TRAVEL MANUAL Dominican Republic 2011
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International Student Volunteers, Inc.
TRAVEL MANUAL
Dominican Republic 2011
THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO YOUR DOMINICAN REPUBLIC EXPERIENCE
ISV’S MISSION STATEMENT
Create a volunteer environment conducive to combining conservation, education,
community development and recreation into the most incredible experience of a lifetime,
while giving back to the local communities in the countries where we travel.
NAME:DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MAP WITH ADVENTURE TOUR
ROUTETABLE OF CONTENTS THE ESSENTIALS 4 A. Important/Emergency Contact Numbers 4 B. Communications 5 C. Documents 6 D. Tourist Card Information 6 E. Flights 7 F. Staying Additional Nights in Miami 10 G. Money 10 H. Health Care and Vaccinations 13 TRAVELING RESPONSIBLY 17 A. ISV’s Expectations for All Participants 17 B. Participant Conduct and Behavior 18 C. Security 20 D. Responsible Tourism 21 PROGRAM INFORMATION 24 A. Breakdown of ISV’s Program Costs 24 B. Spanish Immersion Program in Santiago (Optional) 25 C. Volunteer Projects 27 D. Academic Credit Requirements 27 E. Adventure Tour Accommodations and Meals 29 F. Adventure Tour Activities (Included & Optional) 29 G. Adventure Tour Itinerary 32 H. Packing List 36 I. Cancellation Information 41 COUNTRY INFORMATION 42 A. Extra Expenses 42 B. Handy Facts 43 C. The Local Lingo 44 PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST 46
THE ESSENTIALS
A. IMPORTANT/EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Police, Medical, Fire & Ambulance Services Dial 911 in an emergency (usually in
Spanish – ask for a bilingual operator)
24-HOUR ISV EMERGENCY NUMBERS
David DeMinico (ISV Program Coordinator) 1-809-983-2500
Adolfo Ramirez (ISV Tour Coordinator) 1-829-714-9283
U.S.A./CAN ISV Flight Emergency Contact (714) 386-8636
U.S.A./CAN ISV Emergency Contact (714) 261-0872
ISV CONTACT DETAILS
International Student Volunteers Office,
(714) 779-7392
U.S.A.
International Student Volunteers Office,
(714) 777-4647
U.S.A. Fax
info@isvonline.org
International Student Volunteers Office Email
isvcan@isvonline.org
U.S. and CANADIAN EMBASSIES
U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic 1-809-221-2171
http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov/
embassy.html
Canadian Embassy in the Dominican Republic 1-809-262-3100
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/
dominican_republic-republique_dominicaine/
AIRLINES
American Airlines Toll-free Number (from 1-800-433-7300
US/CAN)
American Airlines Reservations - Santo 1-809-542-5151
Domingo, DR
Note: The Country Code for the Dominican Republic is 809
The contact information of your Host Organization is provided on your Project Overview.
Be sure to keep this with you at all times, and leave this information with friends or family
also.
Office of Overseas Citizens Services (U.S. participants) -Their 24-hour emergency number
is (202) 647-5225. They will assist any American abroad, as well as assist their families in
an emergency situation.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (Canadian participants) - After hours
contact number is (613) 996-8885.
4B. COMMUNICATIONS
CALLING THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FROM THE U.S.A. AND CANADA
Dial 1 + 809 (Country Code) + the number.
For example: To dial the Dominican Republic emergency contact, dial 1-809-983-2500.
CALLING THE U.S.A. OR CANADA FROM THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
When direct dialing:
1. Country Code = 1
2. plus area code
3. plus telephone number
For Example: To call the ISV office in California, dial 1-714-779-7392.
PUBLIC PHONES
Calling cards are available from local stores. They are similar to phone cards you may
use at home. You can also call home from Codetel/Claro, Tricom or Orange locations
throughout the country. They will usually have the Codetel/Claro, Tricom or Orange
above the door and booths with direct calling lines inside.
Codetel/Claro have the most widespread calling centers throughout the country.
Wherever you see a Codetel/Claro sign there will be booths you can walk in and dial
direct from. You will be charged per minute at the end of your call. Each calling center
has different access codes according to how the phones are set up. Just ask for
instructions and the rate before you call.
CELL PHONES
If you desire, you can bring your cell phone to the Dominican Republic. However, you
must have an international “global roaming” plan that includes the Dominican Republic
in order for your phone to work. Use cell phones wisely; such global roaming plans are
typically VERY expensive and it is easy to end up with a bill costing hundreds of dollars in
only a few weeks. You should contact your cell phone provider’s customer service
department to enquire about pricing and billing prior to departure. Note: due to the
remoteness of some of our Project and Tour locations, cell phone reception cannot be
guaranteed.
MAIL
Mail services are notoriously slow and are not recommended in the Dominican Republic.
5EMAIL
ISV strongly recommends using email to keep in touch. It is a much easier way to
communicate than regular mail as it is accessible in the Dominican Republic. Most
Internet Outlets in the Dominican offer an affordable rate of 1 Dominican Peso per
minute of Internet access. Opportunities to use the internet during your Project will
depend on its location-this information will be provided in your Project Overview.
During the Adventure Tour you will have access to internet. If you do not already have
one, we recommend you set up a free email account with a provider such as Gmail,
Hotmail or Yahoo.
