| Dominican Republic Basic Information |
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The following is an excerpt from The Turks and Caicos Guide and The Puerto Rico Guide, both by Stephen J. Pavlidis
In the Dominican Republic the currency in usage is the Peso (RD$) and you may change your dollars into pesos at Verizon (Codatel) in Luperón (you may also withdraw pesos on your credit or debit card here). At the time of this writing in 2010, the exchange rate was RD$36.15=US$1. Some other locations will give you a slightly higher rate, such as the Alejandro Gift Shop just up the street from Verizon. Alejandro’s may give you RD$36.75=US$1. Foreign currency can also be changed into Dominican pesos at Banco de Reservas booths at the airports, major hotels, or at commercial banks. Banking hours are 8:30 to 3 P.M., M-F. Airport booths remain open to service all incoming flights, up to 24-hours if necessary. Traveler’s checks and major credit cards are widely accepted. Cash advances are available at some commercial banks. When tipping, a 10% gratuity (as well as an 8% sales tax) is often included in the bill. Please note that the practice of tipping taxi drivers is not the custom in the Dominican Republic but it is widely practiced. Don’t change very much more money than you plan to spend, only 30% of Dominican currency exchanged by visitors can be changed back into dollars upon departure (a tip - save your currency exchange receipts). Although it’s extremely tempting, one should avoid changing money on the black market. Absolutely no more than US$5,000 may be taken out of the country when you leave. Arrests have been made for even small currency-law violations.
New Year’s Day - January 1 Dominicans love festivals and the calendar year has several for you to enjoy. Carnival in Santo Domingo takes place along the Santo Domingo Malecón the week of Feb. 27 during the Independence Day celebrations. The famous Merengue Festival is a lively celebration of the country’s national music, with Merengue bands performing at most major hotels and along the Santo Domingo Malecón. This huge party takes place from the last week in July through the first week of August. The term Merengue refers both to the music and the dance, which evolved in the Dominican countryside among the happy people of a divided island. The history of the Merengue is woven into the fabric of Dominican history itself. This Afro-Caribbean dance became part of country life and is still danced today around the squares of small villages, next to bonfires on secluded beaches, in ballrooms, and in nightclubs throughout the world. In the traditional countryside settings, the music is provided by a Perico Ripiao, a small band made up of an accordion, a drum, a guira and a box bass. Puerto Plata’s Merengue Festival is held during the second week of October. Christmas celebrations begin in early December and end on Epiphany Day on January 6. One of the biggest celebrations in Luperón is the huge St. Patrick’s Day party, a great mix of locals and cruisers which has started drawing crowds of 1,000. There’s music and a pig roast on the beach and each boat contributes a few pesos to cover the cost of the food they eat.
The Dominican Republic’s phone communications are handled by the privately owned telephone company Codetel, a GTE subsidiary and Tricom, a Motorola joint venture. Direct dialing to and from the Dominican Republic is quick and easy using the 809 area code. The Domincan Republic’s phone system is one of the most sophisticated telecommunications systems in Latin America with capabilities such as international direct dialing, faxing, teleconferencing, electronic mail and now videoconferencing. All America Cable and Radio, ITT and RCA Global Communications also provide cable, fax, telex services, and long distance calling services. Check out Internet service by Codetel on the web at http://www.codetel.net.do. The Dominican Republic postal service boasts over 190 branches and is the least expensive (although slowest) way of sending and receiving international mail. The postal service also has a higher priced express mail service similar to the U.S Priority Mail. Private couriers include DHL, Fed Ex, UPS, and several local P.O. Box courier services such as Express Parcel Service. The area code for the Dominican Republic is 809.
In Luperón, the primary hailing channel is 68. There is a boater’s net every Sunday and Wednesday on VHF ch. 72 at 0800. Here you can hear the latest goings on in Luperón such as who has what deal on this or that, who has a dinner special, and what time the nautical flea market begins at Puerto Blanco Marina on Sunday. An announcement will be made on ch. 68 prior to the net. |