- Manufacturing of cigars

- Heavenly beaches and the luxury tourist resorts

- Voodoo religion

- Dance and music (merengue, bachata)

- Fighting cocks

- Rum

On the island is dominated by the hot tropical climate with two rainy seasons: from May to August and from November to December. Precipitation last from half an hour to an hour a day. Average number of hours of sunshine during the day is 7 to 8. Winds from the sea soothe hot and humid climate of the coast. The period of greatest heat are the months of May and October. Day temperatures are 30 C-35stopni. In the winter months (dry season), average temperature during the day is from 1924 to 1928 degrees C.

Dominican Republic is the most visited by tourists during the winter (December - February) and during the summer (July - August). It is also the period during which trips to this tropical island are the most expensive. A good month to visit the Dominican Republic in February is due to being in the carnival period and the possibility to see whales in the Bay of Samana.

Dominican Republic can boast of significant achievements in the fields of literature, theater or film. But what is unique to this Caribbean island is a great worship music (merengue and bachata). During the year there are countless festivals here merengue, and the most famous of them take place in July. Noteworthy is the architecture of the island where the perceived influence of all cultures and nationalities on the island (the Indians, Spaniards, Africans, French).

The majority of the population are Catholics (95%) of the remaining percentage is the Protestants, Seventh Day Adventists, Jews and Baha'is.

Residents of the Dominican Republic are very friendly, polite and friendly, always willing to help tourists zagubionemu. To learn about their temperament and lifestyle, it is best to confess to a regional or a tavern to the bazaar.

What may be surprising in the Dominican Republic has a relatively high sexual promiscuity.

Dominikańczyków mentality - continuous joy of life, enthusiasm, carelessness. Manana.

Their life motto is "no hay Problemas" that nothing happened. Everyday Greeting is "hola" equivalent "hallo" (pronounced long - Olaa).

To attach the external appearance of a lot of attention - everyone is Dominikańczyk neatly and cleanly dressed. Dominikańczycy love to celebrate with loud music, dancing, eating and drinking.

Part of the Dominican way of life is a Caribbean dance "merengue" with characteristic uneven step and rhythm in tact for two quarters. Merengue heard everywhere: from the speakers in the bars and dance venues.

In February in all major cities held a very colorful carnival parades. All night crowd of people dancing to the rhythms of breath in the hot Creole and African drum music. Highlights are in Santo Domingo, Santiago and La Vega.

Almost in every village you encounter a small arena for fighting cocks. Fight lasts no longer than 20 minutes, during which roosters to the satisfaction of the public attacking each other, but it has to end death. More importantly there are bets, which brings the audience.

With the growing importance of tourism in the Dominican Republic is becoming increasingly widespread use of languages such as English and French.

English is widely understood in tourist resorts and in the capital Santo Domingo.

82% of the population

Residents of the Dominican Republic boast that their language is the purest and the classic katylijskiemu. Nevertheless, there are borrowings from African languages and American (especially Taino Indians).

Passport

Must be valid at least twice the length of stay in the Dominican Republic and be in good condition.

Visas

Not required. However it is necessary to show a return ticket, a certain amount of money for each day of stay and purchase a tourist card. The card is available at the border, it costs 10USD and the right to reside in the Dominican Republic for 90 days.

Transportation and freight rates

It is possible to import and export from the territory of the Dominican Republic amounts to 10 thousand. USD.

Without payment of duty can be transported:

- 1 liter of alcohol

- 200 cigarettes

- Gifts worth up to $ 100

The carriage of pets

You may only bring pets if they are vaccinated against rabies. Dogs and cats are imported free of taxes, other animals - with the consent of the national department of agriculture and zoology.

Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, 809/5356280 ext. 326

Main Tourist Information Office

Secretaria de Estado de Turismo is located on Avenida Mexico, Santa Domingo (1 / 8092214660, sectur@codetel.net.do).

Also operates an office at Calle Isabel La Catolica in Zona Colonial, as well as in Puerto Plata (6863858).

National Information Center

6868639.6868302, 1 / 2003500

No diplomatic mission in Poland

Polish Consulate in Santo Domingo

Los Nogales No.. 7, Ens. Bella Vista, Santo Domingo

República Dominicana

Tel: 532-54-13, 532-78-98, fax 533-21-100

E-mail: @ Jose.minino codetel.net.do

Polish Ambassador in Venezuela is also accredited in the Dominican Republic.

Embassy

Urb. Valle Arriba, Las Mercedes 3, Avenida Nicolás Copernico

Apartado 62293 Chacao

Caracas 1060, Venezuela

tel. Fax. (0-0582) 991 14 61, 991 1961 1967

E-mail: ambcarac@ambasada.org.ve

Tourists are required to check-in location (hotel, guest house). Fills the appropriate form.