Internet access is available in the following locations during our Adventure Tour:
Cabarete, Las Terrenas, Santo Domingo - at internet cafés
Jarabacoa and Bahoruco - at the hotel (only for emergencies in Bahoruco)
C. DOCUMENTS
COPY YOUR IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
It is very important to have copies of your passport, airline tickets, insurance policy,
driver’s license, and any other important documents that you are carrying as a
precaution against lost or stolen items. Make one copy to leave at home with family and
friends and one copy for you to carry which is separate from the originals. We also
recommend that you make a copy of your itinerary to leave with family and friends so
that you may be contacted in case of emergency.
Practical Tip: Scan your passport and any other important documents you may be
taking with you and email them to yourself. This way you will be able to retrieve them
instantly simply by accessing your email account.
D. TOURIST CARD INFORMATION
Please note that a 30 day Tourist Card is required for entry into the Dominican
Republic. The Tourist Card costs $10 USD/ $13 CAD and can be purchased upon arrival
at the airport in Santo Domingo. Please ensure that you have $10 USD ready in CASH so
that you can easily take care of this upon arrival. This must be paid in US dollars. Every
participant will have to pay for this tourist card, regardless of whether you are flying
with the ISV Group Flight or are taking your own flight, as this is a requirement for entry
from the Dominican Republic Consular. If you stay longer than 30 days and less than 3
months you simply pay an $800 DR Pesos ($22.25 USD) exit fee at the airport. The other
option is to purchase a tourist card in advance from any Dominican Consulate overseas,
which may save some time at the airport, but will cost $11 USD
(http://travel.state.gov/).
6Another option to purchase your card early is to contact the Dominican Embassy in
Washington D.C.:
Embassy of the Dominican Republic
1715 22nd St., NW
Washington DC 20008
Monday - Friday
9:00am - 4:00pm
Phone: (202) 332-6280 or (202) 939-0971
Fax: (202) 265-8057
Email: embassy@us.serex.gov.do
consular@us.serex.gov.do
If you are in the U.S., there are also Dominican consulates in Boston, Houston,
Jacksonville, Miami, Mobile (Alabama), New Orleans, New York, Northfield (Illinois),
Philadelphia, and San Juan. You may obtain further information via the Internet at:
http://www.domrep.org.
Tourist Card requirements for Canadians and Europeans are the same as for Americans.
The easiest way is to purchase the card upon arrival at your Dominican airport.
E. FLIGHTS
GROUP FLIGHTS
The ISV Group Flight departs from Miami, FL (MIA) to Puerto Plata (POP), Santiago (STI)
and Santo Domingo (SDQ), Dominican Republic and returns to Miami (MIA) from Puerto
Plata (POP) or Santo Domingo (SDQ). All flights are with American Airlines.
Note: The majority of the participants will be coming from all over the U.S.A. and
Canada to depart for the Dominican Republic. ISV will not be organizing an orientation
point or meeting prior to your international departure in Miami at the airport. You will
need to check yourself in and you may want to make arrangements (using the contact
list that is emailed to you along with your Project Overview) to meet other participants
prior to check in.
Detailed transportation instructions for your Project will be emailed to you about two
weeks prior to your departure.
ARRIVING IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
For participants on the Spanish Immersion Program: Participants on the Spanish
Immersion Program will all fly into Santiago Airport (STI) and be met at the airport by an
ALPI representative holding an ISV Welcome sign. From there, participants will be
7transported in a group to their respective home stays and given instructions on how the Spanish Immersion Program will be organized for them during their stay. For participants not on the Spanish Immersion Program: Participants arriving on the ISV Group Flight (not on the Spanish Immersion Program) will be met at either the Santo Domingo or Puerto Plata Airport (depending on which Project you are assigned by an ISV representative (holding an ISV Welcome sign). From there, participants will be transported in a group by bus to their respective Projects. AIRLINE TICKETS Airline tickets for American Airlines are electronic and will be emailed to you around 14 days prior to departure, so you will be able to independently check-in for your flight to the Dominican Republic. If flying to Miami on the day the ISV group flight departs to the Dominican Republic, please allow at least three hours in between the time your domestic flight arrives and when your international flight departs. This will allow for minor flight delays, check-in and also transiting between domestic and international terminals. DEPARTURES FOR TWO-WEEK PROJECT-ONLY PARTICIPANTS If you are participating in the Volunteer Project only and are not continuing on to the Adventure Tour, you will return to Puerto Plata or Santo Domingo and catch your flight. If your flight leaves on Saturday, you will stay with the group on the first night of the tour and then be taken to the airport in the morning. In Cabarete, volunteers stay at the Albatross Hotel and at the Mercure Hotel in Santo Domingo depending on the location of their project and their departure city. CHECKED BAGGAGE ISV requires all participants to limit themselves to ONLY1 piece of checked baggage (not including one additional bag specifically for donations for the ISV Children’s Programs – see details below). Your baggage must not exceed 50 lbs (22kg). A standard charge will be levied by the airlines for each additional overweight and/or oversized piece of luggage exceeding free allowance. A large travel backpack or soft luggage (such as a duffle bag) is highly recommended. Keep in mind that traveling light means easier travel for you, especially since we will be moving from location to location. Our buses will be full and can only accommodate one bag per participant. If you cannot carry your bag for at least five minutes you probably packed way too much! Note: Please put the address of your Project on your luggage tag when you check-in at the airport. The address of the Project will be stated on the Project Overview. 8
DEPARTURE TAX
You may have to pay a $20 USD departure tax upon leaving the country depending on
how the airline classifies your ticket. Some airlines include this departure fee in the tax
for the ticket, and some do not. If you are on a Group Flight with ISV, the departure tax
is included in the price of the ticket. If you booked your own flight, check with your
airline for details regarding departure tax from the Dominican Republic. Additionally,
you will pay 800 Rd ($20 USD) additional if you stayed over 30 days but under 3 months
as a tourist visa fee.
