Covid-19 : current situation Dominican Republic

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, entry and travel restrictions may apply Dominican Republic. Remember to visit the site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you leave for the latest information

Money Dominican Republic

The currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso (DOP, commonly $, not to be confused with the dollar, US$). Banknotes come in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 pesos, and coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10 and 25 pesos. There are no centimes. In October 2023, the exchange rate was 1 € = $60.31; 1 US$ = $56.81.

Budget & Tips Dominican Republic

Beware, the Dominican Republic is not a cheap country, contrary to the expectations of visitors who are often surprised by the prices compared to the all-inclusive all-inclusive prices. Products and services for tourists, from hotels to restaurants to stores, are priced almost on a par with French prices in all tourist areas. In the case of restaurants, for example, only the country comedores do not include the de rigueur taxes (which reach 28%) and therefore offer more reasonable prices. Many products and materials are imported, and even local products are subject to constant inflation, which penalizes consumption.

In recent years, the cost of living in the Dominican Republic has risen significantly. Budget accommodation with basic comforts can be had for 800 to 1,000 pesos, and food for 300 pesos, but only in the less touristy parts of the country. For a decent level of comfort in tourist areas, you'll need to reckon with a minimum of 1,500 pesos a room, and even then only in low season.

Hotels. In low season (May, June, October, November), hotel rates are around 25% lower, and it's possible to negotiate prices. Similarly, for longer stays (a week or more), hoteliers offer lower rates.

A good meal by local standards costs 500 pesos on average, and much more in restaurants in tourist areas and/or specializing in foreign dishes. Good restaurants in the capital or in seaside resorts charge prices similar to those of French restaurants.

Public transport remains fairly inexpensive, costing an average of 450 pesos for a 3 to 4-hour journey in a fast, comfortable, air-conditioned bus. The popular guaguas are about half the price, but the journey takes twice as long in much more precarious conditions of comfort.

Entrance fees to museums are very affordable, while excursions and attractions for tourists are very expensive: a day's excursion (including meals, transport and activities) costs an average of US$80. It's often cheaper to contact the organizers directly than to go through the hotel representative, who usually charges a commission.

As for gasoline , its price fluctuates according to oil prices. In October 2023, the average price per liter was €1.21.

Passport and visas Dominican Republic

No visa is required for French, Belgian, Swiss or Canadian nationals. Since January 2012, a passport valid for more than 6 months after the date of entry has been required to visit the Dominican Republic. The entry stamp affixed to the passport entitles the holder to a maximum stay of three months in the country. You'll also need to allow for an entry tax of US$10 or €10, the price of a tourist card, which is compulsory (sometimes included in the plane ticket if you've opted for an all-inclusive stay). A US$20 exit tax is required for stays of more than 30 days.

Driver's license Dominican Republic

In the Dominican Republic, all car rental companies will accept your French driving license with no problem.

Health Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is not a country that presents any major health risks. Water is the traveller's main enemy. We recommend that you avoid drinking tap water. In local comedores and bars, it's best to avoid ice cubes. As markets and small restaurants are not subject to rigorous health controls, you need to be vigilant when it comes to foodstuffs and small dishes. Boiling hot dishes are preferable to raw vegetables.

Mandatory vaccination Dominican Republic

No vaccinations are compulsory, but some are recommended: polio vaccine, typhoid fever, viral hepatitis A and B, rabies. Beware of mosquitoes, which can carry dengue fever, malaria, Nile fever and leptospirosis. Remember to protect yourself. And if you're tempted by a trip to Haiti, beware: the island has been hit by several epidemics in recent years.

Security Dominican Republic

Delinquency. It's a well-known fact that tourist areas attract sharks - in this case, tigers. The usual precautions are obviously recommended (going out with a small amount of money, not wearing provocative jewelry, large cameras or smartphones, not getting into cabs on the sly, especially at night, not changing money on the street...), but the Dominican Republic is a generally safe country. However, in the south-west, mainly in the Barahona region, it is strongly advised not to drive after dark.

For the latest information on safety in the Dominican Republic, consult the "Conseils aux voyageurs" section of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs) under the heading "République dominicaine". Be aware, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers, which sometimes gives a rather alarmist picture of the country's actual situation. You'll find that in the Dominican Republic, the feeling of safety is much greater!

Time difference Dominican Republic

The time difference between France and the Dominican Republic is 6 hours in summer and 5 hours in winter: when it's midday in Paris, it's 6 or 7 a.m. in Santo Domingo.

Spoken languages Dominican Republic

The official language is Spanish. There are, however, remnants of French Creole in the border area with Haiti, and English in the former immigration areas of the emancipated American slaves, San Pedro de Macoris and Samaná. Almost all Dominicans in contact with tourists speak English, German or Italian to a greater or lesser extent. Haitian employees are appreciated in the tourism industry for their knowledge of the French language.

Communication Dominican Republic

Internet. Numerous cybercafés and Internet points have sprung up all over the country, and without exception in towns and tourist centers. The wi-fi network is developing very well, and is generally available free of charge in many hotels and some bars and restaurants. The network works relatively well.

Cell phones. Cell phones are commonplace. Cell phone addicts can even rent one for the duration of their stay. You can also buy a SIM card with prepaid credit (line + internet data) and insert it in your own phone. Being able to access the internet from your mobile can be very useful, especially as internet coverage is pretty good in the Dominican Republic. You will be asked to show proof of identity. Calls cost around 100 pesos per 100 minutes. Most major international operators have agreements with local networks, so find out about roaming rates before you leave to avoid unpleasant surprises on your return if you use your French phone.

If you wish to keep your French package, don't forget to activate the international option (desimlocage) with your operator before you leave.

Who pays what? The rule is the same for all operators. When you use your French telephone abroad, you pay for the call, whether you make it or receive it. In the case of an incoming call, your correspondent also pays, but only the price of a local call. All calls made to or from abroad are out of the bundle, including those to voicemail.

Electricity and measurements Dominican Republic

Electricity: American standard 110 volts, 60 hertz, flat-plug sockets. Caution! Although less and less frequent, unexpected power cuts are still commonplace in the Dominican Republic. Most hotels and good-quality restaurants are equipped with inverters, which take over immediately in the event of a power cut.

Weights and measures: the coexistence of the American, indigenous and metric systems is an original feature of the Dominican Republic.

We drive in kilometers, refuel in US gallons (3.78 l), measure fabric in yardas (0.914 m), land in tareas (624 m²), and weigh in ounces and pounds.

Luggage Dominican Republic

What should you pack? Lightweight cotton clothing, mosquito repellent (although we recommend you buy some locally) and sunscreen, if possible organic, to protect the coral reefs and seabed, which have already been put to the test. Open-toed shoes, tennis shoes and a pair of dress shoes for dancing. Elegant attire: Dominicans love to dress up to go out, especially when they're playing at the casino. Sunday best" attire is also appropriate when you're invited to a guest house, a wedding party or a girl's 15th birthday - it would be an offense to show up in Bermuda shorts and a floral shirt... You'll find everything you need to make up for any oversights in local boutiques.