Analogous to the entry into the country.

It is worth noting that in the event of loss tourist card may be asked to pay the fee again.

It is permissible to use a photocopy of your passport when you travel on the territory of the Dominican Republic.

Risk of malaria in the Dominican Republic there is practically only in the eastern part of the country. In other regions, it is very low.

Tourists staying in the Dominican Republic are able to obtain medical assistance free of charge in public hospitals. A private visit costs 20 to $ 25 a day in a private hospital - about. $ 150.

The availability of medical services is relatively limited and highly variable in quality.

It is not necessary. Are considered virtually all the international policies.

911 - ambulance

Hospitals:

Centro Cardiovascular

Josef Perdomo 152

Santo Domingo

Tel: 6826071

Hospital Jose Maria Cabral

Ave. Central

Santiago

tel. 5834311

Centro Medico Oriental

Sta. Dew

Puerto Plata

tel. 5862210

Hospiten Bavaro

Carretera Higuey - Punta Cana

Tel: 6861414

There are risks malaria and parasitic diseases, mainly gastrointestinal (filarioza, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis), and rabies. It is recommended to drink only bottled water and use mosquito repellents. Access to public health services is limited. Doctors and hospitals often require payment before giving advice or assistance. Medicines are very expensive, so better to take their medication (must be prescribed by a physician, however) and first-aid measures.

Dominican Republic is considered a very safe country. However, reborn (especially women) traveling alone at night streets of cities.

Communication on the roads of the Dominican Republic is very chaotic. Drivers do not respect any rules, they are often podpici.

There is no specific limit on alcohol consumption, for professional drivers is 0.5%.

Watch out for pickpockets, especially in crowded buses, traveling between cities.

Very often you can meet random people offering guide service. Often they are crooks oriented easy earnings, and sometimes even the robbery.

Dominican Republic is not involved in any conflicts międzyanrodowe. The only risk we may encounter trouble is unfair on the part of residents that may want to cheat or rob us.

911 - police

The terrorist threat is very low.

Dominican Republic hurricane season lasts from June to November.

There are three border crossings with Haiti:

on the road from Port-au-Prince, Santo Domingo (Jimaní / Malpass), on the road from Cap-Haitian to Santiago Ouanaminthe in (Dajabón) and the third path near the center of the island on Elías Pina / Belladere. Borders are open from 08:00-16:00.

When crossing the border take advantage of the local carrier who takes care of once all the formalities at border crossings.

By plane:

Dominican national airline is Air Santo Domingo.

Cruise planes take off directly to the Dominican Republic from London, Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, Munich, Milan, Rome, Lisbon, Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, Stuttgart, Brussels, Frankfurt, Helsinki and Paris. There is also lack connections to other islands of the Caribbean: Haiti, Antigua, Netherlands Antilles, French Antilles, Jamaica, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago.

Approximate flight time:

From Madrid to nine hours, and New York, 3 hours 30 minutes.

Main Airport

Santo Domingo (SDQ) (Internacional de las Americas) is 18 km (11 miles) east of the city (travel time - 30 minutes). To / from the airport: Taxis are available to Santo Domingo. Facilities: duty-free shop, post office, bank / exchange office, restaurants, bars and rental cars.

Puerto Plata Airport (POP) (Internacional General Gregorio Luperon).

To / from the airport: Taxis are available.

Facilities: duty-free shop, banks and the possibility of currency exchange, souvenir shop, post office, restaurant, bar and car hire.

Punta Cana Airport (PUJ) time from 10 to 30 minute drive from Punta Cana and Bavaro resort.

To / from the airport: Taxis are available.

Facilities: gift shops and duty-free shop.

There are no rail connections on the island.

Consider this mode of transport due to the fact that the carrier then takes care of all formalities at border crossings Dominican Republic / Haiti.

It is possible to cross the border by one of three border crossings with Haiti. Travelling by car is very risky because of the low driving culture on the island and the poor condition of roads.

This is the ferry travels between Mayagüez, Puerto Rico and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. The trip takes 12, and the ferry leaves from Puerto Rico on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Due to the fact that the Dominican Republic is an island best, most convenient and cost-effective means of transport to the island is by plane.

Local Line Air Santo Domingo, offers daily flights between major cities and tourist areas of the country.

More than 60 charter airlines use the international airport in Puerto Plata, Punta Cana and Santo Domingo.

There are no rail links.

Public buses and minibuses are cheap means of transport plying in Santo Domingo and other cities. When you decide to self-tour of the island is best known to use buses. 1. class, modern air-conditioned. Prices are not high, up to pay the equivalent of about 30 gold.

