Dominican Republic Expatriate Guide

RIGHTS AND SOME ADVICES FOR THE FOREIGNERS

2008-08-22T12:10:00.000-04:00

RIGHTS OF THE FOREIGNER

The Constitution of the Dominican Republic recognizes the following rights which also apply to foreigners:

· The right to life.

· Right to personal security.

· The inviolability of the home.

· Freedom of action.

· Freedom expression.

· Freedom of association for economic, social, cultural or many others purpose.

· Freedom of worship.

· Right of privacy which includes correspondence and private documents.

· Freedom of work.

· Free enterprise.

· Protection for a period of time of exclusive rights to inventions and discoveries.

For more information go to www.serex.gov.do.

ADVICES

· For security reasons, it is recommended that foreign currency be exchanged at banks.

· Consulates and embassies are open from 8:00 am. to 3:00 pm. Monday to Friday.

· All travelers are required to pay a Departure tax of US $ 20.00.

· Private taxis are available 24 hours a day in the main cities of Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata and at hotels, airports and shopping malls.

· For visitors who wish to hire a car, there are local and international car hire companies with offices located in the main tourist centers, at airports and hotels. A valid driver´s license and an international credit card are required.

· Dominican Hotels and Resorts offer wedding packages for foreigners who wish to get married here.

· The legal requirements are follows; the following documents must be translated into Spanish and authenticated by the Dominican Consulate in the country of each partner and by the embassy of each partner in the Dominican Republic.

· A letter from a Notary Public confirming that neither partners is married and is free to marry. In the case of a divorce person, the final Divorce Decree. The passports of the couple and those of many witnesses to the marriage.

Cities - Puerto Plata

2008-02-19T17:38:00.001-04:00

Puerto Plata

Coordinates: 19°27′N 70°42′W / 19.45, -70.7 Dominican Republic Puerto Plata ProvinceSan Felipe de Puerto Plata1492Area1.839 km² (Province) km² (Expression error: Unrecognised word "km" sq mi)Population (2006)350,000 (approx.)Website: [http:www.one.gob.do]San Felipe de Puerto Plata, often referred to as simply Puerto Plata, is the capital of the Dominican province Puerto Plata. It has a population of 130,000.

The city is famous for resorts such as Playa Dorada and Costa Dorada, located east of San Filipe de Puerto Plata. There are a total of 100,000 hotel beds in the city.In April 1563 the Spanish settlement became notorious when the English privateer Sir John Hawkins brought 400 people he had abducted from Sierra Leone and enslaved. Hawkins traded his victims with the Spanish for pearls, hides and sugars, some gold. This was the start of British involvement in the trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, in which 20 million people were forced into slavery.

Puerto Plata is served by Gregorio Luperón International Airport, which lies about 15 km east of the city near the town La Unión.Puerto Plata City is the center of regional commerce, a port city and the capital of the Province of Puerto Plata (pop. +/- 150,000). The city is characterized by busy, narrow streets, quaint colonial gingerbread architecture and a wide oceanfront boulevard ending at a historical Spanish fortress.What to see, what to do?

Go to…The only aerial tramway in the Caribbean is located in Puerto Plata. With it, one can ride up to Pico Isabel de Torres, a 793 meter high mountain within the city. The top of the mountain features a botanical garden and a replica of Christ the Redeemer, the famous statue in Rio de Janeiro.The fortification Fortaleza San Felipe, which was built in the 16th century and served as a prison under Rafael Trujillo's dictatorship, lies close to the port of Puerta Plata. The amber museum is also a well-known attraction in this city. La Isabela, a settlement built by Christopher Columbus, is located near Puerto Plata.

Ocean World, the world's first fully interactive marine park, located between Cofresi and Costambar that are adjacent communities occupying two of the nicest beaches just west of the City of Puerto Plata. They are popular with retired expatriates, and you can find private villas and condos available for short, medium and long term rental.Ocean World is really two parts.

The Adventure Park is the main one, It has 5 main areas; dolphins, sharks, sea lions, birds, and tigers. Everything has an "encounter" that you can purchase. An encounter means you can interact directly with the animals (except the tigers of course). Depending on how much you pay their will be anywhere from 8 to 30 people in your group. The encounter is basically aimed at getting nice photos they can sell you later.The dolphins & the sharks are probably the highlights of ocean world. Ocean world has the only tame sharks in the world.

The second part is the casino & 'Magical Nights Show'.. The casino is nothing special. The "magical nights" is billed as a Las-Vegas style show.. its not! the light show is very modern, but the dancers lip-sync all the songs.

Encuentro Beach

Surfing in the Dominican Republic can be done on both the south and north coast. One of the best places to stay if you want to surfing some North coast spots is the wind and kite surf town of Cabarete. The best season is the wintertime when North swells hit the coast.

The place for surf the most is a spot called Encuentro, a mellow (in summertime) reef break. The reef is flat and forgiving, the sea urchins aren't, so if you are a beginner and are walking in the white water it's definitely wise to bring some booties, or rent them at one of the local surf schools at the beach.Encuentro start breaking at 2' and is a mostly right hander although the shorts lefts can be fun as well it can hold waves of up to 10' .Left of Encuentro is another wave, a short and sucky lefthander that breaks in very shallow water, short boards and expert surfers only. And a bit further left is a spot called Destroyer, which has the same characteristics.

