizens from other countries need only their passports and still a third group will need passports and visas. The consulates and tourist offices will gladly give more information.

LANGUAGE

The official language is Spanish although English and French are widely spoken.

GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

AREA: 48,484 km2

COASTLINE: One third of the 1,576 kilometers of coastline are magnificent beaches

CAPITAL: Santo Domingo de Guzman

POPULATION: Approximately 7 million, of which 2 million live in Santo Domingo

TOPOGRAPHY: The Dominican Republic is crossed by 5 mountain ranges. The Central, the longest in the Antilles with Pico Duarte (3,087 Mts.); the Septentrional, to the north; the Oriental, La Sierra de Neiba and la Sierra de Bahoruco, to the southwest, where lake Enriquillo is located (200 km2), a salt water mass lying 44 Mts., below sea level.

CLIMATE

Sunny days and pleasant tropical nights all year round. The average temperature is between 18-27 C (60-81 F). The hottest month is August and the coldest January. You can enjoy your vacation even on summer day as there is always a pleasant breeze blowing from the east. The rainy months are May throughout July.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Check out this website for hotel reservations in the Dominican Republic:
Hotel reservations in the Dominican Republic

DUTY FREE ZONES

Santo Domingo has the largest duty free zone are in the Caribbean. You can buy various types of articles at very low prices, such as cameras, perfumes, cigarettes, national and international beverages free from taxes. Payments must be in dollars and goods are delivered at the time of departure from the country.

CURRENCY

The official monetary unit is the Dominican Peso. Commercial banks will exchange them at a variable rate, usually from $12.00 to $13.00 per US Dollar. All transactions in the country should be in pesos except in the duty-free zones.

TIP AND TAXES

All hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge, plus 6% sales tax to the bill. Hotels add an additional 5% for room service. It is customary to give an additional 15% tip for good service. Bell boys, porters and taxi drivers are tipped according to the service they provided.

GAMBLING

Casinos are under certain conditions, legal in the Dominican Republic. You will find a casino in most mayor hotels in Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, Juan Dolio and other locations.

CUSTOM REGULATIONS

Articles classified as personal luggage will not present a problem in clearing customs. You may bring a liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes and gift articles of a value not greater than $100.00 dollars.

DRIVING REGULATIONS

The Dominican Republic will honor a foreign driver’s license for a 90 day period. Maximum speed for city driving is 60 kph and 80 kph for highway driving (one mile equals 1.6 km). Drivers use the right side of the road.

TIME

The Dominican Republic is located on the same time zone as New York. However it has daylight saving time all year round.