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The country’s main tourist season usually runs from December through April, when fares and accommodation are at their dearest. This period is rather drier and less warm than the rest of the year, but temperatures still average 77°F (25°C). The hurricane season lasts from June to November, with most storms occurring from August onwards, but the weather can still be fair.

All visitors must have a valid passport as well as a tourist card, which can be purchased at the airport on arrival. Visitors must also be in possession of an outward ticket. A departure tax of $10 is payable on leaving the country. It’s worth photocopying passport details in case of theft or loss.

The Dominican currency is the peso (RD$), divided into 100 centavos. Dollars are widely accepted, except in more remote rural locations, as are credit cards. Sterling and Euros, on the other hand, are less easy to change.

Visitors are allowed to bring in 200 duty-free cigarettes and 2 liters of spirits. Customs searches tend to be relaxed, but the Dominican authorities take an extremely hard line on anything connected with firearms or illegal drugs. Food products, especially meat or dairy produce, are confiscated.

Medical insurance is a must, as any illness or accident will involve paying for treatment and medication, and the best private facilities can be expensive. It is also worth having insurance cover against loss or theft of valuables. Visitors intending to engage in particular sporting activities such as scuba diving or whitewater rafting should ensure that they are covered.

Don’t forget the essentials for a beach holiday, as swimwear can be expensive if bought locally. Visitors should also take a few formal jackets for dining out or nightlife, and it’s certainly a good idea to have long trousers and long-sleeved shirts for mosquito-infested areas. Those intending to visit the “Dominican Alps” should remember that it can be chilly at night.

There are no particular inoculation requirements for those entering the country, but travelers are advised to ensure that they are protected against tetanus, polio, and Hepatitis A and B. Malaria and dengue fever are mostly a risk in the remote border areas near Haiti. Do not forget to bring prescription drugs.

This is one of the most vital things to bring with you. It should be applied liberally on exposed skin, especially ankles, and particularly at nightfall. Avoiding mosquito bites is an essential part of staying healthy in the Dominican Republic.

The country’s erratic electricity supply works on a 110-volt system, as in the US and Canada. Plugs are the two-pin North American type, so visitors from Europe may require suitable adaptors. While most Dominicans endure lengthy daily power cuts, due to a creaking power network, nearly all tourist facilities enjoy the benefits of private generators or inverters.

Your point of arrival is normally determined by where you are staying, whether in Santo Domingo or one of the principal tourist regions. These have their own international airports. Most scheduled flights land at Las Américas, near Santo Domingo.

All tourists must present a tourist card at passport control. The card costs $10 and is valid for 90 days. Cards are available at all airports and must be filled in before attempting to pass through immigration.

It is unlikely that you will arrive already in possession of Dominican pesos, so the airport is a good place to exchange currency. The Banco de Reservas offers a money-changing service at Las Américas in Santiago and Puerto Plata (sometimes closed at weekends). There are also ATMs at all the airports, although these maybe empty during high season.

Incoming flights are often met by hordes of touts, offering a variety of services such as hire cars, money exchange, and guided tours. It is always sensible to decline their offers politely. Visitors arriving on pre-booked holiday packages are met by bone fide representatives.

The Aeropuerto Inter-nacional de las Américas is about 8 miles (13 km) east of the city center. Although there are regular bus services, the best bet is to take a taxi into town. Choose an official taxi driver (look for a brown certificate on the windscreen) and agree the price (about $20) before setting off.

Most of the Punta CanaBávaro hotel complexes are within 30 minutes of Punta Cana International, a rather picturesque cluster of thatch-roofed buildings. Hotels usually organize air-conditioned buses to pick up guests, however, taxis are always available, costing about $15 to most hotels.

Situated between Puerto Plata and Sosúa, the Aeropuerto Internacional Gregorio Luperón is the main entrance point for North Coast visitors. A 15-minute drive into Puerto Plata, or any of the Playa Dorada hotels should cost aound $10.

There are also airports at Santiago (Cibao International), La Romana (used mostly to the Casa de Campo resort), Samaná (Arroyo Barril), Las Terrenas (El Portillo), Barahona (María Montéz), and Santo Domingo (Herrera).

Several cruise lines include the Dominican Republic on their itineraries, stopping at the new port facilities at Santo Domingo, or close to Casa de Campo.

Air Santo Domingo offers regular and reliable connections between Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, and Samaná, as well as a service to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Caribair flies between the capital and Port-au-Prince, Haiti, stopping at Barahona. Internal flights are much more expensive than the alternatives but useful if you’re in a hurry.

