Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
March 14, 2020
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Alberto & Sophia

FAQs & Things to Know

Things to Know - This may sound weird, but in the DR toilet paper is put into a trashcan and not directly in the toilet. If you do, the toilet will get clogged. Don't drink or brush your teeth with faucet/tap water. Only bottled water. In recent times, once you arrived to DR, you had to pay a $10 fee for a tourist card at the airport. Now you go straight to customs, but just in case I'd advise to bring $10 cash per person. If you choose to not have cell service and only utilize WIFI, I would advise you to download offline Google Maps. You can choose the area you would like to download and it'll work without internet. Even though you'll be using Uber, it is safe to have a map of the city on hand as a just in case. Don’t forget your Bug-Spray and Sunscreen Be aware of street food, yes the street vendors have delicious snacks but you will pay for it later. Check out our Travel page for more information on transportation and reach out with any additional questions!
Question

What Do We Wear to the Wedding?

Answer

Great Question! As you might have seen on our wedding description we are following the Dominican wedding tradition of wearing all white. Please note we are asking all our wedding guests to arrive in “Cocktail” attire (men do not have to wear jacket and ties) and to only wear the colors white, ivory, or beige to honor this tradition.

Question

When should I RSVP by?

Answer

As we are having a destination wedding we are asking that each guest RSVP no later than February 1st, 2020

Question

What time should I arrive at the ceremony?

Answer

We ask that each person arrives before the start time of our 4pm ceremony. Traffic in Zona Colonia can be VERY unpredictable so please make sure you give yourself enough time to arrive on time.

Question

Are Children Welcome?

Answer

We are asking that there are no children at the ceremony or reception. Please note that few exceptions are being made for those who are in the wedding party.

Question

Can I bring a date?

Answer

If we included a “plus 1 guest” on your invitation then yes, you are able to bring a date.

Question

I have a food allergy, can I make a special request?

Answer

Absolutely! Please let us know when you submit your RSVP and we want to accommodate you.

Question

Are you registered? Where?

Answer

We are choosing to do a “Fund Our Honeymoon” instead of a registry, as we are currently living internationally. You are also able to donate towards our mission in Honduras. Please visit our “Registry Page” to learn more.

Question

Is there Transportation to and from the Hotels to the Wedding?

Answer

We personally will not be providing transportation from Hotels to the Wedding. But keep in mind our recommended Hotels on our website are within walking distance from our Ceremony and Reception locations.

Question

Are there any other events that I should know about around the wedding?

Answer

Yes! We are asking that our out of town guests stop by Buche Perico March 13th anytime between 7:30-9:00pm to say hello (food and drinks are not included for this event). Besides this “Meet and Greet”, there will be no other events but the wedding. Check out our “Schedule Page” for more info.

Question

Is Santo Domingo Safe?

Answer

Please keep in mind that there are many safe locations within Santo Domingo, especially within Zona Colonial. But remember that just like the United States, there are also many areas that are not safe. We ask that you use caution when traveling throughout the city. Remember not to leave valuables laying around your hotel room or easily reachable when walking around town. If you choose to stay at a hotel that is not recommended on our website PLEASE read the hotel reviews before booking for any safety precautions.

Question

Are there any places to visit that you recommend within the Dominican Republic?

Answer

In Puerto Plata there are incredible beaches, great food, and so many things to do! It is very far from Santo Domingo but worth the trip. A closer beach we recommend is Juan Dolio. This town is right outside Santo Domingo. We suggest going on TripAdvisor and typing in these locations to get a better idea. On our "Explore the Dominican Republic" page we have put a tour company that Alberto used to work with. They offer great prices and a variety of tour options to experience beautiful Dominican Republic.

Question

I heard there is a Wedding Parade, What is That?

Answer

Alberto and I LOVE parades. Maybe that is from our time experienced in Honduras... who knows. So we decided how fun it would be to walk in a parade from our ceremony to the reception! It is only about a 2 minute walk and we will have fun banners and ribbons for everyone to carry. This will take place after the wedding ceremony at the church. PLEASE remember to wear comfortable shoes.

Question

What Language do People Speak in the Dominican Republic?

Answer

The native language is Spanish but many people speak English or provide translation.

Question

Will my Phone have service in the Dominican Republic?

Answer

No, your phone will not have service in the Dominican Republic. Your phone will work on wifi which is available in some places but we suggest looking into an International phone plan with your carrier before you come so you are able to use your phone for GPS navigation as you walk around Zona Colonial or if you decide to rent a car.

Question

Which Airport Should We Fly Into?

Answer

We recommend flying into the airport in Santo Domingo called "Las Americas". This airport is only 30 minutes from the Colonial Zone where the Wedding will be. Keep in mind rush hour is 4-6pm and extremely congested! When you are leaving Santo Domingo to fly back to the States make sure you give yourself a minimum of two hours to check in luggage, go thru security, and get to your gate! There is also an airport near Punta Cana if you plan on visiting there before or after!

Question

Can I drive in the Dominican Republic?

Answer

Great question! You are able to drive, but be warned that driving in the DR can be pretty crazy compared to driving in the States! If you do feel comfortable driving in the DR, renting a car is a great option for those who plan to travel to other destinations within the DR. There are many car rental places common in the United States at Santo Domingo Airport for you to choose from. If you do choose this option, we recommend getting car insurance through the car rental company. PLEASE also remember that the main language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish. This means that all road signs, maps, and road warnings are in Spanish as well.

Question

How do we book a tour?

Answer

The tours we have listed on our “Explore the Dominican Republic” page is with a tour company that has a trusted bilingual guide that Alberto used to work with in the Dominican Republic. You are able to contact this number to book a tour: His name is Obed Perez. +1 (829) 862-0749 or write to this email: obed_perez003@hotmail.com Please mention you are with Alberto Reyes and Sophia Fitzgibbon Wedding party and let us know if you have any problems booking the tour or feel free to reach out to us with any questions you might have.

Question

What is the best navigation system to download?

Answer

Waze navigation app worked very well for walking around Zona Colonial and if you decide to drive.

Question

What is the Dominican currency?

Answer

Pesos are the Dominican Currency. We recommend downloading an exchange app before you come to help you with quick conversions. For now December 2019, its 52.80 pesos x $1 US

Question

Do I need my passport to travel to the Dominican Republic?

Answer

Yes! In order to travel to the Dominican Republic you are required to have a passport. It is important to note that if your passport is within 6 months of the expiration date you WILL NOT be able to travel. Please make sure to review the expiration date and check out the US travel website for more details.

Question

How do I get money(pesos) in The DR?

Answer

We recommend ATM’s at the airport, Las Americas, when you fly into Santo Domingo. There are several safe ATM’s that only charge a minimal fee for taking out cash in pesos. There is also a safe ATM in the grocery store in downtown Zona Colonial that is safe and any of the banks around town should have ATMs available for you to use as well. Most all stores and restaurants in Zona Colonial use credit cards but the small street vendors will only take cash (pesos) and you will also need cash (pesos) for taxis and tipping drivers as well as horse and buggy carriages.

Question

Where is the nearest grocery store?

Answer

There is a nice grocery store right on the strip, Calle EL Conde”, in downtown Zona Colonial called, Supermercado Nacional Conde. You can walk to this grocery store from all of the hotels we have suggested to you on our “Travel Page”. They sell food, beverages, take credit cards and have a safe ATM available.