Practical Information: Las Terrenas

Local SIM Cards and Mobile Providers

Dominican Republic's main mobile providers are Claro and Altice. Both carry good coverage in Las Terrenas and surrounding areas. Purchase SIM cards ("chip" or "tarjeta SIM") at international airports or official stores. Your passport is needed for registration. Ensure your mobile phone is unlocked before travel. Prepaid plans are common and economical.

Internet Access and Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, guesthouses, many restaurants, and cafes.
4G LTE coverage is generally good in Las Terrenas.
Postal services for tourists are limited. International mail can be slow. For urgent documents, use international courier services.

Translation Resources

Spanish is the official language. Many in tourism speak English and French. Outside these areas, Spanish communication is very useful. Locals appreciate efforts to speak their language.

Tools for Communication

Google Translate App: Download the offline Spanish language pack for use without internet.
Phrasebook: Carry a small Spanish phrasebook for quick reference.
Basic Spanish Phrases: Learning a few phrases is highly appreciated by locals.

Important Phrases

Making an effort to speak Spanish aids your interactions.

Common Sayings

Hola (OH-lah): Hello
Gracias (GRAH-see-ahs): Thank you
¿Cuánto cuesta? (KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah?): How much does it cost?

Airport Services

Enhance your airport experience and address travel disruptions.

Traveler Amenities

Priority Pass: Access independent airport lounges worldwide.
Compensair: A service that aids customers receive compensation for flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.
Airalo: eSIM provider for travelers, offering connectivity.

Business Hours & Schedules

Typical Operating Hours

Banks: Generally Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Some Saturday hours.
Shops: Most smaller shops operate Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM. Some may close for lunch.
Supermarkets: Typically have longer hours, 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM, including Sundays.
Restaurants: Hours vary. Lunch 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Dinner 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM or later.

Other Business Considerations

Public Holidays: Banks, government offices, and some businesses may close or have reduced hours on these days.
Seasonal Closures: During low season (August-October), some smaller businesses may close or have reduced schedules.
Banking & ATMs: Major banks in Las Terrenas. ATMs are available at banks and larger supermarkets. Use ATMs during daylight. Inform your bank of travel plans.
Solis Wi-Fi: Portable WiFi device retailer for constant internet access.

Language Learning Tip

Rosetta Stone a language learning platform, can aid your Spanish communication. For quick translations on the go, download the offline Spanish language pack on Google Translate. This helps you communicate without internet access.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Greeting Customs

Dominicans are warm and friendly. A simple "Hola" or "Buenos días" is standard. Handshakes are common. A single kiss on the right cheek is a common greeting among women, and between men and women who know each other.

Appropriate Attire

Swimwear is fine on beaches and by pools. Casual wear is generally acceptable for most establishments. For religious sites, dress modestly: shoulders and knees should be covered.

Dining & Tipping

A 10% service charge ("Ley") is often included in restaurant bills. If not, or for exceptional service, an additional 5-10% is customary. It is polite to say "Buen Provecho" (enjoy your meal) to others dining nearby.

Photography Permissions

Guidelines for respectful capture of images.

Ethics of Photos

Always ask for permission before photographing people, especially children.
Respect sensitive areas: avoid religious sites, private residences, or local ceremonies.
Avoid photographing military or police personnel without explicit permission.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Topics to approach with caution or avoid.

Navigating Conversations

Politics: Generally best for tourists to avoid engaging in deep political discussions.
Haiti: The relationship is complex. Best to avoid discussing Haitian-Dominican relations unless invited by a local.
Religion: Dominican Republic is predominantly Catholic. Be respectful of religious beliefs and practices.

Gender Considerations & LGBTQ+ Information

Gender & Social Norms

Traditional gender roles are common.
Catcalling ("piropos") may occur, especially towards women, but it is generally harmless. Ignoring it is usually the best approach.
Dominicans often speak loudly and animatedly; this is not usually a sign of anger. Adjust your own volume to be respectful.

LGBTQ+ & Travel

Dominican Republic is generally a conservative country.
Major tourist areas like Las Terrenas tend to be more liberal and welcoming, especially within the expatriate community.
Public displays of affection for same-sex couples may still draw attention in less touristy or rural areas.

General Etiquette

Politeness and patience are valued. Dress appropriately, especially when visiting local communities or churches. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases is highly appreciated by locals and aids your daily interactions.

Accessibility Information

Travelers with mobility challenges may find infrastructure in Las Terrenas presents limited accessibility.

Infrastructure for Mobility Challenges

Navigating the town may present difficulties.

Considerations

Sidewalks can be uneven, narrow, or non-existent in many areas.
Many older buildings and smaller businesses lack ramps or elevators.
Newer, larger hotels and resorts may present some accessible rooms and facilities. Confirm directly before booking.

Accessible Attractions & Transportation

Getting around and exploring may require planning.

Mobility & Sightseeing

Public guaguas and motoconchos are generally not accessible.
Taxis might accommodate some mobility aids, but it is best to inquire in advance.
Beaches are generally accessible, but getting onto the sand or navigating uneven access points can be difficult. Excursions like El Limón Waterfall feature rugged terrain and are not accessible.

Services for Sensory Impairments

Visual or Hearing Needs

Specialized services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are limited.
Spanish is the main language, so communication aids (e.g., translation apps, written notes) may prove necessary.
Guide dogs are not commonly seen or formally accommodated in most public spaces.

Accessibility Resources

No specific local organizations in Las Terrenas focus on accessible tourism.
Online forums or travel groups for travelers with disabilities may present user-generated insights and recommendations.
Research specific hotels and attractions thoroughly.

Planning Your Accessible Trip

Contact tour operators and accommodations directly to discuss specific accessibility needs before booking any activities or tours. Confirm details on ramps, elevators, and accessible rooms.

Practical Information