Very good value and surprisingly comfortable bus connections are provided by several companies and cover the entire country. Metro is good for North Coast destinations, while Caribe Tours has a comprehensive network of buses west and north of the capital. Nearly all buses are air conditioned, with toilets and good seats. A great way to explore the Dominican Republic.

There’s no shortage of taxis, especially in tourist areas. Your hotel will be able to recommend a reputable local firm or call a taxi on your behalf, but it is always sensible to agree the price before setting off as most are unmetered. Many drivers are friendly and knowledgeable, and can be hired as a taxi-guide for an excursion.

Públicos are private cars that act as shared taxis, plying fixed routes and normally crammed with passengers. Guaguas , on the other hand are mini-vans that start from a local bus station and are ideal for short trips without luggage.

The ultimate low-budget option, the motoconcho (see Motoconchos) is a small motorbike, where the passenger sits on the pillion. Quite speedy but also dangerous.

Car rental is widely available but quite expensive, so do book ahead with one of the more established international companies such as Hertz or Avis. Local operators Nelly are good.

You can easily hire a motorcycles at any of the main tourist areas, normally a small but still quite powerful Honda or Suzuki. Expect to pay $20-$30 per day.

Bicycles can be rented from specialist firms such as Iguana Mama (see Cycling) or from some of the beach resorts. Helmets should always be worn, and caution taken on main roads and in urban areas.

The only regular ferry service in the country, Samana Net, links the port of Samaná with Sabana de la Mar across the Bay of Samaná, but vehicles cannot be transported at present. It’s a pleasant trip across the scenic water and a good way of avoiding an otherwise long drive around the Bay, but you’ll have to use public transport at the other side.

If you’re planning to rent a car, remember that driving can be challenging as well as exciting. In theory, Dominicans drive on the right, but overtaking vehicles often occupy the middle of the road, even on blind corners.

Animals, especially goats, present a threat in some of the Dominican Republic’s more remote rural areas, as they tend to wander unchecked on to the road. This is a particular problem after nightfall when visibility is already limited. Dogs are also frequent victims of collisions.

Driving after dusk is generally a risky business, as potholes, animals, and other obstacles are less clearly visible. Main thoroughfares are generally safer than isolated country roads, but bear in mind that some drivers have vehicles without working headlights and that others don’t dip their headlights, causing dazzling among oncoming drivers. It’s generally safer, except in well-lit urban streets, to stop driving before nightfall.

Most towns and villages have an array of speed bumps on their outskirts, sometimes accompanied by a police or military checkpoint. These are meant to enforce the country’s speed limits of 48 miles per hr (80 km/hr) on main roads and 25 miles per hr (40 km/hr) in towns.

Particularly common in the regions closest to the Haitian border, these generally involve little more than slowing down and a nod or wave from a bored soldier. Occasionally, military personnel decide on a cursory inspection of a vehicle, but don’t be alarmed.

The Dominican police used to enjoy a certain notoriety for demanding bribes from motorists, often on the spurious pretext that a speed limit had been broken. This is much less common now, after a campaign by the authorities, but isolated cases do still occur. You can either hand the policeman a small note (RD$20 or RD$50) or simply insist that you do not speak Spanish until he gives up.

The big autopistas out of Santo Domingo (towards Las Américas airport, Santiago, San Cristóbal, and Haina) have automatic toll booths on exits from the capital. You will require the exact small change to pass through (currently RD$30 per vehicle), payable on departure only.

Gas is relatively expensive, due to rising world prices and a weak Dominican peso. Petrol stations (known as bombas ) are plentiful in the main towns but sometimes extremely rare in remote country areas. It is worth filling up whenever possible. You should also remember that many bombas close at about 8pm.

Punctures are a constant problem on the country’s poorly maintained road network and when driving on rough tracks. It can be extremely expensive to buy new tires, and a much cheaper option is to use the services of one of the legions of tire repair men (gomeros ), whose workshops are to be found in every town.

Official Dominican tourist offices in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom provide brochures and routine information on major destinations. For more details on specific activities, smaller hotels, and independent travel you may be better off consulting independent agencies, tourist offices, and websites.

There are tourist offices scattered throughout the country, with the main offices situated in Santo Domingo, but few have the resources or expertise to answer more than the most basic questions. A better bet would be one of the many specialist tour operators (see Tours & Special Interests).

