A few useful tips

Emergency phone: 711

Equivalences between US measures and metric measures (both being often used in Dominican Republic):

1 ft = 0,3048m. 1 meter = 3,2808 ft

1 pound (often used for food) = 453,6 grams

1 US gallon (often used for petrol) = 3,785 liters

1 tarea = 627,27 square meters (old surface measurement unit, used in agriculture).

Electricity: 110V, 60 Hz, American type plug (2 flat blades). European appliances will require a transformer and a plug adaptor. Small electric devices like shaving machines or hairdryers will probably need only the plug adaptor, as many of them can run on 110 or 220V just turning a little switch. Laptops actually include the transformer so you only need the plug adaptor (available at any electricity shop).

TV signal system also follows American standards (NTSC). Most modern TV sets are able to display signals in any of the main systems, so they will work here, although you'll probably need to change some settings.

Traveling to Dominican Republic

Indeed, the immense majority of people who travel to the Dominican Republic do it by plane: cruising industry is little developed although seaside cities such as Santo Domingo or Puerto Plata offer enough attractive and there are sea ports able to receive cruise lines: the tourist port of Sans Souci, Don Diego and the Cristobal Colón ferry terminal in Santo Domingo, where the ferries to the port of Mayaguez in Puerto Rico depart from. For timetables and schedules, please check the Ferries del Caribe company website.

La Romana has a marina and an international tourist port, and in Puerto Plata a modern port, that will be able to admit cruise boats is being built.


But there is little doubt that almost every one of the three million tourists who visit the country every year do it in the "All Inclusive" formula, buying a tourist pack that comprises flight and hotel. There are of course regular flights: Main airlines fly regularly to the Dominican Republic and have offices in the country:

Iberia
Ave. Lope de Vega
Tel : 508-0288

Air France
Máximo Gómez
Tel : 686-8432

American Airlines
Edif. In Tempo, W. Churchill
Tel : 542-5151

Lufthansa
George Washington # 353
Tel : 689-9625

Northwest
Gustavo Mejía Ricart # 54
Tel : 540-5343

Continental
Edif. In Tempo, W. Churchill
Tel : 562-6688

Main international airports are:
Las Américas International Airport, in Santo Domingo;
International Airport Gregorio Luperon in Puerto Plata;
Cibao International Airport in Santiago;
Maria Montes International Airport in Barahona (almost no commercial activity);
La Romana International Airport;
Punta Cana International Airport in Higüey.
Quite recwntly opened its doors the International Airport of El Catey, which services the Samaná peninsula.

Bringing Pets to Dominican Republic

Importation of animals into the country is controlled by the animal Health Department, which in turn depends on the Secretary of Agriculture
Admission of cats and dogs requires the owner to present a rabies vaccination certificate and an International Health Certificate (your veterinary should be able to provide one) obtained at the country of origin. Entry is tax free.

For other animals we reccomend you to ask at the Department of Agriculture and the National Zoo.

Buying or Renting in Dominican Republic

Best residential areas in Santo Domingo are situated in the center of the modern city: Naco, Piantini and La Esperilla, plus the areas situated towards the west, such as Bella Vista, Mirador Sur and Los Cacicazgos. Buildings in these areas are mainly high-rise luxury condos. Another upper class area, apart from the city bustle and where beautiful villas abound, is Arroyo Hondo.

In the older part of the city, Gazcue is one of the nicest, most likeable areas. Traditional residence of the middle and upper classes, it has plenty of charm in the old houses and modern apartment buildings.




Santiago’s best areas are La Moraleja, La Esmeralda, Rincón Largo and Cerros de Gurabo. Also La Zurza and Reparto Universitario. Traditionally middle class and very nice to live are the Jardines Metropolitanos.

Puerto Plata, Sosua and other coastal resorts have an important expatriate population, who have taken residence usually in the residential resorts located along the coastline.

In any case, a good website to start looking for a place to live in Dominican Republic before moving to the country is super-casas.com, which has extensive listings including photographs.

Dominican Republic Real Estate

A valid property certificate (certificado de título) is the proof of the right to property over a building or a plot of land.

Most purchases begin with the signature of a sale promise (promesa de venta). Then, both buyer and seller must sign a contract in front of a notary public (Notario) which must include the legal description of the asset to be sold, the sale price and all other conditions and clauses if necessary.

The contract must then be taken to a local branch of the Revenue Service (Dirección General de Impuestos Internos), in order to pay transfer taxes which consist on about 4.4% of the sale price, which can be broken down as follows:
a) 3% Tax on real estate transfers (Law 288-04)
b) 1.3% Tax on documents (Law 835-45).
c) Miscellaneous expenses: stamps, certificates...
Taxes are always calculated from the value estimated by the authorities and not the efective sale price.

Purchase of Dominican properties by foreigners:

There are no restrictions to foreigners: They can purchase or inherit any property in the Dominican Republic; however, if they are non-resident, succession taxes are 50% higher than for a resident or citizen.

Renting a property in Dominican Republic

Some of the most usual requisites to rent a property include:

Having a warrantor who commits to pay any debt in case the tenant doesn't pay the rent;

Signing a tenancy contract which stipulates agreed price and duration, amount of the initial deposit and details of tenant, landlord, property manager and warrantor.