
Passport / Visa
The Dominican Republic allows nationals from eight countries to enter without a visa or a tourist entry tax (previously known as a tourist card, amounting to US$10). These eight countries are Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Israel, Japan, Peru, South Korea and Uruguay. Residents of the United Kingdom and those holding a valid visa to enter Canada, the United States or any European Union country do not require a tourist visa (tourist card) to enter the Dominican Republic. The tourist entry tax of US$10 should be included in the price of the flight ticket. Nationals who aren't in possession of a valid visa for Canada, the United States or any European Union country must obtain a tourist visa which must be done in person at the Dominican Consulate nearest to their place of residence. Nationals from 95 countries can enter the Dominican Republic by paying the tourism entry tax of US$10 which should be already included in the air fare. Alternatively, the tourist card can be obtained at the airport upon arrival at Punta Cana International Airport. Check out the list of the 95 countries. The tourist cards are valid for 30 days from the date of entry. You can apply for a tourist card at a consulate near you, online (www.dgii.gov.do/Paginas/inicio.aspx) or at the airport upon arrival.

Best Time to Visit
There are two distinct tourist high seasons in the Dominican Republic: the summer months of July and August, mostly for northern-hemisphere travelers, and winter season between December and late February, when the Dominican climate is at its best. But since the weather is warm all year round, trips can be organized at any time of the year. During the summer, temperatures fluctuate from 25 °C to 28 °C and the weather is very hot and humid. The best time to visit the Dominican Republic is therefore during the dry season, from November to April, since the climate is drier but still warm. Regarding water temperature, it rarely falls below 27 °C. The Dominican Republic is also in the center of the Caribbean hurricane belt and can be hit by storms especially during the hurricane season in August and September. If you are planning a trip to the Dominican Republic during the high summer season, and especially if you're heading to Punta Cana, expect higher hotel and resort prices and crowded beaches. Whale-watching runs from around mid-January to mid-March.

Time Zone
Punta Cana is located in the Atlantic Standard time zone, and all times are reflected in Atlantic time.

Public Transport
The public bus system covers both Punta Cana and Bavaro and is low cost, but navigating it can get tricky. Bus stops are not clearly marked and you can hail a minibus (Guacas) anywhere, that's why it is recommended to tell the driver in advance where you want to get off. Tickets can be purchased on board.

Taxi
Taxis and shuttles are commonplace and can be found almost everywhere you want to travel to. Don’t forget that many attractions will provide free transit if you call ahead or get your resort’s travel desk to book for you. Taxi services in Punta Cana are safe and common, but make sure to set a price before taking a ride. You can book a taxi at hubs at the airport and at most resorts, shopping venues, and attractions. They have fixed rates, which are displayed on a white board in the outer arrival's hall.

Post
A post office is located at Punta Cana Airport, selling postcards and stamps. Dominica Republic's postal service is not renowned for its efficiency, and post can take a few months to reach its destination.

Pharmacy
Three are several pharmacies in Punta Cana. Pharmacia Estrella: Plaza Estrella Bavaro, Avenida España, Punta Cana +1 809 552 0344, 8am - 11pm Pharma 360: Primer Nivel 106, Punta Cana +1 809 455 1708, 8am - 12am Farmacia: Plaza San Juan Shopping Center, Avenida Barceló, Punta Cana +1 809 933 4444, 8am - 10pm

Telephone
Country codes: +1 809, +1 829, +1 849

Electricity
120 volts, 60 Hz American style two-pin plugs