There is a huge amount of information about the country available on the Internet. Search engines are a useful means of locating specific information.

There is currently no English-language newspaper published in the Dominican Republic, but an invaluable source of news and general information is available on the website DR1, which has a daily news service as well as lots of material on travel and tourism.

There is a lively local press, with several daily and evening titles published in Santo Domingo. Some are available online, such as Listín Diario and Diario Libre .

Dotted around the country, these are often a reliable source of information on specific regions and activities.

There are several good maps of the country, the best published by Berndtson & Berndtson. In Santo Domingo, the best outlet for maps is Mapas Gaar.(www.mapasgaar.com.do )

Several bookstores in Santo Domingo have a good range of maps, guidebooks, and other travel-related literature.

Although some individuals offering their services as guides can be a nuisance, there are many well-qualified and informed guides. It is worth asking at your hotel or among any local contacts for a recommended and reliable person, who may also be a taxi driver (see Taxis).

The Dominican peso is divided into 100 centavos, with notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, and 2,000. The last two are often impossible to change, especially in rural areas. The only coin in everyday use is the 1 peso. The peso’s exchange rate against the US dollar and other currencies fluctuates widely, and there is an official rate announced daily in newspapers.

In tourist areas and all-inclusive hotels, prices are often quoted in US dollars, which are preferred to pesos. In more remote places, however, the peso is still the preferred currency.

There are many foreign-owned and local banks, all of which will change dollars at the official rate, though queuing at the counter can be a lengthy business. Opening hours are normally 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Major banks such as the Banco Popular, Banco Leaon, and Banco del Progreso operate ATMs, which accept the cards such as MasterCard and Visa.

Casas de cambio offer more or less the same rates as banks and will cash traveler’s checks. They also have longer opening hours than banks.

The major cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and tourist-oriented stores, but not in out-of-the-way places or corner stores. Look at the slip carefully before signing and make sure that you are not charged in US dollars if you think you are paying in pesos. Credit cards can also be used for cash advances at certain banks, but this will involve at least 5 percent commission.

Public phones are plentiful and normally reliable, operated by several private companies. It’s a good idea to buy a phone card (Verizon) for between RD$25 and RD$500 (see Buy a Phone Card), which allows you to make cheap international calls. Calls made from hotels are often quite expensive, so call family collect.

Calls made within the Dominican Republic require a 7-digit number with no area code. To call outside the country, first dial 00 followed by the country code. To call the Dominican Republic from abroad, dial the international access number (00 in the United Kingdom, 011 in the United States and Canada) then 809 and the 7-digit number.

Phone charges can vary enormously, from exorbitant hotel rates to much cheaper calls made from a phone center, where the operator dials for you and you sit in a booth. Calls between different towns and districts are charged at the same rate as those to the US. It is much cheaper in all cases to call before 8am, after midnight, or on Sundays.

Mail is dreadfully slow, and you should not use street mail boxes. Special delivery (entrega especial ) services are available at big post offices, but even these are unreliable. It is better to use an international courier company if sending anything important or valuable.

The police, fire services, and public ambulance system can be contacted by phone by dialing 911. Generally, the police are responsive to any reports of crime against tourists, although reporting a theft may involve a lengthy bureaucratic procedure. Help is usually available from your relevant embassy or consulate. A private ambulance company, Movimed, can be reached on 535 1080.

Public hospitals and clinics are, to say the least, rudimentary. Your hotel will normally be able to recommend a doctor, probably US-trained and English-speaking. In the event of a serious emergency, you should contact your insurance company.

There are pharmacies in all the major towns, mostly well stocked, and you do not necessarily require a prescription to obtain medicines. Check that the medicines you are given are not generic and cheaper versions, and that they are not past their sell-by date.

Violent crime against foreigners is rare, but in tourist areas there is a risk of pick-pocketing and bag-snatching. Avoid dark and lonely spots, do not carry large amounts of cash, or flaunt expensive watches or cameras, and keep your valuables in the hotel, preferably in a safe.

Most visitors experience some level of harassment, especially in well-trodden tourist areas, from individuals offering a range of services. Rudeness rarely produces a satisfactory outcome and may be counter-productive.

Every town and village has its local police station, but few low-ranking officers will speak English. If you are the victim of theft, your hotel or embassy should be able to help you.

The US, Canada, and UK all have embassies with consular services in Santo Domingo.

