Samana

Hidden away from mass tourism is Samana, a peninsula in the north of the Dominican Republic. Innumerable small bays and beaches surround the interior of a country full of tropical forests and perhaps the most powerful waterfall we have seen so far. However, to get to this paradise, you have to put up with a lot. From an hour-long bus ride to a ride on the Guagua over bumpy roads.

But all the painful spots are gladly accepted and are quickly forgotten, as soon as you sit with your first freshly opened coconut on the deserted beach and see the crystal clear sea in front of you. Even if you get quickly from one place to the other with the Guagua, it still has its appeal to drive a rented vehicle aimlessly across the peninsula.

As an EU member, you only can enter with a valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months. If your stay is shorter than 30 days, you do not need a visa. For longer stays you should look after a visa.

If you travel to the Dominican Republic, you must definitely be vaccinated against measles. WHO has declared that omitting the vaccine as a „threat to global health“. However, no vaccinations are required when entering from Germany. If you come from countries with a yellow fever risk you have to be vaccinated against it. The standard vaccinations are definitely always recommended. It is also recommended to vaccinate against hepatitis A and B, rabies and typhoid. The Dominican Republic is warning about the Zika virus and dengue fever.

You should wear mostly light colored clothing to protect you from mosquitoes. At night you should sleep under a mosquito net. If you need medication, bring it with you from your hometown, as they are usually very expensive abroad. Watch out for water from the faucet. You should also be careful with food. During your trip you should carry a copy of you travel health insurance with you. Inform yourself before your trip about current warnings.

Typical of the Dominican Republic is, as probably throughout the Caribbean, rice and beans with meat. These are served in all variations. Plantains are also very common. And of course cocktails with a lot of rum. And fresh coconuts.

In the Dominican Republic you will often travel by bus or taxi. Also popular are Guaguas and Motoconchos. These are sometimes not very comfortable but fast and inexpensive. If you want to be flexible I recommend a motorbike or a car so you can discover the island on your own. The German driver‘s license is recognized, but an international driver‘s license is recommended.

Hurricane season is from May to November. This can lead to tropical storms and heavy rainfall. In addition, earthquakes can occur at any time. The climate is very tropical all year round and warm, the sea is also pleasantly warm and the humidity is very high.

The national currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP). Most hotels and restaurants accept credit cards. Cash can be exchanged at bureaux de change and banks. However, do not take banknotes with too high value, the change can be rejected.

In recent years, raids have risen sharply. You should take care of your valuables and above all, do not leave your smartphone open. You should only withdraw money in protected areas and not let yourself be observed. Generally you should be very vigilant in the Dominican Republic. Inform yourself before your trip to the Foreign Office regarding warnings.