It is not required for an international driving license. When renting a car, buy insurance worth a full-inclusive. On the road sometimes dangerously so please drive very carefully, driving at night is not indicated. During the event, local tourists expect the costs of repairing, even if they are guilty of a conflict, so you should take out full insurance. There are no regulations on maximum consumption of alcohol - for professional drivers there is a limit to 0.5 per mil. Prices per car varies from 40 to 100USD per day. In addition, the required age is over 25 years, credit card and driving license.

Gua-guas - the most common means of transport on the island - it's minivans and mid-size buses that can take up to 30 passengers.

Motoconchas - motorcycle-taxi

Number of internet cafes in the Dominican Republic is growing steadily with the growth of modern telecommunications network.

Dominican mail (Inposdom) has branches in all cities, as well as in airports and tourist resorts.

Taxis are not usually taximeters, the price should be agreed before you start driving. Urban transport prices are fixed by the government.

DOP Dominican peso

1,5,10,20, 25 centavos

1,5,10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 pesos

Credit cards are accepted: VISA, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club. ATMs are available virtually everywhere, are safe only in the touristic zone.

Are also widely accepted travelers checks.

Water 10 to 20 DOP

Coconut DOP 20 to 50 (of rum sold as Coco Loco) DOP ok140

Juices from 20 DOP

60 DOP small beer, large 100 DOP

food in the kitchens of 100 DOP

dinner at a restaurant about 300 DOP

Abound in the Dominican Republic from street stalls and vendors circulating the beaches and islands offering crafts.

When shopping, remember to haggling since the initial price may be even four times higher than the actual value poroduktu.

One of the best places in the colonial district of Santo Domingo to the shopping mall is located on the street El Conde.

Cigars, rum, the traditional images of the Dominican Republic, amber and larimaru. The Dominican Republic is available across a wide range of items made by local artisans, pottery, ceramics, amber, horn, wood, leather and shell.

An interesting story is Mama Juana - drink from the Dominican Republic created by the addition of red wine, rum and honey into a bottle of tree bark and herbs. The taste is very similar to wine and is as deep red, and is a potent aphrodisiac, especially for men, though women also say that Mama Juana increases their sexual desire.

Without payment of duty can be transported:

- 1 liter of alcohol

- 200 cigarettes

- Gifts worth up to $ 100

Prohibition of carriage

All animal products, agricultural and horticultural products and drugs.

The best change money at banks, which are required by law to put in their branches tables with information on the current exchange rate.

Banks are open from 8.30 to 15.00 or 18.00, on Saturdays and Sundays are closed. Exchange of money on the street is not safe. Most pay in cash in U.S. dollars.

Money and credit cards and passports and other personal documents are safest hiding places in the hotel (it is permissible to use a photocopy of the passport).

The government collects the following taxes: 5 percent. the bills for hotel rooms, 12 percent. from food and beverages.

In most tourist areas, prices are similar, except the most expensive hotels, where prices are much higher.

Dominican Republic is famous for big, modern, seaside resorts all-inclusive. The island is a paradise for tourists from Europe and the United States and is chosen as the direction of a summer break because this is the most popular type of accommodation. Children are generally very welcome, and many resorts are preparing for a special entertainment program.

On the island there is no shortage of charming and cheap guest houses, golf hotels where for about $ 30 you can enjoy direct access to the sea, and much more privacy than is the case in hotels all-inclusive.

In the Dominican Republic there are no camping, but you can easily find very cheap accommodation in guest houses or private houses.

Private rooms are by far the cheapest accommodation (even 2USD), but they should be expected from a very low standard. Very often they can be found cockroaches and rats - especially with the possibility of choosing the cheapest rate.

Overnight in the seaside resort will cost approximately $ 60 per person. But it is possible to find accommodation even at $ 2 per night, but to be expected with the terms of the corresponding price. The price to $ 30, you can already find a decent bed and breakfast hotel, with access to the sea. The cost of a decent hotel in the capital will cost $ 16 per person.

Most tourism in the Dominican Republic is organized trips travel agents and these cases receive a package containing the costs of transport and accommodation.

Tourists traveling to the most frequently choose their own hotels on a much lower standard, and private apartments.

Food in the Dominican Republic is a typical blend of tropical fruits, beans and seafood. The main ingredient is rice diet Dominican arrozo, przyżądzany in different ways. Dominican cuisine owes much to its origins wijskiemu. The tradition of local, African and Spanish developed a varied menu and cooking techniques which have survived to this day.

- La Bandera (or "flag", which consists of white rice, red beans, stewed meat and salads.

- Chicharrones (spicy pork skin).

- Chicharrones de pollo (small pieces of fried chicken).

- Sopa Criolla Dominicana (National soup with meat and vegetables).

