DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: JUST THE FACTS

Entry Requirements: U.S., U.K., and Canadian citizens should bring proof of citizenship, either a passport or an official birth certificate with photo ID.

Upon departure, vacationers are required to pay a departure tax of $10 U.S. per person.

Getting Around: With 12,000 miles of roads, getting around the Dominican Republic can be achieved many different ways. You can rent a car from a major agency at the airports and in the larger cities. You'll need your driver's license and a major credit card. You'll also need good reflexes to deal with the frequent displays of driving machismo you will encounter. One fortunate thing: driving is (more or less) on the right side. Taxis are a safer bet, but are fairly expensive and are unmetered; you'll need to negotiate a price before you embark. A variety of buses are also available from luxury lines to those with few creature comforts. The most basic transportation in the DR are the guaguas, unregulated taxi-buses which are usually crowded with locals. If you speak Spanish, riding the guaguas can be a good way to get the lowdown on what's happening.

Currency: Dominican Republic peso ($1US = $16.25 RD)

Language: Spanish

For More Information: For information on Dominican Republic attractions, contact the Tourist Information Center at 136 E. 57th St., Suite 803, New York 10022, 888-374-6361, fax 212- 588-1015 or in Miami at 2355 Salzedo St., Suite 307, Coral Gables 33134, 888-358-9594 or 305-444-4592, fax 305-444-4845. In Canada: 35 Church St., Unit 53, Toronto, Ontario MSE IT3, 888-494-5050 or 416-361-2126, fax 416-361-2130. In the U.K.: 20 Hand Court, High Holborn WC1, or 44-171-242-7778, fax: 44-171-405-4202.

Web address: Online information can be found at www.domrep-hotels.com.do and www.dr1.com/travel.html. Information from the Dominican Republic Embassy can be found at www.domrep.org.