Confirm through your travel agent that you do not need a visa. Citizens of the majority of European nations and the United States and Canada do not need a visa.

Check your passport. It must be current (not expired), nor can it expire during your stay abroad. In emergency cases it is possible to renew your passport the same day at some European airports (Consult your airport in this case).

Confirm with your cellular phone service provider that your equipment is prepared to receive and make calls abroad.

Do not forget your driver license in case you might wish to rent a vehicle during your stay.

Bring at least US$10 in cash for each person for the Tourist Card that you must purchase on arrival at the Dominican airport. The purchase of this document is mandatory, if it was not included in your package. If you do not bring US dollars you must pay 10 Euros.

Have a pen available; you will have to fill out a number of short forms on arrival at the Dominican airport.

Bring at least one credit card, aside from debit cards and cash. It is essential to register at your hotel or in the case that you might require medical attention during your stay. In the case of cash you may bring Euros, US or Canadian dollars (the Pound Sterling may be exchanged, but it is a bit less convenient). It is not necessary to carry much cash because most businesses accept Visa and Mastercard; also there are many automatic teller machines in the area.

Bring your medical insurance card or the telephone number of your travel insurance company. It is possible that in the case that you would visit a physician, you would have to make a payment; although later you would be reimbursed those costs. This depends on your insurance coverage.

It is recommended that you bring a small first aid kit with some type of analgesic for headaches, an anti-inflammatory, band aids, and anti-diarrheal medication (the combination of alcohol + sun + much food can produce undesired effects!). Insect repellent, sun block, and after sun lotions are also very important. You can readily find any of the above products at the hotel; however you will save a bit of money if you bring them from home.

A camera is essential because the scenery you will see and the experiences that you will live should be immortalized. An underwater camera is also recommended even if it is one of those single use types.

Basic accessories include: bathing suit, sandals, sun glasses, cap and comfortable and light clothing. All bedding and towels (bath and beach) are provided by the hotel. It is advisable to pack sneakers/tennis shoes in case you decide to take an adventure excursion. Long sleeve clothing is seldom used, but you can pack one item in case you encounter the coldest night of the year or for places with excessive air conditioning.

Another detail is to bring a carry-on bag with a bit of clothing and essentials (that are allowed by international airport authorities) in case you were to have the bad luck that your luggage was temporarily misplaced. This is not common, but if it happens you would have the basics available to begin to enjoy your stay from the beginning and until your checked luggage arrives.

After exiting the plane and before you pass through Immigration you must purchase a Tourist Card for US$10., if this charge is not included in your package.

When you claim your baggage and pass through Customs a representative from your travel agency or tour operator will be waiting for you and will show you to the bus that will take you to your hotel.

Remember at all times that you are on vacation and you are in a country with a different culture and rhythm. Take it easy, enjoy and relax.

As soon as you arrive at your hotel (if it is an all-inclusive) make your reservations for the restaurants of your choice. Each hotel has four or five cuisine theme restaurants, in addition to the buffet restaurants. It is recommended to make your reservations for these special restaurants before the slots are filled.

It is not recommended to drink the tap water. Use the bottled water and do not forget to hydrate often.

Never forget to apply sun protection. Remember that you are at a point close to the sun and a sun burn can ruin your vacation.

The hotel employees will work to serve you with efficiency and cordiality; however small tips will make your stay even more pleasurable.

Currency exchange while in the country is not recommended at the hotels because their commission charges are very high. Never change currency on the street. Go to the nearest bank or exchange house with your ID. We recommend that you pay in Dominican pesos whenever the price is cited in that currency and not use dollars or euros because although they are accepted the price will always be more advantageous in the local currency.

Telephone calls from the hotels are very expensive. It is advisable to use your cellular phone with moderation and communicate through email. The hotels have Internet rooms and fax service and many have WiFi service throughout the hotel. Another possibility is to make collect calls.

There is taxi service with pre established prices according to your destination. Ask about prices before you contract the service.

There is bus service to the city of Higuey and the capital city of Santo Domingo at modest prices. Consult schedule and prices in our Transportation section.

You can rent a vehicle at your hotel and it return it there. Understand that you should drive with extreme caution because the way of driving here is more chaotic than in developed countries.

In case you need medical attention, you will find a physician right in your hotel and there are also a number of well equipped clinics and hospitals nearby.

Do not forget to save US$20. for the Exit Tax at the airport on the date of your departure. Possibly this tax is included in the package that you purchased, but have it just in case.

Last, pack all liquids in your checked luggage. Remember the international regulations that prohibit certain items in your carry-on luggage.