Tropical Island Bed & Breakfast

A Homey Bed & Breakfast for Brothers & Sisters

Samana, Dominican Republic
MarilynPereira@usa.net  Phone: 809-538-2829
http://www.tropicalislandbb.com/
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
About Visiting the Dominican Republic

WHAT IS NEEDED TO ENTER THE COUNTRY?  VISA?

You need a passport to enter the country.  At the airport in Dominican Republic they issue a temporary visitor's visa for $20.
 

WHAT ABOUT AIRPORT PICKUP?  IS IT POSSIBLE FOR A BROTHER TO PICK ME UP?
WHAT IF MY PLANE IS DELAYED, AND I DO NOT ARRIVE UNTIL THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT?
WHAT DO i DO?

Tropical Island Bed & Breakfast has an airport pickup service for guests.  All Economy, Semi & All Inclusive vacation plans include airport pick up.  Rodolfo, a brother, is the chauffeur and will meet your flight.  If your plane is delayed or you are delayed for a pickup at another location (i.e., Bethel), the brother will wait for you for as long as it takes.

There is no additional charge for this.  However, tipping is in order as often the brother must change his entire schedule for the day or evening when there are delays. 
 

.IS THERE ANYTHING I SHOULD KNOW TO AVOID GETTING SICK WITH "TRAVELER'S DIARRHEA?"

It is a NOT a good idea to drink tea, coffee, or juice ANYWHERE - in restaurants or in traveling along the way - not even in the best hotels, as you can get sick because most of the time the Dominicans work in the kitchens, and tap water is used to make these beverages rather than purified water.  However, at Tropical Island Bed & Breakfast safe spring water is provided and used in all drinks, and supreme effort is made to protect our guests from bacteria, amoebas, and parasites, which are found in bad water and food not appropriately washed or properly cooked.

Don't eat raw salads anywhere.  Always asked for COOKED salads.  It is not a good idea to eat RAW salads because vegetables, such as lettuce, cabbage, and celery, though washed, are not soaked in anything to destroy any bacteria; therefore, salmonella can be a real threat

Always carry good bottled water with you wherever you go.  A five-gallon jug of spring water can be purchased for around $1 U.S.  Many guests bring a water bottle with a straw in the cover with a shoulder strap for carrying with them.
   

WHAT ABOUT MEDICAL TREATMENT IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC?

There are clinics and hospitals in the Dominican Republic in most towns for emergency care, and for treatment of simple things (such as bacterial infections, parasites, and the flu).  Blood analysis and x-rays are available.

For treating severe diseases or medical problems, most people go to Santo Domingo or Santiago.  There are some good doctors, dentists, optometrists, chiropractors, and clinics there and in other places.  It is not difficult to find out about these when the need arises.  There are brothers that are medical doctors, dentists, optometrists, etc.  The Branch Office is always very helpful.

MEDICATIONS:  If you have medications, it would be a good idea to bring enough with you for your stay.
   

WHAT KIND OF CLOTHING SHOULD I BRING?

If you visit the mountains in Jarabacoa, you will need a sweater or a jacket, warm pajamas, etc. (December through March).  In warmer areas such as Samana, bring lightweight, cool clothing.  Perma-press clothing is perfect as ironing is often a problem due to low voltage or power outages.

RAINWEAR: Lightweight rain coats/capes that you can fold and put in your bag are practical for the sudden unexpected showers that may come.  Small fold-up umbrellas are practical.

SHOES:  Territories in many places, such as Samana, are rocky and hilly.  Often one has to cross over streams and rivers to get to a house.  Good walking shoes are best.  Comfort rather than fashion is the key!  PLAIN white/black walking shoes, Sprints, Keds, etc. or plain leather tennis shoes are acceptable and perfect for the rocky, and often muddy, field service terrain.
 

WHAT ABOUT PAYING DUTY ON THINGS?

Very seldom would a visitor be charged duty on something, but they often make up the rules as they go along.  If you are discreet and carry things of value wrapped well in your carry-on luggage (i.e., carrying your laptop), most of the time you won't have to pay duty.
 

DO I NEED TO RENT A CAR OR MOTORBIKE TO VISIT DR?

Motor bikes and scooters are fine for country places and small towns, but are not recommended for other larger towns and cities.  Most places in the Dominican Republic have excellent transportation using "conchos" (4 passenger 4-wheel covered wagon pulled by a motorcycle) and gua-guas (trucks and minivans).

CAR RENTALS:  Marilyn can help arrange rental of a Jeep before arrival, either diesel or gasoline, 4-wheel drive, 5-7 passengers.  Example:  Mitsubishi Jeep or Suzuki Tracker Jeep, etc. for around $50-65 U.S. per day in the town of Samana.

Many friends prefer to rent a car for safety reasons.  In most towns there are pretty good local bus systems (gua-guas, mini-buses, etc.) for transportation.  So having a car is not always a necessity.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP?

 For restaurants, it is customary to tip 10% - the percentages added to the bill in restaurants and hotels are for government taxes, not the tip.

Hotel maids/housekeepers: $1.50 U.S. or $50 pesos a day or more, depending on services rendered.

Airporters and skycaps:  at least $.50 U.S. or $15 pesos per bag/suitcase.

Transportation:  For private chauffeuring, depending on the services rendered ad the time chauffeur must wait for delays, etc., 10-20% is a fair amount to tip.  For just simple normal regular taxi service, 10% is acceptable.  For trips of several hours: $20 to $30 US.

Because the Dominican Republic is a "third world country," work is scarce and salaries are low.  For this reason, most persons depend on their tips to support their families.
 

WHAT ABOUT MY DRIVERS LICENSE?

Drivers licenses from other countries are accepted in the Dominican Republic.  Once residency is obtained, a Dominican license must be obtained.