The Dominican Republic occupies two -thirds of the Caribbean island of Haiti. This is a cozy and interesting tropical country. In addition to snow -white beaches and crystal turquoise waters, here you can enjoy the majestic mountains, emerald tropical forests and medieval buildings. But before going to this amazing republic, it will be useful to find out some details.
General information
The Dominican Republic is located on the eastern part of the island of Haiti. The western part is occupied by the state of the Republic of Hiti. The closest neighbors of the Dominicans are Cuba (in the northwest) and Jamaica (in the west). The capital of the republic-Santo Domingo. Spanish is recognized by the national language, but in places of rest they speak mainly in English. Less commonly, you can hear French and Italian speech. More than 95% of the population adhere to Catholic faith. The currency of the country is the Dominican Peso (DOP). Money can be exchanged for national currency in hotels or banks. The difference in time with Moscow is -8 hours in the summer and -7 hours in winter.
Climate in the Dominican Republic
A humid and subtropical climate reign on the island. The temperature is held in the range of +25-27 ° C. The coldest month is January (+22 ° C), and the hottest is August (+31 ° C). Tourists can easily tolerate heat, due to soft sea breeze and passats. The rainy season lasts from May to September. Dominican Republic is characterized by frequent and powerful, but short rains. In the remaining months, the weather is dry and warm. The most favorable period for the trip is from December to April. It is worth noting that in the rainy season the cost of rest is reduced. It's all about high humidity. At a temperature of +24 ° C, sensations will be like at +18 ° C. Fans of the rainy season are recommended to find out the weather before the trip. Typhons and hurricanes characteristic of this period can overshadow rest.
Documents for entry into the Dominican Republic
Russians do not need to apply for a visa for a trip to the Dominican Republic for tourist purposes. You can be in the country for 30 days, and if you want to extend the rest up to 2 and 3 months for a symbolic fee ($ 2). It is necessary to collect the following documents:
- A foreign passport with a minimum time until the end of the validity period is 6 months. This is not a rule, but a recommendation that when passing the border does not arise of undesirable issues.
- Migration card (filled out at the border). About $ 30 will be needed to pay for a card and permission to fly out of the country.
- Air ticket In the Dominican Republic and the opposite side. It is important to make sure that the control service is that the tourist will not stay in the country after the end of the permitted deadline.
- Confirmation of armor in any hotel. This item will also make the border guards more loyal.
- For children, a notarized permit for a trip from the parent who remains at home is necessary. If a teenager rides alone, the resolution of both parents is required.
Customs regulations
So that when crossing the border does not arise unpleasant surprises, get acquainted with the customs rules of the Dominican Republic:
- The import and export of the Dominican monetary unit is prohibited. There are no restrictions for the import of another currency, but its number should be fixed in the customs declaration. It is not allowed to export more than 10,000 $.
- Without payment of the fee, you can import: 500 g of coffee, 2 open spirits, 1 liter of strong alcohol (more than 22%), 2 liters of weak alcohol, 200 cigarettes or 1 box of cigars, personal hygiene items. The price of gifts should not exceed $ 100.
- Food is not allowed to import. It is important to know that the import of all products of the animal, garden and agricultural origin is prohibited. Before the trip, make sure that you do not have such products. Also, you cannot import drugs and in this regard, some drugs.
- It is forbidden to export things of special value (for example, the core of the palm tree, objects of antiquity from the sea, some varieties of orchids, etc.).
Flight
Only 3 airports of the Dominican Republic serve international flights: Las Americas (Santo Domingo), Punta Cana (Punta Cana) and Gregorio Luperion (Puerto Payment). Transaero and Aeroflot operate direct flights along the Moscow-Punta Kana route twice a week. The duration of the flight is about 13 hours. Other airlines provide flights from the cities of Russia to a dominic airport with transfers in different cities of Europe and the USA. The duration of the trip is 13.5-20 hours (excluding transplantation).
Popular resorts of Dominicans
Most tourists go to the Dominican Republic for a gorgeous beach vacation. All kinds of Caribbean holidays and carnivals make a visit to the tropical paradise even more attractive. Consider the most famous resorts and their features.
