Location/Geographic
The country occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of La Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti, and is the second largest country in the Caribbean, comprising an area of 48,442 square kilometers (29,948 square miles). It is bordered on the north by the Atlantic Ocean and on the south by the Caribbean Sea. Approximately nine million people live in the Dominican Republic.
Time Zone
Clocks are Atlantic Standard all year long one hour ahead of those on the US eastern seaboard in the fall – winter but keep the same time in the spring – summer. The Dominican Republic is four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Capital City
The capital of the Dominican Republic is Santo Domingo, which is the oldest city in the new world. It has a population of almost 2.5 million people.
Government
The Government of the Dominican Republic is a representative democracy with a president, similar to that of the United States. The Constitution of the Republic outlines three clear branches of power: Executive, Legislative and Judicial. The Executive power is under that of the President, Vice President and Cabinet. This also includes Secretaries of State that have been designated by the President.
Language
Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic although English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and large cities. Traffic sign are in Spanish, although menus in tourist regions are usually also available in English.
Currency
The Dominican Peso (RD$) is the official currency of the Dominican Republic. You can find out the exchange rate at www.xe.com/ucc. Major credit cards and travelers’ checks are accepted at many of the country’s tourist locations.
Transportation
The country posses a modern airport system, comfortable and efficient, composed of six airports located throughout the national geography for domestic and international flights. Cap Cana is only ten minutes away from the Punta Cana international airport. For ground transportation you can either rent car upon your arrival at the airport or use a taxi service that can be provided by hour or day.
Telecommunication
The country has one of the most sophisticated telecommunications systems in Latin America that is provided by Claro Codetel, Tricom, Orange and Viva. Dialing to the United States requires +1 and to Europe and Asia +011.
Tax & Tips
All services provided such as restaurants and hotels collect by law a 28% of their published prices, 18% for the sales tax and 10% service charge. Is customary to tip an additional 10% for satisfactory service in restaurants.
Water
While in the Dominican Republic it is recommended that you drink bottled or treated water. You will be served bottled water at restaurants. Do not drink tap water.
