WHAT IS NEEDED TO ENTER THE COUNTRY?  VISA?

All passengers traveling internationally are required to present proof of identity such as a valid government-issued photo ID (passport or valid driver’s license), and proof of citizenship such as a passport or other documentation in place of a passport at the ticket counter.

Passengers are advised to keep proper documentation on their person during travel.  It is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure they have the correct documents needed for travel to any international destination. Should documentation not be adequate or sufficient, passengers will not be boarded.

For U.S. Citizens traveling to Mexico or the Caribbean, an original birth certificate along with photo ID is generally accepted. Exceptions exist where travel involves minors under the age of 18. If you have any questions regarding specific document types please contact the U.S. Department of State web site for detailed information regarding documentation.

At the airport in Dominican Republic they issue a temporary visitor's visa for $20, if you do not already have one.
 

WHAT ARE THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, SUCH AS DEPOSITS, CANCELLATION FEES, ETC...?

Many of these details can be found on the Terms and Conditions page.  Click -> here <-
 

IS THERE ANYTHING I SHOULD KNOW TO AVOID
GETTING SICK WITH "TRAVELERS' DIARRHEA?"

It is a NOT a good idea to drink tea, coffee, or juice ANYWHERE, whether in restaurants or in traveling along the way - not even in the best hotels, as you can get sick because most of the time the Dominicans work in the kitchens, and tap water is used to make these beverages rather than purified water.  However, at Tropical Island Bed & Breakfast safe spring water is provided and used in all drinks, and supreme effort is made to protect our guests from bacteria, amoebas, and parasites, which are found in bad water and food not appropriately washed or properly cooked.

Don't eat raw salads ANYWHERE.  Always asked for COOKED salads.  It is not a good idea to eat RAW salads because vegetables, such as lettuce, cabbage, and celery, though washed, are not soaked in anything to destroy any bacteria; therefore, salmonella can be a real threat.

Always carry good bottled water with you wherever you go.  A five-gallon jug of spring water can be purchased for around $1 U.S.  Many guests bring a water bottle with a straw in the cover with a shoulder strap for carrying with them.
 

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER VACATION PACKAGES OF DIFFERENT LENGTHS AND TYPES?

Absolutely!  We can customize your vacation to any length you would like.  There are even Honeymoon, Anniversary, and Gift Packages available.

While the website, at this time, refers only to Economy and All-Inclusive packages, there are also Semi-All-Inclusive packages available. 

These options may be even more suitable.  Simply ask for details.
 

WHAT TYPE OF CLOTHING SHOULD I BRING?

If you visit the mountains in Jarabacoa, you will need a sweater or a jacket, warm pyjamas, etc. (December through March).  In warmer areas such as Samana, bring lightweight, cool clothing.  Perma-press clothing is perfect as ironing is often a problem due to low voltage or power outages.

RAINWEAR: Lightweight rain coats/capes that you can fold and put in your bag are practical for the sudden unexpected showers that may come.  Small fold-up umbrellas are practical.

SHOES:  Territories in many places, such as Samana, are rocky and hilly.  Often one has to cross over streams and rivers to get to a house.  Good walking shoes are best.  Comfort rather than fashion is the key!  PLAIN white/black walking shoes, Sprints, Keds, etc. or plain leather tennis shoes are acceptable and perfect for the rocky, and often muddy, field service terrain.
 

DO I HAVE TO PAY DUTY ON THINGS?

Very seldom would a visitor be charged duty on something, but they often make up the rules as they go along.  If you are discreet and carry things of value wrapped well in your carry-on luggage (i.e., carrying your laptop), most of the time you won't have to pay duty.
 

DO I NEED TO RENT A CAR OR MOTORBIKE TO VISIT DR?

Motor bikes and scooters are fine for country places and small towns, but are not recommended for other larger towns and cities.  Most places in the Dominican Republic have excellent transportation using "conchos" (4 passenger 4-wheel covered wagon pulled by a motorcycle) and gua-guas (trucks and minivans).

If you rent a little motor bike, Honda 70 or Honda 90, gas costs $2/gallon U.S., but you can go forever on a gallon.  Most pioneers with a Honda 70 or Honda 90 only spend about $2 to $5 U.S. a week on gasoline.

Many friends prefer to rent a car for safety reasons.  In most towns there are pretty good local bus systems (gua-guas, mini-buses, etc.) for transportation.  So having a car is not always a necessity.
 

WHAT ABOUT MY DRIVERS LICENSE?

Drivers licenses from other countries are accepted in the Dominican Republic.
 

ARE THERE ATM MACHINES? CAN I USE VISA/MASTERCARD?

These are not found in all towns.  Puerto Plata, San Francisco, Macoris, Nagua Jarabacoa, Samana, and Santo Domingo have them.  It's best, however, to always make sure that you have enough pesos with you because these machines are sometimes out of order or not working due to problems with electricity.

Debit or credit cards can be used at many banks to withdraw money from your savings or checking account.  Not every pueblo has a bank with this service so it is best to travel with enough cash wherever you go.

The country has WESTERN UNION OFFICES in many places where money can be wired.
 

WHAT ABOUT MAIL SERVICE/UPS/FEDERAL EXPRESS?

Mail service in the Dominican Republic is not the best.  It can take anywhere from two weeks to six months for a letter or package to arrive.  It would be better to send your postcards the first few days you are here.

Federal Express services do not exist here.  There are different kinds of companies.  Many pueblos have one.  They are quite expensive, but excellent in an emergency.
 

IS THERE HOT WATER IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC?

In most places, NO, due to low voltage in the country.  The good news is that Tropical Island Bed & Breakfast does have hot water most of the day.
 

WHAT ABOUT HAIR DRYERS AND IRONS?

In some places these cannot be used in the late afternoon or at night because of low voltage at these times.  If you stay somewhere where there is an inverter, these cannot be used at all unless the person has a special electrical setup for this.  However, in a bed and breakfast, occasional ironing by a housekeeper is a provided service.
 

IS THERE CABLE TV IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC?

Yes.  In the cities and principal pueblos there is cable TV.  In very isolated places and way out in the country, there is no cable.  Tropical Island Bed & Breakfast and Tropical Mountain Bed & Breakfast does have cable TV .

Prices in USD: