Listed below are many questions that pop up time and time again on our Forum Site, for more in depth answers on certain subjects, please check the Travel Essentials Section back on the Home Page.  If there is a question you may want to ask and that we haven’t covered here, then email us at our Home Page under the handy heading “contact the admin team” and one of our island experts will get back to you real soon.

What is Departure Tax?

Every traveler leaving the Dominican Republic is required to pay US$20 each departure tax.  This is payable at all of the airports through out the Dominican Republic, and has to be paid in US dollars.  Remember to keep US$20 back per person traveling in your group.

What is the Legal Drinking and gambling age?

The legal age in the Dom Rep for drinking and gambling is 18.  If you look under age, you may be asked to supply an ID card. Remember when you are in the Casino’s that if you play on the card tables with dollars then your winnings will be paid in dollars, if you play with pesos then your winnings will be in pesos. (For more details on currency see the section on Dom Rep Travel and Money & Costs. Beware of a gambling game called “Keano”, most people traveling with a tour operator are warned against playing this game.  Tourists have been known to lose thousands of pounds or dollars playing this game.  Please do not get drawn into it.

Are Dominican Beaches Safe?

Generally all of the beaches around the all inclusive resorts are safe and free from crime, however use common sense as you would back at home and don’t go swimming and leave all your belongings especially money and passports etc.,. In your beach bag unattended. Most of the Dominican Republic beaches operate a flag system, so if you see a red flag then a lot of water sports will not be permitted as the waves, undertow will be too strong, the next flag is orange and certain recreational activities will be permitted, the next flag is green and like a traffic light this signifies the all clear. If you are on a beach without a flag system and are unsure especially if the waves look quite rough, then be cautious.  Around the shores are some terribly strong undertows that will sweep you away, so be careful.

Is there topless sunbathing in the Dominican Republic?

Yes there is topless sunbathing, usually on the beach areas.  It is not customary for Dominicans to sunbathe topless, however there are plenty of Europeans on holiday and it is very natural to topless sunbathe for Europeans.  You will generally find in the hotels that it is not allowed.

Are ATM machines available?

Generally around all inclusive resorts you will find ATM machines, if you are off the beaten track a little then you would usually have to go to the nearest town which could be a fair few miles away. Chances are that your card issuer is either a member of the PLUS system which is operated by VISA or the CIRRUS system which is operated by MasterCard, or the Euro pay system.  Your card should probably work ok, and remember that you do not have to be on the PLUS to use a CIRRUS card or vice versa.  Both systems are linked. Remember you will be paid out in PESOS only even if you are extracting money from a dollar or pound account. See money & costs under Travel Essentials for more details. If you are unsure of the currency please go to the realdr.com currency converter on the Home Page.

Can we use our Credit Cards?

You will find a lot of hotels, restaurants and stores will accept most major credit cards.  Use your common sense and check you receipts for any discrepancies or double billings “mistakes&rdquo.

Is Prostitution Legal?

A tricky question here, yes and no as it is tolerated but definitely not legal.  There are harsh penalties for anyone in the Dr having sex with a minor and you could find yourself with a lengthy jail sentence.

Is it Easy to Phone Home?

If you are staying in a hotel, then yes as most hotels will enable you to call long distance (at a premium rate of course).  A lot of the Tour Operator Reps sell phone cards which you can buy making your calls longer for less money.  Consider bringing your own cell/mobile phone with you, as theses days most networks cover the Caribbean. You can buy handy charges in resort that will convert your home phone charger.

Will we see a lot of poverty in the Dominican Republic?

Yes you will, just on your transfer from the airport to your hotel you will pass by local shacks and barrios (neighborhoods).  Take a look at the realdr.com for our charity pages, as you may like to donate/leave stuff behind once your vacation has ended.  A lot of people do bring, crayons, pencils, books, erasers, rulers for the poor school children here.  If you go out on one of the Jeep Safari excursions in the DR you should bring your “presents” with you , as you will wither get the chance to drop them off personally at a local school or one of the guides will arrange to drop off what you have brought later., so not to disturb the kids studying. It is also quite common place to leave a tip for your maid at the end of your stay in your hotel room; you might like to leave her your left over shampoo etc.  as well.  A note in English to the hotel will suffice to let her take it out of the resort and back home.

Will I be able to get my babies milk in the Dominican Republic?

The hotel shop or local shops will sell formula or powdered milk for your baby but it is advisable to bring all that you would use in the time period you are staying here as you might not be able to get your babies brand.  Also same for nappies/diapers and bum cream/diaper rash cream. As with all children PLEASE bring a high factor sun cream and head coverage like a baseball cap.  Bring your shade umbrellas for strollers and child friendly mosquito repellent.

Can I bring my own Medicines?

Yes you can, however bring enough with you for the duration of your stay in the Dominican Republic and it is advisable to put them in your carry on luggage too.  Most prescription medicines can be obtained in the DR, but play safe and bring your own (if not a little extra).

What are the best Excursions/Tours to go on in the Dominican Republic?

That’s a difficult one to answer as there is lots to do outside of your all inclusive resort and regardless of age there is something for everyone.  Go to the Therealdr.com Excursion Store for the most popular and favorite Dominican Republic excursions available for the whole island. You can even pre book your tour before you come on vacation so you know you will have seats reserved for you and your family and can relax and look forward to one of the exciting excursions on offer here in the Dominican Republic – it’s that easy.

If I extend my stay in the DR over my tourist card limitation what happens?

The tourist card you are issued when you enter the Dominican Republic lasts for 90 days.  If you stay over the allowed period and wish to leave you will pay a penalty at the airport.  Keep your tourist card safe at all times (even if you extend your visit you will still need it). There is a fixed and scaled penalty rate ranging from RD$150 to RD$5,000 depending on how long you have stayed over.

What will the weather be like?

Generally the temperatures are hot during the day with a slight cooling off in the evening.  Guide books tell us there is a specific rainy period here in the Dominican Republic, but over the last 10 years this has been shifting some what to there is no hard and fast rule to rainy season.  Summer months of June, July, and August expect high humidity and very high temperatures.   The average water temperature in the summer is 83F and in winter around 78F. Do expect showers through out your stay as the Dominican Republic is a Tropical Island. 

What is the Dominican Republic’s Policy on Drugs?

Do not bring, consume or purchase drugs while you are here in the Dominican Republic.  The penalties are extraordinarily high compared to other countries.  Do not chance purchasing drugs as a lot of the time it is a police set up.   The jail/prison systems here are beyond your worst nightmare. If you are looking for a drug purchasing vacation then this island IS NOT for you.

When is Hurricane Season?

1^st to November 30, please go to the realdr.com Travel Essentials for a full hurricane review, what to do, and what can be expected.