Foreign women can receive a fair amount of unwanted attention from Dominican men, but this mostly takes the form of harmless verbal intrusions. The most effective response is a stony glare or cold indifference.

The best way to avoid an upset stomach is to steer clear of certain foods, notably meat, fish, and dairy products that have been allowed to stand too long on a buffet counter.

Never accept the tempting offer of a better exchange rate from any would-be money-changer who approaches you. Although less of a problem than previously, the informal money-changing system almost invariably involves a hefty rip-off, where you discover that you have a lot fewer pesos than were apparently counted out.

Most taxis are unmetered, and although there are set prices for regular journeys, they are not widely visible. Most taxi drivers are honest, but a minority will attempt to bamboozle visitors out of large sums. Always agree a price before setting off.

Roads in and around Santo Domingo can be appallingly congested, especially at weekends and public holidays (see Festivals & Holidays), when a large number of the capital’s inhabitants head for the beaches or mountains. You should try to avoid traveling at peak periods, notably Friday afternoons and evenings, and Sunday evenings. Congestion is particularly heavy when re-entering the capital Santo Domingo and attempting to cross the Ozama River into the city center.

It makes sense to fill up whenever possible, particularly if you are driving in the Cordillera Central or the remote Northwest, as running out of fuel (see Fuel) can be time-consuming and highly expensive.

Banks (see Banking & Communications) in the main towns are also often closed at weekends, although casas de cambio (bureaux de change) are more flexible in their opening times. When heading off into the country, make sure to withdraw enough cash to cover any eventuality.

Though the Dominican Republic has less of a drugs culture than other Caribbean nations, there are still drug dealers in tourist resorts, offering cocaine, marijuana, and ecstasy at some nightclubs and other venues. The Dominican police take a very harsh view of all drug use and Dominican prisons are extremely unpleasant places.

It is easy, especially with children, to underestimate the power of the tropical sun, and sunburn and sunstroke are the most common threats to an enjoyable stay. Visitors should avoid the hottest part of the day, between noon and 3pm and cover themselves with a strong sunscreen, even when the weather seems predominantly cloudy. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

The bane of many visitors, these annoying and potentially harmful insects are found in most parts of the country, especially near stagnant water and mangroves. Wear as much repellant (see Insect Repellent) as possible and make sure that your room is fitted with a proper screen.

Although not particularly dangerous as such, the sand flea’s bite is surprisingly painful. These creatures seem most active on beaches at dusk, but appear to be repelled by suntan lotion or baby oil. When bitten, hydrocortisone cream helps in reducing pain and itching.

You can save a good deal, both booking package deals and as an independent traveler, by visiting during the low season, between September and the middle of November. This is the end of the hurricane season, though this should not deter tourists.

Many travel agents offer substantial last-minute discounts, but this means that you will have to leave at short notice. It’s also worth noting that prebooking all-inclusive deals is inevitably much cheaper than flying independently and then trying to book a room.

If you are traveling independently, it is worth trying to negotiate cheaper rates at hotels, either by opting for a room-only arrangement or by haggling politely. Some Dominican hotels, especially in Santo Domingo and Santiago, will offer cheaper rates at weekends when commercial travelers are not using their rooms.

Buses and guaguas are a fraction of the price of hiring a car or taking a taxi and are a good way of seeing the countryside and meeting some local people. Though not luxurious, guaguas are regular and reliable and will get you from your hotel into town or to the beach for a few pesos.

Cheap food on sale at street stands or in family-run comedores may present something of a health risk. But if you make sure that it is freshly cooked, a plate of chicken with rice and beans will cost little more than $2. The principal rule is to have the food in question cooked in front of you and to avoid salads and fruit that may have been washed in tap water.

Many hotels, bars, and restaurants operate an early evening happy hour, when drinks are half price or sometimes accompanied by complimentary snacks. The best time to look for two-forone deals is between 6pm and 8pm, especially in the tourist areas.

It can cut the cost of a guided tour or hiring a taxi driver/guide for a day by sharing with other visitors, as the guide will normally charge a fixed fee, irrespective of whether there is one or four clients. Taxis can also normally be shared between up to four people during trips.

Most local stall-holders and shopkeepers not unreasonably assume that a tourist can afford to pay above the going rate for a T-shirt, necklace, or souvenir. Haggling is fine in places other than conventional supermarkets, and if you are persistent and polite, you may succeed in knocking down the price enough for you to feel you’ve got a bargain and the vendor to make a profit.

