FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, in most tourism destinations in the Dominican Republic there are a variety of vehicle rental agencies to choose from. Please visit our Vehicle Rentals section for more information on this.
Generally the electricity operates at 110 volts (like in North America) but voltage irregularities are quite common here – sometimes providing less, sometimes providing surges of far more. For this reason, expensive appliances and computers should have surge protection if they are going to be used here. Appliances from countries that use more voltage, 220 volts for example, will generally require converters or adapters.
The Dominican Republic is situated in the Atlantic Standard Time zone but does not follow Daylight Saving Time. This means the Dominican Republic is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the Fall/Winter (one hour ahead of New York and Toronto) and is the same as Eastern Standard Time in the Spring/Summer (same as New York or Toronto). The Dominican Republic is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (UTC/GMT -4). For the present time check the top-right corner of this page.
The phone system in the Dominican Republic is similar to that in the US or Canada. If you cannot phone from your hotel/resort, you will generally be able to phone from communications centers that are found in almost all of the larger resort areas/towns/cities in the country. Please see our Communications section for more detailed information on this.
Each country has an individual agreement with the Dominican Republic in terms of how long you can stay, whether you need certain documentation to do so, etc. Generally, most people are allowed to stay for up to 60 days with a Tourist Card or Visa. Because these agreements can change from time to time, it is best to check with the Dominican Republic Consulate or Embassy for the most up-to-date information on this. Please see our Entry/Exit Requirements section for more detailed information on this.
You will not have a problem if you are traveling with a dog or cat. However, birds will need to be quarantined so do not bring them with you. If you bring your dog or cat, you will need to bring certificate from your veterinarian that proves that your pet has received a rabies shot and distemper within 30 days of traveling to the Dominican Republic. The animal control agent at the airport will ask to see this document. The agent will look over the certificate and fill out an official entry for your pet. The entry fee is less than $10 US.
Before you travel with your pet, call your air carrier to find out the transportation details associated with traveling with your pet. Plan your trip early. Some airlines have quotas on the number of pets they will allow on a flight. If you are traveling on American Airlines, try to avoid connecting flights on American Eagle. American Eagle only transports pets that can fit onboard the plane under your seat. Do not forget to pack everything necessary for your furry friend to have an enjoyable stay in the Dominican Republic.
The DR is a great place to travel for you and your child. Make sure to pack your favorite brand of powdered milk and prepare it with bottled water. You can find bot UHT homogenized (Parmalat and Rica are the most popular brands) and UHT pasteurized (Santal and Bon) milk in the DR. Do not forget to bring the essentials: disposable diapers, sun screen, sun hats and mosquito repellant. These items are also available for purchase in the DR.
If you are renting a car or plan to travel by car, bring your car seat. Make sure your travel agents books your hotel accommodation at a resort that provides cribs. If you are staying at hotel that does not have cribs, bring a portable one with you.
Absolutely. For more information on this, please visit our Bringing Children section of the site.
The Dominican Republic has several beaches that offer something for everyone. There are child-friendly beaches and beaches that offer big waves. and strong undertows. If you have concerns, it may be best that you stay close to the shore while on the beach. Again, reason and caution should be exercised when visiting any beach.
Do not bring valuables to the beach. Many people have fallen asleep only to wakeup and find some of their items missing. As a general rule, if you cannot afford to lose the item, leave it in your room. Do not eat before swimming (We bet your mother told you this) or go swimming alone.
Travelers should exercise common sense when visiting a foreign country. The DR has a relatively low crime rate. Violent crimes are not very common. However, pick pocketing and petty theft are fairly common. To decrease your chances of being the victim of theft, do not flash money around and avoid wearing expensive jewelry that is more likely to make you a target. You should also avoid walking in dark and isolated areas, use a taxi instead.
Large tourist areas like Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and La Romana are patrolled, in addition to standard police, by a special touristic police force (Politur) specially trained to assist foreign visitors.
It is advised that you bring US currency. The US dollar is the easiest to exchange because it is one of the most traded currencies in the world. The Euro and Canadian dollar are also easily exchanged currencies in DR. However, the Canadian dollar is exchanged at a lower rate than the US dollar. You may want to consider bringing ATM cards, traveler’s checks and credit cards along with cash.
Being experts at creating unique experiences, we offer a wide range of activities we are sure you will love. From live music to shows and workshops for the youngest members of your family. Get ready for the unlimited entertainment we have prepared for you at the Paradisus Palma Real.
Evening entertainment and shows
When night falls at Punta Cana, the fun is about to start. At the Olympus Theater we have musicals for a great evening out. You can also enjoy live music in other places in the hotel. And at the Red Lounge you can find a cutting-edge space where you can dance to golden oldies as well as to the latest sounds thanks to our resident DJs.
Activities for children (KIDS CLUB)
So that everyone enjoys the holiday of their lifetime, we have prepared something very special for our youngest guests: excursions, workshops, arts and crafts… and our great Kids Zone. A space located in the resort’s The Reserve where children will enjoy fun, entertaining activities under the care and supervision of our qualified staff.
When you are a child, every day is an adventure and the Kids Club is the perfect play area. Here our youngest guests can have fun at no extra cost. Thanks to the adventure park they can climb, jump and have fun, and always under the care and supervision of our expert staff. Fussball, table tennis, bouncy castle, vegetable garden and video consoles, everything to make this a magical holiday for kids too.
BABY ZONE
Here is our most special Kids Club zone where we welcome babies over the age of 4 months. The Baby Zone is a space where your baby will be in the best hands possible, after yours, of course. Specialists who will make sure they are always attended. Because if your baby feels ok, then you do too. They will feel right at home here.