EXTRA BAG FOR DONATIONS
ISV encourages all of our participants traveling to the Dominican Republic to bring an
additional bag that must not to exceed 50 lbs (22 kg). We ask that you fill this extra bag
with meaningful items; children’s clothing, toys, shoes, vitamins and other items. An
email will be sent to you approximately 30 days prior to departure with your Project
assignment and a list of suggested donation items. Upon arrival to the Project, ISV will
accommodate your extra donation bag if you choose to bring one.
The ISV Health Education and Language Program (HELP) relies in large part on the
important donations that volunteers bring with them each year. To further help your
efforts, ISV suggests requesting donations from clubs, churches, friends, and local
organizations.
In the event you are sending large boxes of donations from companies, please contact
ISV to find out where you should have the company or organization ship the boxes to in
the Dominican Republic (info@isvonline.org).
CARRY-ONBAGGAGE
Carry-on baggage limits have changed for passengers leaving from the U.S. due to
government regulations with heightened security. Each passenger may only have one
carry-on bag (small daypack/backpack recommended) plus a personal item such as a
purse. Please be sure to pack away items such as Swiss Army knives, fingernail clippers,
any other sharp item, and any liquids/gels/pastes into your checked luggage. Carry-on
baggage should not exceed 20lbs (7kg).For more information regarding size and width
requirements, please visit American Airline’s website at:
http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/baggage/baggageAllowance.jsp&anchorEve
nt=false.
CUSTOMS
The Dominican Republic has very strict laws prohibiting the importation of weapons,
firearms, animal and food products (especially meat, dairy, and vegetables). There are
9heavy penalties for not declaring all food items upon arrival! A good rule of thumb: If in doubt, declare it! (Especially when returning to your home country). MEAL PLANS ON YOUR FLIGHT All special dietary requests must be made with the airline at least 72 hours in advance. Please call American Airlines at 1-800-433-7300 anytime after you have received your Electronic Ticket and prior to the 72 hour deadline. F. STAYING ADDITIONAL NIGHTS IN MIAMI You are welcome to stay in Miami anytime before or after your trip to Dominican Republic. Please visit the website below for more information on hotels around the Miami Airport. Arrangements will need to be made on your own. http://miami.airporthotelguide.com/ G. MONEY CURRENCYINTHE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Exchange rate as of March 28, 2011: $1 USD = 37.65 Dominican Pesos (DOP) $1 CAD = 38.50 Dominican Pesos (DOP) Please note that this rate is just an estimate and is subject to change. See www.xe.com to view a more current exchange rate and to convert currencies. The Dominican Republic’s currency is in Dominican Pesos. Coin denominations are: 1, 5, 10 and 25 pesos Bill denominations are: RD $10, RD $20, RD $50, RD $100, RD $200, RD $500, RD $1,000 and RD $2,000 pesos Please note that this rate is an estimate and is subject to change. As a reference, when buying a meal for 180 pesos, the meal costs you $5-6 USD/CAD. A soft drink usually 10
costs between 30 and 50 pesos. The US dollar is NOT accepted everywhere in the
Dominican Republic. Make sure you always carry pesos. Canadian participants may want
to consider having their money exchanged into US dollars and then into Dominican
pesos as Canadian dollars are not accepted in all areas.
NOTE: You may not be able to exchange money on your Volunteer Project. Therefore,
be certain to exchange some money (about $200 USD/CAD) if need be upon arrival, or
prior to departure from MIA (generally the POP, SDQ and STI airports will have a better
exchange rate than the MIA airport).
ATMs: You can also get this money straight out of an ATM in pesos at Santo Domingo
International Airport with a VISA or MasterCard upon arrival. Note that Puerto Plata and
Santiago Airports do not have international ATMs to date. This may change when you
arrive, but it is better to carry cash with you to exchange once arriving in country at
those airports. Once here, you can also access an ATM in any major city or town in the
Dominican Republic during your stay.
MONEY EXCHANGE
International airports and most hotels will exchange money. However, the rate is not as
good as from a bank. It is best to exchange larger sums of money at a local bank; Scotia
Bank, Banco del Progreso, Banco Popular or Banco BHD. Many smaller hotel operators,
restaurants, grocery stores, etc. may not even be able to exchange traveler’s checks. All
banks are closed on public holidays and most are closed on Sundays. It would be a good
idea to check the banking hours in your area for when you are in the closest town either
on Project or Tour, as they do vary. Also remember that the money change facilities in
most resort areas will not give you US dollars or Canadian dollars for your traveler’s
checks… only pesos. Therefore, it is a good idea to bring some US/Canadian dollars with
you. Remember Canadian dollars are more difficult to exchange unless you are in a
tourist area. Exchange houses (casas de cambio) usually have favorable exchange rates -
although at times you may have to compare several to get the best rate.
TRAVELER’S CHECKS
As they are often difficult and inconvenient to exchange, Traveler’s Checks are not
recommended for travel to the Dominican Republic.
