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Weather
The Dominican Republic enjoys beautiful tropical weather all year round. With an average annual temperature revolving around 25°C, you can call it everlasting summer thanks to its warm and sunny conditions.
Don’t forget to bring a waterproof sun-block !
 Vaccination
No vaccinations are required to travel to the Dominican Republic at present; we do recommend bringing mosquitoes and bugs repellent.
Clothing
The most appropriate fabrics are cotton and linen. Shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, bathing suits and sandals are the standard. Casual code for dressing is appropriate for going out; if you are visiting museums in Santo Domingo, please remember to wear trousers or skirts, short sleeved shirts or t-shirts. Shorts and tank tops are not allowed.
Getting Married
To get married on a paradise beach in the Dominican Republic is extremely romantic and really simple. Most resorts, which offer wedding packages will help you to complete the necessary paperwork.
Documents required:
*Passport
*Birth certificate
*Single status affidavit translated by an official translator into Spanish
*Divorce certificate translated into Spanish by an official translator, if applicable
(Legal transcripts of the birth certificates, single status affidavit or divorce act need to be legalised at the Dominican consulate near you).
You will also need two witnesses. If they are foreigners, they will need to have passports as identification. If they are Dominicans, "cédulas" (ID) is sufficient.
People who have been divorced in the Dominican Republic under the Special Divorces Law need to wait 24 hours prior to getting married.
After the marriage:
You will be given a document proving that the wedding took place. You then need to request a marriage certificate from the “Oficial del Estado Civil” (City Clerk) who married you.
Marriage certificate validity abroad:
The document issued by “Oficial del Estado Civil” (City Clerk) is a valid marriage certificate.
Nevertheless, in case you are considering a name change or applying for a visa for one of the spouses, you may consider validating the marriage certificate at your consulate in the Dominican Republic. If this is your case, ask your hotel if they can help you handle this for you and to be included in the marriage package or for an additional fee. This process needs to be carried out by the corresponding foreign-based authorities or in the Dominican Republic as follows:
First you will need a legal transcript of the marriage act, which is issued in Spanish. This needs to be done by an official legal translator (authorised by the Supreme Court of Justice). Then have the transcript legalised by the Attorney General Office (Procurador General de la Nacion) and by the Legal Department (Legalizaciones) of the Ministry of Foreign Relations (in Santo Domingo). The next step is to take it to the corresponding consulate where they will verify the signature of the Ministry of Foreign Relations, validating the marriage certificate in the foreign language. This procedure could take a month.
Transport
• Airports
The Dominican Republic has 8 international airports; the most served by the major airlines are
- Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo. South Coast
- Gregorio Luperon International airport in Puerto Plata. North Coast
- Punta Cana International Airport in Higuey. East Coast
- La Romana International Airport, East Coast
- Santiago Municipal International Airport, Centre
• Taxis
Taxis are the main means of transport from the airport, and are available 24 hours a day. You can catch a taxi from any airport towards your destination. Fixed prices are shown on notice boards at customs exits. In the city radio taxi is the norm, asks your hotel clerk to get the numbers.
• Public transportation
Public transport is a fun way of getting around, buses (guaguas), publics cars (carro publico), can seat several people for a low price.
• Car Rental
International and national car rentals are available throughout the country.
Electricity
The local plugs are USA 110 – 120 volts at 60 cycles. Therefore, adaptors are recommended for your electrical appliance.
Currency
The national currency is the Dominican peso (1€ = 30.00 RD$ approximately at present), though you will find it is most convenient to bring US dollars. You will get a better rate if you exchange your euros into dollars in your country of origin. This is because the dollar is an extremely and much more competitive currency in the DR than the European and Asian currencies, for which there is less demand. Most stores and restaurants in tourist areas will accept US$ as well as the Dominican peso. The Euro is circulating as freely as the dollar, increasing its demand and exchange price locally, versus the 11 European currencies in the past.
For immediate cash upon arrival in the DR, you can change some money at the airport Banco de Reservas booth, open 24 hours.
Telecommunication
The Dominican Republic boasts one of the best organised communication systems in the world, (third in the Americas only after the USA and Canada). Therefore communication can be rapidly set up with any country.
• Mobile Phones
Mobile phones operate in the Dominican Republic at 1900 MHZ frequency, which is the North American standard. The rest of the world, including Europe, generally operates at 1800 MHZ frequency. If you would like to use your mobile phone in the Dominican Republic during your visit, please read the following:
Roaming
Before leaving your country, make sure you ask your telecommunications provider about your mobile phone's roaming ability.
If your GSM operates at 1900 MHZ frequency (tri band), your provider works with Orange to provide you roaming coverage. Orange can be contacted at www.orange.com.do
• Internet
In most tourism destinations and cities there is an assortment of Internet cafes offering computer use and Internet access. In addition, many of the larger hotels/resorts offer Internet access on site, including wireless, and some offer rooms with high-speed DSL Internet connection for personal laptops.
• Emergency Number
The emergency number for the police, fire brigade, Red Cross and civil defence is 911.
Hotels
Visit this web site www.drhotels.com
Restaurants
Visit this web site www.xxxxxx.com
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