Shops and stores in tourist-oriented malls and hotels are often over-priced. You’re much better off buying items such as soap or shampoo, liquor and snacks, from the local neighborhood colmado . Likewise, clothing and souvenirs are a good deal cheaper in open-air or covered markets, or in the informal beach markets in coastal resorts.

Eating places in the Dominican Republic range from formal and swanky restaurants, where a meal can easily cost $50 per head, to humble cafeterías , where the price is more likely to be under $5. Cafeterías tend to offer a choice of precooked meals. On the other hand, comedores , or small local restaurants normally offer a single lunchtime dish.

There are plenty of burger and chicken outlets in the main towns and tourist resorts, but more interesting are the Dominican versions of fast food available at snack stands. Cooked on demand and with high turnover, these tasty snacks are probably less risky than lukewarm buffet meals.

Dominicans like a good filling breakfast, and most hotels will offer at least some local favorites such as mangú . There will always be a choice of tropical fruits, various breads and pastries and, of course, Dominican coffee.

Buffets are the easiest way of feeding crowds of people at the same time in a large hotel. But they can be somewhat bland and boring, especially after a few days. The other problem is that food left standing around in the heat can quickly attract a host of microbes, and many food poisoning cases have been traced to buffet food.

Dominican food, rather like its Spanish equivalent, is often heavy on the oil, with an emphasis on deep frying. Vegetables such as green beans have been known to arrive at table doused in oil. Some of the grease can be avoided by asking for grilled meat or fish known as a la parrilla or a la plancha .

A 12 percent government tax is automatically added to restaurant bills, as is a 10 percent service charge. As it’s very unlikely that your waiter or waitress will end up with that money, you should also leave a 10 percent tip, if you think the service merits it.

Wine is mostly imported from Spain or South America and is relatively expensive. The “house wine” at all-inclusives is often undrinkable. But Dominican beer, most conspicuously available under the Presidente label, is excellent and served ice cold in even the most remote village shop.

Rum is the serious drinker’s first choice, and there are three very good brands: Brugal, Barceló, and Bermúdez, which come as dark or lighter varieties. Añejo (see Rum) means aged, and is usually smoother and more expensive than the standard types. Avoid over-sugary cocktails and try a good rum like a brandy or on the rocks.

Outside tourist areas, where bars (see Bars) are often run by expats with a strong sense of how to please foreigners, Dominican bars can be rough-and-ready places, dominated by a spirit of machismo and not particularly comfortable for women, even accompanied. You’re often better off having a drink in the corner store, which will inevitably have a huge and well-stocked refrigerator. Bars tend to open and close late.

All-inclusive hotels, in particular, have a long experience of meeting special needs in terms of mobility, and most are equipped with elevators and other amenities. In rural areas, however, there are fewer concessions to old age, and public lavatories or restrooms, for instance, are in very short supply.

Some progress has been made in recent construction and refurbishment of hotel facilities, especially in the all-inclusive sector, to accommodate the needs of disabled travelers. But with the exception of a few well-trodden tourist sites, the country is not geared up for disabled needs, and there are no specially adapted cars.

A few simple precautions such as not drinking tap water and excessive exposure to the sun should prevent avoidable health problems. There are plenty of activities for younger visitors (see Children’s Activities).

Most of the big allinclusives organize supervised children’s activities on the beach or around the pool, usually in the form of a club. If you want to go out till late without children, it may be possible to hire a baby-sitter. Ask at the hotel reception.

Disposable diapers or nappies are available at the big supermarkets and sometimes, at a high price. Travelers with babies should bring at least an emergency supply of their preferred brand, as those on sale are of inferior quality.

People with regular medicine requirements should bring more than what they estimate they will need in case of delay or emergency.

Vegetarianism has yet to catch on in a big way, although there are vegetarian restaurant options in Santo Domingo and the tourist resorts. Non-meat eaters may be forced to make do with fried eggs or omelets as well as filling plantains and rice and beans. In the big hotels the choice is better, as buffets tend to feature a selection of salads and vegetable dishes.

The Dominican Republic is an overwhelmingly Catholic and macho society, and most people take an unsympathetic view of gay and lesbian relationships. Therefore, it is not a good idea for non-heterosexual couples to go in for public displays of affection. Gay relations are not actually illegal, but harassment and even violence are not unknown. There is, on the other hand, an openly gay scene in the capital, and gay relationships are much more tolerated in the laid-back resorts of Sosúa, Las Terrenas, and Cabaret.