PREPAID TRAVEL CARDS
Prepaid travel cards are prepaid debit cards that offer the security of traveler’s checks,
but are more convenient to use internationally. You can “load” money onto one in
advance (online or at a participating retail outlet) and then use it at millions of ATMs
and retailers to access your money quickly and safely. These cards can also be
11“reloaded” by phone or online. For more information, you can ask your bank or search online for these travel cards. CREDIT CARDS AND DEBIT CARDS A credit/debit card that you can use to withdraw money at ATMs (as long as it has a VISA or MasterCard logo) is the easiest and most convenient way to travel with money in the Dominican Republic (in addition to having some cash exchanged into Dominican Pesos). The exchange rate at ATMs in the Dominican Republic is usually very good, though you may want to check if your bank charges you additional fees for this service - it usually charges a $5 US foreign teller service fee and a minimal currency conversion fee of a couple of cents to a dollar. This is the same for Canadian credit/debit cards. Major credit cards such as MasterCard and Visa are more widely accepted than other credit cards. You can also obtain cash advances from ATMs if you have a PIN number. (Don’t forget to record your PIN# somewhere in case you forget it…a common problem!). You should keep a constant small supply of cash on hand as credit cards (and traveler’s checks) are not widely accepted in rural areas (where your Project locations and part of your Outdoor Adventure Tour will be). Make sure the teller machines are attached to a bank; Scotia Bank, Banco del Progreso, Banco Popular or Banco BHD. It is great as an extra precaution to withdraw cash when the banks are open 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday - Saturday in Santo Domingo and Santiago, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday - Saturday in outside cities and towns; that way you can report any problems immediately and resolve them on the spot in case they happen. Do not accept any help from strangers and do not offer to help strangers when at an ATM - this rule applies internationally. It is a good idea to keep money in your pocket in small denominations (100 RD bills) and use that money to pay for items you purchase to avoid pulling out your wallet and letting the whole world know how much money you have with you. Special Note: Be wary of 2000 RD bills when they are not coming directly from a teller/ATM - as they are often counterfeit. If a person wants to give you 2000 RD for change or any other reason it is safer to insist that you want smaller change. They will not hesitate to give you smaller change. Make sure you double check your money before you spend it as color coding of bills can be tricky. BEFORE YOU DEPART FROM HOME YOU MAY NEED TO REGISTER YOUR CREDIT/DEBIT CARD FOR USE OVERSEAS so that your purchases are not reported as “suspicious activity” – contact your bank for more details. 12
SPENDING MONEY
This is up to the individual. Each of you will have different personal preferences on how
to spend money. Some may wish to buy souvenirs for family and friends back home, and
some may wish to have big, expensive nights out, or splurge on costly activities. You
may also want to buy extra soft drinks, water and/or snacks when on Project - even
though all meals are included in the cost. On the other hand, some of you may be
traveling on a tight budget and require a lot less spending money. You will need very
little money on Project and most likely more during the Tour - as you may want to buy
souvenirs and extra food.
ISV recommends bringing a minimum of about $30 USD/CAD per week on Project. This
should be more than enough in the Dominican Republic as during your first two weeks
on your Volunteer Project you should spend very little money. During your second two
weeks (when on Tour), you will spend a bit more money for extra meals and for
souvenirs. Assuming you already have signed up for the Optional Activity Package, ISV
recommends bringing about $100 USD/CAD per week on Tour. The above suggested
amount of money allows for money for meals that are not included in the Program cost
(about 50% of your meals) and any additional costs that may arise such as optional
activities, nights out, shopping, etc. Of course, this will vary greatly from participant to
participant so plan according to your own habits.
H. HEALTH CARE AND VACCINATIONS
All international travelers should be conscious of health considerations when going
overseas, specific to the area to which they will travel. To this end, travelers should be
personally aware of any necessary vaccinations, preventative medications, and dos and
don’ts relating to water and personal hygiene.
VACCINATIONS
ISV does not require any vaccinations for travel in the Dominican Republic, although we
strongly recommend that you contact your physician or health care provider for
recommendations and information on vaccinations for your travels. The Center for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has an excellent website complete with health
information for travelers to the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean. Please refer to
this website for guidance:
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationDominicanRepublic.aspx. The CDC’s hotline for
international travelers is 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747). Another website to refer to is
the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website at:
http://www.who.int/countries/dom/en/. You may contact the WHO’s Department of
Vaccines via email (Epidata@who.int) if you have any specific questions about
vaccinations.
