The eastern part of the island of Hispaniola always welcomes more visitors and Air France is preparing its return in direct connection. Here are some tips for a successful stay.
The first glows of dawn appear on the horizon on the tarmac of Punta Cana airport, and soon, in two hours at most, the tropical heat will anesthetize this group of funny tourists. Punta Cana is the Djerba of the Dominican Republic (RD) with its hundreds of hotels and two million travelers per year.
Certain destinations like Puerto Plata or Santo Domingo are less congested, but in paradise of the immense all inclusive hotels, prepare to wait until two hours to spend immigration formalities. You are pregnant or accompanied by toddlers, take the priority line.
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Caution with money
The Dominican Peso is a relatively stable currency. To obtain it, it is better to present dollars than euros. Despite the double change, the operation is winning. Favor small cuts for the first costs and never change in airports. The exchange difference reaches 30%. When a dollar exchanges 45 pesos at the airport, it costs 60 pesos in town.
There are many frauds with credit cards. Before your departure, buy a prepaid card that you will specifically use for this trip to automatic counters, only inside the banks. Santo Domingo remains, you will have understood, under the influence of the United States, which has repeatedly occupied the country.
Getting around is easy, but …
Uber is the best option for all trips, more than taxis whose prices depend on the mood of the driver. But it’s Uber to the Dominican. Often your host, when he receives the request via a foreign phone line, sends a message to ask the passenger how ready to pay more for the trip. If that does not suit him, he abandons the race. Buy a Dominican SIM card, Claro for example. Then retain a driver.
The bus is the ideal and air -conditioned solution for travel. All cities have a bus station. As for renting a car, know that driving is sporty in DR.
Insecurity is not to be overlooked
The guides rightly believe that the country is not sure. This precept is especially true in the evening outside of tourist places. Many weapons, too much, circulate on this small island. You should not be surprised to see panels in the nightclubs where customers are asked to leave who his escopette, who his machete in the locker room.
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Mr MOUTICS
Watch out for mosquitoes, sunrise and sunset. Like most of the Caribbean islands, dengue and chikungunya swarm. Malaria is also present in cities near the border with Haiti. Favor local anti-mosquito-mosquito repellents purchased from COLMADOS (grocery stores). A health problem can be very disabling in DR. Consultations prices at the doctor or clinics are raised, payable in advance and frequent medical insurance scams.