Dominican republic again!

[southportram]

I posted a question the other day regarding some queeries with my holiday to the dominican republic, and while there were some great answers (and amazing suggestions, (thanks nickmo)), there were still a few things that i am unsure about, so i thought i would post them again to see if anyone else had any ideas!

Firstly, i was wondering about the visa's, I understand that there is a fee to enter the country (not sure how much?!?) but also a friend told me that you may have to pay to leave the country also, any ideas about this anyone?

and secondly, I have a 2 pin travel adapter that we used when we went to spain and france, I would like to know if this is going to be compatible over there, and also, will i be able to use my hair dryer and GHD's as they run on a different voltage!

any help is most appriciated. thanks.

xxx

[nickmo]

Back again, sp - entry visa for a tourist card costs $10. I don't recall an exit tax. Plugs are US style, so take a US adaptor. 240v appliances do work, but slowly - most of the time you'll be a) on beach, b) en route to beach) c) coming back from excursion - and that probably means beach, and the eves. are really informal, so suggest don't bother - quick brush, on with the slap and go and drink/eat and enjoy. You have to merengue in public too by the way, so brush up the footwork. If you sit still, everyone thinks you are ill....

Some tours to consider: http://www.debbiesdominicantravel.com/tours.html

Do not hire a car - the driving is 'drive in the shade' style, the police can tax you every mile - $10 to by a drink type tax, the militia tax you every other mile - $10 to let you go ....and the roads out of the towns are rough. Take a m/cycle, but make sure helmets are worn - and that your insurance allows you to as well. A bike will get you to some stunning out of the way beaches and scenery, but a good tour to be honest should satisfy.

Maps are few and far between as well, so may be better to taxi - quite safe in terms of booking especially through hotel, and you may get the odd free ice cream bought for you if you get in a traffic jam! or give the guaguas (local transportation - fun but windy..) a go - flag a guy down, haggle the fare and off you go....

Re out of the resort - unlike some bits of Jamaica or Ghana, for example where often 'white guy' is seen as a parasite to some extent to be bled of all their money, Dom Rep I think is a pretty safe place on the whole, but as anywhere, just be aware as you move about. Some parts of the capital are no go just like any city in the world.

cont

[nickmo]

cont -

Look out for mamajuama (mama-whammer) which is a compost heap in a bottle - herb infused alchohol thats meant to make you 'ready for anything' - try it but be wary about bringing it home' cos your pals will laugh at you for buying grass cuttings, leaves and a twig in gin....

If you want to read up on the place a good title to get is Discover the Dominican Republic by Martin Hyde, or have a look at http://www.visiting-the-dominican-republic.com/index.html for some other info.

Make sure the malaria protection is all up to date too. Some of the remote beaches can have more than a few insects...and have a couple of Spanish phrases as well, as in the tourist bits English is spoken, out in the country, Spanish is the language. Some towns actually look like wild west frontier places, and the trips you can get are fantastic, so also make sure if you are camera freaks that you have batteries/mem. cards or film to hand.

Now stop making me think of the place and go and have a great holiday....

[southportram]

you really are wonderful, can you come with us as a tour guide!

[nickmo]

Definitely the best offer I've had a for a long time! and you really don't know tempting that is....

Last thing I would add to the previous - do make sure that you try the diving - most resorts offer a try out dive with qualified staff, if you have'nt done it before. The reefs are fantastic, and once you get into the water, you really will get to see some stunning things. Training is usually in a pool, then off to the dive site. Some places offer a video of the dive - bit pricey and think if you will really watch it that much when you get home. Maybe spend the money on another dive instead??, but what you see and the experience will last a lifetime.

If you have a worry about diving, I'd still suggest to give it a go - I've seen the results of a bit of perserverance, and the huge smiles..........anyway, at least get snorkelling!

Have a great time. There is a lot to see and do in a couple of weeks, even on a relaxing break, and I'm sure you will want to return! Y tenga algunas bebidas para m�!

[geordieg]

HI we had to pay �10 to get in, but nothing to get out last year. I took my strighteners and hairdryer, but alas only managed a little heat from the straighteners so not worth taking, the hairdryer was okish. as for the two pin adaptor plugs, they are also compatable there.