13PLEASE see your doctor immediately if you have not already done so, as some vaccinations must be done many weeks prior to departure in order to be effective. We advise that you ensure your inoculations are up to date for the following: MMR (Measles/mumps/rubella) DPT (Diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus) T.B. Hepatitis A and B Cholera MALARIA & DENGUE FEVER The possibility of contracting malaria is very remote; ISV does also not travel to the areas where these isolated cases have taken place, usually along the Haitian border. If you do decide to take anti-malaria medication before departing for the Dominican Republic, check with your physician as to when you need to start taking it (the time period varies depending on the type of malarial medication). If you decide to take this extra precaution keep in mind that some participants can feel sick from the malaria medications, so ask your physician about possible side effects. There are few cases of dengue fever in the Dominican Republic - these occur mostly in urban areas in poorly managed neighborhoods (where there is a lot of stagnant water). ISV participants will not be close to any of these urban areas, so this is not a safety concern. As an extra precaution and to keep off unwanted insect bites make sure you are wearing insect repellant, especially at dusk and at dawn (such as OFF!) when dengue mosquitoes are active. Dengue mosquitoes are also day biters so be sure to wear mosquito repellent during the day. CHOLERA First and foremost, Cholera is very preventable and the likelihood of contraction is next to none when some basic precautions are observed while travelling abroad. Secondly, in the event that basic precautionary suggestions are not followed and one is exposed to Cholera, it is an easily treatable disease. Up to 80% of people can be treated successfully through prompt administration of oral rehydration salts. There are many Cholera Treatment Centers all over the world including the Dominican Republic, as well as clinics and hospitals that are fully prepared to treat Cholera cases. There are currently two oral vaccinations on the market approved by the World Health Organization. Both are very effective, however, the most assured way to prevent Cholera is by adopting appropriate hygiene habits and knowing how to make smart choices while in a potentially exposed area. Some of those habits include: 14
Frequent washing of hands (hand sanitizer)
Avoiding raw or uncooked vegetable and ‘street foods’ in general
Brushing teeth with sterilized or bottled water
Choosing fruits that have removable peel
Limiting physical contact with unknown persons.
As a simple rule of thumb with food: “Boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it!”
The ISV DR office is consulting with all our Host Organizations and operators to ensure
that these and other prevention strategies are implemented, that hygiene and
sanitation are not compromised and that all pertinent staff are trained and hold in hand
all preventative tools prior to the season start.
Although you should be in good health before departing on any journey, there is always
the possibility of you falling ill during your trip. In the event of any medical emergency,
please notify your Project Leaders or ISV Tour Leaders as they will be trained to deal
with your problem. In most cases, pharmacies in the Dominican Republic can help you in
medical situations where you need over-the-counter medication (with a prescription
from a doctor). For more serious problems, the private hospitals offer extensive and
comprehensive health care. Your ISV Emergency Contact, David DeMinico, will
coordinate the details of any medical emergency should one arise.
DRINKING WATER
Most Americans and Canadians drink water from household taps. DO NOT DRINK TAP
WATER IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES - IT IS NOT SAFE.
You may purchase drinking water from local shops anywhere although this option will
get very expensive and consumes a lot of plastic. There will be water available at all
times on Project and on Tour. However, we recommend that you bring a water bottle
(1L/Quart) and refill filtered water from readily available large containers (“botellon”).
Please refer to your Project Overview about specifics on Projects. If you are unsure,
please ask your ISV Staff.
HYGIENE
Eating new or different foods and sharing close quarters with other participants in your
group means that gastrointestinal issues are not uncommon among participants. To
minimize the risk of becoming ill, avoid sharing water bottles and eating utensils. Also,
we strongly recommend the use of antibacterial, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, in
addition to frequently washing your hands. It is most important to thoroughly wash and
dry your hands prior to eating your meals or to touching your eyes, nose or
mouth.Washing your hands properly takes about 20-30 seconds or as long as singing
"Happy Birthday" twice, as shown on the next page:
15Hand washing is the single most important means of preventing the spread of infection". -- US Centers for Disease Control. 16
MEDICATIONS
Please fill any of your prescriptions before you leave. Although it is fairly easy to fill
prescriptions at pharmacies in the Dominican Republic, you will not always be near a
pharmacy. Also, brand names may be different to what you are used to. If you tend to
get motion sickness easily (the roads are very bumpy and winding in the Dominican
Republic), we highly recommend bringing ginger tablets with you. Ginger eases nausea
and helps calm your stomach. You can get ginger tablets at health food stores or even
in most grocery stores.
MEDICAL AND DIETARY INFORMATION
The ISV office must be notified if you have special dietary requirements (e.g. are
vegetarian) and/or require any special medications (e.g. insulin for diabetes), have
allergies (e.g. to bee stings, penicillin or nuts), any physical disabilities (e.g. extremely
bad eye-sight) or any other condition such as asthma that may affect your ability to
participate safely on any aspect of ISV’s Program.
Your ISV Leaders will have the medical and dietary information that you provided to ISV.
If your medical or dietary information has changed, notify the ISV office. ISV takes no
responsibility in cases where a participant fails to notify ISV of their particular
situation. Your personal information will be treated confidentially. If you have specific
dietary requirements ISV will try to accommodate you, but you may need to supplement
your meals at your own expense by buying snacks etc. at local shops.
TRAVELING RESPONSIBLY
A. ISV’S EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS
1. Be safe! Safety is ISV’s priority; it must be yours too. ISV’s Global Risk
Management mission statement is “to identify, assess, prevent, and
competently handle circumstances that pose a threat to the safety of our
participants and staff.” We’ll do our part; however your personal safety
ultimately depends on your ability to use common sense and act responsibly
within set parameters established for your safe participation in the Program.
Safety First!
2. Read up! Prior to departure, familiarize yourself with your Project Overview,
Resource Document, this Travel Manual, and any resources suggested by your
Host Organization. In particular, pay attention to the Program Policies, the
Terms and Conditions as outlined in this Manual, the ISV website and in your
Project Overview. The guidelines are important and you must be fully aware
of them when participating.
173. Give your best! Every day on your trip, remember how hard you worked to
get there. On your Project, remember that you are there to help achieve your
Project’s sustainable development goals and your team is counting on you.
