The frequently asked questions below will cover only the general questions you might have about the Dominican Republic, Casa de Campo and Villa Las Pinas Seis.   When you confirm your reservation and prior to your arrival we will e-mail you a more detailed FAQ list with the maid’s name, local telephone numbers, helpful Villa data, etc.

 Currency, Credit Cards, ATM’s      

The Dominican Peso is the official currency of the Dominican Republic.  The exchange rate fluctuates but is generally pegged to the U.S. dollar.  U.S. dollars are easily and gratefully accepted for most transactions, as are traveler’s checks.  There is a bank in the hotel that will exchange dollars for pesos.

Credit Cards are widely accepted, including the grocery stores.  Before you leave for your trip, your credit card company can tell you the rate of exchange and you can compare it to using dollars or traveler’s checks. 

There is an ATM machine in the hotel lobby that will accept most ATM cards.

 Touring Carts

Four passenger-touring carts are the preferred way to travel within Casa de Campo.  They cost approximately $35 per day.  It is important to reserve them, as far in advance of your trip as possible, so they are available for your use.

Tee Times            

Tee Times should be reserved as far in advance as possible of your trip.  Fax your tee time request to 809-523-8800 or email to t.times@ccampo.com.do

Climate

 The weather in Dominican Republic remains tropical year round, with only slight variations in the months.  The average annual temperature is around 85° F (25° C.) 

 November to April is considered pleasant, warm weather, relatively low humidity and low precipitation.

 May to October the average temperature rises to 87° F (31° C) during the daytime and drops to about 72° F (22° C) at night.  It does rain a bit more often during this season, especially from May to August, but usually this turns out to be no more than a 30-minute tropical shower. 

 Airlines   

Several airlines service the Dominican Republic from around the world.  The closest airport is La Romana, which is 5 minutes from Casa de Campo.  Santo Domingo Airport is a one hour drive from Casa de Campo and and Punta Cana Airport  is about 1-1/2 hour’s drive to Casa de Campo in a chauffeured driven van.  Several airlines have direct service to these airports from major metropolitan airports around the world. 

Attire 

Several restaurants require collared shirts and long pants for dinner.  Jackets and ties are not required.

 Language       

Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic, however, most employees of Casa de Campo speak some English, including waiters, caddies, store clerks, etc. 

Water

Never drink water directly from the faucet unless it has been thoroughly boiled first.  The water supply system in the Dominican Republic is not up to standards required for healthy, bacteria free water.  Fresh, bottled drinking water is sold everywhere in the country.  There is a large bottled water cooler in the kitchen. 

Health       

Casa de Campo has an English-speaking doctor on-call at all times.  Bring your prescription medicine with you or call the local doctor to have it filled at a local pharmacy.  

Telephone Service                

Your mobile phone may work in the Dominican Republic.  Check with your carrier before departure if you need it activated for your trip.  You can also rent a mobile phone at the airport upon arrival.  The Villa has a phone for local use.  Upon departure you will be billed a small fee for each call on your credit card bill from Casa de Campo.  If you use the Villa phone to call overseas, you will also be charged on the Casa de Campo bill.   

Requirements for U.S. Citizens to Enter the Dominican Republic

A valid U.S. Passport is required to enter the Dominican Republic.
 

Santo Domingo          

Santo Domingo is about a 1-½ hour drive from Casa de Campo.  You may want to take the trip for a look back into history, shopping or restaurants.  Santo Domingo is the oldest European-settled city in the New World with the first cathedral, the first hospital.  No other city in the Caribbean has a greater variety of restaurants and nightlife.  There are so many restaurants in this city that it is practically impossible even for those who live here to have visited them all. 

Links

•  http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

•  http:/www.dominicanrepublic.com/

•  http://www.elcaribecdn.com/

•  http://www.hispaniola.com