Population: 9 183 984
Language: Spanish
Time Zone: GMT - 4
Government: Democracy
Coastline: 1,288 km
Sunshine: Up to 350 days
GDP Growth: 9.3% (2005)

The Dominican Republic accounts for approximately two thirds of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. Hispaniola is the second largest of a group of islands known as the Greater Antilles. It is located to the east of Cuba and Jamaica and west of Porta Rico forming this stunning tropical island chain.

It is widely agreed that the north coast brings together some of the best features the country has to offer. From far reaching mountain ranges, surrounded by expanses of lush jungle forests, to the golden sandy beaches and unbelievably blue waters of the Ocean.



List of topics

• Getting There
• Economy 
• History and Politics 
• Investment Potential 
• Passports / Visas 
• Property Purchase 
• Health advice / risks 
• Travelling in the Dominican Republic 
• Hotels 
• Restaurants 
• Electricity supply 
• Hours of Business 
• Social Etiquette 
• Legal System 
• View properties 
• Find out more about viewing trips
  
  

Getting There
The Dominican Republic is much larger than the majority of Caribbean Islands. As a result, it boasts several international airports which serve the country. Taking this into account, it is advised that you should choose your airport with care when planning a visit as flying to the wrong airport could result in a substantial taxi ride!

The flight duration from the U.K. to Puerto Plata (Gregorio Luperon Intl.) on the north coast is approximately 8 hours 30 minutes. From here, stunning towns such as Cabarete are only a 15 minute drive away.

Airlines serving Puerto Plata from the U.K. include Tomas Cook, First Choice, Thomson, Continental Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Airtours.

As the country is larger than most, and geographically closer to the North American mainland, each Dominican Republic airport also serves as a gateway to the rest of the Caribbean, providing easy access to a wealth of culture at your fingertips.

BG Estates Worldwide will be delighted to assist in arranging viewing trips to the Dominican Republic. Please do not hesitate to contact our U.K. office on: 0800 321 32 07 or email us on sales@bgestates.com for further details.


Economy
Traditionally the Dominican Republic has been viewed primarily as a producer and exporter of sugar, tobacco and coffee. This has altered over more recent years to increase the service sector, which has in turn superseded even agriculture as the leading area for employment in the region. This is accredited to the boom in tourism and free trade zones.

In September 2005 the Central America-Dominica Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) was approved, ensuring healthy prospects for the future development of the Dominican Republic.

The national currency is the Dominican Paso (RD$) although the U.S.$ is widely accepted throughout the main tourist resorts. The exchange rate between the two was just under RD$38 to the US$ at the end of 2006.

History and Politics
It was 1492 when Christopher Columbus explored and claimed the Island of Hispaniola on his maiden voyage. The island soon became a stronghold for the Spanish during the conquest of the Caribbean and American Mainland. It was not until 1697 that Spain recognised French rule over the western third of the Island which became known as Haiti in 1804.

By 1821 the remainder of the island was known as 'Santo Domingo' and sought its own independence. This was short lived however, as Santo Domingo was conquered by the Haitians who maintained their rule for a further 22 years. It was in 1844 that independence was finally achieved and the Dominican Republic was founded.

In 1861 however, the Dominican Republic voluntarily returned to the Spanish Empire for 2 years until they launched a war that resulted in the restoration of independence by 1865.

A period of unsettled, mostly unrepresentative rule ensued, capped by the dictatorship of Trujillo from 1930-1961. Since 1996 regular competitive elections have been held which have seen a series of opposition candidates rise to presidency. President Fernandez won the 2004 election to become the first president to serve more than one term due to a constitutional amendment.

Investment Potential
Most real estate analysts believe that the trend towards purchasing holiday related properties in the Dominican Republic will continue unchallenged through the next two decades.

These analysts believe that now is a good time to invest in real estate in the Dominican Republic as property values are rising and investors should be able to realize healthy returns on their real estate investments.

In 2002, more than 3 million tourists visited the country. Slightly more than half were European (mainly German, Italian, and Spanish) while the rest came from Canada and the United States. More than 200,000 British tourists visit the Dominican Republic each year.

These trends are expected to continue well into the next decade according to analysts who have spent time considering the Dominican Republic real estate market and tourist trends.


Property Purchase
The Buying and selling of real estate in the Dominican Republic is subject to the 'Land Registry Law'. In the Dominican Republic, it is compulsory that the contract for sale be signed in front of a notary public.

In order to encourage foreign investment, there are currently no restrictions in place with regards to your property purchase.

In the Dominican Republic a notary public must have a law degree. The contract for sale sets forth the general terms and conditions of the sale -a description of the real estate being sold, the agreed upon sales price and other matters relating to the transaction.

