Puerto Plata Hotels

10 Ways to Enjoy the Dominican Republic

• Take a walking tour of Santo Domingo starting in the Parque Colon, at the bronze statue of Christopher Columbus.
• Check out the Reloj de Sol, the first sundial of the New World-and though it's running late, it still works.
• Wander through the village at Altos de Chavon in La Romana.
• Bask in the sun on Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana.
• Take an ecological walking tour or safari trip through the jungle
• Practice your Spanish and spend some pesos.
• Cheer on the team at a baseball game, a favorite national pastime.
• Take advantage of the Dominican Republic's great windsurfing conditions.
• Take home some souvenirs-Dominican rum, coffee, jewelry made of amber and larimar, or hand-wrapped cigars.
• Don't miss Carnival in late Feburary.

Documents Needed for Travel

United States passport holders must have a valid passport, or other proof of citizenship, such as an original birth certificate and official photo ID (driver's license is acceptable), plus marriage certificate if your name has changed. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days, if holding a Tourist Card/FMT form issued free of charge by airlines.

A tourist card is required (US$10) for all U.S. citizens. This must be purchased upon entering the country. A US$10 departure tax is required when leaving the country along with the departure portion of the tourist card.

Language

Spanish. English is spoken by key hotel staff. Outside the resort, English is not readily understood so we suggest brushing up on your basic Spanish. Traffic signs and most menus are in Spanish, although menus in tourist regions tend to be multilingual.

Time Zone

From late October to early April, Puerto Plata is one hour ahead of EST. From early April to late October, Puerto Plata is the same as EST.

Beaches

The warm blue waters of Puerto Playa invite you from many of it’s long stretches of pristine beaches.

Climate

The best time to travel is from November to March when the daytime temperatures are in the 80s and the nighttime temperatures are in the 60s. The constant breezes keep the temperature and humidity at bay.

What to Wear

Light, casual resort wear for day and night. Sports jackets and long pants for men, cocktail attire for women (smart casual) are recommended for elegant evenings out and at some of the bigger resorts. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not permitted in landmark churches, casinos and some restaurants.

Currency and Credit Cards

The Dominican peso is the official currency. Most major credit cards are widely accepted.

Electricity

Same as United States, however an adapter is required due to prong size and shape.

Marriage Requirements

1. Valid Passports
2. Valid Birth Certificates
3. Single Status Certificate (affidavit)
4. Divorce Certificate (if necessary)
5. Two witnesses