The Dominican Republic

Capital Santo Domingo

Population 10,075,045

Area 48,671 km2

Key facts

The Dominican Republic is a country located on the eastern side of the island of Hispaniola in the Greater Antilles archipelago of the Caribbean region. It shares the island with Haiti, which is located to the west.

The Dominican Republic has a diverse geography, with a range of landscapes including mountains, beaches, and fertile plains. It is also home to several rivers, including the Yaque del Norte and the Rio San Juan. The country has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year.

The population of the Dominican Republic is around 10.1 million people. The majority of the population is of Spanish descent, although there is also a significant Afro-Caribbean population. The official language of the country is Spanish, although English is widely spoken as a second language.

In terms of economy, the Dominican Republic is a developing country with a growing tourism industry. It is also an important producer of agricultural products such as sugar, coffee, and tobacco. The country has a mixed economy, with both private and state-owned enterprises operating in various sectors.

In the EF English Competency Index (EF EPI), which assesses the language proficiency of non-native speaking countries, The Dominican Republic was ranked 44th out of 100 countries in 2021.

The national currency in The Dominican Republic is Dominican peso (DOP). The peso ($) is subdivided into 100 centavo.

Dominican
Banknotes

$20$50$100$200$500$1000$2000

Dominican
Coins

$1$5$10$25

Check with your bank before your trip to find out if there are any fees for using your card abroad. Some banks do not charge fees when you use a foreign ATM or pay in foreign currency, but others may charge a fixed cost for each transaction or allow a limited number of free withdrawals. The travel card provided by Wise.com, Revolut or Monose might be an excellent option to cut down on transaction fees.

Ookla® Speedtest The average fixed internet speed in The Dominican Republic is 58.63 Mbps and mobile is 94.33 Mbs.The global average is 187.01 Mbps and 128.37 Mbps respectively.

ATM Density The number of ATMs per person in The Dominican Republic is close to the world average.37.92 ATMs per 100,000 people.The global average is 39.49.

SIM Registration In order to purchase a SIM card in The Dominican Republic, a passport or ID is required as identification.

Socket types

There are 2 socket types used in The Dominican Republic. Type A & Type B are widespread in North America (incl. the U.S.), Central America, Japan, and the Philippines.

Type A 110 V, 60 Hz  Type B 110 V, 60 Hz  

The sockets’ shapes and voltage differ from country to country and a travel plug adapter may be required. Portable devices, such as phones, notebooks or tablets, usually handle the entire range of voltages used across the world (110-240V).

Public holidays

In the year 2024, The Dominican Republic will celebrate 13 national public holidays. The next one Good Friday will take place on March 29.

Date Holiday name
January 1, 2024 New Year’s DayNew Year’s Day
January 6, 2024 Day of KingsDia de Reyes
January 21, 2024 Our Lady of AltagraciaOur Lady of Altagracia
January 26, 2024 Duarte’s BirthdayDuarte’s Birthday
February 27, 2024 Independence DayIndependence Day
March 29, 2024Moving holiday Good FridayGood Friday
May 1, 2024 Labour DayLabour Day
May 28, 2024 Mother’s DayMother’s Day
May 30, 2024Moving holiday Corpus ChristiCorpus Christi
August 16, 2024 Restoration DayRestoration Day
September 24, 2024 Our Lady of MercyNuestra Senora de las Mercedes
November 6, 2024 Constitution DayConstitution Day
December 25, 2024 Christmas DayChristmas Day

Tourism

The Dominican Republic is a popular tourist destination for a number of reasons. One of the main attractions of the country is its beautiful beaches and coastal resorts, which draw visitors from around the world. The country has a long and varied coastline, with a range of beachfront accommodations, from luxury resorts to more budget-friendly options.

The country is also home to a number of heritage sites and landmarks that attract visitors. The Colonial Zone, located in the capital city of Santo Domingo, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features a number of historic buildings and landmarks, including the first cathedral, hospital, and university in the Americas. Other popular heritage sites include the Fortaleza Ozama, a 16th-century fort, and the Alcázar de Colón, a palace built in the 1500s.

