Before traveling, it is essential to know useful and important information about your destination. Here’s what you need to know if you’re going to Santiago!
Important Information
Entering the Dominican Republic requires meeting a series of requirements. Although most foreign citizens arriving by air only need to carry a valid passport and have paid the tourist tax (usually included in the ticket price), we recommend checking if you need a visa through this link .
You will need to demonstrate your financial ability to cover your stay, as well as the reason for your trip. Your travel ticket must include a round trip. Before stamping your entry into the country, at the airport customs, you must inform them of your accommodation. We suggest making a reservation in advance. An excellent option is Hotel Platino: 809-724-7576 / 809-724-7844 reservaciones@hotelplatinord.com www.hotelplatinord.com.
Tourists entering by cruise ship must also pay the local entry fee. To know the details of this transaction, we suggest contacting your travel company directly or at the departure port.
Useful Information
Santiago de los Caballeros is 155 km northwest of Santo Domingo. If you travel by car from the capital, you should take the Duarte Highway for a journey of approximately two hours and ten minutes. But if you want to go directly to the city, you should select your flight to Cibao International Airport.
At all Dominican airports, you can rent a vehicle; for this, do not forget to bring your valid driver’s license. Other options for urban transportation are taxi lines and Uber service through its mobile app.
Spanish is the official language, but in tourist service establishments, English is also spoken, among other languages like French and Italian.
The currency is the Dominican peso. Its symbol is RD$. The official exchange rate in dollars is published daily in newspapers and social media. An advantage is that international credit cards are accepted in hotels, tourist places, and some shops.
In the heart city – as in the rest of the country – the Specialized Tourist Security Corps (Cestur) operates to protect visitors. If you need their services, hotels and recreation sites have the phone numbers where you can request them. Their headquarters is at the San Luis Fortress, Vicente Estrella Street, near the Yaque del Norte River.
What to Pack
Depending on the activities that motivate your trip, the type of clothing you bring in your luggage will vary. However, do not forget to include a swimsuit and clothes made of cotton or light and fresh fabrics. You can add bermuda shorts, shorts, and t-shirts. Coats are not necessary unless you are prone to cold. If you are traveling for work or business, adjust your wardrobe to the type of event you will attend.
Tips and Recommendations
Given the intensity of the Caribbean island sun, we advise you not to expose yourself without applying sunscreen. Also, wear caps, hats, and sunglasses.
We also recommend staying well hydrated by drinking plenty of water, preferably bottled.
Don’t forget your camera or video camera.