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Dominican Republic
 The Dominican Republic, with a total population of almost 8 million, is the most populous country in the Caribbean. The great majority (75%) of its citizens are mulattoes, a mixture of Europeans, Africans and Amer-Indians, as for the remaining, 15% are whites who are mainly descended from the original Spanish settlers. Blacks make up virtually all of the balance (10%). There have not been any pure Amer-Indians remaining on the island for the past three centuries. There are also a fairly large number of Haitians living and working in the country, doing mainly heavy manual labour and less remunerative work.
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Laguages Spoken
 The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish. Around the main areas where tourists are concentrated, many Dominicans also speak some English and German, and quite a few may also speak French and Italian. However, in some areas of the country, particularly within the interior, the local residents usually speak only Spanish and nothing more, so it can be quite helpful to know a few basic words or commonly used phrases of this language if you are planning to move around on your own.
Currency
You will find itŐs most convenient to bring US dollars. You will get a better rate if you exchange your foreign currency abroad. This is so because the dollar is an extremely competitive currency here, not so European and Asian currencies that are in less demand. Most stores and restaurants in tourist areas will accept US$ as well as the local currency, the Dominican peso shown as RD$. As of the end of February, the Euro is expected to circulate as freely as the dollar, increasing its demand and exchange price locally, versus the 11 European currencies in the past.
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Taxis
There is more than one type of taxi in the Dominican Republic. When you step off a plane or out of your hotel, you will almost certainly find a ŇtouristÓ taxi. A few years ago the government funded new taxis. They are now Hundai minivans or cars. All are sand colored. They replace the 70Ős vintage American gas guzzlers that used to transport tourists. Tourist taxis fiercely protect their territory against other forms of transport. Not surprising since their prices are double those of the vintage Japanese cars that the city taxis use. In the large cities you will find Ňcarro conchosÓ who cruise the main streets like buses, constantly stopping to take on or disgorge passengers.
They only charge a few pesos and are practical for short rides along the same street. DonŐt look for a taxi meter in the Dominican Republic. Tourist taxis usually have posted rates at the entrance to resorts.
Motorcycle taxis - Known as Ňmoto conchosÓ they abound except for downtown Santo Domingo. They charge double at night which means 20 or more pesos instead of 10 for a fairly short ride. They are not practical for long trips and are involved in lots of accidents.
Car Rentals
Major car rental companies have airport and city locations, such as Honda, National, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Nelly Rent-a-Car, Dollar and many others. A valid driverŐs license and major credit cards are required to rent a car for up to 90 days. Driving is on the right hand side and the speed limit is 60 kph in the cities and 80 kph or 100 kph on the highways, unless otherwise indicated.
There are only two problems with this, cost and safety. You will find that the cost of car rentals is higher than you are used to in your home country.
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Buses
In contrast to car rentals and taxis, buses are cheap, safer, and fun. You will come in contact with real Dominicans. Metro Tours, Terra Bus and Caribe tours are for long trips, for example Santo Domingo to Puerto Plata. Clean modern and comfortable they are a bargain. They work by reservation except on Holidays.
Other intercity buses offer express and air conditioned services. If the bus is not express it will make lots of stops. Fine if you have all the time in the world.
Local buses (guaguas) will take you to the next town for a dollar or so. The only problem with buses is that they stop operating at about 9 PM, so you canŐt use them at night.
For the Birds
The Dominican Republic has 300 recorded bird species, which include 27 endemics and a number of Caribbean specialties. In addition, its relative proximity to the United States and the rest of the Caribbean Islands makes the Dominican Republic an ideal destination for birders. Source: camacdonald.com/birding/cardominicanreepublic.htm
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