In addition to its beaches and heritage sites, the Dominican Republic is also home to a number of beautiful cities. Santo Domingo, the capital, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural history. Other popular cities include Punta Cana, which is known for its luxury resorts and stunning beaches, and Samaná, which is located on the northeast coast of the island and is known for its whale-watching and eco-tourism opportunities.

There are a number of unique activities and experiences that visitors to the Dominican Republic can enjoy. These include visits to coffee and chocolate plantations, hikes through the country’s stunning national parks, and scuba diving and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. There are also a number of adventure sports and activities available, such as zip-lining, rock climbing, and white-water rafting. Overall, the Dominican Republic offers a wide range of experiences and attractions for visitors, making it a popular destination for travelers of all kinds.

What hotel chains are present in Dominican Republic?

There are no Mariott hotels in The Dominican Republic.

The Hilton hotel chain operates in The Dominican Republic.

The IHG hotel chain operates in The Dominican Republic.

There are no Best Western hotels in The Dominican Republic.

There are Radisson hotels in 2 cities: Punta Cana and Santo Domingo.

There are no Accor hotels in The Dominican Republic.

Local delicacies and must-try foods and drinks in Dominican Republic

The food in the Dominican Republic is influenced by a variety of cuisines, including Spanish, African, and Taino indigenous flavors. As a result, the country’s cuisine is diverse and varied, with a range of dishes that are influenced by these different cultural traditions.

There are a number of foods and drinks that tourists can try while visiting the Dominican Republic. Some popular dishes include:

  1. La bandera (The Flag):
    A traditional Dominican meal consisting of rice, beans, and meat, usually chicken or beef.
  2. Churros:
    Deep-fried doughnuts that are often served as a breakfast or dessert.
  3. Mangú:
    A traditional Dominican breakfast dish made from mashed plantains.
  4. Sancocho:
    A hearty soup made with a variety of vegetables and meat, usually chicken or beef.
  5. Asopao:
    A rice and meat stew that is similar to gumbo.
  6. Empanadas:
    Pastries filled with meat or cheese that are popular throughout the Caribbean region.

The Dominican Republic is also famous for its rum, which is produced on the island and is a popular ingredient in many traditional cocktails. Some popular drinks to try include the Presidente, a mixture of rum, beer, and lime juice, and the Mamajuana, a mixture of rum, red wine, and honey.

What fast food chains are present in Dominican Republic?

The McDonald’s chain operates in The Dominican Republic.

The KFC chain operates in The Dominican Republic.

The Burger King chain does not operate in The Dominican Republic.

The Subway chain does not operate in The Dominican Republic.

The Domino’s Pizza chain operates in The Dominican Republic.

The Starbucks chain does not operate in The Dominican Republic.

Weather

What is the climate like in Dominican Republic?

The weather and climate in the Dominican Republic vary depending on the region of the country. Overall, the country has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year.

In the coastal regions, the weather is generally warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius (77 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit) throughout the year. The coastal areas also experience a dry season from November to April, and a wet season from May to October. During the wet season, the weather can be quite humid, with frequent rain showers.

In the mountainous regions, the climate is cooler and more temperate. The temperatures in these areas can range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit) depending on the altitude. The mountain regions also experience more variation in weather, with cool and misty mornings giving way to sunny and warm afternoons.

Overall, the Dominican Republic has a pleasant and warm climate year-round, with the coastal regions being the hottest and most humid. It is a popular destination for tourists looking to escape the colder weather in other parts of the world.

When is the best time to visit Dominican Republic?

The peak tourist season in the Dominican Republic varies depending on the region of the country. In general, the busiest time for tourism in the Dominican Republic is during the winter months, from November to April. This is when the weather is most pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius (77 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit) and low humidity.

It is generally a good idea to visit the Dominican Republic during the summer months, as the weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of activities and events to enjoy. There are no specific events or holidays that are uniquely celebrated in the Dominican Republic during the summer.

It is also a good idea to visit the Dominican Republic during the winter months, as the weather is pleasant and there are a number of events and activities to enjoy. The country celebrates a number of holidays during the winter, including Christmas and New Year’s Eve. There are also a number of Christmas markets and other holiday-themed events held in the country during this time.

What is the weather like in Santo Domingo?

Today the sun in Santo Domingo, rises at 6:36 AM and sets at 6:52 PM. The climate of Santo Domingo may be categorized as a equatorial savanna (Aw), according to Koppen’s classification system.

