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Tips for 1st time visitors to the Dominican Republic

These tips may be of valuable interest for those of you traveling to Punta Cana for the first time.

Before you leave home
1 .- Make sure you do not need a visa, ask your travel agent, citizens of most European countries and North America do not.
2 .- Check your Passport , it is essential that it is valid and not expired or expires during your stay abroad. In an emergency you can get a new passport the same day of departure in some airports in Europe.
3 .- Confirm with your company cell phone and your appliance is ready to receive and make calls abroad.
4 .- Bring at least U.S. $ 10 cash per person to pay upon arrival at the Dominican airport a “tourist card”, which is required to buy to enter the country, if not paid as part of your package. If you do not take dollars have to pay 10 euros.
5 .- Do not forget your passport or driver’s license if you want to rent a car during your stay.
6 .- Have on hand a pen , you have to fill in some small form to your arrival at the Dominican Airport.
7 .- Bring at least one credit card , regardless of debit and cash. It will be necessary to register at the hotel or if you require medical attention. With regard to cash can take it in euros or dollars American. No need to carry much cash because most places you can pay by VISA, MASTERCARD, and there are plenty of ATMs.
8 .- The health insurance card and the phone number of travel insurance. It is possible that if you do visit a doctor but then pay the insurance costs they are reimbursed, it will depend on individual insurance. The need to allow at the time by telephone.
9 .- We recommend bringing a small kit with a pain reliever for headache, some anti-inflammatory , plasters or bandages and even some anti-diarrheal (combination sun + alcohol + lots of food, may have undesirable effects.) A mosquito repellent, sunscreen (factor 20 or more) and moisturizing after sun, are also very important. You can find perfectly all these products on site, but you will save some money if you bring from home.
10 .- Electrical current is 110V in general, and the plug is style (with blades). Many hotels also have 220V European style plug, but either way you can take a 110V adapter or buy the hotel. It has very little cost and can Work out more of a problem with your electronic equipment.
11 .- The camera is critical, because the sights you see and experience that will live worthy of immortalizing. It is advisable even underwater camera even those cheap single use.
12 .- The basic items to use are: bathing suit, sandals, sunglasses, hat and comfortable clothing and light . Bed linen and bath towels both beach and you will be provided on site. It is important to take in a suitcase shoes if you decide to do some adventure hiking. The long-sleeved clothing is rarely used, but you can take one for if you touch the coldest night of the year or for sites with strong air conditioning.
13 .- Another thing is to bring a backpack or hand luggage without check with some clothes and essential items (which are permitted by international airport authorities), for if you had the bad luck that temporarily mislaid your suitcase. Not for anything unusual, but if it happens, at least you would have the basics on hand to start enjoying your stay from the beginning, what comes your suitcase.

In the Dominican Republic
1 .- off the plane and before passing passport control you need to buy a “ tourist card “for $ 10, if this charge is not included in your package.

2 .- When you pick up your suitcase and leave the customs control will be waiting for a representative of your travel agent or tour operator, who will tell you which bus company takes you to your hotel.

3 .- Remember at all times that you’re on vacation and you’re in a country with another culture and another way of life. Take it easy and enjoy the relaxation.

4 .- Upon arrival at the hotel (if it’s all included), try to make your reservation at the restaurant of your choice. Each hotel usually have 4 or 5 different restaurants at least part of the buffet specialties and it is advisable to book before you run out of quota.

5 .- The tap water is not recommended for consumption, preferably used bottled water and do not forget to hydrate often.

6 .- not ever forget to wear sunscreen , remember that you are in the strip closest to the sun and burns can ruin your vacation.

7 .- The hotel staff will do their best to serve you in the most efficient and friendly, but give little tips will help make your stay even more enjoyable.

8 .- To change money once you are in the country, you should not do in hotels, as they charge a very high commission, much less change in the street. Go to the bank nearest you or one of the bureaux de change available carrying identification. RD recommend always pay the fee so specified, and not to use dollars to euros or petty, because although they may accept you payment will always be more beneficial to pay in local currency.

9 .- When buying gifts negotiates prices , “bargaining” is part of Dominican culture, ask a high price to be lowered considerably after reaching the final price. This is common especially in the gift shop (gift shop) of hotels or close to it, if you try to “haggle” the price in a supermarket or other store probably will not have much success.

10 .- The phone calls from the hotel is quite expensive. It is best to use your phone sparingly and use the e-mail communication over the Internet. The hotels have rooms equipped with computers, Internet and fax service, even many of them have WiFi signal in all areas of the hotel. Another possibility is to make collect calls.

11 .- There is taxi service at tariffs set by destination, ask the fare before hiring the service.

12 .- There are buses that take you to the city of Higuey and the capital, Santo Domingo, an economic good price. Consultation times and prices in our “Transportation.”

13 .- You can hire a car from the hotel and gave it to the door. Note ExtraMED always drive the precautionary measures as the driving style is more chaotic than in more developed countries.

14 .- If you need medical attention , you can find a doctor in the same hotel, as well as several well-equipped clinics and hospitals near you.

15 .- Do not forget to save $ 20 to pay the departure tax at the airport on your return, you may have it included in the package you paid for, but bring them just in case.

16 .- Finally, keep anything containing liquid in the bags to check . Remember the exacting standards of prohibited items in carry-on baggage

Razel