Puerto Plata Trip Tips

Capital City

San Felipe de Puerto Plata

Entry Requirements for the Dominican Republic

American and Canadian citizens will need a valid passport OR an original birth certificate along with a valid photo-bearing official document (driver's license or voter's registration). Minors may enter with their passport OR an original birth certificate. A tourist card ($10.00 U.S.) must be purchased prior to arrival to the country at select Dominican consulates, at airline counters abroad, or at the airport upon arrival. Citizens of other countries should contact their closest Dominican Consulate or with the Dominican Tourism Office.

Getting Around

There are a variety of transport options available to you in Puerto Plata. Many tourists enjoy hiring a small, readily available motorcycle called a motoconcho. The motorconcho drivers charge you an affordable fee to take you to your destination of choice – just remember to hold on tight.

Taxis are another popular mode of transport; however, they are quite expensive. If you want to explore the region between Puerto Plata and Sousa then a public car (publicos) and mini-van buses (guaguas) are recommended.

If you want to visit Santiago and Santo Domingo (about 1 hour and 4 hours away from Puerto Plata respectively) than it is suggested to go with the Metro Tour Company. They own a fleet of large, luxury buses.

The best way to explore the North Coast and surrounding provinces is to rent your own car. This mode of transport ensures that you are not bound by a schedule and allows you to explore at your leisure.

Currency

The official currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Pesos. FOREX facilities are available at all major airports, hotels, banks, or local “cambios”. Banking hours are from 8:30am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Certain bank branches will remain open until 9pm, and on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Airport foreign exchange booths remain open to service incoming flights, up to 24 hours if necessary. Traveler’s checks and major credit cards are widely accepted and cash advances are available at some commercial banks.

Remember to check currency exchange rates before you leave your home country.

Siesta

The Latin tradition of a long lunch, which is the major meal of the day, is generally observed, and many shops and businesses are closed from 12:30 to 2:30 pm.

Business Guide

Government offices, as well as foreign consulates and embassies, open at 8:00 am and close at 2 pm, Monday to Friday. Some offices will stay open for meetings by appointment only until later in the afternoon. Businesses typically work from 9am to 5 pm, five days a week. Shops open on weekdays at 9 am and usually stay open until 7 pm. Major stores remain open on Saturdays and Sunday, some until 2pm.

Public Holidays in the Dominican Republic

Stores, banks, and most businesses are closed on:

January 1: New Year's Day

January 2: Our Lady of Altagracia Day

February 27: Independence Day

September 24: Our Lady of Mercedes Day

December 25: Christmas Day

The following holidays are celebrated on the closest Monday to the actual date:

January 6: Epiphany

January 26: Juan Pablo Duarte's Birthday

May 1: Labor Day

August 16, "Dominican Restoration Day"

November 6: Constitution Day

Please note that "Good Friday" and "Corpus Christi Day" do not have fixed dates.