During the Adventure Tour, challenge yourself and reap the rewards for
experiencing more in two weeks than many people do in a lifetime.
4. Take initiative! We’ve created the environment, now it’s up to you to
immerse yourself in the local culture. Take the initiative to get to know your
fellow ISV participants who come from diverse backgrounds.
5. Get informed! Learn as much as possible about your Project and host country
during the Program. Use your journal, group discussions and other learning
opportunities to enable you to appreciate, understand and reflect on this
unique learning experience.
6. Be a responsible tourist! Learn and apply ISV’s tips about responsible tourism
(refer to page 21 of this Travel Manual) in order to limit the negative and
maximize the positive impacts on the local culture and environment.
7. Respect! Show respect for the local culture and people, the philosophies of
the Host Organizations, and for fellow ISV participants and ISV Staff.
8. Be on time! Realize that we have important schedules to keep each day;
respect each other’s time by being punctual.
9. Represent! Take pride in representing ISV and your home country, and be
true ambassadors for volunteering.
B. PARTICIPANT CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOR
ISV HAS TWO PRIMARY CONCERNS
1. The safety of all participants.
2. Projecting a positive image of ISV, our participants and the Program, to our
Host Organizations, Tour Operators and the Dominican public.
Therefore, disciplinary procedures will become necessary as determined by ISV staff, if
the participant’s behaviour or attitude negatively influences one or both of the above
stated concerns. Although ISV reserves the right to remove a participant from the
Program at any time, the normal procedure is:
1. To give the participant a verbal and a written notice (ISV Conduct Code
Violation Form)
2. If the problem persists, remove the participant from the Program.
If removed, the participant is responsible for any extra expenses such as changes to
flights, additional accommodation, ground transport and meals. There will be no
refunds.
18To avoid drastic measures like these and to have a more enjoyable experience, be
respectful toward all the people that you encounter, respect all of ISV’s policies
including the zero-tolerance drug policy, and respect private and public property. ISV
has a good name in the Dominican Republic and internationally; be an ambassador for
volunteering and ISV through your good attitude and conduct.
ISV POLICY ON USE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS
ISV has an ABSOLUTE NO TOLERANCE policy for the use of illegal drugs. Participants
who choose to engage in the use or sale of illegal drugs seriously jeopardize the safety
of all participants on the Program and seriously distract the ISV staff from their duties
and responsibilities to the rest of the group. Police action will be taken and these
participants will immediately be removed from the ISV Program and, as a young adult,
will be on their own to arrange their own transportation and accommodations. DO NOT
USE ILLEGAL DRUGS!
ALCOHOL AND DRUG LAWS IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The drinking age in the Dominican Republic is 18 and photo ID is required. Possession of
marijuana, cocaine, and most other drugs is considered a federal offense in the
Dominican Republic and will lead to the immediate termination of your ISV Program and
could lead to imprisonment and/or immediate deportation.
Please note that many Projects and Host Organizations have a no-drinking (alcohol)
policy. Please respect this policy. You will be required to adhere to it fully. The exact
policy will be explained to you at Orientation upon arrival at your Volunteer Project.
ISV has a “no alcohol during Project work week” policy. Please be responsible if you
choose to drink during the Tour or during free time on Project and avoid drinking
excessively. This is important and will help to ensure a safe and fun Program for all.
Most importantly, please respect your fellow travelers and others in your group who
choose not to drink.
NOTE: ISV CANNOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOU IF YOU COMMIT A CRIME OR
VIOLATE A LOCAL LAW.
19C. SECURITY Your safety is ISV’s top priority during the ISV Program, and it must also be your number one priority. Security of your person and personal belongings is paramount; to help you with your overseas experience, here is an ISV list of do’s and don’ts: DON’T carry large amounts of money on you at any time. DON’T keep your cash/wallet in your back pocket. DON’T take your money out and count it on the street. DON’T leave your money dangling in a bag that can easily be grabbed off your shoulder. DON’T walk on small, unlit or unsafe looking and unfamiliar streets at night, especially alone (always travel in pairs and groups of three are better). DON’T hitchhike. Ever!! DON’T lose sight of your bags or valuables, particularly in airports, bus/train terminals, restaurants/bars/cafes and any other area frequented by lots of people. DON’T accept drinks from strangers, nor lose sight of your drink at anytime. DON’T consume alcohol prior to participating on any ISV activity. This is a danger to yourself and others, and you will not be permitted to join the activity for safety reasons. ISV’s policy is that alcohol is not permitted during the work week throughout your Volunteer Project. DON’T lose your passport or airline tickets. Always know where they are and keep them locked safe in your room when possible. Carry copies of your passport and important documents on you when venturing into the city. DON’T drink tap water in the Dominican Republic. Only drink water from large blue bottles (“botellones”) or bottled water that you have bought at the store. DON’T share water bottles or other drinks; chances are you’ll share stomach bugs and other illnesses too. DON’T ride motorcycles or ride on the back of motorcycles. At some point on your trip, you will encounter a motorcycle driver who will say “moto-taxi?” - Kindly decline! Motorcycles are extremely dangerous in the Dominican Republic and ISV strongly discourages this form of transportation. DON’T eat street-food and avoid natural juices that are prepared with undisclosed water. Hygiene is a factor in food preparation, so be cautious and observant in order to avoid inadvertent illness. DO listen to and abide by the safety instructions given by your ISV Leaders, Project Hosts or Activity Operators. DO use your common sense! ISV Staff are unable to be with you at all times.ISV participants are 18 years and older and will be treated as adults and expected to apply common sense at all times. DO use any safety equipment that is available to you and as applicable, such as helmets, safety-belts, life-jackets, footwear, gloves, etc. DO share any personal medical information with ISV Staff. 20
DO keep important documents such as your passport, ID, some emergency cash, credit
cards, insurance policy, copy of your airline ticket, etc. separate from the bulk of your
luggage so that they are secure and within your reach at all times.
