Area
48,072 sq. km. (18,696 sq. miles)
Location
Caribbean, Island of Hispaniola, East of Cuba
Population
9.2 million (as per estimates of 2006) and Population Density of 191.4 per sq. km.
Capital City
Santo Domingo with a total population of 2.2 million (as per estimates of 2006).
Language
Spanish is the official and most popular language of Dominican Republic. English and French are also spoken at certain pockets within the country.
Electricity
AC 110 volts, 60 Hz. American-style flat two-pin plugs are common
Currency
Dominican Republic Peso (DOP; Symbol RD$). 1RD$ = 100 Centavos
Notes prevalent = RD$ 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, and 2,000
Coins prevalent = RD$ 1 and 5; Centavos 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50
Due to impracticality of use, mostly notes are used
Currency Exchange
Currency Exchange facility is available through official dealers, like banks, hotels, as approved by the Central Bank. The travellers should note that some street vendors at tourist places accept US Dollars, though it is an illegal activity. Currencies of countries, like Canada, USA, UK, Switzerland, France, Spain, Germany, and The Netherlands can be easily converted into local currency through official dealers. For more details and exchange rates, travellers are advised to consult their banks.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Credit/Debit/ATM Cards of all major companies like Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express, etc. accepted. However, it is advisable to carry some cash as well. ATMs are also conveniently situated.
Traveller's Cheques
Travellers Cheques are also accepted in some banks. In order to avoid exchange rate charges, the travellers would do well to carry traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.
Banking Hours
Banks in Dominican Republic normally function from Monday to Friday from 0800-1500 and Saturday from 0900-1300; while in malls, the working hours are Monday to Friday from 0900-1900 and Saturday from 0900-1300.