About the Dominican Republic
Table of Contents
The Dominican Republic
A Brief History of an Old World
Population & Language
Goverment
Infrastructure
Exports
Flora and Fauna
Electricty
Sports and Recreation
Time
Currency
Getting There
Tourist cards and residency
What to Bring
“Why the Dominican Republic? A very good question, and the simple answer is that it had what I was looking for. Stated another way, for me, if you add up things like cost of living, tax free banking, real estate values, lifestyle and general ambiance, it came out on top after looking at most other countries in the Caribbean … Perhaps you will feel the same way as well.” John Schroder, “The Dominican Republic Report,” published in 2002.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is wreathed in nearly 300 miles of eye-dazzling beaches, and is dramatically punctuated by five mountain groups (at 10,700 feet above sea level, Pico Duarte is the tallest mountain in the Caribbean). Boasting a total population of nearly 8 million people, 3.5 million inhabit Santo Domingo alone.
The rest of the country, measuring 18,712 square miles, which is twice the size of New Hampshire, is dotted with tiny villages and seaside towns. You’ll find wide open plains where animals graze, and crops thrive; tropical rain forests filled with the chirps and buzzing of multi-hued birds and insects; and mangrove swamps, mother nature’s richest eco-system. Called the “DR” by locals, the country is located on the Eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola, a stone’s throw from Puerto Rico, with both Jamaica and Cuba as close neighbors.
A brief history of an old world
Christopher Columbus discovered the island of Hispaniola during his first voyage in 1492. Enchanted with the richly lush beauty of the natural harbors, finely sifted sand beaches, cool fresh mountain streams, bountiful green growth, and abundant tropical fruits, the Spanish established the first European city in the Americas, La Isabella honoring the Queen of Spain. Shortly after, Bartholomeo Columbus, Christopher’s brother, created the city of Santo Domingo.
In 1697, France laid claim to the western part of Hispaniola beginning a drawn out tug of war with Spain for control of the island. Haiti became a Republic in 1822, and quickly occupied Spanish Santa Domingo which they held for 22 years. In 1844, the DR recreated a new nation calling itself the Dominican Republic. However, Spain had other ideas, converting the area back into a colony until 1865.
The United States, for reasons known only to them, became more than a little involved in the DR’s internal affairs, even invading the island on two different occasions. As though this weren’t enough, the controversial and megalomaniac General Trujillo took control of the Dominican Republic by military force, and ruled the impoverished country from 1930 until he was assassinated in 1961.
Joaquin Balaguer followed. He believed in the excessive use of repression. Senor Balaguer lasted until 1978, was ousted, and returned to power once again. The United States invaded the island nation a second time.
Finally, in 1996, Leonel Fernandez was elected ending the years of dictatorship and repression. Though the Dominican Republic is based on democratic principles, accusations of government corruption are still heard occasionally today. But with a young urban based population on the rise, the past malaise of a “have and have not” society seems to be slowly disappearing.
Population and Language
The island country is made up of about 75% mulattos — some of the most attractive people in the Caribbean. Those of unmixed African heritage total about 10%, while whites account for the balance of 15%. Given the strong Spanish and African influence, the DR’s culture has thrived in recent years especially in music, dance, vibrantly colorful art, and literature.
Spanish is the language of choice, and French is scarcely heard at all (because of their longstanding animosity towards Haiti). German and Italian are gaining a foothold, and English is just beginning to take root. This is not to say that American culture isn’t a source of fascination to the locals. But a nice balance is maintained between the cosmopolitan cities (meccas of shopping malls, fast food restaurants, chain store outlets, movie theaters, even a bowling alley) and the relatively untouched rural, mountain, and seaside communities.
Particularly appealing is the emphasis placed on “who,” rather than “what,” you are — meaning it’s all about the person, not their wealth; a matter of who you know, not what you have. That said, there’s no denying the attraction of rich untapped mineral resources, the country’s quality rum and cigars, and the potential of future tourism growth which currently employs more than 200,000 locals.
Goverment
Closely paralleling the United States government, the Dominican Republic is divided into three branches: the Executive (President and his cabinet of ministers), the Legislature (Senators and Deputies), and the Judicial. The latter department differs from the U.S. in that it’s based on French Civil Law, aka the Napoleonic code. Briefly, this means your case is handled by a judge, or judges, but not a jury.
The President, Senators and Deputies all run for four year terms and are independently elected. Although some 20 political parties vie with one another for power, the reality is that three — the Social Christian Reform Party (PRSC), Reform Party (PR), and Dominican Liberation Party (PRD) — truly control the power and the purse strings. While still struggling towards a true democracy, a new constitution enacted in 1994 gives hope for an optimistic future. This, coupled with an attractive residency program and favorable banking laws, makes the Dominican Republic one of the leading Caribbean choices.
Infrastructure
The island supports 14 banks, including Scotia and Citibank. Ten car rental agencies operate here, many internationally recognized, e.g., Hertz, Avis, Budget, Dollar and Thrifty. Money exchanges (or Cambios) are common — you’ll even find a Western Union. Major shipping companies, free trade zone businesses, two International airports with five smaller venues, and an American Chamber of Commerce make doing business as a foreigner attractive.
Roads are well paved except when you get off the main thoroughfares. Here you’ll need to keep an eye peeled for animals, people, even entire families, wandering the roadways — and watch out for potholes and ruts.
U.S. magazines and newspapers are available in the larger cities — cable TV offers 68 channels with the three networks, HBO, CNN, The Movie channel, Cinemax, the Sports Channel, and TBS presented in English. Electricity has a ways to go to equal U.S. standards. However most hotels, resorts, and popular restaurants provide backup generators. When building your home, you might want to include one of your own — or, far better, appreciate the balmy evenings by candle light.