Cabarete

Cabarete´s nightlife.

¨Cabarete is a small, laid-back Caribbean beach village located only 20 minutes away from the Puerto Plata International Airport on the northern shore of the Dominican Republic. It's a perfect tropical vacation spot, especially for the young traveler seeking fun, new friends and sporting adventures. With its charming, hip ambience and a combination of relaxed and adventurous lifestyles, most visitors can barely resist the spontaneous temptation of extending their stay and just hang around the place for another while.
The village of Cabarete is spread out across the center of a gorgeous, semi-circular beach of golden, sun-soaked, sand. Just behind, limiting its size lies a tranquil lagoon, backed up by richly verdant hills overflowing with luxurious tropical vegetation.
The perfect blend of the surrounding physical elements of nature such as the location of the offshore reef at the entrance of the bay, the direction from which the trade winds usually blow, and the low-lying hills behind the village, which cause a unique thermal effect, form a beautiful layout. They create an unusual synthesis of outstanding wind and wave conditions. These make Cabarete's bay an exceptional location not only for water-sports such as kiteboarding and windsurfing, but for regular surfing at El Encuentro beach as well.
Cabarete is also the perfect place to just lay back to work on that perfect tan. It's the best thing to do when you're not out gliding over warm Caribbean waters, or participating in some other fun adventure sport such as mountain-biking, scuba-diving, wakeboarding, cave exploring or canyoning.
And Cabarete's nightlife (restaurants, bars, discos and casino) is legendary. If you are not having fun in Cabarete, you must be dead.¨

How much does it cost to live in the Dominican Republic?

2008-01-08T15:10:00.000-04:00

While there are endless variations, this article seeks to guide newcomers in developing a budget to fit each individual lifestyle. Notice the focus is on a four person family that in the United States was living comfortably on a US$50,000 a year budget.

The foremost consideration is to accept that there will be more you cannot control than what you can control in the Dominican Republic. Thus it is important to leave reserves for the unpredictable, unless your job permits you to work more and earn extra when you need the additional income.

How do Dominicans manage? Thousands sell something to their fellow workers, run some kind of business at home, hold multiple jobs, or are fortunate to have a relative who sends a check from abroad every month. This may not be your case.

While this is not as much a consumer society as the United States, you will be constantly tempted to shop or travel within the Dominican Republic. Thus, the road to budget control is rough, taking into consideration the small amount that disappears in all of a hundred magic ways… ice cream for the kids, pesos for the supermarket boys, daily fruit and vegetable purchases and much, much more.

It is also possible to reduce considerably the expense levels mentioned here by living austerely and enjoying more the intangible pleasure of many friendships, year round warm weather and tropical splendor. HousingUnfurnished one bedroom apartments in a desirable neighborhood are available for RD$6,000-RD$7,000, two bedrooms for RD$10,000-RD$13,000. And a three bedroom apartment will go for around RD$13,000-RD$20,000. Actual rental costs will depend on what comes with the apartment (all day or scheduled power plant, appliances, furniture, telephone, cable TV, watchman, elevator, air conditioning, central propane gas), where it is located and who is renting. Note that you could pay for rent nearly the same monthly installments you would pay towards purchasing the apartment. Expect to pay at least 50% more if the apartment is minimally furnished.
Normally those renting will request two deposits, and a third for the realtor. You will also be required to have a local guarantor, that is a person who will pay the rent if you default. If you do not have a guarantor, you may be asked to pay four to six months advance rent.

Try to find a home near your place of business and in the area where your children will go to school to simplify your life, especially given the current traffic bottlenecks occurring at almost all hours in Santo Domingo. FoodStick to Dominican products, eating lots of fruits ad vegetables to keep your food expenses down. This is easier said than done as Dominican supermarkets are extraordinarily well-stocked with imports from around the world. A five person household (four family members and maid) can easily spend upwards of RD$8,000 a month on food.MaidThe lifestyle her makes having a maid imperative. First, if you have children who do not go to cocktail parties, you will find that baby-sitters are almost unheard of in this country. Most Dominicans have relatives who from time to time will take care of the kids, but they, too, have a busy social life, so Dominicans hire a live-in maid. Second, cleaning must be done daily because of the dust and pollution resulting fro the thousands of generators in use, due to a deficient electricity system.