ACTIVITIES FOR TEENAGERS
Being in paradise doesn’t mean being away from the latest technology or day to day activities, so this is why teenagers can enjoy all of this and so much more at the Paradisus Palma Real:
Games Room with video consoles
Computer area
Volleyball, basketball, tennis and paddle tennis
Climbing wall
Excursions nearby (*)
Golf (*)
Painting classes
Non-motorized water sports
(*) With charge
ACTIVITIES FOR ADULTS
Although you’re on holiday, it’s the perfect moment to learn something new. We have prepared a wide range of different, fun activities for you to enjoy, such as how to make the best mamajuanas or sushi.
We also want you to take care of your fitness whilst on holiday. The beach is the best place for yoga, learn how to dance salsa, play a game of volleyball or enjoy a session of aqua aerobics or snorkeling in our enormous pools.
We also want you to take care of your fitness whilst on holiday. The beach is the best place for yoga, learn how to dance salsa, play a game of volleyball or enjoy a session of aqua aerobics or snorkeling in our enormous pools.
Salsa, bachata and merengue classes
Cocotal Golf Course & Country Club
Evening shows: Michael Jackson, Circus and Dominican Paradise
Yoga, tennis, basketball, paddle tennis, and beach volleyball and football
Dominican party and market
Themed workshops: cocktail, sushi, cigars and candle making
Daily disco and chill-out lounge (50s, Rock and Roll, Latin, 80s and disco)
Live music: Dominican, piano and modern jazz
ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN (subject to changes)
Eco Tour
Eco workshops
Swimming classes
Good hygiene habits
Biscuit making
Pizza making
Treasure hunt
Movie night
Magic show
Science workshop
Face painting
Balloon figures
Tropical party with piñata
Dominican games and obstacle course
Mini disco
Mini Olympics
Terrace games
Beach trips (8 years and over )
Tennis classes (4 years and over)
Day trip to Manatí Park (8 years and over) (*)
(*) With charge
Enjoy yourself at the best golf courses
Practice your best shot at the Meliá hotels that offer golf courses. Complete your stay by practicing your favourite sport at a short distance from the hotel. There are golf greens of several levels for the enjoyment of professionals as well as novices, where you’ll be able to attend either a golf tournament or just enjoy classes at the golf club. The perfect physical activity to activate your body during your holiday, and the best way to relax after a day of work.
When packing for a Caribbean holiday, you need to account for the high temperatures and the humidity. Lightweight clothing that is loose and comfortable is ideal for both day and night. For the evening, men should bring at least one long pair of trousers and women a dress or long skirt, as some restaurants will have set dress codes for guests. Comfortable shoes are a must and flip flops will be ideal for the majority of your holiday.
As you will be in and out of the sea and pools, it’s recommended to take multiple items of swimwear, as the humidity can mean it takes longer to dry. It may also be beneficial to pack a light jacket with an umbrella for rainfall and if the temperatures drop in the evening.
Officially the Caribbean hurricane season runs from the beginning of June to the end of November. Historically most tropical storm/hurricane activity in the Dominican Republic’s part of the Caribbean has taken place in the months of August and September.
Some seasoned travelers might swear by that knockout cocktail known as an Ambientini (a sleeping pill with a vodka chaser). There are better, safer ways, though—including pre-flight exercise and a few drops of lavender essential oil.
Packing for a Caribbean holiday is similar to packing for any other tropical holiday, from sun protection, swimwear and clothing, you will need all of the usual essentials. Firstly, you need to ensure you have all of the correct travel documents, such as a valid passport, tickets and/or boarding passes.
Sun protection and lip balm with an SPF are essential, alongside after sun and bug spray to keep away those pesky bug bites. As well as the obvious sun protection products, a hat and a pair of sunglasses will also help keep the sun from your face.
If you’re planning on snorkelling, you could bring your own gear and waterproof cases and bags are ideal for beach days to protect your important bits and electronics. Before you leave, it’s worth checking if your resort provides towels and if you will need adapters for your electrical goods.
Don’t wear that suit if you want it to arrive wrinkle-free. Instead, heed the advice of our style editor, Jayna Maleri: “Hold your jacket in front of you, with the front facing you, and fold length-wise in half away from you (so the buttons are on the fold and the shoulders are touching). Then carefully turn one shoulder inside out, and wrap it over the other shoulder (you’ll know you’re on the right track if the lining is now on the outside). Then fold the jacket one more time, in half width-wise. Fold your trousers carefully in half (use their natural crease as your guide), then place the folded jacket on top of them, near the knees. Fold the pants carefully around the jacket, and pack the bundle in the bottom of your luggage. Follow these steps and we promise, it won’t need a frantic steaming in the hotel shower.” (https://magazine.brooksbrothers.com/how-to-pack-a-suit/)
Don’t forget a small power strip—ideal for sharing a crowded outlet in an airport, and a simple way to keep all devices close by once at a hotel. (Combine that with a Zolt—which powers a laptop and two devices with a charger the size of a lipstick—and it’s even handier.) Keep a photograph of your luggage and passport on your smartphone; lose either of them, and you’ll be grateful for the reference. Pack a scarf—always. And since calling Nespresso coffee is an insult to baristas everywhere, the best in-room alternate is the Aeropress, a nifty gizmo that’s portable, light, and makes killer morning joe almost anywhere.
Sianne Franco
sianne@dentistfind.com
49 Colborne St Lower Level, Toronto, ON M5E 1C6
1(888)784-7878 Ext 807