DO wear a money belt/pouch. They may not be the fashion accessories of the year, but
most travelers wear them. They can also be worn under layers of clothes, making them
almost theft-proof. Cargo pockets with buttons or zippers serve the same purpose
(make sure the pockets are on the side of your leg).
DO label all your belongings with your name and contact details.
DO wash and dry your hands thoroughly before every meal. Practicing good hygiene is
an important part of preventing gastrointestinal infections.
DO carry your ISV Travel Manual with you at all times, as this has important contact
numbers and address details, particularly for your Adventure Tour.
DO try to memorize and/or photocopy as many important numbers as possible in case
anything is lost or stolen, (i.e. Passport, ID, driver’s license, insurance policy, airline
ticket, and credit/debit/travel cards). Leave a copy of these numbers with someone at
home.
DO inquire about any unsafe areas from tourist information centers in your area, your
accommodations, or your Volunteer Project Leaders.
DO remember to look BOTH ways when crossing the street. Traffic is coming from all
directions and pedestrians do not have the right of way, so be extra careful!
D. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
As a conscientious participant on an ISV Program in your host country, there are a
number of steps that you can take to promote responsible tourism, and maximize the
positive impact (and minimize the negative impact) you have on visited areas and
communities. Below are a series of guidelines that we recommend you think about as
you travel throughout the Dominican Republic.
Your Behavior
1. Cultural Respect– When you are in the Dominican Republic, you must abide
by Dominican customs and laws.
2. Respect the Locals –Remember that you are a guest in someone else’s
country. Dominicans are known for being easy going, friendly and for loving
the outdoors. Show respect for their traditions and behaviors which may be
different to your own. Also take note of what the locals are wearing and dress
appropriately.
3. Drink Responsibly – The legal drinking age in the Dominican Republic is 18.
For your safety and for the safety of those around you, avoid abusing alcohol.
Plus, if you are hung-over you will be unable to maximize each day. Be
conscious of how you are perceived as a traveler, and as an ambassador of
your home country.
4. Ask Questions – You can learn so much about Dominican history, culture, and
21the environment just by talking to the locals. Dominicans are proud of their
country and will love teaching you about it.
Waste
1. Leave No Trace – The philosophy of “take only photographs, leave only
footprints, waste only time…” should be adopted at all times. Discard all
unnecessary packaging from new items before leaving home. Let’s avoid
importing our garbage! http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles.php
2. Littering - Please don’t litter! When hiking to Casa Tarzan, rafting and
rappelling in Jarabacoa there will be limited places to dispose of your rubbish.
You must carry it with you until you find a rubbish bin (trash can).
3. Refill Your Water Bottle - Use reusable water bottle and refill it along the
way. Dominican water is not safe to drink, and you will save money and the
environment too. If every person on tour with you bought a couple of drinks
per day this would amount to over 1400 plastic bottles during the Adventure
Tour alone.
4. Bin Your Butts -You should always ‘Bin Your Butts’. Cigarette butts are
unsightly on the ground, are not biodegradable, and can cause injury or death
to animals that mistake them for food.
5. Recycle - If recycling bins are available, use them appropriately by making
sure that the correct items go in the correct bins. Ask your Host Organization
or other locals for instructions if you are unsure. Some may not have
recycling facilities due to council restrictions, so make sure you ask!
6. Reusing – As a general rule, you should always reuse before you recycle or
buy new. Bring our own personal shopping bag if you can. If you must use a
plastic shopping bag reuse it next time. In the Dominican Republic pollution
from plastic bags is a huge problem.
Shopping and Eating
1. Eat Locally – There is fast food all over the world! To have a real cultural
experience, sample the local cuisine rather than always seeking out the food
you eat regularly at home. Try local dishes on Project and on tour like “la
bandera”: rice, beans and chicken or meat. Take advantage of the wide
variety of tropical fruits available.
2. Buy Green – As you prepare for your trip overseas. Purchase personal
products and clothing from companies that care about the environment in
their materials and production.
a. Personal care: The following companies’ products can be found at
regular outlets such as CVS, Walgreens, and Target: Burts Bee’s
(everything from hand soap to shampoo and shaving cream), Whole
Foods (personal care items), Alba (creams and cosmetics), Giovanni
(shampoo and conditioner), Kiss My Face (toothpastes, deodorants,
make up), Pangea (shower products), and Welleda.
These are only some examples of a growing number of retailers
22offering Eco-friendly products. Look for an NPA (natural products
association) or another certification seal on products you are not
sure of. For more environmentally-friendly retailers go to:
www.greenerchoices.org.
b. Revise your wardrobe: the following brands or labels offer clothing
items made from recycled materials and/or organic cotton:
American Apparel, Arizona Jeans, Guess and Eileen Fisher’s eco-
lines, Levi’s Eco-collection. Stores like JC Penney, T.J. Maxx, H&M,
and Target now carry these lines. For outdoor clothing, Patagonia is
the leading brand in socially and environmentally conscious
practices.