A client need only to present a copy of a valid and current passport as the identity document used for any sales contracts.

Finance is available through many Caribbean banks including the Bank of Trinidad and Tobago. Some banks can lend up to 70%. For more information relating to finance options, please do not hesitate to contact us on: 0800 321 32 07 or email us on sales@bgestates.com

Passports / Visas
Citizens of the U.K. can stay in the Dominican republic for a period of 15 days with a 'tourist card' that can be purchased for approximately U.S.$10 from accredited Dominican Republic Consulates, upon purchase of the air tickets, or upon arrival in the Dominican Republic. For further information please contact Consular Section Embassy of the Dominican Republic.

Health advice / risks
Although the water is treated in many areas throughout the Dominican Republic, it is still recommended that travellers drink bottled water as a precaution. Bottled water is readily available and the Embassy recommend that you drink the equivalent of 10 glasses a day to avoid dehydration.

It is essential in the Caribbean to ensure you have packed sunscreen of SPF15 or higher, due to the strength of the sun. If you plan an excursion into the jungle, mosquito repellent is also a recommendation.

In the event of a medical emergency, most hotels and resorts have medical facilities onsite, as well as emergency rooms found throughout the country.

Travelling in the Dominican Republic
Car Hire is readily available from the main Airports as well as from the towns. There are also a multitude of private hire taxis, reasonably priced minibus hire and even 'moto conchos' or motor bike taxis readily available throughout the region.

Private hire taxis are available from any airport, as well as from most hotels and resorts. As with all countries, it is recommended that visitors agree a price before entering any vehicle as not all taxis are metered.


Hotels
There is a wide range of hotel accommodation available in the area. There is a fine cross section on offer from the hustle and bustle of an inner city five star hotel, surrounded by nightlife and activities to the relative seclusion of a private villa in the country for your own agenda. There really is something for every taste and budget. The range of accommodation is truly stunning and second only to the choice of food available.

Restaurants
According to the Dominican Republic Tourist Board, there are more restaurants to try here than on any other Caribbean island.

It is often said that the only challenge in the Dominican Republic is finding the time to experience the full range of an evening's activities on offer, from modern nightclubs to the enticing restaurants offering the best service and range of food available in the Caribbean.

Culinary specialties of the country vary from region to region, the simple tastes and staple foods are sure to please even the most finicky eater.

Those with more daring palates can try local dishes such as Sancocho prieto, which includes a combination of seven meats, including goat, and wash it down with El Presidente beer, served at most restaurants.

Many of the country's bars, restaurants and cafes are situated in quaint original buildings, often dating back as far as the 16th Century, creating a quality traditional ambiance as you dine.

Electricity supply
In the Dominican Republic, the electrical supply is at120v ac with 60 Hz. This means that electrical items are compatible from the U.S. not the U.K.

Hours of Business

• Banks generally operate during business hours of 8:30 am to 9 pm Monday to Friday.
  
• Government offices and agencies are available between 7:30 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday.
•  Shopping centre opening hours tend to be 9 am to 9 pm Monday to Saturday.
  
• Supermarkets are open 8 am to 10 pm Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 2 pm Sundays.
  
• Bars and Restaurants are licensed to open from 6 pm - 4 am seven days a week.
  

Social Etiquette
The legal drinking age for the Dominican Republic is 18.

Spanish is the official language but, despite this, most employees in the tourist resorts and hotels speak relatively good English. If you intend to venture outside the tourist areas, it will be useful and appreciated if you learn a few basic Spanish phrases.

Tipping is widely practiced throughout the Dominican Republic. While restaurants automatically add a 10 percent tip to the bill it's customary to give a bit extra - up to 10 percent additional. Tips are also given to taxi drivers, hotel maids (even at all-inclusive resorts) and porters.

Photography in the Dominican Republic, like in much of the Caribbean, is permitted although you should ask first and a small gift is often appreciated.

In keeping with other Caribbean islands attire is also an area where consideration will go along way. Generally smart - casual dress is widely accepted, whilst shorts and flip flops are not regarded as suitable social wear. When leaving a beach, visitors are advised to cover up - especially when going shopping. On occasion, certain hotels and restaurants will enforce a strict dress code for formal evening events.

Legal System
The legal system for the Dominican Republic is modelled on French civil codes. The Criminal Procedures Code was modified in 2004 to include important elements of an accusatory system. The Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges are appointed by the National Judicial Council comprised of the president, the leaders of both chambers of congress, the president of the Supreme Court, and an additional non-governing party congressional representative).