Location: The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Republic of Haiti. The country is the second largest in the Caribbean region, with a surface area of 18,704 square miles(48,442 square kilometers). Located in the heart of the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and to the south by the Caribbean Sea.
Coordinates: 13.1667° N, 59.5500° W
Language: Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic. However, you’ll be surprised how many hotel and tourist destination employees speak English, French, German and Italian. If you decide to venture out of the tourist areas, it is helpful to learn some basic phrases in Spanish.
Capital City: Santo Domingo
Population: 9,980,243 (2015 Census)
Passports, Tourist Card & Visa: Citizens and residents of the United States, Canada and most European countries can enter the country with a 30-day tourist card, which can be bought when you enter the country for US$10 or €10. Anyone, regardless of nationality, may come into the Dominican Republic with a tourist card if they have any of the following valid visas in their passport: United States, Canada, United Kingdom or the European Union (Schengen).
To see a list of the countries that require a visa to enter the Dominican Republic, visit: http://www.dgii.gov.do/tarjetaTuristica/EN/Support/faq/Paginas/default.aspx
Time Zone: Local time is GMT -4. It is an hour ahead of Atlantic Standard Time in the United States in the winter. Unlike the United States and Europe, the Dominican Republic does not observe daylight saving time.
Currency: Dominican Peso (RD$). Major credit cards are accepted at most tourist locations.
Electrical Current: 110 volts, the same as in the United States and Canada.
Telephone code: Dominican Republic Country Code is 1+ 809
1 - Country Code for Dominican Republic
Local phone number - 10 digits
US to Dominican Republic international dialing format:1+ nine digit number
Europe to Dominican Republic international dialing format:00+1+ nine digit number
Dominican Republic Security and Health: The tourist centers and all cities have health centers with modern medical services and most hotels have medical dispensaries with qualified personnel.
Even though the Dominican Republic is one of the safest countries on the continent, you should still take the same precautions as when traveling to any new city:
Use the villa safeto store your passport, money and other items of value.Keep a photocopy ofyour passport with you when you travel. Only take what is necessary alongwith you.When possible, takea credit card as well as cash.Do not leavearticles of value, bag or briefcases in full view in vehicles, even whenthere is a security guard nearby.
Smoking Restrictions: Smoking is not allowed in most restaurants, clubs and enclosed premises.
Restaurant Gratuities - Restaurant bills already include a ten percent tip. It is customary to give an additional 10% for good service. Most people do not tip taxi drivers, however if you feel so inclined for good service, a tip will certainly be appreciated.
