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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.

Although some travelers would prefer to be independent and avoid all-inclusive packages, it is worth remembering that pre-booked package deals are almost always better value than last-minute arrangements.