DOMENICAN REPUBLIC

The Dominican Republic is situated in the middle of the Caribbean Sea.

The territory covers 48,730 square km. and stretches completely into the sea.

The Dominican population numbers a bit more than nine million people.

The capital city is Santo Domingo with its 2,300,000 inhabitants. The city was built by Don Bartolomeo Colombo and was the first colonial city founded in the New World.

Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, San Francisco de Marcorís, Santiago de los Caballeros, Barahona.

International Airport La Romana - La Romana; International Airport Punta Cana - Punta Cana; International Airport Las Americas - Santo Domingo.

Land Ho! In such a way Christopher Columbus shouted out his success. It was the 5th of December 1492. He did not reach India, though - it was just as well, since he discovered one of the rarest earthly paradises in the world. The reckless explorer and his crew were welcomed by the white beaches of the current Dominican Republic, at that time called "Quisqueya" - meaning the mother of the earth - by its early inhabitants, the Tainos. The Spanish domination deeply influenced the history of this country for many years - actually, the colonial echoes can be still perceived on the whole island. After several invasions, the Dominican Republic finally reached its independence in 1844, when Juan Pablo Duarte and his supporters led the popular uprising against the foreign domination, thus obtaining the equality for all human beings. Up to 1961 the island remained under the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo, but after his death the present political regime was established.

The 27th of February (Independence Day - 1844) and the 16th of August (Republic Restoration Day).

Presidential Republic. After Rafael Trujillo's dictatorship the Dominican Republic elected its first president by universal suffrage. The President is invested with all powers, with the only exception of the legislative power that is vested in the National Congress.

The official language is Spanish, but thanks to the numerous Italian tourist businesses located in this country local people are familiar with the Italian language.

The Dominican Republic is a laic nation with freedom of worship. Nevertheless, the majority of the population adheres to Catholicism, and Reformed Churches are represented too.

The Dominican Republic is five hours behind Italy. When in Italy the Daylight Saving Time is in use, the difference is six hours.

Italian citizens are not required to get a visa to visit the Dominican Republic for tourism purposes, for a stay of up to three months: they just need a valid passport.

The country's monetary unit is the Dominican Peso. Considering the present currency exchange rate, the Dominican Republic is a rather economical destination for Italian travellers, obviously depending on the type of holidays you wish to arrange.

CHECK THE CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE

The main international credit cards are accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants.

No special vaccinations are required to visit the Dominican Republic.
Before departure it is nevertheless advisable to underwrite an Accident and Health Insurance policy.

The Dominican Republic is a typical tropical country, with temperatures ranging from 22 to 32° C. The wet season is from June to September, with periodic hurricanes up to November. Obviously, dangerous cyclones do not occur each year and anyway many of them do not even affect the country. In such a period torrential rains are much more frequent: they are real tropical storms, at times with very strong winds, usually lasting just a few hours. But it is not always like that - they could persist all day long.

CHECK THE WEATHER FORECASTS IN REAL TIME

The electric current is 110 volts. It is advisable to bring an adaptor since the socket is of American type with two flat pins.

To call Italy from the Dominican Republic dial 011 followed by the country code for Italy 39, then the Italian area code - including zero for fixed net numbers - and the number you wish to call (for example: to call a fixed net telephone number in Rome from the Dominican Republic just dial 011 39 06 25; to call a mobile phone number from the Dominican Republic just dial 011 39 349 23).
To call the Dominican Republic from Italy, dial the country code for the Dominican Republic 001 809, followed by the area code and then the number you wish to call.
Only tri-band mobile phones work on the island, it is nevertheless advisable to get informed about possible coverage and costs before the departure.
Tourist hotels offer also internet points.

Do not worry about this, because there are no restrictions to take pictures or make amateur videos for private use. Thanks to the amazing landscapes of this country, you will not be disappointed by the Dominican album of memories that you will bring home.
As in any other country, it is advisable to politely ask local people for their permission before taking pictures of them.

The local handicraft is always recommended. You can but remain enchanted by the amazing colours of the naïve pictures and of the cotton clothes available in all the local street markets, where tints and perfumes merge in a very suggestive atmosphere. Do not miss the Mercado Modelo in Santo Domingo: in this market you may buy the famous Dominican amber, corals and typical wooden products.

