Are you planning a trip to Dominican Republic for the first time? We have the best tips to enjoy your visit.
If you are traveling to Dominican Republic for the first time, we recommend that you inform yourself of everything you need to make it an unforgettable vacation.
The Dominican Republic is a wonderful place to spend your holiday, with gorgeous scenery, fabulous weather and plenty of activities to try.
We give you some tips and more information so that your vacations are complete and do not miss any details.
1. Visas
Depending on where you come from, you may require a tourist visa for your trip to the Dominican Republic. While citizens of some countries do not need any visa or tourist card, residents of many countries including the USA, UK, and Australia need a tourist card for stays of 30 days or less.
These are available at the airport on arrival. If you are from a country that is not listed on the Dominican Consulate’s list must apply for a visa before traveling.
2. Learn Some Spanish
The local language spoken in the Dominican Republic is Spanish, and learning a few words in this language can help to smooth your way. In many of the most important tourist sites in the world, people who take care of tourists usually know some English and manage to communicate without a problem.
However, you should not expect everyone to know and understand you, just by learning the basics like “Hola” or “Muchas Gracias”, can help you improve your vacation.
3. Official Currency
Although US Dollars are accepted in the Dominican Republic, you often get a better deal when using the local currency (Dominican pesos). Do not worry if you bring another kind of currency with you, in all our resorts you will find foreign currency exchange offices and ATMs where you can get cash.
4. Discover The Local Beaches
When you look at any photo of the Dominican Republic, the first thing you notice is its tropical landscapes. This island is home to beautiful beaches so we recommend you give yourself the time to discover as many as possible.
The beaches of Punta Cana, integrated by the Playa de Arena Gorda, Ubero Alto, Bavaro, Macao, El Cortecito, Cabo Engaño and Cabeza de Toro, are characterized by their beautiful landscapes, composed of lots of soft white sand, their transparent turquoise waters, and their huge palm trees. Ideal to spend incredible days and rest.
In Bavaro, you will find our resorts Catalonia Bavaro Beach and Catalonia Royal Bavaro, marvel at the landscapes that each of them offers you.
Another very famous area of the Dominican Republic is Bayahibe, ideal place to visit any time of the year, with white soft sand beaches, clear turquoise waters and endless activities for the whole family.
If you are interested in visiting this area, we recommend you to stay in our new adults-only resort Catalonia Royal La Romana or if you come with children, you can choose the fun Catalonia Gran Dominicus.
5. Take Sunscreen
In the Dominican Republic, the weather is hot practically all year round and you do not want your vacation to be ruined by too much tan. It is important to take the necessary precautions to get an incredible tan but without getting burned.
Take a high SPF sunscreen and apply it several times during your sun exposure, stay well protected with a hat and sunglasses when out during the day.
6. Try The Food
Usually, when we visit a new country, we want to discover everything that’s new and everything that we can not have in our house. That is why we recommend that when you visit the Dominican Republic, investigate whats the region’s food and try them, we are sure that you will like it. You can not miss the fried banana, yuca, tropical fruits, seafood, among many other products.
As always, it is advisable not to overdo it, remember that your body is not accustomed to certain types of foods and it is better to consume them moderately. Enjoy them!
7. Stay Hydrated
The hot weather and humid climate of the Dominican Republic mean that it is very easy to become dehydrated, so make sure to drink enough water throughout the day, in addition to your favorite cocktails. Also be careful about abusing alcohol, remember that it also dehydrates you.
It is important to say that the water you consume must be bottled because the tap can only be used for cleaning or brushing your teeth.
8. Buy Local Souvenirs
There is a bewildering choice of local souvenirs available for you to take home and always remember your trip to the Dominican Republic. Find out about local products that will be difficult to get in your country of origin and that you can take it without any problem.
We recommend you some delicious Dominican coffee, rum and Mamajuana (a delicious blend of rum, honey, and wine that has been soak, d in tree bark and wine that has been soaked in tree bark). We are sure that you will enjoy them and they will bring you great memories.
9. Visit Pearl Beach Club
The most exclusive beach club in Punta Cana awaits you with fun parties and activities, the most delicious cocktails and exquisite Mediterranean food in its restaurant. Spend the day enjoying its facilities, with Balinese beds area around the incredible infinity pool or if you prefer on its large beach, cuddled by the shade that gives its huge palm trees.
Pearl Beach Club is located on the side of our Catalonia Bavaro Beach and if you are a hotel guest you will get a 20% discount. What are you waiting for?
10. Relax And Chill Out
In the Caribbean, nothing is rushed, everything is peace and tranquility. Just go with the flow and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Our resorts in Punta Cana and Bayahibe are the ideal places to relax and recharge your batteries. Get to know them more in detail and choose your favorite so that your first time in the Dominican Republic is wonderful and unforgettable.
Learn more about what the Dominican Republic has to offer. If it is going to be your first time in Punta Cana, do not miss tips for your first visit in Punta Cana.
