Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata

Airport Check-In: It is recommended that you reconfirm your flight information and check in for your flights at the airline’s website 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure. Please bring all your final documents with you. It is important to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to departure for all domestic flights, and three hours prior to departure for international flights.

Required Documents: Passports are required for international travel. You will not be permitted to depart without necessary documentation. There may be additional requirements for international travel, such as vaccinations or visas, and some countries require that passports be valid for six months or longer beyond your stay in the country. Passport and entry requirements are subject to change at any time without notice. For the most current information on passport and entry requirements, please visit the Government of Canada official website at http://travel.gc.ca. Special travel documents are required for children traveling with or without their parents. If you are traveling with children, please check with the airline or cruise line prior to departure. If you are not a Canadian citizen, you must contact the consulate of the country you are visiting.

Newlywed Information: Tickets and other travel documents must exactly match your current passport and other identification. If not, you could be denied boarding and no refund will be forthcoming. For requirements and information regarding marriages performed in a foreign country, please visit the consulate of the particular country.

Honeymoon Packages: Some hotels require you to present a marriage certificate or licence for you to receive the honeymoon package. Please bring your marriage documentation with you if you are traveling on a honeymoon package.

Minors: If a minor (under 18) is traveling, please provide the appropriate travel documents for the trip. Review required documents here, https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/children/children-travel.

Luggage: Baggage allowances and fees vary by airline. For airline baggage fees and policies please visit https://www.costcotravel.ca/Info/Airline-Baggage. If baggage fees do apply, this cost will be additional and must be paid directly to the airline.

Arriving: All passengers entering or departing the Dominican Republic on commercial flights must complete the free electronic entry and exit form. This form can be filled out as soon as you have your flight information. This form is an entry requirement for persons traveling to the island, whether they are residents of the Dominican Republic or visiting. You can find the free electronic entry and exit form on the website of the Government of Canada official website at http://travel.gc.ca.

Duty Free/Customs: When returning to Canada the duty-free allowance may vary by country. Please visit https://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs for more information.

Travel Health Information: For the most current worldwide health information, consult your family physician or https://travel.gc.ca for advice and advisories.

General Safety Tips: By taking a few simple security precautions before and during your vacation, you can help ensure that you, your traveling companions, and your valuables are as safe and secure as possible.

• To make it easier to replace your passport if it’s lost or stolen, in addition to your passport, take a photocopy of your passport information page (keeping it separate from your actual passport).
• Carry only a limited amount of cash, just enough for gratuities and incidental purchases. Major credit cards are widely accepted and can be replaced if lost or stolen.
• Always lock your hotel room door (including patio and balcony door on any level of the building) and use the peephole before opening the door.
• Store your valuables (such as cash, credit cards and airline tickets) in the hotel’s in-room safe or front desk safety deposit box.
• If you must carry valuables on your person, do so in a pouch or money belt concealed under your clothing. Purses and backpacks can be easy targets for thieves.
• For complete and current safety and security information, including travelers' tips, public announcements, travel advisories and more, please visit the Government of Canada official website at https://travel.gc.ca.

Climate:
Average Celsius Temperature:

• December through February: 28° to 28° (Winter)
• March through May: 28° to 30° (Spring)
• June through August: 32° to 32° (Summer)
• September through November: 32° to 29° (Autumn)

Tropical Storm Season from June to November

Water Safety: Bottled water is recommended.

Tipping: A 15% tip is customary for service. At All-Inclusive hotels, gratuities are generally included in the vacation price.

Local Currency: Dominican Peso

Currency Information: U.S. dollars and major credit cards are widely accepted.

Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time. Dominican Republic does not observe daylight saving time.

Local Language: Spanish | English

Transportation: Public transportation and taxis are available.

Attire: Dress is informal but conservative. Casual wear is acceptable, except in certain hotels, restaurants, or nightclubs where a dress code is required - such as a jacket and tie, collared shirt, slacks, and closed-toe shoes for men; dresses, a blouse with nice shorts or skirt, and high heels/platforms, or nice sandals for women. Walking around the hotel or town in a t-shirt and shorts is okay, but beach attire is not appropriate to wear in town, casinos, churches, restaurants, and shops - away from the beach or pool area, you are expected to cover your bathing suit. In the more laid-back, remote areas, the dress code may be more flexible. During the day, it is warm to hot - clothes made of lightweight, natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, or silk are ideal. In the evenings, it tends to be cooler - you may want a jacket, sweater, long-sleeve top, or long trousers.