Sosua Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts

Digital Tools for Sosua

Apps for Your Trip

Offline Maps
Google Maps: Download offline maps of Sosua and surroundings.
Local Communication
WhatsApp: important for communication in the Dominican Republic.
Language Helper
Google Translate: Download Spanish offline language pack.
Financial Access
Banking App: Monitor transactions, check balance.
Flight Management
Airline App: Flight status, check-in, mobile boarding passes.

Useful Websites for Planning

Official Tourism
GoDominicanRepublic.com: Official tourism website for general info.
Airfare Deals
Flight Comparison Sites: Kayak, Skyscanner, Google Flights, Expedia.
Stays & Rentals
Accommodation Booking Sites: Booking.com, Expedia, and Agoda are widely used for hotels.
Mandatory E-Ticket
Official E-Ticket Portal: eticket.migracion.gob.do/ for arrival and departure.
Community Insights
Social Media: Sosua expat groups on Facebook for local info and updates.

Offline Information

Guidebooks & Maps

A comprehensive guidebook offers insights into history, culture, and attractions. A physical road map is good for broader geography and day trips.

Local Literature

Look for non-fiction or fiction by Dominican authors.

Local Publications

Look for tourist magazines or newspapers at hotels for current event listings, restaurant recommendations, and local ads.

Stay Safe in Sosua

Emergency Contacts

General Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 911
Tourist Police (CESTUR - Puerto Plata/Sosua): 809-222-2026
National Police: 809-221-9191
Your country's embassy or consulate in Santo Domingo.

Medical Facilities & Steps

Clínica Dr. Brugal in Sosua for minor illnesses and injuries.
Centro Medico Bournigal in Puerto Plata for serious emergencies.
Pharmacies widely available for common medications.
Report lost or stolen documents to local police for a report.

Deepen Your Dominican Journey

Media & Arts

Search for documentaries or films on Dominican history, culture.
Immerse in Merengue and Bachata music genres.
Explore online galleries of Dominican art.
Look for local art pieces during your visit.

Community & Language

Online travel forums or expatriate groups on DR or Sosua.
Current information, peer advice, answers to questions.
Language learning apps like Babbel or Duolingo for basic Spanish phrases.
Small efforts in Spanish build positive interactions.

Future Planning

Consider future visits for specific interests.
Plan trips during local festivals.
Explore new regions of the Dominican Republic.
Connect with local artisans.

Emergency Readiness

Medical Emergency Protocol

Weather Monitoring

During hurricane season (June to November), monitor local weather forecasts.
Refer to reputable sources (e.g., National Hurricane Center).
Stay informed about any advisories or warnings.
Be aware of potential tropical storm activity.

Accommodation Safety

Your accommodation should have emergency procedures in place.
Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes from your room.
Locate emergency shelters if advised by staff.
Ask about emergency communication methods.

Authority Directives

Follow all instructions from local authorities.
Stay calm and follow established protocols.
Emergency services prioritize safety during natural events.
Cooperate with any evacuation orders promptly.

Lost Document Procedures

Reporting Losses

If passport or other documents are lost or stolen, report to local police.
Obtain a police report; it is needed for insurance claims.
The police report is for obtaining replacement documents.

Embassy Assistance

Contact your country's embassy or consulate for assistance.
They can help with emergency travel documents.
Assistance with replacement passports is a main service.

Travel Insurance & Health

Insurance Coverage

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance for your trip.
Ensure it covers medical emergencies and evacuation.
Coverage for trip cancellation/interruption and lost luggage.

Health Preparedness

Consult a travel health clinic for recommended vaccinations.
Discuss necessary prescriptions (e.g., anti-diarrhea medication).
Plan for any required vaccination schedules well in advance.

Local Medical Facilities

Emergency Numbers

General Emergency: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Tourist Police (CESTUR - Puerto Plata/Sosua region): 809-222-2026
National Police: 809-221-9191
Keep contact details for your country's embassy in Santo Domingo.
Example: U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo: 809-567-7775.

Clinics & Hospitals

Clínica Dr. Brugal in Sosua for minor illnesses and injuries.
Centro Medico Bournigal in Puerto Plata for more serious emergencies.
Numerous pharmacies are available throughout Sosua for medications.
For specialized care, Centro Medico Bournigal is generally recommended.
Emergency hotlines for embassies are often available on their websites.

Quick Health Reminders

Water Safety

Always use bottled or purified water for drinking and brushing teeth.

Sun Protection

Use strong sunscreen, wear hats, and seek shade during peak sun hours.

Personal Info Card

Keep a small card with name, blood type, allergies, and emergency contacts in your wallet.

Important Advisory

For more serious medical emergencies, or specialized care, seek the larger private hospitals in Puerto Plata. Keep emergency numbers readily accessible.

Travel Preparation Timeline

Pre-Trip Planning

+ Months Before Your Trip

Passport Validity
Check passport validity for at least six months beyond departure. Begin renewal if needed.
Visa Requirements
Research visa requirements for your nationality. Begin application process well in advance.
Flight and Accommodation
Book international flights to POP or STI. Secure your main accommodations, especially for high season.

Month Before Your Trip

Travel Health Consultation
Consult a travel health clinic or personal doctor. Discuss vaccinations and prescriptions.
Travel Insurance
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance for medical, cancellation, and lost luggage. World Nomads
IDP & Tour Bookings
Obtain an International Driving Permit if driving. Make major tour bookings in advance.

Home & Final Checks

Home Security

Secure your home: lock doors/windows, set alarms, arrange for mail collection, notify trusted neighbors.

Utility Management

Turn off unnecessary electronics and unplug appliances. Adjust thermostat settings for energy conservation.

Plants & Pets

Arrange for plant watering and pet care if needed during your absence.

Day Before Departure

Document & Device Readiness

Charge all electronic devices (phone, camera, power bank).
Place all essential travel documents in an accessible pouch or folder.
Inform family or friends of your itinerary and emergency contact info.
Start hydrating well before your flight for travel comfort.

Last-Minute Details

Complete the digital Dominican Republic E-Ticket form online for both arrival and departure.
Print or save the generated QR code to your phone and email.
Pack your bags according to the climate and planned activities. Eagle Creek offers great packing organizers.
Exchange a small amount of currency into Dominican Pesos for immediate needs.

Arrival Checklist

These steps ensure a smooth entry and comfortable start to your trip.

First Steps Upon Arrival

Have your passport and E-Ticket QR code ready for immigration.
After collecting luggage, proceed to customs with your E-Ticket QR code.
Locate ATMs at the airport to withdraw local currency (DOP).
Consider purchasing a local SIM card at the airport (limited options).

Orientation & Initial Purchases

Once at your accommodation, familiarize yourself with its immediate surroundings.
Ask hotel staff for local recommendations, safety tips, and taxi numbers.
While you can exchange currency at the airport, seek better rates at official banks in Sosua.
Purchase bottled water immediately upon leaving the airport or arriving.

Reminder

Keep a small amount of local currency (DOP) for last-minute purchases or tips at the airport.

Sosua Travel Resources