A maid costs about RD$2,500, with trained personnel going for about RD$3,500-RD$4,500 a month. In addition, you should budget an additional RD$1,000 for personal hygiene items and extra food for the helper. It is common for upper middle class households to have more than one maid, or to have a person who comes in for major cleaning once or twice a week, or to do the ironing. Save by using a washing machine, but note you will need a reliable alternative source of energy or your maid will not last long if she has to wash at odd hours when the power is on. It is possible to hire a person to come in once a week to clean the hose and another person to do the ironing. This will cost you about RD$150 each plus breakfast and lunch per day (up to 4 pm). ShoppingClothing is reasonably priced here. Note every neighborhood has its seemstress, and cost for material is reasonable. Discount shops sell top brands at 50% of their original price in the US. Take advantage of the many sales in leading stores advertised in the Listin Diario, the best selling daily newspaper. A man’s shirt in a leading brand, will sell for about RD$350 on sale. Budget about RD$2,000 a month for a family of four. TransportationConsidering that you already own your vehicle, budget about RD$2,000 in monthly maintenance costs and repairs (including minor accidents) and another RD$1,000 for fuel for city driving. A gallon of unleaded gasoline currently costs RD$30.00 but fuel prices fluctuate every week. A second hand, 10-year vehicle in good condition can be purchased for about RD$60, a new can will run as low as RD$180,000 (Renault Clio). Public transportation busses that cross the city charge RD$3.00 one way. And you can comfortably travel to Puerto Plata from Santo Domingo on a Metro Bus for a mere RD$125, for the 225 kilometer trip. Many people get around using taxis they call up and that will take you within city limits for RD$50-RD$60. EntertainmentEntertainment expenses can be higher here than abroad. There is a much greater need for socializing here than in Europe or the United States. It is common for friends to gather for dinner at home. Depending on the group, it may be the custom to show up with a bottle of wine, flowers or the dessert. It is also common to dine out at one of the seemingly hundreds of restaurants in the country, where dinner can easily cost upwards of RD$300 per person. The bill is split amongst the couples and single women do not pay, or one party will pick up the tab. Cable TV is available at about RD$420 per month, videos rent for RD$50 and movie house charge RD$80. Factor in an additional RD$15,000 a year for two long weekend vacations at a resort. SchoolsEducation in Spanish will cost under RD$4,000 a month. Bilingual schools cost upwards of RD$5,000 per child. English language schools can cost even more. Seek a school near where you live to keep your gasoline expenditures and stress levels down. Monthly afternoon classes may add another RD$1,500-RD$2,000 per child. Utilities The great mystery – lights. Your electricity bill will fluctuate, depending on where you live, on the electricity consumption of the previous occupant if you are using the same meter, and on your consumption. If you do not use an air-conditioner, you could pay about RD$800 a month for electricity in a two bedroom apartment. If you use air-conditioning, add an additional RD$1,000 per unit. Save by choosing an apartment with cross ventilation. You may need to factor in the fuel you will use for you generator at RD$18 per gallon of diesel. A 100-lb. tank of propane gas costs RD$185 and can last about two months, depending on usage. Telephone bills are at least RD$200 a month, with unlimited calls at a monthly rate of RD$600. If you are living in an apartment you will pay a maintenance fee that could range from RD$800 to RD$3,000, depending on the services provided. Medical and dental costsIf you have medical insurance coverage, a visit to the doctor should cost about RD$100. Most children’s vaccinations are covered by the better local medical insurances. If you do not have medical insurance, be prepared to pay about RD$600-RD$1,000 per visit. Medical insurance for a family of four can cost under RD$12,000 a year, and is worthwhile. This sum will not cover major illnesses such as cancer, or surgery for breaking a hip. You can purchase supplementary insurance and US medical insurance coverage from Dominican brokers.

The better dentists charge about RD$600 for a cleaning. dental work is one of the best values in the Dominican Republic. There are many dentists that will perform excellent work for half of what it costs for the same in Europe and North America. MiscellaneousAn automatic car wash costs RD$100, the Listin Diario, the leading newspaper, costs RD$10 daily, and five gallon drinking water bottles cost upwards of RD$15.00.

NEWS

2007-12-18T11:38:00.000-04:00

American Airlines adds new Dominican-Puerto Rico flight

SANTO DOMINGO.- American Eagle, American Airlines’ regional air service, has added a new daily flight between Samaná and San Juan, Puerto Rico to its schedule. Flight 5047 will leave Samaná's El Catey airport at 3:40 p.m. daily, while flight 5046 will leave San Juan at 1:45 p.m. daily. Rafael Sanchez, General Director of American Airlines in the Dominican Republic, said the new flights are a response to increasing demand from clients. “Samaná is a destination with extraordinary potential and this new service will contribute to the development of the region.”Samaná is one of six Dominican destinations offered by American Eagle.

JFK measures could affect thousands of Dominican travelers, NY Times reports

SANTO DOMINGO.- A United States Transportation Department measure which orders a reduction of flights to and from John F. Kennedy International Airport could be affect thousands of Dominican travelers who visit relatives for the holidays.
The decision is part of the efforts to clear the traffic and the logjam of passengers in one of the world’s busiest terminals. The measure, reports the newspaper The New York Times, would also prevent delays, although it says the decision’s initial result would lead to a fare rise and less flights.
The strategy also aims to lower between-flight connections, and traffic in JFK could be handled by New York’s La Guardia and New Jersey’s Liberty at Newark terminals.
The New York Times says the United States Secretary of Transport would submit a series of recommendations regarding additional measures to president George W. Bush, who days ago said the Government was seeking solutions to United States air traffic congestion as of next summer.
Industry representatives oppose the measures, arguing that they’ll considerably affect their business and that they’ll have a negative impact on flyers, as they force increases in airfares.

Source: Dominican Today.