TodayMar 28Partly cloudlyLow: 18.2°C (64.76°F)High: 32.8°C (91.04°F)
FridayMar 29Partly cloudlyLow: 19.3°C (66.74°F)High: 35.3°C (95.54°F)
SaturdayMar 30OvercastLow: 21.5°C (70.7°F)High: 30.9°C (87.62°F)
SundayMar 31OvercastLow: 20.7°C (69.26°F)High: 31.8°C (89.24°F)
MondayApr 1OvercastLow: 18.7°C (65.66°F)High: 33.4°C (92.12°F)
TuesdayApr 2Partly cloudlyLow: 19.6°C (67.28°F)High: 35.6°C (96.08°F)

Weather data for Santo Domingo (capital city) by Open-Meteo.com

Transport

How easy is it to get around Dominican Republic by train?

The rail network in the Dominican Republic is limited and not as extensive as in some other countries. The country is relatively small, with a land area of around 48,442 square miles, so the need for a large rail network may not be as great as in other countries. Additionally, the Dominican Republic is a developing country, so the wealth of the country may not be sufficient to support a large and modern rail network.

The current rail network in the Dominican Republic is relatively small, with a total length of around 300 miles. It is primarily used for the transport of goods, although there are also some passenger services available. The network is not very dense, with only a few main lines running through the country.

There are no high-speed railways in the Dominican Republic. The rail network is primarily made up of standard gauge lines that are used for the transport of goods and passengers.

The most popular connections on the rail network in the Dominican Republic are those between the major cities and towns, including Santo Domingo, Santiago, and San Pedro de Macoris. There are also some connections to smaller towns and villages, although these are less frequent.

Overall, the rail network in the Dominican Republic is not highly developed and is not a major form of transportation for the majority of people. The quality and reliability of the train service has been a source of complaint for many people, and the stock is not particularly modern. However, the rail network does serve an important role in the transportation of goods throughout the country.

How easy is it to get around Dominican Republic by car?

It is generally easy to get around the Dominican Republic by car, as the country has a well-developed road network. The road system in the Dominican Republic consists of a mix of highways, expressways, and smaller roads.

The most important expressway in the Dominican Republic is the Autopista del Coral, also known as the Coral Highway. This expressway runs from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana, and is the main route for travel between these two cities. The Coral Highway was built in the 1990s and has undergone a number of expansion and improvement projects in the years since. It is a paid expressway, with tolls charged at various points along the route.

In addition to the Coral Highway, there are a number of other major roads and highways in the Dominican Republic, including the Autopista Duarte, which runs from Santo Domingo to Santiago, and the Autopista San Isidro, which runs from Santo Domingo to the northern coast of the country.

The roads in the Dominican Republic are generally well maintained, both in the cities and in rural areas. However, traffic can be heavy in some areas, especially in and around the major cities.

Overall, it is relatively easy to get around the Dominican Republic by car, thanks to the country’s well-developed road network. While the roads are generally well maintained, traffic can be an issue in some areas, and it is important to be aware of local driving conditions and customs.

Railways There are no passenger trains available.

Subway Systems The subway system is available in Santo Domingo.

Taxi Apps You can use Uber in 7 cities. Bolt is not available in The Dominican Republic.

Car Rental Avis , Sixt , Hertz are all available in The Dominican Republic.

Road Connectivity Index (2016)  With a score of 4.9, The Dominican Republic is placed 71st out of 129 nations.

Driving Side No data available.

Safety

Theft Occurrence Rate  265.00 thefts per 100,000 people in 2020.The global average is 544.

Road Traffic Casualties 64.60 deaths per 100,000 people in 2019.The global average is 16.74.

Travel Advisory Level (U.S. DoS)  Level 2: Exercise increased caution. 

Emergency phones in Dominican Republic

911 Police
911 Ambulance
911 Fire police

Sources

Smoking & Alcohol

Smoking ban Smoking is prohibited in all public areas excluding entertainment and restaurants.

Cananbis legality No data available.

All arriving passengers 18 years or older are allowed their personal effects free of duties.

Alcohol allowance

  • 1L of spirits or 1L of wine

Tobacco allowance

  • 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 227g of tobacco

Sources

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