- Pastelón (baked vegetable cake).

The national drink is rum, which is so popular that many brands are produced only on the domestic market and only a small percentage of export. Rumah good quality are marked with Ron Añejo or extra viejo - both contain more than 40% alcohol. Residents of the Dominican Republic will be happy to partake in a beer market dominated Presidente brand.

On the island there are three large companies engaged in the production of rum: Barceló, Brugal Bermúdez and. Who goes on the northern coast should visit the company's Brugal rum factory in Puerto Plata and there in the bottling hall look like in the deafening roar of the workers fill boxes with bottles.

Adopted a habit of casting after opening the bottle a little bit of alcohol on the ground as an offering to the ancestors.

Tourists drink rum, mainly as a "Cuba Libre" - brown rum mixed with cola and ice. They drink too light rum mixed with various juices in the form of light such as cocktajli. Piña Colada, Banana Papa and others.

Dominkańczycy drink rum all day, mostly in the form of ice blends with graceful names:

Cuba Libre - a blend of Coke and rum

Piña Colada - pineapple juice, coconut milk and rum

Rum Punch - a blend of fruit juices with rum

Coco Loco - coconut milk with rum

A large part of the culinary life of the Dominican Republic takes place on the street, where the portable boiler serving fried delicacies. Very common are also cafes, which during the day, an excellent coffee and ice cream and cakes, and in the evening the traditional rum.

In addition to the numerous restaurants offering cuisine Dominican, there are also specialized in the kitchen: Spanish, French, Italian, Arabic, Japanese, and Argentinian.

The hotel and restaurant bills automatically include 10% service fee (except for 12% of the cost for tax purposes), but an additional tip is very welcome as a reward for good service.

In hotels and public places should not drink tap water.

The most popular resorts of the Dominican Republic is a charming and full of unbridled nature Punta Cana, Playa Dorada with many golf courses, Santo Domingo, the charming old city and the center of Cabarete windsurfing. These main directions for trips to the Dominican Republic are filled with luxury hotels and a well-developed and extensive database of catering, sports and many tourist facilities and entertainment.

Fort San Felipe - built by the Spaniards to defend against pirates, today serves as a museum.

Silver Harbour (Puerto Plata) - founded in 1504, the town has a colonial architecture

Colonial District in Santo Domingo - inscribed on the UNESCO list

Altos de Chavon - a village of artists, dedicated to the exchange and deepening of cultural experience

Calle las Damas - the oldest street in Santo Domingo

Teatro Nacional - impressive "temple" of classical art in the Dominican Republic

Pico Durante - sunrise on the highest summit of the Caribbean

Enriquillo - passage by the largest salt lake in the island

Yagüe del Norte Rio - River rafting

Cibao Valley - an expedition to the tropical forests of the island reveals a wealth of fruits and vegetation rarely seen elsewhere in the world.

Laguna Gri Gri - one of the most beautiful lagoons in the island

Santa Domingo

Samana - Cayo Levantado - the bay where the whales feast held

Santiago - Jarabacoa - choose a car in the mountains escapade Jamao al Norte, visit a coffee plantation and waterfalls

Saona Island is the place to which it is worth visiting while in Punta Cana. The most popular form of visits to the island is a day trip along the south coast high-speed motorized boats.

Monati Park Bavaro - the park they live in virtually all animal species on the island.

When visiting religious sites, be sure to zakryciu neck and shoulders.

Typical holiday in the Dominican Republic:

October 12 - Dia de la Raza - Columbus Day

January 26 - Birthday Duarte creator Republic

January 1 New Year's Day

January 6 Epiphany

January 21 Our Lady of Altagracia. - Patron of the National

February 27th Independence Day

April 2 Good Friday

May 1 Labour Day

June 3 Corpus Christi

August 16 Feast of the Restoration of the Republic

September 24 Our Lady of Mercedes

November 8 Constitution Day

December 25 Christmas Day

July - Merengue Festival in Santo Domingo.

February is Mardi Gras time - one of the oldest traditions on the island.

Twice in the Dominican Republic paralyzes carnival intoxication:

February 27th Independence Day and

August 16 at the Restoration of the Republic Day

Dominican Republic comes to life at night. There is no shortage discos, bars with live music, night clubs and hotels where he held various performances. Dominican Republic attracts tourists a great variety of nightlife from traditional play to the rhythm of merengue to modern European-style accommodations. The best-known for its night life on the street is Dominkanie, The Melecon in Santo Domingo.

- Creams with UV filter

- Sunglasses

- Clothing with light, natural fabrics and comfortable shoes

- Measures against insects - especially during trips to tropical forests

- A little sweet - many children, especially those living in smaller towns, seeing the tourists running after them shouting''kalameros!''