Frequently Asked QuestionsI will continue to these frequently asked questions as they come up. Here are the most common but certainly not even close to all of them. If you have a comment or would like to answer a frequently asked question than please send an email and I will get it posted. I mention this elsewhere, but if you are looking to get your questions answered by reading reviews then understand that some people will never be happy no matter how nice a resort is.
ElectricalSome travelers just assume there is no difference in electricity for whatever reason. Many of the resorts have outlets that are different then those in North America. While the electricity is the same voltage as the U.S. and Canada, I suggest you purchase an adapter prior to your trip. Many of the resorts will also have adapters that can be purchased in stores nearby or on the resort. Try finding adapters at stores like Radio shack for less than $5.00. Most hotels will not support any type of 3 prong plugs so unless you purchase an entire adapter kit those type of accessories should not be taken. Just a footnote, our last two trips did not require an adapter; however, we take one every trip just to be safe. As for the travelers from Europe you will need something entirely different because the electricity in Punta Cana is 115 volt not the 220 volts that you require for your accessories.MoneyThere are always frequently asked questions about money because most of us just don't seem to ever have enough. As of January 2009 $1.00 U.S. was equal to $34.18 Dominican republic Pesos. Most places will gladly accept U.S. currency but is always best to convert your money if you are going shopping. If you take travelers checks they will automatically convert them to Pesos. We usually tip in U.S. dollars and it is greatly appreciated. I was talking to some folks from Toronto and they informed me that they converted their money to U.S. prior to traveling to Punta Cana so they get a better exchange rate, just an FYI. Do not count on finding ATM's on the resort, some do have them but most don't. If you plan on shopping then take money to the Dominican with you and we take a lot of ones for tipping. You don't have to tip and it is not expected so we tip every once and awhile. Just one more note, if you have a spouse that loves to shop you are going to loose money no mater what currency you use. I personally have hauled more lumber through airports in the form of wood carvings than professional lumber jacks.DressMen should take at least one pair of long pants for evening dinning. Many of the restaurants will let you in with nice dress shorts; however, take a pair of long pants just to be safe. Most restaurants also require no open toe shoes and you must have a collared shirt such as a dress or golf shirt. At the Buffets you can usually get by with a pair of shorts, a tee shirt and sandals.MedicalOne of the top five frequently asked questions is concerning medical services and if travelers should take anything with them. Lets take the first question; check with the individual resorts but most of them offer medical services within the resort. Just a word of caution, these services can be very expensive but its nice to know they are available. I would suggest you take items for upset stomach, as you know the water can make you sick if you are not used to it. This usually consists of diarrhea and cramps so take items like Imodium, Tums etc. Also keep in mind that you can purchase these items at resorts but you will pay a hefty price. I went diving last year and could not get the water out of my ear so I purchase a small bottle (1 OZ) of swimmers ear (alcohol) and paid $12.00. I even take cold medication now, one year we had problems with our air conditioner and woke up with sore throats and within a day had bad colds. Here is a list of things you might want to consider:*Imodium
Every year you will run into people that have become sick from the water. It is easy to forget about when brushing your teeth or taking a shower. Use bottled water for brushing and do not open your mouth in the shower. The Ice, and water used to rinse lettuce and vegetables for salads is safe. Keep in mind that if you are drinking all day and changing eating patterns it is possible that you are feeling ill from that and not the water. I have spent a fair amount of time in Punta Cana and it is my opinion that the water is blamed far to often. One last of the frequently asked questions I receive about medical issues is concerning sea urchines. In all my years of going Punta Cana I have never stepped on one, nor anyone that I have heard of. The sand usually extends far beyond where you will be walking. I really wouldn't be concerned and if you would happen to step on one, they can be removed at the medical center.
CigarsCan I get deals on cigars in the Dominican Republic? This is not one of the top frequently asked questions yet I still get a fair amount of them. You can find much better prices than in the states and yes you can buy Cuban cigars, but you still can't bring them back to the U.S. Other countries do not have this issue. The Dominican Cigar is top notch and can be found at most resorts. Two years ago Jim and I spent a considerable amount of time speaking to a local about cigars. He informed us that almost all of the vendors on beaches and the outside vendors that set up on resorts sell knock offs. Many he said are rolled with a banana leaf and do not burn correctly. He also said they have become very skilled at producing fake labels and boxes for these cigars. So if you are serious about your cigars then do your homework.ToursIf you are planning on taking an off resort tour than this is one of those frequently asked questions that you should read. Tours are available and at most resorts they require you to set down for about 30 min to discuss your stay and most of important, your departure time. During this half hour you will also be informed of Tours offered through the resort. I have been asked if it is safe to book with the vendors that walk the beach and sometimes wonder on the resort. Many of them will wear official looking uniforms to impress you. My answer is simply...maybe. They will offer you excursions for much less then the resorts but be careful. The resorts try to find good tours that watch safety and have respectable equipment. If you book with independent operators you don't know what you will get. Last year a family booked with an independent tour operator that wandered onto the resort and when it came time for the family to depart, the guide never showed up and he lost several hundred dollars. The point is, I strongly suggest that you book through the resort, just ask at the front desk and they will point you in the right direction.Night lifeThis one of those frequently asked questions that tend to be asked by the younger travelers. But hey, some of older ocean seeking deck hands like to shake a few nuts and bolts loose also. Most of the resorts have nightly entertainment and a disco. I will say if that is all you want is to party in clubs all night then Punta Cana is not going to be the place for you. Punta Cana is about all inclusive resorts and of course the beach. We have had some great times in the clubs at the resorts but we tend to make our own fun. I have met some people that get transportation and head off of the resorts. Their experiences were fun but if you do that then get recommendations and go with a group. The dominican is no different than any country, so take the same precautions you would in your own country.
FoodAs I have mentioned, the food varies from resort to resort. "how was the food" is one of the most frequently asked questions I receive after every trip. Usually you must make reservations to eat in the restaurants and it is limited as to how many time you can do so. 3 or 4 reservations at restaurants per week is pretty normal. The balance of the time you must eat at buffets or grills. Overall I would rate the food as very good but I am amazed at how picky many travelers are. Of course some food is better than others but have always found some place on every resort that I have enjoyed. If I am being honest the beach grills during the day are my favorite. The usually have grilled chicken, fish etc and I enjoy nothing better than lunch by a beach or ocean (it's a long drive from Chicago to find that). If you see reviews that are mixed then don't get to excited. If the majority of the reviews are poor then you might want to consider another resort.
Return from Frequently Asked Questions to Punta Cana Vacation home page
|
