PUERTO PLATA FAQ'S

Where is Puerto Plata located and what is it known for?

Located on the beautiful shores of the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, is a lively province known for its history, beauty, and warm hospitality. The name "Puerto Plata" translates to "Silver Port" in Spanish, a tribute to its sparkling coastline and the shimmering reflections of the sun on its water. It is a popular resort destination as well as a great place to meet Dominican people and shop in local commerce. How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

If you have not booked a private transfer with us, there are several ways to get from Puerto Plata International Airport to your hotel in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

Airport transfer services can take you directly to your hotel. Some services offer shared shuttles, private transfers, and deluxe transfers.

Taxis are available at the stand at the main entrance of the airport. Buses can be slow and the ride can be rough. Caribe Express is a bus service located on the corner of José Eugenio Conjas, Plaza Caribe, and offers service between Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata, passing through Santiago en route. The travel time from Santo Domingo to Santiago is about 2 hours. From here, it will require an additional 90 minutes for ongoing passengers to Puerto Plata. Metro Buses also run between Santo Domingo and Santiago to Puerto Plata daily at the same time.

How do I get around?

Public transportation in Puerto Plata consists of taxis, buses, and motoconchos (motorcycle taxis). Taxis are readily available and can be easily hailed on the streets or arranged through your hotel. Buses are an affordable option for traveling within the province, with routes connecting major towns and attractions.

Car rentals are available at the airport, however, you probably won't need to rent a car. If you're staying at one of the all-inclusive resorts, you may just enjoy exploring the area around Puerto Plata by motor scooter, although the roads do have several potholes. You can rent a scooter at the guest services kiosk at just about any large hotel in Puerto Plata.

If you take a taxi, it is advisable to agree upon a fare before you start your trip, as cabs are not metered. You'll find taxis in Central Park in Puerto Plata. At night, it's advisable to rent a taxi for a round-trip. Taxis are the most expensive option for transportation. Buses are slower, but the cheapest.

Should I rent a car?

It is not necessary to have a car and may be an unnecessary hassle. If you're taking a daytrip or traveling from one of the most distant airports, a car rental may be helpful. Driving can be a bit hectic and street signs are in Spanish. Also worth noting, side streets are in poor shape and the local driving habits can be aggressive.

What is the legal drinking age?

The legal drinking age in the Dominican Republic, including Puerto Plata, is 18 years old.

What is the weather like? When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Puerto Plata is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. The weather is warm and pleasant, with lower chances of rain. However, if you prefer to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of May - June or September - October.

The weather is generally warm, with average highs ranging from 80°F in the winter to 90°F in the summer.

When is hurricane season?

.The hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30, with the peak months being September and October.

I don’t speak Spanish. Will many people speak English?

You won’t have any problems communicating in the Dominican Republic. Dominicans are very friendly and even if they do not speak your language, they will help you find someone who can or find a way to communicate. English is widely spoken in tourist areas of Puerto Plata. Fluency is less common in the villages and countryside. We recommend you get a good guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, excuse me and numbers 1-10.

Is Puerto Plata a dangerous area?

Puerto Plata is generally a safe destination, but it is important to take standard precautions. Keep your valuables secure, drink bottled water, and use sunscreen to protect against the Caribbean sun. It's also a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses in case of any unforeseen incidents.

Some warn against the popular motoconshos, or taxi motorcycles, that are available throughout the central plaza. Many DR roads are in poor shape, driving patterns are irregular and few cyclists provide a helmet for passengers. Taxis are more expensive, but they offer more safely.

Is it safe to drink water?

No, we do not recommend drinking the tap water in the Dominican Republic. This is because your body is not accustomed to the microbes in the Dominican Republic's water. Drinking tap water increases your chances of contracting an upset tummy.

What is the local time zone?

The Dominican Republic observes Atlantic Standard Time year-round.

Can I pay/tip in US dollars?

The currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso. The most convenient currency to take with you is US dollars, which you can change to pesos once you arrive. There are plenty of money exchange or banks with ATMs in the area.

What is the food like?

Many reports offer prepaid food plans, however, you'll want to be sure to sample some of the local cuisine. La bandara is the national dish of red beans, stewed meats, rice and friend green plantains, and samaná's pescado con coco (fish with coconut sauce) is a popular dish for any seafood lover.

The Dominican Republic as a whole is known for its coffee bean production, and you can expect your Puerto Plata cup of joe to taste fresh and flavorful. Delicious tropical fruit juices are plentiful, often made into fruit milkshakes or batidas, and include passion fruit, guava, pineapple, orange, strawberry, mango, mandarin and papaya.

What are the best areas for shopping?

The Plaza Turisol Complex is the largest shopping center on the north coast and has about 80 different outlets. This complex has the most upscale merchandise. It's located about 5 minutes from Puerto Plata and Playa Dorado, on the main road heading east. Nearby is a smaller shopping center, Playa Dorada Plaza has about 80 shops selling handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs, and gifts. Both plazas are open daily from 9 am to 9 pm.

The neoclassical house contains a large collection of boutiques in Puerto Plata. Many of the paintings here are from neighboring Haiti, but the amber, larimar, and mahogany woodcarvings are local.

The Mercado, located at the corner of Avenida Isabel de Torres and Calle 2, is open Monday - Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm. Everything is sold here, from both Dominican and Haitian art to handicrafts, along with the fruits and vegetables, and local wares.

What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?

In an emergency, dial 911.

Puerto Plata has several hospitals and clinics where you can receive medical attention:

Hospital Ricardo Limardo - is the main public hospital in Puerto Plata.
Centro Medico Bournigal - is a well-known private hospital that offers emergency services and specialized treatments.

Pharmacies are common throughout Puerto Plata, and many of them have doctors on staff for consultations. If you have a mild condition, a pharmacy could be enough for simple treatments, like antibiotics, pain relief, or over-the-counter medications.