Frequently Asked Questions
Q- How do we recognize the driver upon our arrival?
A- He will be holding up a signboard with my name on it "RAFAEL SILVA".
Q- Are your vehicles insured?
A- Yes, all of them are fully insured.
Q-Are your vehicles a/c?
A- Yes, all our vehicles are a/c.
Q- How big are your vehicles?
A- All our vehicles are Mini-Vans and big Buses that can accomodate 1 to 60 passengers.
Q-Does your vehicles have Baby seats?
A- Unfortunately not.
Q- How far is it from my landing airport to my final destination?
A- Click here for distances and times.
Q- Can we stop in our journey to the Resort?
A- Yes, you can stop as many times as you wish.
Q- How much time in advance before our departure should we arrive to the airport?
A- Airlines policy is 2 hours in advance.
Q- It is going to be only my party on the ride or there will be more people on the vehicle?
A- It will be only your party on the ride, our business is private transportation, we don't mix
people that are not traveling together or known each other.
Q- What about if our plane is delay, how can I contact you, will you wait for us?
A- If your plane is delay you can contact us on our cell phone number 809-330-1262 if you wish but,
anyways the driver will be there waiting for you no matter how late you are. We will know about the
delay prior to your arrival to the airport.
Q- Do we have to tip the driver?
A- Tips are not an obligation, it is up to you to tip or not to.
Q- Do we have to re-confirm our departure pick up?
A- It is not necessary but it will be very nice if you inform us of any changes or cancellations.
Q- Do you accept 'Travellers Checks"?
A- Unfortunately not, we only accept US$ cash or credit cards payments in advance on
our web site via PayPal.
Q- What currency should I bring?
A- US dollars is the most easily exchangeable foreign currency. The reason is that the exchange rate
for US Dollars is extremely competitive here, making it a good transition currency. Other currencies can
be exchanged, but usually a lower rate will be paid than if you had first exchanged your currency for US
dollars. Bring a mix of Credit cards, ATM cards and travelers checks. Exchange houses pay the most for
US dollar travel checks. Next comes the US dollar. Canadian, the Euro, and during the dual circulation
period of to 28 February 2002, German, French, Italian and Spanish currency can be easily exchanged
at banks and exchange houses, but note you will not get as good a rate as for the US dollar.
Q- Is it safe to drink the tap water at the hotels?
A- Tap water should be avoided unless it has been boiled. This means that it is perfectly safe to use for
teas and coffees. You may brush your teeth in unboiled tap water but if you have a sensitive stomach
I wouldn't advice it. Almost all resorts provide purified water. Ice cubes are generally made from this as well,
especially at resorts and tourist places. Bottled water can be bought almost everywhere.
Q- Is it safe?
A- Sure there are dangers everywhere and in the DR as well. But the crime rate is relatively low when
it comes to acts of violence, whereas acts of petty theft, such as pick pocketing) are common. However,
act sensibly. Don't wear jewels that attract attention and don't wave your $$ around for everyone to see.
Avoid walking in areas where there are no people around, take a taxi instead.
Q- Is it all right for women to be traveling alone?
A- The Vice President of the Dominican Republic is a woman, and you will find women in executive positions t
hroughout most businesses in the country. While machismo is alive and well in the barrios and rural
communities, middle class and up women have as much to say as the men in their homes and jobs.
Note that more women graduate from university
then men in the DR. Women traveling alone will not have any problems. Unless you dress very
provocatively, the most you will get is a compliment here and there from an admiring Dominican male.
Chivalry is alive and well in the DR. Use common sense and you will enjoy your vacation just as you would
anywhere else in the world.
Q- Are Dominican beaches safe?
A- Some beaches are children-friendly, others have big waves, strong undertow and rocks. When in doubt,
stick to the shore. The same rules apply here as do anywhere else in the world. Do not take a windsurf
or sail boat out if you have just finished eating. Don't go out swimming alone. Don't bring your valuables
to the beach. Don't leave anything you can't afford to lose on the beach when going off for a swim.
Many a tourist has fallen asleep to discover their airline ticket or camera is missing.
Q- What is the drinking and gambling age?
A- The drinking and gambling age is 18 years old. While lax in the past, increasingly the authorities
are enforcing a ban on serving alcoholic beverages to minors. Many discos, especially in Santo Domingo,
will ask to see an ID if you do not look 18. The same will happen in the casinos.
Q- What's the best time of the year to come?
A- The peak travel seasons to and from the DR are July-August (most travel) and the months of December,
January, February and March. This reflects the vacation periods of Europeans and North Americans. Note that
the weather varies only a few degrees upwards and downwards in the Dominican Republic, with the summer
months being slightly hotter, so any time is just as fine. Try to avoid the peaks of domestic travel, primarily
Easter Week and the long weekend holidays, if possible, when the major resorts will be full to the hilt.
Q- When is the rainy season?
A- Anyone who tells you there is a rainy season in the DR hasn’t lived here. It rains more frequently in the
North Coast than in the South. The East Coast is the driest. But aside from that the weather in the DR is
relatively stable. Only very occasionally will a storm be passing by that will bring more than an afternoon of rain.
The most common forecast is: partly cloudy with a chance of short showers. The El Niño and El Niña currents bring
longer periods of drought and rain. But aside from that, bring your sun block as chances are the sun will be
shining strong.
Q- I don't know Spanish. Will this be a problem?
A- Thousands of people visit the DR every year without knowing any Spanish at all. If you at least know English,
you should be able to get along fine. But if neither English nor Spanish is your language, don't worry, be happy.
If you are just coming on a holiday you will be surprised how far a smile and sign language and pointing will
get you a long way.
If you are coming for business, it is most probable your host will have someone who can communicate with
you in your language, if he doesn't do so himself.
As with traveling anywhere, picking up a key phrases in Spanish (like "por favor"-please, "gracias"-thank you,
will bring many smiles and extra efforts to help you out.
Most resorts will have someone speaking English. Many resorts have multi-lingual staff. If you are coming
with a large group, there surely will be staff fluent in your language to assist you. The best advice is to
relax and be patient if you do not get youself across the first time. Laugh and have fun. After all,
you are on a vacation.
Q- What is the DR policy on visitors and drugs?
A- You do not want to bring in, consume or risk buying or selling drugs in the Dominican Republic.
This is the easiest way to land yourself in jail with no bail. This could turn your trip into a nightmare.
Drugs are not welcome in the DR and there are tough laws against trafficking and consumption r
egardless of the amount.
Q- Is prostitution legal?
A- Yes and no. It is tolerated but it is not legal. Having any kind of sexual relationship with minors
(under 18 years) is illegal and those caught face long terms in jail.
Q- Does your company takes customers to pick up ¨girls¨to have fun?
A- NO. Our business is family oriented and is strictly focus on airport, Hotels transfers and excursions.
Part of this content is supplied by http://dr1.com
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