NEWS.- Cost of Dominican consular services, passport lowered to less than half

2007-09-21T10:33:00.000-04:00

SANTO DOMINGO.- The Foreign Relations Ministry will lower by more than 50 percent the cost of the different consular services provided in the Dominican consulates abroad, including passports, visas, and the legalization of documents.
The measure, to take effect October 1, would eliminate stamps and consular documents and seals won’t be taxed. From now on the forms to request a visa and for consular collections will have new formats.
Foreign Relations minister Carlos Morales told reporters on Thursday, the new adjustments aim to improve and facilitate services for Dominicans abroad. He said diplomatic and consular offices abroad would be instructed to apply only the new tariffs included in the measure.
With the measure passports would be issued for a period of six years and their cost would fall from the current US$140 to US$60. The tourist visa will cost US$40 instead of 60 dollars, while the cost to notarize a document varies according to the type.

Source: Dominican Today.

NEWS.- Quisqueya: Mad Dogs and English Couple was published by Best Books online.

2007-07-16T09:58:00.000-04:00

The book is a personal tale but one which is backed up with knowledge of Dominican history, politics and economic development. Above all, it is a story which demonstrates a deep love and respect for the Dominican people and a gratitude for what the Dominican people have given the author and her partner.

This is not your average 'retire and build home on tropical island' story. True, Ginnie Bedggood and Grahame Bush did relocate to the Dominican Republic in 1992 and true that they ended up building a house, despite advice to the contrary. But 'home building' to them was never about bricks and mortar alone. This is much more the story of an expatriate couple who did it the hard way and gained more than they ever thought possible. The Book is available at Best Books Online or Amazon.co.uk andAmazon.com .

The author Ginnie Bedggood, is a British expatriate that has several years living in Dominican Republic. If you wanna know more about her visit her website: ginniebedggood.com.

NEWS - New law would attract foreign pensioners, retirees to Dominican Republic

2007-06-21T16:55:00.000-04:00

SANTO DOMINGO. – Last week the Dominican Senate passed a bill which aims to facilitate the flow of investments to the country, and for citizens who reside abroad to access the benefits and exemptions granted to foreign investors.

According to the initiative’s author, (PRSC-National District) deputy Víctor Bisono, the Incentives to Pensioners and Retirees of External Source Law on is an important instrument to motorize Dominican Republic’s economic and productive activity.

The legislation will now go to the Executive Branch, where president Leonel Fernandez is expected to sign it into law.

Bisono said pensioners or retirees who meet its requirements will benefit from the Residency by Investment program, which allows investors to obtain their definitive residence within 45 days.

The law affords pensioners and retirees who meet the requirements and conditions in the current Law, the benefits and exemptions granted to foreign investors and citizen residing abroad, via the following dispositions:
a) Residency by Investment Program, where foreign investors obtain definitive Residency in a term of 45 days. b) Tax exemption for Home Appliances and Personal Goods. c) Partial tax exemption of Motor Vehicles.

Pensioners and retirees will also benefit form the present Law’s stipulation, which states that amounts declared as income to take advantage of its benefits don’t pay Income Tax.

In countries with similar laws such as Costa Rica, Guatemala and Panama, foreign pensioners and retirees post investments in the billions of dollars annually.

The new legislation would make Dominican Republic a competitive attraction within the retirement destination options.

Source: DominicanToday.Com.

Cities-Santiago

2007-06-14T18:21:00.000-04:00

In 1495, Christopher Colón founds, during his first trip, the fort of Santiago, in the north bank of the river Yaque of the North. In 1506, the villa that is formed about this one is moved on the banks of the river Jacagua. In 1562, Santiago is destroyed by an earthquake. The survivors install themselves in areas belonging to Petronila Jáquez widow Minaya, adjacent with the river Yaque of the North, current location of the city.

Santiago has been a witness of important historical events. It is necessary to mention the Battle of March 30 (1844) or Battles of Santiago, with which the Dominicans consolidate their independence of the neighbor Republic of Haiti, and it took place in the current Park Imbert of this city. Also it is important to say that it is the first city of America in calling with the name of Santiago.

It was the capital of the Dominican Republic during the War of the “Restauracion” (1863-1865), Santiago has possessed important personalities in the political, economic and social field of the country.

Nailed in the Valley of the “Cibao”, fertile land adapted for almost all the agricultural products, there is the province of “Santiago de los 30 Caballeros”, Santiago is the economic center of the Cibao. Industrial Center of the country, contributes 40 % to the national GDP, turning into one of the most prosperous cities of the country. It possesses a coarse middle and high class. The people of Santiago are characterized for being nice, educated and hospitable.

Santiago has a population between 800,000 and 1,000,000 of habitants, is the second city of major importance and population of the Dominican Republic after Santo Domingo. It’s recognized worldwide by its plantations of tobacco and long tradition linked to the sowing, crop, production and marketing of this important item, on the market of the goods of consumption of luxury. Here are produced varieties that include the fair tobacco, Burley, tobacco of cap and black tobacco. In Santiago there are concentrated the industries that manufacture the best cigars that the Dominican Republic feels proud to offer to the world, with the same symbolism that our aborigines were smoking the pipe of the peace. Our country produces both third parts of the cigars Premium.

In this city are the principal universities of the country inside which we can mention: UASD, PUCMM and UTESA.

Santiago has an international airport, several shops, supermarkets; all the services of the big cities and the charmed of a small town.

