Frequently Asked Questions
Clarify some of your doubts before your arrival in the country. If you don’t find the answer to your questions or concerns, you can write to us through our contact form, and we will be happy to answer you as soon as possible.
WHAT IS THE TELEPHONE AREA CODE FOR THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC?
The country code is +1. There are three area codes: 809, 829, and 849.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO PUNTA CANA?
Because of our tropical weather during the whole year, any time is a good time to visit Punta Cana. In low season you can take advantage of the best offers.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BÁVARO AND PUNTA CANA?
Punta Cana is a town belonging to the Dominican Republic, famous for its paradisiacal beaches. Among them, the Punta Cana Beach, which adopts the same name of the region, and the Bávaro beach stand out. So when we talk about Punta Cana, we can refer to the region or the Punta Cana beach itself. This, along with many other beaches, forms the commonly known Costa del Coco. This is where Playa Bávaro comes in, one of the most tourist and important coastal areas and undoubtedly one of the most characteristic of Punta Cana, where most of the five-star hotels are located. Specifically, it is located within the Verón-Punta Cana municipal district.
WHERE IS PLAYA BÁVARO LOCATED?
If we make a tour from north to south, the Punta Cana area begins with the Playa de Arena Gorda, followed by the popular Playa Bávaro and others such as Playa Uvero Alto and Macao. Around the cape we find others such as Cabeza de Toro, Punta Cana or Playa Juanillo.
WHAT KIND OF ELECTRICITY WILL I FIND IN THE COUNTRY?
Predominantly 110 volts.
SHOULD I CHANGE MY DOLLARS TO THE LOCAL CURRENCY?
Although most places accept dollars, you should be aware that in many cases they will offer you a very disadvantageous exchange rate, therefore it is advisable to always have some local currency on hand.
WHAT IS THE OFFICIAL EXCHANGE RATE?
Exchange rates may vary daily. Feel free to consult them online or ask your OTIUM INTERNATIONAL representative for updated official exchange rates.
CAN I TRAVEL WITH MY PET?
Before traveling with your pet, call your airline for updated information. Know the cost of transporting your animal on board or in the cargo. Make your reservation in advance because some airlines restrict the number of pets that can be transported on a single flight.
A health certificate issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian must accompany each animal. The certificate must state that the pet was examined within 30 days prior to departure and that it was found to be free of infectious diseases, to be treated for external and internal parasites, and to be vaccinated against rabies. The rabies vaccination certificate must include the date of vaccination, the established period of immunity, the name of the product and the serial number.
Upon arrival in the Dominican Republic, ask to speak to the animal control officer who will review your veterinary certificate (s) and complete the required official pet entry permit form.
HOW DO I FIND OTIUM INTERNATIONAL AT THE AIRPORT?
Our representatives of OTIUM INTERNATIONAL are identified in white, blue and orange uniforms; and the company logo clearly visible on the front and on the back of the t-shirt. At Punta Cana Airport you can find them at counter No. 5 if you arrive through terminal A, or at No. 20 if you arrive at B. At any other airport they will be waiting for you to give you a friendly welcome as soon as you finish your entry formalities into the country.
ARE YOU WAITING FOR ME WITH A POSTER WITH MY NAME AT THE AIRPORT?
Name hand signs are only used if your transfer is in private service. If your service is regular, in Punta Cana we have service counters where passengers are received. At other airports in the country, we receive passengers with the OTIUM INTERNATIONAL sign and logo
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT FOR MY TRANSFER VEHICLE TO LEAVE AT THE AIRPORT?
For private transfers the departure will be immediate. For shared transfers, times may vary depending on the airport. However, you will never have to wait more than 25 minutes before leaving for your resort.
HOW MANY HOTELS DOES MY TRANSFER GO ON REGULAR SERVICE FROM THE CITY OF SANTO DOMINGO TO HOTELS IN PUNTA CANA?
It will depend on the operation of the day but, on average, within the city of Santo Domingo it passes through 3 or 4 hotels. It is important to mention that the vehicle can make a technical stop at the Santo Domingo airport to collect or dispatch passengers, as well as in Bayahibe. Upon arrival in the Punta Cana area, unit changes are normally made, the same that have been regrouped by hotel zones to speed up the dispatch of passengers. There on average you go through 3 or 4 hotels.
HOW MANY HOTELS DOES MY TRANSFER GO IN REGULAR SERVICE FROM THE PUNTA CANA AIRPORT TO HOTELS IN BÁVARO?
On average, for 3 or 4 hotels.
HOW LONG DOES A TRANSFER TAKE FROM THE Santo Domingo AIRPORT TO HOTELS IN PUNTA CANA?
Depending on the distance of the hotel in relation to the Santo Domingo airport, it can take approximately 4 hours in regular service and 2 hours in private service.
HOW LONG DOES A TRANSFER TAKE FROM THE PUNTA CANA AIRPORT TO THE BÁVARO HOTEL ZONE?
Depending on the distance of the hotel in relation to the Punta Cana airport, it can take approximately 1 hour in regular service and 30 minutes in private service.
WHAT KIND OF VEHICLE WILL THE TRANSPORTATION FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT PROVIDE?
The type of vehicle that will take you to your destination may vary depending on the number of passengers, availability and type of service you have purchased. In all cases we guarantee modern and comfortable vehicles with air conditioning, Wi-Fi and constantly monitored by GPS
DOES THE INFANT TRANSFER INCLUDE A BABY SEAT?
We have baby chairs, subject to availability. The price is USD $ 20.00 per way. The reservation of the chair must be made with a minimum of 72 hours since at airports we do not have them available. The reservation must include information about the weight, height and age of the minor.
WHAT IS THE LUGGAGE WEIGHT ALLOWED PER PERSON?
For an adult passenger is 1 suitcase of 23 kilos and a handbag.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP TO THE DRIVER?
Tips are optional and depend on how you value the service provided. However, be aware that, unlike in the United States or other countries, drivers in the Dominican Republic generally do not expect to receive tips.
DO I NEED TO PRESENT MY TRANSFER AND EXCURSION VOUCHERS?
Yes. Always remember to have a copy of your online proof of purchase either printed or on your cell phone to present to our representative at the airport or hotel. This will make everything work better by honoring you for the services you have paid for.
IS IT SAFE TO DRINK TAP WATER IN HOTELS?
No, it is not safe to drink tap water in the Dominican Republic, as it is not purified. Always drink bottled water, available in abundance at your resort or at neighborhood stores and supermarkets.
WHAT IS THE COST OF THE EXIT TAX?
The departure tax is USD $ 20. However, in most cases, it is already included in the fare of your air ticket.
