FAQs

Question

What should I expect travelling to the Dominican Republic?

Answer

The Dominican Republic is the most visited country in the Caribbean, the DR is known for its warm hospitality, beautiful beaches, lush mountains, and lively culture. Be sure to bring sun protection, stay hydrated, and drink bottled water only (even for brushing your teeth!). Wi-Fi is generally available in hotels and restaurants, but cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, so consider downloading offline maps and travel documents before your trip. Also consider using an e-sim while visiting, they are often cheaper and easier than working with your phone plan (I used HolaFly: https://esim.holafly.com while visiting and it worked great). The DR has a tropical climate with hot, humid conditions year-round. Hurricane season runs from June to November, and the start of rainy season is in May. Spanish is the official language, though English is spoken in many tourist areas. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases will go a long way in making connections and navigating daily interactions. The local currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist hotspots. Credit cards are commonly used, though it’s wise to carry some cash for smaller purchases or more remote areas.

Question

Where should I stay in Las Terrenas?

Answer

There are many great places to stay in Las Terrenas, whether you want to make it a budget trip or stay somewhere more upscale - it has it all! We recommend to stay along Playa Coson, Playa Bonita, or even closer to the center of town - Playa Las Ballenas. The villa that the bridal party is staying at is called 'Villa Del Mar', which is inside the community of Las Nomadas along Playa Coson. Ideally, we would love for all of our guests to be close as well! There are many other villas and rooms for rent inside the community of Las Nomadas that you can find from a google search, on Airbnb, or VRBO. I've created a list here for some ideas: https://www.airbnb.com/wishlists/invite/9c4e8d33-67d3-4dd4-9a6b-392eb994dfdd?s=67&unique_share_id=e093de87-c597-4167-8a2d-4fba08726bb4 If you'd prefer to stay at a hotel instead, here are some other great hotel recommendations: • Hotel Atlantis - Very cute, whimsical vibe and right on the beach at Playa Bonita ($98+ per room/night, 4 min drive from Villa Del Mar) • El Mosquito Boutique Hotel - Fun, lively boutique hotel that has delicious food, it is right on the water at Playa Bonita as well. ($132+ per room/night, 4 min drive from Villa Del Mar) • Hotel Playa Coson - Laidback vibe, right on a calm stunning beach (Playa Coson). ($128+ per room/night, 10 min drive from Villa Del Mar) • JandalaVillage Wellness Rooms - Cheaper option that is up in the hills of Las Terrenas with an ocean view. ($63 per room/night, 8 min drive from Villa Del Mar) • Viva V Samana by Wyndham, Adults All Inclusive Resort - Has all the amenities you’d want (all inclusive), and right on the beach ($182 per room/night, 4 min drive from Villa Del Mar)

Question

When should I RSVP by?

Answer

Please RSVP by September 26th, 2025 via the RSVP tab.

Question

Should I rent a car?

Answer

There are 2 main options for traveling from/to the airport <> Las Terrenas: 1. Rent a car during your stay. 2. Set up a pre-arranged ride with one of our recommended services. RENTING A CAR: While renting a car may be a great option if you plan on doing day trips and exploring during your stay, please be prepared for aggressive driving and road conditions that vary greatly. The highway from SDQ to Las Terrenas is a main highway that is scenic once you're closer to the coast. There are 3 or 4 tolls along the drive (depending on the route), which are 60-100 DR Pesos per toll - please note they ONLY take DR Pesos (No cards or USD) at the tolls, and getting cash at gas stations can be difficult, so we recommend you pull out DR Pesos before you leave the airport (ATM or currency exchange vendors). PRIVATE TRANSFERS: There are three different ways you can set up a private transfer from/to the airport: 1. Via your airbnb or hotel - you can ask them if they have any recommendations or if they provide this service for their guests. 2. DominicanBus - This is a flexible private transfer company that offers good prices. A 6-person van one way from SDQ to Las Terrenas is $165 ($28pp). See here for more info: https://dominicanbus.com/en/ 3. Contact our wedding villa manager directly, Rebecca, via Whatsapp (+1 829 286 2331). Please mention you are a wedding guest of Emma & Sebastian, and provide the following information in your text: • Flight Number • Airport location and pick up time • Amount of people for taxi • Name for the sign *When sending departure times please allow for 4 hours travel & airport time* Please note cancelations for ARRIVALS can only be made 24 hrs before pick up time, if cancelled last minute you will still be charged. Taxis leave Las Terrenas 2 hours before flight time and cannot be changed last minute for this reason* ONE WAY PRICES: *Santo Domingo (SDQ) & Santiago (STI)* 1-6 people $180 7-11 people $250 12- 26 people $460

Question

Can I carpool with others to get from the airport to Las Terrenas?