What to see and what to do?

Go to…

“Centro León”

That as it motto says: " is a place where the whole world is " there you will be able to enjoy every typical things of the “Cibao” as well as also you will be able to learn of the culture of this magnificent zone; temporary exhibitions of famous national and international artists.

In the "Centro Leon", also you were finding a beautiful Caribbean court, where you will be able to enjoy the best engraved concerts and of exquisite concerts in live, as well as also excellent food and beverages that offers their cafeteria. If you want to know more of this place visits: http://www.centroleon.org.do/.

…. The Cinema
To enjoy a good premiere movie, in our three fantastic cinemas located in different strategic points of the city.

At the “ Plaza Internacional”

At the Colinas Mall

And at the Hollywood plaza

……To coffees and restaurants outdoors
In the area of “Los Jardines Metropolitanos” there is a zone that this very fashionable, where are several coffees outdoors, in which you can enjoy with your friends from early hours of the evening, of exquisite food and beverages. You must see: Carach, Belcaire, Kafa, Bianco, which are one next to other ….

Or if you prefer more quiet go to Capresso that is a coffee “Bistro” with a French style.

See…...

“El Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración”

Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración, Monument of the City of Santiago in the Dominican Republic. It was constructed by Rafael Leonidas Trujillo in the 40`s as an honor to himself. But when the regimen disapared, the government changed the name to "Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración" (Monument the Heroes of the Restauration).

It is located on a hill in the middle of Santiago with spectacular views of the city and surrounding mountains. It also has a surrounding park and it is an atractive place at night where people go to relax and shoot the breeze.

DR Basics

2007-05-09T15:50:00.000-04:00

Country (long form): Dominican Republic

Capital:
Santo Domingo

Administrative divisions:
31 provinces: Azua, Bahoruco, Barahona, Dajabon, Duarte, Elías Piña,El Seibo, Espaillat, Hato Mayor, Independencia, La Altagracia, La Romana, La Vega, Maria Trinidad Sanchez, Moseñor Nouel, Monte Cristi, Monte Plata, Pedernales, Peravia, Puerto Plata, Salcedo, Samana, Sanchez Ramirez, San Cristobal, San Jose de Ocoa, San Juan, San Pedro de Macoris, Santiago, Santiago Rodriguez, Santo Domingo and Valverde Mao; and one district: Distrito Nacional.

Total Area:

18,814.76 sq mi48,730.00 sq km.

Population:
8,581,477 (July 2001 est.)

Location:
Caribbean, eastern two-thirds of the island of "La Española", between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. East. Haiti.

Weather:
Located in the tropics, the Dominican Republic enjoys pleasant weather year-round, with average temperatures of 82º F during summer 64ºF in winter.It gets colder with altitude, with the highest point in the mountains dropping below freezing.

Estimated Population in 2050 :
14,922,735

Languages:
Spanish

Literacy:
82.1% total, 82.0% male, 82.2% female (1995 est.)

Religions:
Roman Catholic 95%

Life Expectancy:
71.34 male, 75.64 female (2001 est.)

Government Type:
representative democracy

Currency:
1 Dominican peso (RD$) =
US $ 33
€ $ 44

GDP (per capita):
$5,700 (2000 est.)

Industry:
tourism, sugar processing, ferronickel and gold mining, textiles, cement, tobacco

Agriculture:
sugarcane, coffee, cotton, cocoa, tobacco, rice, beans, potatoes, corn, bananas; cattle, pigs, dairy products, beef, eggs

Arable Land:
21%

Natural Resources:
nickel, bauxite, gold, silver

Embassies and consulates in Dominican Republic

2007-04-23T10:59:00.000-04:00

Secretary of State of Foreign Relations
http://serex.gov.do/

Embassy of Australia
http://www.spain.embassy.gov.au/quienes/ve/index.html

Colombia
Calle Fernando Escobar, No. 8A, Ensanche Serralles, Santo Domingo D.N.
Santo Domingo -República Dominicana
Tel. 1 809 5625282 - 5621670 Fax. 1 809 5623253

Cuba
Hatuey 808, Esquina Privada El Millón
Santo Domingo - Republica Dominicana
Tel. 537 2113 / 537 0139 / 537 9795 Fax. 537 9820

Canada
http://geo.international.gc.ca/latin-america/dominicanrepublic.htm

Unites States of America
http://www.usemb.gov.do

Denmark
http://www.ambassade-info.dk/dkdominicansancg.htm

Spain
Av. Independencia, 1205. Santo Domingo
Apartado de Correos, 1468
Tel. 535-6500 Fax. 535-1595
Consulado General de España en Santo Domingo
Av. Independencia, 1205. Santo Domingo
Tel. 535-1615 (Ext. 241) Fax. 535-1550
Email:
embespdo@mail.mae.es