The Dominican Republic is known as having about the cheapest cost of living in the Caribbean — for example, your cable TV runs just $25 per month; treat yourself to a live-in maid and you’ll pay $175 per month; see a first run movie for $4; and pay an average of $700 per month for a luxury 2 to 3 bedroom, 2 bath apartment in a modern Santo Domingo building — this includes maid’s quarters, security, and 24 hour electricity (they provide backup generators). Grocery costs are also low providing you buy local produce, meat and fish — insist on eating U.S. name brands and you’ll pay the import prices.
Top rate health care is available at private clinics at prices unheard of in the U.S. A visit to a specialist will run $45, while a regular doctor charges around $20. A week’s stay in a private hospital costs $1500 … per week, not day. Insurance costs between $20 and $75 per month (the latter is for an entire family including dental and Miami hospital privileges). However, at your peril stay away from public hospitals.
Exports
Rich in mineral deposits, nickel tops the export list. Sugar cane products, especially raw sugar for molasses and rum, have always dominated, followed by tobacco (those great cigars), coffee, cocoa, rice, and tropical fruits. More recently, small assembly plants for shoes, clothes, and the like, are growing in popularity. The government encourages free trade zones which in turn increase light industry.
Flora and fauna
The warm Caribbean and cooler Atlantic make an ideal home for a variety of corals, sponges and sea urchins. Kingfish, tuna and the occasional shark appeal to the angler — while the graceful angelfish, colorful parrotfish, mullet and boxfish are popular with snorkelers and divers. The mangrove swamps are home to the slow moving seal-like manatee, the gentle giant of the seas. The even larger humpback whales can be spotted between January and March on their annual migration to Caribbean breeding grounds.
You’ll find iridescent hummingbirds, yellow-breasted bananaquits, small green and red coticas (parrots), and turtle doves perched in the rich exotic growth of the rain forests and mountain regions. Expect to see pink flamingos, the great heron, small green heron, the elegant coal black frigate bird with flaming red neck pouch, loyal cattle egrets (each babysits his own personal cow), and goofy brown pelicans.
Turtles, iguanas, mongeese, wild pigs (imported many years ago) and crocodiles complete the zoological picture. Snakes exist but not in large numbers, and not of the poisonous variety.
Electricity
The Dominican Republic provides 110 volt electricity. A converter is not needed for U.S. appliances, however, you might consider a voltage regulator or surge protector for any delicate electronics.
Sports and recreation
With 300 miles of white and golden sand beaches, water sports proliferate. Besides scuba and snorkeling, you’ll find sail boating, wind surfing, kayaks, pedal boats, and deep sea fishing. Move on shore for a large selection of golf courses, a number of tennis courts, beach volley ball, basketball, the national craze of baseball (thanks to Tommy Sosa), bicycling, mountain hiking, river rafting, and sun worshiping — that is a sport, isn’t it? Some of the resorts offer casinos while most have fitness/workout areas. Walking on the beach, wriggling your toes in warm azure seas, is always popular.
Time
During the winter, the Dominican Republic is one hour ahead of New York. Because they don’t have daylight savings time, they’re on the same time as New York in the summer.
Currency
The Dominican Republic peso fluctuates against U.S. currency. At this writing, 23.46 pesos equal one U.S.$. There are several ATM machines in the larger cities, money exchanges (Cambios) all over the place, and of course banks. Generally, you’ll receive a better rate using cash and traveler’s checks. Credit cards, especially VISA and Mastercard, are accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants but some may carry a small surcharge. It’s always wise to travel with bills in small denominations for tipping. Also, keep in mind that small boutiques and shops may only deal in cash. The farther you are from major cities and tourist centers, the more you can expect to deal only in pesos.
Getting there
Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo are major non-stop destinations from several cities in the U.S. American Airlines provides service from Miami, New York, and San Juan; Continental from Newark; and US Air from Philadelphia. Or connect throughout Central and South America using COPA Airlines. If coming from Europe, you can fly non-stop from Madrid on IBERIA, Munich on Lufthansa, Dusseldorf on LTU, and Amsterdam on MartinAir. If Cuba’s in your plans, Cubana Airlines will take you there twice a week.
Tourist cards and residency
A valid passport, along with a tourist card is necessary for U.S. citizens and Canadians to enter the Dominican Republic. Your tourist card is provided by your airline for $10 — this is valid for 90 days. All international travelers are charged a departure tax of $10 payable in U.S. currency only.
Should you wish residency permission, the services of a local lawyer are necessary but the process is relatively simple, and very cheap. The residency process begins with the “Cedula” (identity card) which is obtainable within six months of your initial application, and is good for one year. Renew your “Cedula” for a second year, and once that year is complete, you can apply for your Dominican residency along with a second passport … for less than $3000.
What to bring
Being a tropical destination, loose fitting casual clothing is best. Shorts and sandals, or sneakers, are appropriate for daytime, while long pants and skirts are suitable for evenings. Throw in a light sweater or long sleeved shirt as it gets cooler at night.
The Caribbean sun is hot during the day so remember a sun hat, sun glasses to cut down on the glare, and the all important sun screen. Few complain of insect bites, but it’s a good idea to carry repellent just in case.
The Dominican Republic is eager to tell you her tales, show you her wondrous country, and share her culture. Pack your sense of curiosity and adventure, throw in bundles of smiles, and you’ll be rewarded by truly friendly people who hope you’ll make their country your new home. Experience the unusual combination of new frontiers coupled with old world sophistication, and remember “mi casa es su casa.”