Punta Cana: THE seaside spot in the Dominican Republic

Documents and visa

To travel to Punta Cana, and more generally to the Dominican Republic, British residents must present a valid passport.

When should you go?

The dry season, from November to April, corresponds to the high season: there are more people and prices are higher. During the wet season, from May to October, heavy rains are frequent, but they are brief and generally at the end of the day, so they are not really a problem. The cyclone season runs from June to November. In the low season, from mid-April to mid-December, you can take advantage of low hotel rates. Air fares are also lower and there are fewer tourists on the beaches.

Language

Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic, but in Punta Cana you'll have no trouble finding people who speak English and French.

Currency

The currency is the Dominican peso (RDS). ATMs can be found in the reception areas of major hotels. Most of the time, you can pay in US dollars, and sometimes in euros in European hotel chains. Credit and debit cards are generally accepted.

Taxes and tips

Please note that prices in restaurants, bars and hotels do not include VAT. You will need to add 16% tax to which it is a good idea to add a 5-10% tip.

Electricity

The destination is supplied with 110 volts (American standard), so you will need an adapter and a voltage converter to use French electrical appliances. However, most hotels will be able to lend you one.

Health

No vaccinations are required, but a D-T-Polio update is recommended, as is anti-malarial treatment. Always drink bottled water and avoid raw vegetables and milk. Beware of the temperature shock between 30°C outside and 15°C in air-conditioned rooms, bars and restaurants.

COVID info

The good news about Covid-19 is that you don't have to do a thing! Since 23 April 2022, travellers no longer need to present a COVID-19 vaccination card or a PCR or antigenic test to enter the Dominican Republic. Instead, you will need to fill in a form generating a QR code for entering and leaving the Dominican Republic:https: //eticket.migracion.gob.do/

Security

Beware: possession of drugs is severely punished in the Dominican Republic. On its travel advice website, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that travellers check the contents of their luggage before checking in at the airport on departure from the Dominican Republic. Prohibited substances may be placed in their luggage without their knowledge, particularly if it has been left unattended.

The locals have understood that tourism can bring them a lot, and crime rarely affects holidaymakers. As everywhere else, however, be vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings.

The unmissable speciality?

Rich and spicy, Dominican cuisine is the product of Creole, European and African influences. Starchy foods (rice, sweet potatoes, plantains), fish and shellfish, and tropical fruits are the staples. Grouper is often cooked with coconut milk or a green sauce (coriander, parsley, garlic and olive oil). You're also sure to try lobster. The typical dish, bandera, consists of white rice, broad beans, red beans and stewed meat, accompanied by salad and fried plantains.

What to drink

Rum remains the most popular spirit, served neat (the oldest) or in cocktails. Three brands share the market: Brugal (the best known), Barcelo (the most popular) and Bermudez (rarer). There are two brands of beer in the Dominican Republic: Brahma and Présidente (the best!). And don't forget to try Mamajuana, the local rum concoction made from rum, honey and wine!

What to bring back?

You'll find everything in the Palma Real Shopping Village: jewellery made from amber (a solidified brown resin) or larimar (a bluish stone endemic to the island), leather goods, merengue and bachata CDs, liquid vanilla, jam, Brugal rum, Mamajuana and coffee. You can also find them on the beaches and in the local markets. And don't forget that the Dominican Republic is the world's leading producer and exporter of cigars!