Similarly to all Caribbean cuisines, the Dominican food - where European, African and Indonesian flavour are commonly blended - is characterized by the use of pork, chicken and rice. The food is served in a very surprisingly way, with dishes full of colours decorated with the local tropical fruits. You cannot miss the delicious Asopao soup, made of rice, chicken, crabs and lobster, as well as the Chicarrones, consisting of rice, beans and hot sauce according to your taste. As to desserts, you have absolutely to try the Guava cheese. All dishes are matched with the good local rum.

Everything is music in the Dominican Republic! You will notice it straight away. From any corner you will listen to the merengue and salsa sound, and you will most probably enjoy even the performance of skilled dancers simply strolling in the streets.

The Dominican crazy nights are rather famous, especially those in its capital, Santo Domingo.
The all-night parties are arranged on all beaches: an ideal occasion for those who wish to run wild with the Latin rhythms. Discos are numerous, but pay attention to your dressing: men are not allowed to enter in sports clothes.

First of all, the Carnival, which takes place also in August, with all its floats, dances and songs. Do not miss also the Merengue Week, due by the end of July in the capital, and the Latin Music Tour, scheduled in Bavaro in the last week of August.

... the Dominican Republic is famous for baseball? This is the most favourite sport on the island, that boasts many champions of this game, as the beloved Sammy Sosa, such a skilful player that could even play in the U.S. Major League. The famous Dominican baseball championship takes place from November to January.
 
THE TOP FIVE FAQs:
1. How does the Dominican health service work? You cannot say that it is excellent! You have better avoid public hospitals, since the hygienic conditions are poor and make treatments difficult. Private clinics offer a good service but they are very expensive. It is therefore advisable to underwrite an Accident and Health Insurance policy before departure. People suffering from specific pathologies should bring their medicines with them, since only basic drugs are available on the island.
2. Is it possible to drive with the Italian driving licence? Yes, it is - but it is advisable to ask in advance for the car rental costs.
3. When is the best period for a holiday? You have better avoid making your holidays here from June to November. As a matter of fact, in that period the country is struck by hurricanes, with sudden rainfalls and strong winds.
4. Are there risky areas? As in any part of the world where poverty is widespread, you could find risky areas, especially you like travelling alone and without the support of a tour operator. Due to robberies, it is advisable to avoid strolling alone in the streets of the capital at night.
5. Which is the best way to move in the country? The Dominican Republic is entirely served by the Guaguas buses, which travel on the main roads. But if you prefer to see and discover something really typical, take the Carros publico and the Motorconchos.

1) The Castle of Columbus (Santo Domingo)
2) Reales Atarazanas - the royal dockyards (Santo Domingo)
3) Faro a Colon - the monument to Columbus (Santo Domingo)
4) Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Incarnacion (Santo Domingo)
5) The village of Bayahibe
6) The National Sea Park (Saona Island)
7) The Mangrove Channel (Saona Island)
8) The village of Altos de Chavón (La Romana)
9) Dominican Amber Museum (Puerto Plata)
10) Victorian Gazebo inside the Independence Park (Puerto Plata).

1. Santo Domingo, evidently: here you can play any kind of water sport.
2. The outstanding Cabarete bay, where you may go wave surfing and kite surfing.
3. Boca Cica - surrounded by the coral reef, plunging in the waves is even more suggestive, especially in the La Caleta National Park.
4. Isla Catalina - an island that combines warm Caribbean waters and extraordinary performances.
5. Punta Cana, famous for its crystal-clear waters.

Water - It is advisable to drink sealed bottled water or canned drinks, and to avoid eating raw vegetables, thus choosing only cooked foods. Do not forget to bring specific sprays against insects bites.

- Taxi - Taxis are safe, but you have better negotiate the tariff before taking it.

- Tips - Tips are not compulsory. Beyond being highly appreciated, tipping the waiter is anyway quite a common habit.

- Safety - The Dominican Republic is not a dangerous country: actually, it is rather quiet. It is anyway advisable, especially for women, to avoid risky areas and to be careful with valuables. In any case, just a few precautions will avoid any problem.

Piazza Castello, 2 - Milan - Italy
Phone: 0039 02 8057 781
Fax: 0039 02 865 861
E-mail: italia@sectur.gov.do
www.dominicana.com.do

Via Pisanelli, 1 - Rome - Italy
Phone: 0039 06 3600 4316
Fax: 0039 06 3600 4316

Calle Rodriguez Objio 4- Sector Gazcue - Santo Domingo
Phone: 001 809 6820 830
Fax: 001 809 6828 296
E-mail: ambital@codetel.net.do