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Canadian ans U.S. citizens must show proof of citizenship. A passport is not necessary but is highly recommended for all travel overseas.

Inter-island hopping

ALM offers service to the Dutch Caribbean islands of St. Maarten and Curacao. Keep in mind that it is easy to hop an American Eagle flight over to San Juan and then connect out to just about anywhere in the Caribbean. Currently underway, though not yet complete, are ambitious plans to expand intra-air service between the major airports on the island.

Upon arriving at the airport always keep your luggage and personal belongings close to you and never out of your sight. Luggage theft and pickpocketing is a common problem here. You will also be overwhelmed by porters and airport "assistants" who will offer to carry your bags, get you a taxi, and give out tour information as you make your way out of the airport in Santo Domingo. Depending on the number of travel bags you are carrying, you will soon have a porter for each one -- and each one expecting a tip. Be polite but firm. Carry what you can and use only one other porter if necessary and then make your way directly to the taxi station.

Taxis - There is no bus service from the airport. It is about a 25-minute drive from the airport to Santo Domingo and it costs about $20.00. The airport in Puerto Plata is about 5 miles from the city and costs $7.00. Although there are standard fares posted to the major zones in Santo Domingo, the taxis themselves have no meters. It is important, therefore, to negotiate the rates before accepting service.

Rental cars - It is not necessary to rent a car to move around Santo Domingo. Taxis are easily arranged to take you to the major attractions and city tours offer another good option. Even so, the adventurous will discover that a rental car is the only way to go if you are really bent on taking in the natural beauty of the island and discovering its true essence.

Rental cars can be rented at the airport and major hotels. The top American rental companies are available -- Hertz, Avis, Budget, and National. Expect rentals to average about $50.00 per day without insurance. Due to poor road conditions, cars tend to be banged up. Supplemental insurance is highly recommended. Also, beware of hidden costs and high deductibles on your own insurance.

Driving is on the right hand side of the road, but travellers will soon experience the fact that, more often than not, cars seem to drive down the middle and at breakneck speeds. Due to potholes and the lack of lighting, it is not recommended that you drive at night -- especially in the mountains. However, once clear of the traffic congestion of large cities such as Santo Domingo, you will surely enjoy experiencing lightly travelled roads and the incredible beauty of the island.

World class in every way, the Dominican Republic offers spectacular settings for every activity from diving, to golf, to whalewatching and windsurfing and beyond.

Santo Domingo is the nightlife capital of the island. There are hundreds of bars and restaurants to choose from. Though Santo Domingo does not see alot of American tourists -- and most seem to stay at the Jaragua Renaissance Hotel.

US citizens can bring back up to $400.00 worth of duty free shopping. There are duty free zones at the international airports and a large duty-free zone in Santo Domingo. With the US dollar holding a favorable advantage over the Dominican Peso there are potentially great shopping bargains to be had on your visit to the island.

Favorite items from the Dominican Republic

Cigars: Dominican cigars are almost on the level of Cuban varieties and can be quite expensive. They can be found in hundreds of stores and hotels throughout the islands, but the best buys are usually found at a cigar factory near the city of Santiago.

Rum: Islanders consume most of the rum, leaving very little to be exported. The rum here is among the best in the Caribbean with the top of the line coming from Brugal, Bermudez, and Barcelo. Try the dark or anejo varieties.

Amber: Dominican amber is considered the best in the world. Collectors seek out the sap that contains perfect specimens of insects and plants that were trapped inside millions of years ago. The amber is also used to create jewelry.

Larimer: A stone found only on the island, larimer is also a highly sought item for jewelry.

Artwork - Along the Malecon in Santo Domingo or in front of major hotels is local artwork strung up by the hundreds for display. Many are influenced or painted by Haitian artists. Take your time and you will probably find a piece or two that fits your taste. Then bargain your way to a good buy. In the old colonial zone you will find many galleries that feature artwork by Dominicanos that are beautiful and worthwhile to collect. Other great souvenirs from the island include the Carnaval mask, handcarved and painted by artisans from the island or neighboring Haiti, or any of a wide variety of wood carvings.

Outdoor market - For a fun, exhilarating, and challenging shopping experience that will also result in the best shopping bargains, try the open air markets. Probably the most famous is the Mercado Modelo near the Colonial City. There you will find crowded stall after crowded stall filled with artwork, carvings, souvenirs, ceramics, leather goods, and clothing. Bargaining is an artform and is expected. Always looked shocked at whatever price is quoted and never seem too anxious to buy any item. It may take some work, but the prices will tend to fall in your favor!