Foreign currency can be converted to Dominican pesos at the Banco de Reservas exchange booths found at airports, major hotels, commercial banks and authorized exchange houses. There are over 1,600 automatic teller machines (ATMs) located nationwide. Banking hours are usually 8:30am to 3pm, Monday through Friday. Some bank branches (primarily in shopping malls or supermarkets) remain open longer. Travelers checks (which will require presentation of a passport) and major credit cards are widely accepted. Cash advances are available at certain commercial banks. Exchange rates fluctuate daily and the US dollar is the most widely transacted currency, but Euros and Canadian dollars are accepted for exchange across the nation also.

   On arrival, most visitors are required to purchase a tourist card for US$10 and pay a US$20 departure tax at the airport upon departure. The US$10 charge permits a 15-day stay. For a stay of up to 90 days, an additional US$5 is assessed. Similar additional charges apply for longer stays.
    Hotels collect 26% of their published prices (16% sales tax +10% service charge). Restaurants also charge the 16% sales tax and a 10% service charge but it is nevertheless customary to tip an additional 10% for satisfactory service in restaurants.

   The Dominican Republic has a low crime rate, but visitors are suggested to take the same precautions they would when traveling to any busy sector, that is, use the safety boxes provided by the hotels, leave expensive jewelry at home and watch belongings while on the beach. A friendly but firm “no” will send most unwanted vendors away. Those taking to the roads should avoid driving at night, primarily because of the lack of adequate signage.

   While tourist area stores, banks and businesses will remain open, take note of the Dominican holiday schedule for 2005: 1 January, New Year’s Day; 10 January, Epiphany Day; 21 January, Day of Our Lady of Altagracia; 24 January, Duarte Day; 27 February, Independence Day; 25 March, Good Friday; 2 May, Labor Day; 26 May, Corpus Christi Day; 15 August, Restoration Day; 24 September, Day of Our Lady of Mercedes; 25 December, Christmas Day. For more on holidays in the DR in 2005, see dr1.com/travel/prepare/holidays_2007.shtml

   As with the rest of the Caribbean, the most common weather forecast is partly sunny with a chance of a shower lasting 10 minutes or less, most likely in the late afternoon. The temperatures usually fluctuate from a high of 33ºC (91ºF) in August to a chilly 17ºC (62ºF) on winter mornings. Temperatures between summer and winter usually fluctuate less than ten degrees. For more on weather, see www.dr1.com/travel/expect/weather.shtml

   If you are coming for a business meeting, note that the DR upholds many formal customs, especially in the cities, with suits and ties being appropriate attire for men and suits for women. Attire is much less formal for meetings at resorts. If you are coming for a leisurely vacation at a resort, shorts, slacks and short cotton dresses are suitable for women. Men should pack dress pants and shoes for evening dining or visiting churches. At least one casually elegant outfit is recommended. Some hotels may not allow men wearing sandals and shorts to dinner. If visiting Santo Domingo, consider more formal wear.
   Also pack a sweater and jacket for cooler temps and air-conditioned settings. Sun block is a must for spending time outdoors.

   Appliances run on 110 volts/60 cycles, just as in the United States.

   Doctors are usually on call at major hotels and are equipped with medicine for the most common ailments. Ambulances are available, as is air ambulance evacuation. Emergency dental treatment can be provided if needed. Twenty-four hour pharmacies can be found in every major city.

   The Department of Animal Health requires proof of a rabies vaccination for dogs indicating that the inoculation was given 30 days prior to the animal’s arrival in the country. For both dogs and cats, a Health Certificate issued not more than 15 days prior to the animal’s arrival in the country is also required. If these requirements are not met, the animal will be quarantined upon arrival from 8 to 30 days, depending on its country of origin.

   Though the country is predominantly Roman Catholic, there are many active denominations of Christian faith, including Anglican, Baptist, Evangelical, Seventh Day Adventist and Mormon. English services are held in some churches of the capital city. Santo Domingo’s synagogue holds a weekly service Friday evenings at sundown.