Dominican republic

[southportram]

I have a few questions to ask really, we are going away in 2 weeks and there are a few things i need clearing up;

- I am not too sure where to put a) the electicals and b) the arosols in the luggage?

- Does anyone have any idea about paying the visa on the way into the country and how much this is? also, a friend told me she thinks there is one to pay on the way out too, is this true, and if so, how much?

- I have a 2pin plug adapter that we used for when we went to France and Spain, is this going to work in the Dom or do we need to get a different type?

- what sort of mosquito repellants are the best? we have been told to get one for the room and a spray for our body, what are the most effective and how long do they last?

And lastly....

- Although we are all inclusive, we have been told to take plenty of small denominations of dollars for tipping, however, I am not completly sure how much to tip for each drink/meal.

If anyone has been and can give any advice on any of the above (espcially tipping?!?) it is very grateful. Thanks in advance.

[xmarx]

never been to the dominican republic but when we have been to the usa and canada we put electricals and aerosols in our hand luggage and tell them that we once had our suitcase searched beacause we had the iron in there so to save embarrasment put in your hand luggage

[nickmo]

Pack the bits in the bag, not hand luggage.

Voltage is 110v there. Expect the occasional power out though - most hotels have back up generators - ....and just have fun when the frogs start singing in the dark....

Normal repellants will work - get a plug in one for the room, but make sure you have sufficient spare tablets. Leave them burning if you are out of the room in the eve by the way, and suggest don't plug it in right next to the bed. For the day, you can get tanning lotions that have insect repellent in them as well - saves using different lotions all the time.

NB: Take basic diarrhoea medicine as well - if you do get an upset stomach, drink a lot of liquids and avoid solids for a bit - all hotels have good doctors in the resorts, if it gets a problem.

10% tip is usual. Remember that the country is poor by the UK standard, and tipping is a courtesy.

Really suggest you make an effort to get out of the resort - you're flying a long way round the planet, so why not go and see the place. Snorkelling and divingthere is brilliant, rafting is good - but don't swallow river water!!!!!, taxis can be, er, 'interesting' as there is little money to bother with new windscreens etc. - but it keeps you cool....

The countryside is beautiful, and the standard of food and service in the restaurants is very high - an obvious guide is if the place is busy, it is likely to be good...

The capital is easy to get around, and local guides will give you a tour for a couple of dollars - not a scam as they have to be licensed. cont.

[nickmo]

Above cont:

Roads around the main centres are good, but off the main track they can be rough. There are tours that take you into the villages, which can be quite a challenge. You may see some real poverty, especially round the sugar growing areas, but as the island really isn't very wealthy, I mention this as a 'fair' fact for the place and its just how things are.

If you are in the north, expect to see a lot of amber - it is cheaper than that from Poland, and a good souvenir. Don't buy 'black coral' gifts - they could be of plastic anyway, and if coral, the collection is very bad for the reefs.

The majority of people are really welcoming, and back to tipping, I doubt you would need to for every drink in the hotel, but it is expected out of the resorts. You'll get a wristband in most hotels as proof of being a guest there and that identifes you out of the resort anyway.

You may get a couple of locals on the beaches haggling for sales - most resorts have 'private' beaches now though, and this stops you being woken to buy a pair of sandals....

Look out for the local rum - 140 proof for a couple of pounds a pint. ...So take stuff for a hangover! And try one of the off island tours - they go to the deserted islands and are great to escape even further away from the crowd.

'Naive art' as they call it is very colourful and a nice souvenir - the artists wrap and pack for you - and don't be afraid to haggle back either! - its the culture.

Lastly, make sure you use a safe in the hotel, and don't leave watches or money out in the room while you breakfast - just be sensible.

Have a really great time. Its a lovely country, and you'll enjoy it all !

[southportram]

nickmo, you are an absolute star!! we were going for a relaxing holiday (apart from the rafting, we had already planned to do that!!) but now there is no chance, after reading what you put, i can't wait to get out and about!! is it safe to get out of the resort on your own, hire a car and so on?!?

If the voltage is 110, does that mean that i won't be able to ust my hairdryer and GHD's out there? also, are their plug sockets compatible with the 2 pin adapter?

also, do you have any idea about the visa?

[gfm722]

Hiya, When you get off the plane you will need to have $10 per person ready for the visa