Sección Laboral, de Seguridad Social y de Asuntos Sociales:
Dirección:
Av. Independencia, 1205.-Santo Domingo.
Teléfono:
(809) 533-5257.
Fax:
(809) 533-5152.
Oficina Comercial:
Dirección:
Av. Winston Churchill esq. Luis F. Thomen, Torre BHD, 4.º Piso.-Santo Domingo. P.O.Box 21421, Santo Domingo. Teléfo no: 567-5682.
Fax:
(809) 542-6026.
Oficina Técnica de Cooperación AECI:
Dirección:
Hostos, 207.-Santo Domingo.
Teléfono:
(809) 689-5090.
Fax:
(809) 689-5877.
Email:
aeci.rd.acodeTeléfononet.do
Centro Cultural de España Antiguo Colegio Gorjón:
Dirección:
Arz. Meriño, esquina Arz. Portes.-Santo Domingo.
Teléfono:
(809) 686-8212.
Fax:
(809) 682-8351.
Email:
aeci-cch.ici@codeTeléfononet.do

France
http://www.ambafrance-do.org/

Italy
www.ambasantodomingo.esteri.it

Germany
http://www.santodomingo.diplo.de/Vertretung/santodomingo/es/Startseite.html

United Kingdom
http://www.dominicanembassy.org.uk/ConsularServices.html

Belgium
207 Padre Billini
Ciudad Colonial, D.N.
Santo Domingo
Republica Dominicana
+ (001) (809) 687.22.44
+ (001) (809) 221-7369
consubel@ilanguage.com
secr.consubel@dom-rep.com

Israel
emb.israel@codetel.net.do

Cities-Jarabacoa

2007-04-04T12:19:00.000-04:00

Locatted in the foothills of the Central Mountain Range, also known as the " Dominican Alps". Jarabacoa is heaven on earth. Its visitors, both local and international, come looking for untouched natural beauty.

Its main attraction, Pico Duarte, located 10,128 feet above the sea level, is the highest point in the Caribbean. Those who enjoy mountain climbing, extreme sports and adventures on higher grounds will find plenty to do.

The region's tourism infrastructure takes advantage of the rustic rurroundings to create a homey feel. In spite of being a relatively new destination for most international tourists, there are many hotel options and places to have fun, incluiding hundreds of restaurants that feature seafood and the region's traditional cuisine.

In downtown Jarabacoa you'll also breath the fresh air and peace that stems from its mountains. You'll have all the amenities and luxuries of modern life without the annoying pollution and traffic problems associated with it.

Cities-Constanza.

2007-03-26T14:50:00.000-04:00

Is located in the Cibao Valley, in the center of the country. This amazing place is surrounded by dense vegetation and natural spring. This community is known for unique and natural beauty. Because of its altitude, 3,937 feet above sea level, temperatures are noticeably colder than in the rest of the country. The average ranges between 41 º F and 68 º F, although record lows have reached 17 º F.

The chilly temperatures create a different environment, where the freshness of the air and deep colors of the alpine vegetation transport you to a world of peace and quiet.

Constanza is located in one of the highest parts of the country. Because of this, thousands if visitors come looking for the thrill of its majestic mountains, the region’s biggest asset. Visitors are welcome to explore them on one condition: That they come prepared to live the adventure of a lifetime.

To make the most out of your visit to Constanza, leave your fears behind and dare to experience it all: whitewater rafting down wild rivers, jumping courageously from the “ Salto de Aguas Blancas” waterfall, enjoy the upward view if the river canyon as you go tubing, test your car’s off-roading capabilities, or try horseback riding and paragliding. Adventure and natural beauty are part of everyday life in Constanza.

Political System

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Under the Constitution of 1994, the Dominican Republic has a representative democratic government divided into three independent branches: executive,legislative, and judicial. The system of government is defined in the Constitution as being democratic, republican and presidential.

The executive power is exercised by the President of the Republic, who is head of the State and the government, the Public Administration, the Military Forces, and a Cabinet of Ministers appointed by him. The President is elected by direct vote for a period of four years.

The legislative power is vested in a bicameral Congress, formed by the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. Members of both Chambers are elected by direct vote for a term of four years. There are actually 30 senators, each representing one of the 29 provinces and the National District, where the capital is located, and 145 deputies, each representing 50,000 inhabitants, plus a fraction exceeding 25,000, of every province and the National District.

Cities-Samaná

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Samaná is one of the most beautiful and privileged cities of the Dominican Republic. It possesses magnificent landscapes, mountains and incomparable beaches. Besides from its enviable landscape, there you will be able to enjoy the spectacle that offer the hunchbacked whales, which visit the coasts every year between the winter and the spring.

Samaná's Peninsula is located to the North-East of the country, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, boasting beaches of thin white sand, and being the best place to observe the whales in the sea. Here one finds one of the principal national parks of the country: the National Park of "Los Haitises".

The tourist complexes are scanty in Samaná. Only in a few places credit cards are accepted, because of this it is advisable to bring some cash. The airports are very small and the fleets of big planes cannot operate in these airports. Only small planes and light aircrafts are those that make domestic flights to Samaná's peninsula. The aim on the part of the Dominican government is to extend these infrastructures and to increase the tourist industry in this zone. At present time an international airport is being constructed in the zone, which is hoped to bring the long awaited development that this province needs.

The majority of the hotel complexes are placed in the populations of Las Terrenas, Sanchez, Las Galeras and Samaná city. This province has a wide range of tourist development and a great community of expatriates (mainly French) who have taken root in the Terrenas. But the zone of major tourist abundance in the last years has been and is "Las Galeras", placed to the North-East of Samaná's peninsula. It is an authentic paradise and an ideal place for rest. The most important and best known beaches are : " Playa Colorado" , " Playa Madame", " Playa Rincón" and " Playa Bonita".

