Going to the Dominican Republic?

Question

I will be going to the Dominican Republic sometime this year. I am 16 and will be staying at my grandparents house. This is my first time going there and I need some advice. I will be traveling there and back alone. Here are some questions that I have:

1. Do I need the Hepatitis B shots or other shots?

2. Are there any pills I need to take while there? How much are they and how do I get them?

3. Any advice on not getting my stuff stolen?

4. How much money should I bring?

5. What are some important things to bring?

6. Anything else I should know?

Answer 1

I have been there (in November) and I will answer all your questions:

1 & 2) Pharmaceutical companies are multi-billion dollar companies that want to scare you into paying for shots you don't need. Your chances of getting Hep B are beyond minimal. There is bottled water every where you go and resorts ensure you have nothing to worry about. I'm sure your grandparents also have bottled water and will keep you from any risky areas.

3) Treat your stuff like you would treat it anywhere else. If you end up staying in a resort - you should lock things up in your suitcase if you are worried the maid will take anything. If you take any excursions - there is always a staff member that is assigned to the bus/area to watch everyone's stuff. It is very safe. Of all things, you won't want to lose the hotel beach towel - because you won't get your deposit back.

4) It's not that cheap in the Domincan - but there also isn't a lot of stuff worth buying. They push a lot of c**p on tourists. For some reason everything there seems to have a p***s or boob theme. Since your grandparents live there - they might be able to show you better places to shop or see - maybe bring $200 - $300. Or make you grand parents pay for everything.

5) You should bring water shoes for the beach and ocean. You should bring school supplies for the children (stuff you take for granted - are things that they really really want - even pencils and paper). You might also want to bring snorkeling gear - because renting it is gross.

6) Don't make eye contact with the locals. They are trained to get money out of you and will grab your attention any way they can. Don't be polite. Be stern. They know how to take advantage of tourists.

Despite all that - it is very beautiful there and I think you will have a wonderful time.

Answer 2

Here are some answers to similar questions some people ask before.

*About the money it depends how long are you staying. (and what you wanna do.)

*About not getting your things stolen (don't be walking around showing off money or jewelry.

*Be cautious and observer

*Don't be at any place by yourself (that is far)

*bring a cellular phone (triband, orange etc) so you can buy a chip and be always communicate. (with families and friends)

*bring your ipod/ds or portable games and book so you can read or play in the plane and in here.

Anything else let me know.

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Well, good luck!!

I hope you enjoy your stay!!

Answer 3

I think it depends. Which city are you staying in?

If you are coming to Santo Domingo, there is not too much stuff/medicine to bring, here you have plenty of Stores/malls and stuff.

3-Just try not to use too much jewelry, however, again it depends to what part are you visiting.

4- 1 dollar= 34 DR$. I should say that, with 100 Dollars ( 3,400 DR) you can do a lot.

6. I think D.R. is much more civilized than you think.

I must say that Dominican Republic is much more than beach/sand/hotels/tourist-drainer.