Answer

If you are interested in carpooling or renting a private van with other wedding guests, please fill in out this form to sign up. Based on similar flight info, hopefully there can be groups of our guests to travel together into the town of Las Terrenas from the airport to save money. We will leave it up to the discretion of our guests to coordinate with each other to set up the rentals or private van transport. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10E7gKEt984ErTlH2x-tXCWw4E1uhl6tGfnmbw1Q0wV8/edit?gid=0#gid=0

Question

Are kids welcome?

Answer

This will be an Adults Only celebration please. We appreciate your understanding, as we hope to just have the focus on celebrating friends and family!

Question

What should I wear to the wedding?

Answer

More than anything we want you to feel comfortable in the hot Caribbean sun for the wedding! The attire vibe is casual tropical / island chic - we are encouraging bright fun colors and designs! EX: Men can opt for lightweight button-down shirts (short sleeves are fine) or polos with chinos or nice shorts, and women can wear flowy maxi dresses, sundresses, or dressy separates like a nice top and skirt in light, bright colors or tropical prints. Sandals, wedges, or even dressy flip-flops are encouraged - however, we advise against wearing pointed heels, as the event will be in grass and sand. If you'd like more ideas, here's a helpful website with photos as well: https://sunandseabeachweddings.com/blog/beach-wedding-attire-for-guests/

Question

Is the Dominican Republic Safe?

Answer

The US Department of State categorizes the Dominican Republic as a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. This means you should be aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying wealth, and follow the advice of resort and tour operators. (For reference, this is the same level as Mexico, Turks & Caicos, The Bahamas...etc.) The Dominican Republic is generally safe for tourists, especially in resort areas and popular destinations. That said, like traveling anywhere, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions: - Avoid flashing valuables such as jewelry, large amounts of cash, or expensive electronics. - Use reputable transportation—arrange rides through your hotel or verified apps instead of hailing taxis on the street. - Stay in well-traveled areas, especially after dark. Avoid wandering alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods at night. - Keep your belongings secure—use hotel safes, lock up valuables, and carry only what you need when going out. - Watch your drinks when out at bars or clubs, and never leave them unattended. - Be cautious of scams or overly aggressive street vendors, especially in touristy spots. - Natural elements like strong ocean currents, sun exposure, and tropical bugs are worth preparing for—pack sunscreen, bug spray, and any medications you may need. With a some preparation and situational awareness, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip while staying safe and comfortable!

Question

What is the town of Las Terrenas like?

Answer

Las Terrenas, located on the Samaná Peninsula, is a charming beach town that blends European flair with Caribbean chill. Once a quiet fishing village, it’s now known for its laid-back vibe, stunning turquoise beaches, and a lively mix of French, Italian, and Dominican influences—thanks to a strong expat community. You’ll find delicious food, boutique shops, and beach bars all within walking distance of most accommodations. Expect warm weather, casual dress codes, and friendly locals who are happy to help. Whether you want to explore nearby waterfalls, try fresh seafood, or just relax by the ocean, Las Terrenas offers a little slice of paradise for everyone.

Question

What is the weather like in May in the Dominican Republic?

Answer

You can expect daytime temperatures to range between 77–88°F (25–31°C), with high humidity and lots of sunshine. May marks the beginning of the rainy season, so short, tropical showers are common—usually in the late afternoon or evening—but they tend to pass quickly and are often followed by clear skies. Las Terrenas, located on the north coast, enjoys a steady ocean breeze that helps keep things comfortable. While it’s a good idea to pack light, breathable clothing and plenty of sun protection, you may also want to bring a light rain jacket or umbrella just in case. Despite the occasional rain, May is a beautiful time to visit: everything is green and blooming, the ocean is warm, and the crowds are still relatively light compared to peak tourist season.