Cities-Monte Cristi

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El Morro, Montecriti.

Is located in front of the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean, is the most western of the provinces of the Dominican Republic. It takes part of the border with Haiti and constitutes one of the economic supports of the Region called " Line Northwest ".

For being one of the most ancient villages of the country, it preserves traditions and autochthonous customs of great relief, which give a characteristic different from the others villages of the center and the south of the island.

Newspapers

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Listin Diario
El Caribe
Hoy
Diario Libre
El Nuevo Diario

Social Security

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In the year 2001, law 87-01 that creates the Dominican system of social security was promulgated. It covers both retirement pensions and healthcare. However, it is not yet fully deployed and the services provided are very limited.
If you plan to relocate to the Dominican Republic, you must take into account that wages earned here, or the corresponding contributions made to the Dominican social security system will not count towards your retirement pension benefits back in your home country. In order to receive the full benefits at the moment of retirement, it is advisable to keep making contributions to the homeland’s social security system. This is possible in most countries, although the minimum amount of the voluntary contributions might vary.
In any case, if you are a pensioner, you will be able to keep receiving your pension benefits from your home country when you relocate here.
It is a good idea to get private health insurance

Sports

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Baseball is the national sport and passion. Dominicans LOVE their baseball, and no matter where you travel to in the Dominican Republic you are likely to find at least one baseball park close by.
Be sure to catch a game if you are in the country during the official season. With more than 400 Dominican players that have made their way to the Major Leagues, the country is an authentic goldmine of baseball stars.

Golf is fast becoming one of Dominican Republic top attractions. The world famous "teeth of the Dog" golf course in Casa de Campo is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. And with nearly thirty golf courses in the country and a perfect weather, it is always "tee time" in Dominican Republic!
If you want to practise sport surrounded by this lush nature, the Dominican Republic is a paradise for adventure sports like no other in the Caribbean. The colorful waters of its shores are the perfect scenery for sailing, boat rides, deep sea fishing, jet skiing and scuba diving. The north coast resort of Cabarete is one of the best spots in the world for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
If you go inland you will be able to enjoy horse back riding, cycling, river rafting and much more ...

Cultural and natural heritage: Most relevant National Parks and Museums

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SANTIAGO

Cultural Heritage
E. León Jiménez Culture Center
Tobacco Museum
Museum of the City of Santiago

BAHORUCO

Natural Heritage
- Scientific Reserve of Laguna Rincón, also called Laguna de Cabral.

DISTRITO NACIONAL (Santo Domingo)

Cultural Heritage
- Alcázar de Colón (Columbus’ Palace)
- Casa de Tostado (16th century)– Museum of the Dominican Family in the 19th century)
- Casa del Cordón (16th century) – Cultural Center
- Casa Museo de Duarte (Museum, in what once was his house, of the national independence hero Juan Pablo Duarte)
- Faro a Colón (Columbus Lighthouse)
- Santa Bárbara Fortress
- Modern Art Museum
- Museum of the Atarazanas (ancient shipyards)
- Museo de las Casas Reales (Museum of the Royal Houses) Military hardware from colonial times.
- Museum of Contemporary Drawing
- Museum of the Dominican Man – Native Indian rock art
- National Museum of History and Geography
- Numismatic Museum
- Ruins of St. Francis Abbey
- Prehispanic Art Room
- Emiro Julián Sánchez Museum

Natural Heritage
- National Aquarium
- Dr. Rafael M. Moscoso Botanical Garden
- Larimar (blue amber) Museum
- National Museum of Natural History
- Amber World Museum
- Los Tres Ojos National Park
- National Zoological Park

EL SEIBO

Natural Heritage
- Scientific Reserve of Laguna Redonda and Laguna Limón

HATO MAYOR

Natural Heritage:
- Parque Nacional Los Haitises

INDEPENDENCIA

Natural Heritage
- Parque Nacional Isla Cabritos
- Parque Nacional Sierra de Bahoruco

LA ALTAGRACIA

Natural Heritage
- Parque Nacional del Este

LA ROMANA (La Romana)

Cultural Heritage
- Altos del Chavon Regional Archeological Museum

LA VEGA

Natural Heritage
- Armando Bermúdez National Park
- Parque Nacional José del Carmen Ramírez National Park
- Scientific Reserve of Valle Nuevo

MARIA TRINIDAD SANCHEZ
Natural Heritage
- Marine Mammals Sanctuary

MONTE CRISTI

Natural Heritage
- Monte Cristi National Park

PEDERNALES

Natural Heritage
- Jaragua National Park

PUERTO PLATA

Cultural Heritage
- Fortress of San Felipe
- Natural Heritage:
- Dominican Amber Museum
- Mt. Isabel de Torres Scientific Reserve

SAN CRISTOBAL

Cultural Heritage
- Roberto M. Mojica Museum

Natural Heritage
- Pomier caves

Culture

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The Dominican culture is the result of a centuries long mixing of native, Spanish and African traditions and folklore. The result can be perceived in religious beliefs, music, cuisine, literature, paintings and all other artistic realizations.