Tying the knot in the Dominican Republic is a relatively straightforward affair, providing you have the appropriate documents, such as birth certificate, passport, and notarized certificate of single status. Although a Dominican wedding requires some forward planning, it is now an increasingly popular option. For more details, log onto Debbie’s Page: www.debbiesdominicantravel.com/wedding.

Although the best way to explore Santo Domingo: The Zona Colonial is on foot, there are several tour operators which offer bus tours. Another favorite is the night tour, which includes a visit to a bar, restaurant, or, quite often, the Guácara Taina nightclub. All tours will feature the services of an English-speaking guide.

The natural attractions of the Samaná Peninsula (see The Samaná Peninsula) can be hard to reach if you don’t know where you are going. Call on the services of a local operator such as MS Tours.

The beaches to the west of Puerto Plata are not easily accessible, and the trip to the historic site of La Isabela (see La Isabela Bay) can be arduous. Operators based in and around Puerto Plata organize tours to a range of North Coast attractions as well as in the city of Puerto Plata (see The Northwest) itself.

Jeep safaris are a great way for travelling through the remoter parts of the Dominican countryside, such as small villages, hard-to-find waterfalls or swimming spots. Companies such as Bávaro Runners and Turinter organize tours that will pick you up from your hotel in groups.

A short 20- or 30-minute helicopter flight over a spectacular stretch of coast or mountain landscape can be an unforgettable experience. Several companies such as El Caballo Tours lay on flights for 2 or 3 passengers per trip.

The exciting range of the country’s birdlife can be appreciated by amateurs or real connoisseurs, either by simply watching colorful birds in the hotel grounds or by seeking out rare species with a specialist operator such as Eagle-Eye Tours.

The whale-watching season is between January and March and is concentrated around the Samaná Peninsula, where boats can take you out for short or longer expeditions. Caribbean Bikes is one of several companies that organize tours that get you close to the playful whales.

Cycling is probably the healthiest and most rewarding way to get off the beaten track and see real rural life. Iguana Mama and Caribbean Bikes are expert in helping cyclists of all ages and abilities.

There are many diving companies dotted around the island, either independent or attached to particular hotels. Dominican Diving Vacations is a good starting-point for exploring.

Tipping hotel staff is at your discretion but it’s customary. Tip porters US$1 per bag carried to your room. If you leave US$1 a day in your room you’ll find your housekeeper is more likely to put fresh flowers or elaborate towel decorations on your bed.

Beachfront hotels will cost more than those off the beach and a room with a sea view will be costlier than one overlooking the garden. In Punta Cana nearly all the hotels are all-inclusive and you’re not expected to stray far from your hotel, as you’re miles from anywhere. To explore the island, a North Coast destination is more convenient, with better public transport.

Prior booking is essential at Easter, when Dominicans take their holidays. In Cabarete there is a second high season, relating to windsurfing conditions, from June 15 to September 15.

Punta Cana, Bávaro, and Bayahibe in the East and Cofresí, Playa Dorada, and other North Coast beach resorts dominate all-inclusive hotels. Quality and service vary but basically you get what you pay for. Buffet food is monotonous while alcoholic drinks are usually limited to national brands of rum and beer with watered down wine for dinner and extra charges for anything else. Check what’s on offer, what sports you can opt for and for how long, whether there is an à la carte restaurant and how many times you can eat there. Some hotels require you to book your activities and meals days in advance, while others are more flexible.

All hotels charge an extra 22 percent on top of the room rate. This is made up of 12 percent VAT and 10 percent service and is subject to change according to national taxation legislation. Room rates do not include the tax.

In Santo Domingo, hotels range from international style modern hotels run by foreign chains to boutique hotels in restored colonial mansions. There are also a few cheap guesthouses and aparthotels. There are dozens of all-inclusive beach hotels on the North and East Coasts and several mediumsized ones for independent travelers. Up in the mountains there are country inns and guesthouses offering comfortable lodging. Fewer options are available in the West.

Very few hotels have facilities for the disabled. As there is no Dominican legislation requiring hotels to provide such amenities, it is best to try the international hotels where the parent company upholds the same standards worldwide (see Disabled Travelers).

Most medium and upper quality hotels have air conditioning and their own generator as back up. Smaller hotels often suffer blackouts. Most places have ceiling or free-standing fans.

Staff at hotels in the capital and resorts usually speak English and often one other European language. In out of the way areas it is less common. A few Spanish phrases will help you on excursions as well as in hotels.