The Segmental Info System

Welcome to the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic Guide is your comprehensive guide to one of the Caribbean's best kept vacation secrets.  This naturally beautiful area features a rich culture, lush green mountains that soar as much as 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) above the white sand beaches of the coast and lovely weather.

 

To make your trip to the Dominican Republic the best it can possibly be, take some time to research and plan the most important aspects of your vacation in advance.  We can help you decide the best time to visit, teach you how to book your trip and what kind of weather to expect...

When to Go

The busiest time of year for travel to the Dominican Republic is between the months of December and April when the weather is warm on the island, but cold at the homes of many visitors...

Clothing and Attire

Typical attire in the Dominican Republic is similar to American summer dress.  Clothing tends to be practical to the weather, cool and casual, though there are certain situations in which more formal attire is required...

 

You can't begin to experience the Dominican Republic until you arrive. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for getting there. Air travel is definitely the fastest way to reach the island, but cruises are another popular option. Visitors who would like to get acquainted with the waters surrounding the Dominican Republic will find that sailing and yachting are also encouraged...

 

A trip to the Dominican Republic means that there will never be a dull moment - unless you want there to be.  Fill your days with swimming and other water sports, boating, fishing, golf, tennis, shopping, and more.  For a close up look at what is important to islanders, don't forget to check out any events and festivals that take place during your stay...

Diving and Snorkeling

Beautiful coral reefs, underwater caves, and shipwrecks make diving and snorkeling along the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic some of the most fascinating in the Caribbean...

Fishing and Chartering

Anglers won't have to miss out on their favorite pastime during their Dominican Republic vacation.  Chartering a boat for a day of fishing is easy...

 

With so much to see and do, figuring out where to go once you reach the Dominican Republic can be hard. Car Rental is one great option for those who want to traverse large distances of the country and many rental companies also rent scooters and mopeds. Also consider using domestic planes when  you're traveling quite a distance on the island, flights are relatively inexpensive. A wealth of transportation options, however, mean that once you're able to make up your mind, you'll have no trouble getting around...

Taxis

When hailing a cab in the Dominican Republic, steer clear of unmarked vehicles and unlicensed operators.  Always ask to see the driver's identification, and negotiate fare before taking off, because cabs in the Dominican Republic are unmetered...

Buses

Buses in the Dominican Republic are a private affair, worthy of making a reservation.  These seats are comfortable, the vehicles are air conditioned, and travelers are often treated to snacks such as cookies and coffee...

Ferries and Boats

Ferry services in the Dominican Republic are limited to a boat that crosses between Samaná and Sabana del Mar.  International service is also available, with a ferry that regularly travels to Puerto Rico and back...

 

The Dominican Republic offers a great variety of things to do. Not only can travelers enjoy some of the world's most beautiful white sand beaches, but they can also enjoy a journey into the mountains, or try their hands at an exciting game of chance in one of the area's numerous casinos. Museums, historical sights, and nightclubs are also available to further enhance your vacation...

Casinos

Most of the casinos in the Dominican Republic are connected to a resort or hotel, though the The Bottom Line is a large, stand alone that consistently receives excellent ratings...

Beaches

With over 800 miles of coastline in the Dominican Republic, it isn't difficult to find a beach to suite your needs.  Most vacationers spend their beach-going days in Puerto Plata, but those interested in water sports may have a better time on the north shores...

 

Due to the year-round climate, the Dominican Republic is known for offering an 'endless summer.' With an average temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit, the island is a perfect tropical destination, with consistent year-round weather conditions, although temperatures drop as you travel to higher elevations. Hurricane activity is a factor that sometimes can disrupt vacation plans during the summer months, but fortunately direct hits are quite rare. To learn more about the climate, consult our comprehensive, month-by-month weather guide...

Dominican Republic Weather Guide by Month:

January May   September
February     June October
March July November
April August    
December

 

 

Learning a few things about the Dominican Republic before you head out on your vacation can be a great help.  Knowing the currency, local customs and how to handle every situation with proper etiquette will make you the type of traveler the islanders welcome back...

Currency and Credit Cards

Like Mexico, the peso is the official form of currency in the Dominican Republic.  Be prepared to exchange at least $100 into pesos, as there is a law that requires it be done...

Customs

Because customs regulations change every so often, it is important to be up-to-date on what can and can not be brought into the country...

Driving Passports
Electricity Postal Serives
Embassies Telephones
Health and Medical Time Zones
Hours of Operation Tipping
Languages Tourist Offices

 

Visitors who prize familiarity and convenience will find hotels and All-inclusive resorts to be a vacation dream come true, while rental properties allow travelers the independence to experience the Dominican Republic on their own terms...

 

Find the perfect hotel using our powerful advanced search tool.


 

The Dominican Republic is one of two countries located on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola.  Haiti makes up the other half.  Through many years of social unrest, the people of the Dominican Republic have joined together to create a culture filled with energy, love, and lots of music...

History

The original inhabitants of Hispaniola were Taíno Indians from Central and South America.  Columbus discovered the island during his first Atlantic voyage in 1492, and left behind an entire ship worth of people when he returned to Europe...

Economy

Gold, agriculture, mining, and tourism have all played their role in the economy of the Dominican Republic through the years.  Luckily, unlike many other Caribbean islands, politics have rarely effected the country's economy...

Crime

Petty theft and pick-pocketing are the most common crimes against tourists in the Dominican Republic.  Read our guide to crime in the country to learn how to stay safe during your trip...

 

Culinary Styles

The national culinary style can best be characterized as a mixture of international flavors and local originality. One unique style is known as Comida Criolla, which is a melding of food of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taino influence. The resulting dishes are spicy and hearty, often utilizing an assortment of meats and rice. Visitors will also find a great variety of international fare at local eating establishments and resorts, ranging from American to Italian and Chinese...

Restaurants

Vacationers with an appetite will find many options while visiting the Dominican Republic. Aside from the American and international cuisine that is prominent at the area's all-inclusive resorts, local dining establishments offer many interesting alternatives, providing a true gauge of island flavor...