Travel health insurance is recommended. There is an emergency service in Santo Domingo. Medicines (e.g. against diarrhea) as well as means for mosquito and sun protection should be brought with you in sufficient quantities. Check indexdotcom for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for travelers arriving from a yellow fever area. [2] The more dangerous form of malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, occurs year-round and nationwide, particularly in La Ciénaga, the areas around Hato Nuevo, Nigua and La Guáyiga, and Santo Domingo West. Good mosquito repellent measures are recommended. A consultation with a tropical doctor is recommended. [3] Typhoid occurs. Typhoid vaccination is recommended for backpacking and long-term stays. [4] Due to the risk of possible infections, careful drinking water and food hygiene must be ensured. Tap water is not suitable as drinking water. The drinking water should be purchased in packaged form in shops. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Tap water should either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before it is used for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice cubes. Outside of urban areas, milk is unpasteurized and should be boiled. It is best to avoid raw dairy products outside of the cities. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. In the warm season (April to September) the consumption of fish (except international hotels) should be avoided. There is a risk that these fish have ingested toxic algae, which can also cause severe poisoning in humans. There are no changes to be noticed in the fish themselves. eating pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.
Other risks
The standard vaccinations for children and adults recommended by the Robert Koch Institute (including against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), mumps, measles, rubella, pneumococci, poliomyelitis and influenza) should be refreshed before the trip if necessary. Schistosomiasis pathogens are found in ponds and rivers nationwide, so swimming and wading in inland waterways should be avoided. Well maintained swimming pools with chlorinated water are safe. Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs nationwide. Depending on the strength and duration of the summer rainfall, a higher risk of dengue fever can be expected until autumn due to the associated increase in mosquitoes. An effective insect repellent is recommended. The mosquito-borne viral infection Chikungunya does occur. Consistent protection against insects is recommended. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur nationwide. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV/AIDS is widespread and a great danger for everyone who takes the risk of infection: Unprotected sexual contacts, unclean syringes or cannulas and blood transfusions can pose a significant health risk. Leishmaniasis, transmitted by whiteflies, occurs nationwide. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. Rabies is isolated (average 1-3 cases per year). Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Health certificate
A negative HIV test, among other things, is required for permanent residence.
Money
Currency
1 Dominican peso = 100 centavos. Currency code: RD$, DOP (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of RD$2000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10; Coins in denominations of RD$1, 5, 10 and 25.
Credit cards
Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club are accepted in almost all hotels, shops and restaurants (although cash payment is recommended for security reasons). Money can be withdrawn from ATMs using a credit card and pin number. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Bank cards The Girocard (formerly EC card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used in the Dominican Republic at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol. The maximum withdrawal limit within 24 hours is the equivalent of $1000. For security reasons, travelers should have an alternative supply of money, such as credit cards and cash, in addition to their bank customer card. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Traveler’s checks are no longer accepted in the Dominican Republic.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 08.00-15.00/16.00, Sat 09.00-13.00. In shopping centers also Mon-Fri 09.00-19.00, Sat 09.00-13.00.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import and export of local currency is not permitted. The import of foreign currencies is unlimited and must be declared in cash from an equivalent value of US$ 10,000. Export of foreign currencies in cash is permitted up to a maximum of the amounts declared upon entry, minus the exchange amounts. (Keep the exchange receipts!)
Currency Exchange
The peso is not exchangeable outside of the Dominican Republic. As a rule, only banks, exchange offices, e.g. B. exchange money at the airports and hotels that have a permit from the central bank. But increasingly, the euro and the currencies of Canada, the USA and Great Britain can be exchanged in the Dominican Republic not only at authorized places, but also at commercial banks. However, it is recommended to take US dollars, the second means of payment in the Dominican Republic, with you. However, for security reasons, the amount of cash you take with you should not be too high. A mix of travelers cheques, credit cards and cash is recommended.
