PRACTICAL INFORMATIONs

You are coming to stay at Villa Amigo in the Dominican Republic, here is some practical information that will be useful to you when you come:

The change

Change in all banks and many exchange offices – Credit card accepted in many places

Electricity

Electric current is 110 volts

Transportation

  • The bus

    3 major companies share the territory and transport you for a few hundred Dominican pesos in remarkable safety and comfort conditions (that said, beware of the air conditioning turned on full blast). The buses are generally in very good condition.

    Many smaller buses crisscross the country with less reliable timetables than the companies mentioned.

    You cannot book in advance and tickets are purchased the same day.

  • The guaguas

    This general term refers to minibuses, or simply vans. There, not really a terminal (they are generally found near central parks) and above all never a refusal to board: even when it’s full, you push… Avoid large suitcases! Moreover, the guaguas charge 1 time out of 2 for an additional place for luggage from 3 people (negotiate the price). No comfort, and more than problematic security, but it’s folkloric and really cheap. Convenient especially for short journeys, not for long crossings.

  • Taxis

    With the exception of well-known companies, always negotiate before starting and make it clear that the price is for all passengers. Dominican taxis do not have a meter or if they have one, it does not work. The vehicles are often in poor condition, and the “occasional” taxis generally have no insurance…

  • Motoconchos

    These are motostaxis that are found almost everywhere in the cities and even in the remote countryside. For a few handfuls of pesos, they quickly take you where you want, but often over fairly short distances. Relatively risky however (no helmet, no insurance) and price to be negotiated beforehand, especially at night when prices generally double. You can always tap the driver gently on the shoulder to tell him to take it easy. You can even go up to 2 passengers, but avoid it because it costs double, so you might as well take 2…

  • Motorcycle rental

  • This is sometimes the most practical way to discover a region. It can be interesting to make the long journeys by bus and to explore a corner in complete freedom by renting a motorbike. But you must already be a biker to rent a bike with caution. Do not improvise pilot at short notice, even if no one will refuse you a rental. It’s about your skin! Avoid the rainy season, especially on unpaved roads because it is guaranteed.

    Few Dominicans wear a helmet (except in Santo Domingo). However, wearing a helmet is compulsory and the police like to remind foreign tourists of this, and they can put you on a dance!

    Unfortunately, it is difficult to find a decent helmet at rental companies. If you are a biker, bring your own.

  • Car rental

    From 3 or 4 people, the car is an advantageous means of transport. The national permit, like the international permit, is valid in the country. The cheapest vehicle costs around €50 per day, and it costs around €65-70 for a cheap 4×4. Prices are higher in high season. We recommend that you make your reservation online from France, you will save up to 50%! On site, a 28% tax is applied.

A few essential Spanish words

  • Yes/no : si / no
  • Hello/good evening : buenos dias/buenas noche
  • Hi : hola
  • Sorry : disculpe
  • Please : por favor
  • Thank you : gracias
  • Where are the toilets : donde estan los banos
  • A bit expensive : un chin chin caro
  • The addition: la cuenta
  • Credit card : tajeta de credito

CONTACT us

Address

Residencial cap bonita
Las Terrenas 32000
République dominicaine

CONTACT DETAILS