The necessary documents are your airline ticket, current passport and an Electronic-Ticket (E-Ticket). Your airline will prompt you to fill out an E-Ticket which serves as a visa for Americans to enter the country. You will want to complete this online document a few days prior to traveling, and carry a printed copy with you on the days you fly. Here's the website: https://eticket.migracion.gob.do/
Uber is an option here, otherwise Santo Domingo is a fairly walkable city. Also, we are arranging with a friend to transport guests from the airport to the resort and will share more details on this closer to the wedding date.
Know that you are safe and welcome here. Dominicans are very friendly and open to guests, even if you don't speak Spanish. Expect to be greeted with handshakes, hugs, and for the women, a kiss on the cheek.
The bathrooms you will be using look and function "normally", however, DO NOT PUT TOILET PAPER IN THE TOILETS! This stands true no matter where you are staying. The Dominican sewer systems are not built to handle non-human waste, so please put all toilet paper in the garbage can you will find next to each toilet.
No, the tap water is not safe to drink, even at hotels. It is fine to shower with but avoid getting any in your mouth as there is a risk of contracting parasites. This includes brushing your teeth-use a water bottle to rinse your mouth and toothbrush. Don't worry though, bottled water is inexpensive and easy to come by anywhere you go.
This depends on the area you are visiting. Generally, it is recommended you receive a typhoid shot or tablets prior to your arrival, and possibly a hepatitis A shot. Preventative malaria pills may be offered but are not necessary for the area we will be staying. It is best that you meet with a doctor or nurse at your local travel clinic to discuss immunizations prior to international travel.
Bug spray and sunscreen will be helpful for any non-city activities. The Dominican Republic is a tropical climate, so think Florida weather when you pack your clothes. Sunglasses and a hat, comfortable shoes, light clothing, sandals and a swim suit.
Yes! The Dominican Republic uses the same standardized plugs as the US.
Credit cards will work at any major businesses such as grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants and hotels, but to purchase things from smaller vendors you will need to exchange your US dollars for Dominican epsos. We can assist you with this upon your arrival-we recommend against exchanging your money at the airport as they will not give you the best rate.
Yes, there are many pharmacies nearby where you have access to the same medications you would buy over the counter in the US. Additionally, you are able to purchase doctor-prescribed medication without a script. Along with the pharmacies, there are many "modern-looking" grocery stores where you can buy food, clothing, and toiletries as needed. These places will accept credit cards, and this is also where you can exchange your money for Dominican pesos at a better rate than the airport. You will also see what is called a colmado, which is a corner mom-and-pop store where you can buy snacks, water and other drinks, a few articles of clothing and other small items. These places will require pesos for payment and are less expensive than the big grocery stores.
After you land at the Santo Domingo airport, you will exit your plane like any flight and walk down a long hallway to the luggage carousel. After that is the immigration line, where you will be asked to show your passport and state your reason for visiting. The agents there speak English and are friendly. After that, you will go through customs where you may be asked to send your luggage through an x-ray machine, but usually there is an agent who will wave you through. Then you walk out into a large lobby like any airport, with restaurants and people waiting to greet their loved ones. It's a small airport and very easy to navigate.
Yes, plants, produce and unpackaged food are not allowed.