Cuisine
Dominican cuisine is the result of mixing traditional dishes from several cultures and the transformations and adaptations they experienced across the centuries, preserving dishes such as the indigenous cassava bread, which has arrived to our times unchanged in its ingredients and elaboration.
Among most remarkable dishes are:
Sancocho: a mix of several kinds of meat, vegetables, tubers cooked with plenty of water to form a thick soup.
Moro: rice with "guandules" (pigeon peas).
Fish in coconut sauce.
Rice with beans, accompanied with chicken or other meats.
"Mondongo": Beef or pork tripe stew.
Mofongo: Fried, mashed green plantains, mixed with pork cracklings and plenty of garlic. Served accompanied with a chicken soup.
"Puerco en puya" Spit roast pork, roasted over a woodfire.
Cassava bread: Grated yucca cooked on a hot plate. This is a Taino Indian legacy.

Carnival

Carnival celebrations date from the times of the Spanish conquest. At the beginning, it was celebrated during the days previous to Lent. Today, it takes place during February and the first days of March. This is a popular festivity where every town has its own characteristic costume. The most famous are:
The carnival of Santiago, where the "lechones" pepineros and joyeros (from the neighborhoods of Los Pepines and La Joya) dance and make their bells jingle and their whips crack on the floor to scare the passersby. There is also the voluptuous "robalagallina", a man disguised as a fat woman.
In La Vega, the "diablos cojuelos" get out of their caves filled with music and animation to parade along the streets and impress everyone with their spectacular costumes.
In the Puerto Plata carnival, seashells and sea join the ancestors’ legacy and become the "taimácaros"
Finally, the Santo Domingo Carnival is a magnificent cultural feast, a melting pot of every city and town in the country where you can appreciate the different traditions and costumes of every one of them, and where the elaborate carriages parade together with the more or less organized groups that together give Carnival its distinct color.

Music

Güira (percussion instrument played by moving a scraper along a metal cylinder), tambora (a two-headed drum) and accordion are the instruments that gave its particular sound to the original "merengue típico" or "perico ripiao" as it is commonly called. It came down from the mountain ridges that surround the Cibao Valley and permeated all aspects of Dominican society making everybody dance to its lilting and contagious rhythm.
Later on, tambora and güira put the accordion aside, and joined trumpets and keyboard to create the merengue we know today, which pretty much as the original perico ripiao is a mix of ancestral rhythms and cultures.

Taxis and Hotels

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Taxis
The taxi service in the main cities like Santo Domingo, Santiago and others is very efficient since several companies exist that offer this service, unlike other cities where there are very little.
Before taking a taxi it is recommended to ask the tariff to the taxi driver, since many abuse in the price and still more if you are tourist or foreign. Another possibility is to call or request someone to call a taxi company and to ask the tariff by telephone before they send the taxi.

Hotels
You can find hotels ranging from the luxurious five-stars, the all-inclusive and the very fashionable boutique hotels, to the very economic and comfortable inns and apart-hotels. The last ones are not generally included in the lists of the travel agencies nor in the telephone directories, so if you want to find one of these hotels you must ask around a little bit.

Eating outside and Supermarkets

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Supermarkets
Here countless domestic and international products can be found, fresh and of good quality. It is possible to find the products that you were used to in your country, but as they are imported, prices can be a bit high.

Eating outside
The gastronomical supply is very varied and cosmopolitan, numerous à la carte and fast food restaurants exist to fit every budget.

Bringing animals to the country

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The entrance of animals to the country is controlled by the Animal Health Department, which depends on the Secretary of agriculture.

In order to enter cats and dogs the following documents are required: Certification of vaccination against rage, and health certificate obtained in the country of origin.

There is no import tax on the entrance of these animals.

In order to enter other animals, please ask for up-to-date information in the department of Agriculture and National Zoo.

Currency

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The official currency is the Dominican peso, but in tourist areas it is also possible to pay with American dollars and Euros.
If you want to know the day’s currency rate look for it in the newspapers or ask in the commercial banks, there they will give you reliable information.

Utilities

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Gas

In Dominican Republic there is no gas piping network. Gas cylinders are used instead, which must be filled periodically. Several companies offer the service of picking the cylinder at your house and filling it.

Modern buildings exist that have gas system by pipe and a central tank. In these cases, the expenses are included in the building’s monthly maintenance bill.

Water

Tap water in the country is not fit for consumption, it can only be used for personal hygiene and cleaning. It is recommended to buy drinking water in the supermarkets, which sell it in large bottles and at a good price.

Electricity

The electricity service has been improving through the years, but it remains somewhat precarious and deficient. This has forced most users of this service to acquire an alternative electrical source, either a battery inverter, an autonomous power generator or even solar panels.

Telephone and Internet

The country’s telephone system is very advanced, and one of the best of Latin America, staying through the years to the vanguard of the new technologies. It is for that reason that to acquire a cell phone here is easy and economic, long distance call services distance work very well and the Internet can be found in both dial-up and ADSL versions. In addition to that, it is possible find a number of internet cafés in the main cities and tourist spots of the country.

Cable TV

This service is economic and accessible, and it offers to its users a great variety of national and international channels.