Dominican Republic is NOT a territory of the United States.
United States citizens do need a passport to enter the island.
PASSPORT IS NEEDED!
Some Key Travel Facts:
- Spanish and English are common languages in the Dominican Republic. 50% of the people living in the Dominican Republic speak English, so communication while traveling should not be a problem.
- The Dominican peso is the official currency. ATM’s are generally easy to find, plus there is one in our hotel lobby. Most businesses accept major credit cards, as well as traveler’s checks.
- United States Citizens do need a passport to enter the island.
- The average year-round temperature is 78 degrees. Most days are sunny and stunning, although you can expect afternoon rain storms….its the tropics.
- In the Dominican Republic, you will find just about every type of ethnic cuisine to satisfy everyone’s tastes.
Contact your credit card companies and let them know where you are traveling to so they do not decline your cards in the Dominican Republic. If using your cell phone, ensure the Dominican Republic is included in your coverage.
Interesting Facts about Dominican Republic
History
- The Hispaniola is the island where the Dominican Republic is located, along with Haiti. It was the first place reached by Christopher Columbus, who originally named it La Española.
- The Dominican Republic is the oldest country of the Americas, the first place reached by Christopher Columbus in 1492. Santo Domingo is the first capital city of North and South America and houses the first cathedral the first university and the first hospital!
- The Dominican Republic fought for their independence from Spain, Haiti and the United States!
- The Colonial City of Santo Domingo was declared World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1990.
Sports
- Baseball is the most popular sport in the country. Hall of Famer Juan Marichal and David Ortiz, among many famous baseball players, were born in the Dominican Republic. The Pan American games of 2003 were hosted in Santo Domingo.
- Some of the best golf courses in the world can be found in the Dominican Republic, like the Punta Espada Golf Course. Most golf courses in the Dominican Republic are set along the coast, with breathtaking ocean views.
- Fishing in the Dominican Republic is also a big deal, with several annual tournaments and big-game fish like marlin, barracudas and swordfish available close to the island.
Nature & Attractions
- Altos de Chavon is the recreation of a medieval European town, complete with an open-air amphitheater, cobble-stone roads, and a charming church.
- Saona Island is part of a government-protected natural reserve, which is why it is one of the most beautiful spots of the country.
- There are hundreds of animal species that inhabit Saona Island. In there you can find several types of turtles, beautiful birds like the monk parakeet, odd reptiles like the rhinoceros iguana, manatees, dolphins and fishing boats.
- Humpback whales come every year from December to March for mating on the Bay of Samana, in the northwestern part of the island.
- The Hispaniola Island has a warm tropical climate and varied elevations. This offers amazing variations in flora and fauna, from beachside coconut trees to elevated coffee plantations in the mountains.
- The Dominican Republic has an average temperature of 78 °F (26 °C), ranging from 73 °F (23 °C) in winter to 82 °F (28 °C) during the summer.