Punta Cana (Coconut Coast)
It is Punta Kana who is famous for beaches in the style of Bounty without exaggeration. A small town has a long coastline and many five -star hotels. There are three parks and mangroves nearby. Manati and Eyes Ecological parks will pleasantly surprise tourists with a large territory and exotic animals. Marinarium underwater park is located right in the ocean. He will force visitors to literally plunge into the magic of the underwater world. 3 km from the resort is the fishing village El Cortecito. In local restaurants, you can try delicious dishes from freshly lined fish. Popular excursions-Santa Domingo, island of Saona, the island of St. Katalina, "Jeep-Safari", the Fun Foon cave.
Puerto board
Cozy wooden houses and tropical flowers give the city an extraordinary flavor. Residents are very friendly and hospitable. There are many five -star hotels With excellent service and entertainment events. The Puerto Payment is the Amber Museum, the Roma production factory, the ruins of the Columbus House, the Church of San Felip, the Museum of the Indians Secretly, the Lighthouse of Fortalem. There are many excursions to other places from the city. Tourists are also awaiting such entertainment as “Jeep-Safari”, diving, fishing, horse sport, tennis.
Samana
This resort is more suitable for lovers of quiet relaxation. The beaches are mainly deserted. Nearby is the Los Haitises park, where you can swim in the underground lake and consider cave drawings on the walls of the caves. True, such entertainment is unlikely to appreciate tourists who are afraid of bats and their squeak. The main attraction of Samana is the El Lemon waterfall, the length of which is 30 meters. In the village of Las Terrenas, located nearby, there are also several interesting excursions. There you can also go to the mountains.
The best excursions are dominic
In addition to beach holidays, it is recommended to purchase several excursion trips that will give tourists an unforgettable experience. Consider the most popular options.
Santo Domingo
The capital of the Dominican Republic amazes the magnificence of their attractions. The attention of tourists presents various memorable places of the time of the colonial era. The enthusiastic reviews received the palace of Alkasar de Colon and the Gothic portal of the box office de Ovano. One of the symbols of the city is the lighthouse of Faro-o-Colon, where the remains of Christopher Columbus rest. In the Las-Casas-Reales Museum, you can see exhibits dedicated to the travels of this great navigator. Fans of the Baroque era will like the cathedral of Santa Domingo. To see as many interesting places as possible, it is recommended to order an excursion, which costs about $ 80.
Santiago
To feel the real flavor of the Dominican Republic, it is recommended to go to Santiago. This place is considered to be a cradle of Meriengi - the national dancing of the Dominican Republic. In addition to dance entertainment, tourists will be able to enjoy the majestic Cathedral Santiago, the Folklore Museum of Thomas Swan, the Dominican tobacco Museum and the Duarte cozy park. The price of the excursion may change, but is quite acceptable for tourists.
Altos de Chavon
The town is a piece of medieval Spain. The place received the most positive reviews of tourists, despite the cheapness of the tour. In this place you can visit the Church of St. Stanislav, in which Michael Jackson, a Museum of Archeology, a stone amphitheater, designed for 5,000 people, a cave of miracles of the Indians secretly. The price of a tour of $ 35 and above.
A few words about the carnival
Those wishing to get to the carnival are recommended to come to the Dominican Republic by February 27 - this is the Independence Day of the Dominican Republic. The procession lasts 7 days and covers absolutely all cities and provinces. In the city of La Vaga, the extravaganza begins in early February and takes place every Sunday until the holiday ends. The final carnival takes place in the capital, where all groups come together. The best carnival teams, the king and the queen of the holiday are chosen there. The symbol of the carnival is a lame devil with a bull bubble in his hands. A gaping passerby can get such a bubble on the back, but according to local customs, this gesture provides happiness and well -being.
The Dominican Republic will appeal to both lovers of beach holidays and more active travelers. Each resort promises a special rest. And what it will be - depends only on the wishes and preferences of the tourist.
You're wonderful the Dominican Republic, a lot of where you have already rested with your husband, but only here I want to return again.