3. Customs (travel) – Adhere to customs regulations. Many plants, animals and
other products harbor diseases, bacteria, and other organisms that are
foreign to your home, and therefore potentially harmful to the local flora,
fauna and ultimately your health. If in doubt, declare it!
4. Buy Locally Made - Find out exactly what you are buying and where it is
made. Products ‘made in the Dominican Republic’ help protect local
Dominican jobs and support local industry. Some examples of popular local
products include organic coffees and local jewelry. You will make a stop in
Santo Domingo where you can buy Dominican goods, and at the Larimar
Workshop in Bahoruco where you can buy your own Larimar jewelry piece.
By buying local you are also minimizing the green house gases emitted from
the transportation of the product.
Your Environmental Footprint
1. Water Conservation – The Dominican
Republic has water problems country-wide.
Limit your personal water consumption
when showering, washing clothes, washing
dishes and brushing your teeth. Your small
change CAN make a big difference. One
dripping tap left on all day will waste up to
200 liters or water. Start timing your showers
and aim for efficient 4 minute showers.
2. Energy Conservation –Energy in the
Dominican Republic is the most expensive in the Western Hemisphere. To
avoid the serious consequences of global warming we all need to change our
daily energy habits. Turn off lights and other items requiring power when not
in use, especially when leaving your accommodation! Remember to unplug
your phone and iPod chargers when not using them. Dry your clothes on a
line, rather than in a dryer (this is common practice in the Dominican
Republic). Avoid bringing a hair dryer.
3. Eat Less Meat – Try and aim for one less serving of meat per week. The UN
estimates that meat production accounts for up to one fifth of the world’s
23green house gas emissions. When choosing which meats to eat in the
Dominican Republic, choose chicken over pork, lamb and beef. Pigs, cattle and
sheep have much larger ecological footprints and emit huge amounts of
methane (a very potent greenhouse gas).
4. Transport – ISV relies on public transportation and private buses (with
medium group sizes on each) instead of personal vehicles to make our way
around. This reduces traffic and greenhouse emissions. During your free time
or between activities on the Adventure Tour you will be able to get around by
walking or on public transport. Walking is great exercise and a fantastic way to
experience the sights and smells of Dominican towns and landscapes.
5. Coral Reef Conservation/Protection – Coral reefs are highly fragile
ecosystems. Please do not stand on them. Take care with your fins while
snorkeling and diving and avoid touching them. You will see coral reefs in
Sosua.
Thank you for being a responsible traveler in the Dominican Republic
PROGRAMINFORMATION
A. BREAKDOWN OF ISV’S PROGRAM COSTS
Your ISV Program fees cover the following:
Your Volunteer Project: Project set-up, accommodations, three meals per day,
ground transportation to and from your Project, some materials and other
Project related expenses. Monies paid to your Project Organization are also
used for the future expansion of their ongoing Programs and directly benefit
the local communities in which we volunteer.
Your Adventure Tour: all accommodations, approximately half of your meals,
all Program-related ground transport, and five ISV included Adventure
Activities.
All costs (including travel) for ISV's International Recruiting Staff.
All set up of ISV Programs internationally.
All costs for ISV's Tour Leaders who lead the ISV Adventure Tours.
All costs for ISV's Project Leaders who lead the ISV Volunteer Projects.
All administration costs in Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic,
Ecuador, Europe, New Zealand, South Africa, Thailand, U.K., and the U.S.A.
All administration costs for ISV’s office in the Dominican Republic which has
two full time staff that are responsible for program set-up, management and
24-hour emergency support.
An ISV t-shirt.
24B. SPANISH IMMERSION PR OGRAM IN SANTIAGO (OPTIONAL)
ISV believes it is important for participants to learn Spanish from professional, local
Dominican teachers. If you want to learn the vocabulary and practical Spanish relevant
and directly applicable to the work you will be doing, ISV strongly recommends this
Program to participants as a great opportunity to get acclimated to the Dominican
Republic and for participants to get the most out of their volunteer experience.
LOCATION
Santiago is the Dominican Republic’s second largest city and the birthplace of the
modern Republic. It lies in the Cibao Valley, one of the most fertile valleys in the world,
where everything from gourmet coffee to cigars are produced for exportation. It is the
most typical of large Dominican cities and has a wide variety of shopping, entertainment
options, culinary delights and exciting nightlife.
Included in your Spanish Immersion Program will be a series of morning and/or evening
excursions to popular museums, cafes, discos, city markets and monuments. Students
will have plenty of opportunities to experience the local culture and enjoy Dominican
hospitality.
Participants will be placed in a “home stay” setting with a family in Santiago. This is ideal
for a complete cultural experience in which the volunteer gains valuable exposure to
and insight about Dominican people and their way of life while at the same time
learning Spanish. The Spanish Immersion Program is offered in partnership with the
American Language Partnership International (ALPI). The school is located in a modern
building in Santiago. Within the building are classrooms, administrative offices and a
kitchen where coffee, tea, and water are always available to ensure that participants
have everything they need to make their learning experience comfortable and safe.
ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
Upon arrival at the Santiago airport, a representative from ALPI will come and pick you
up. You will then be taken to your host family by bus and a quick briefing will be
provided on the bus journey regarding the schedule for the following day. Housing
facilities in Santiago are modern, safe and clean with moderate income families in safe
areas.
After your orientation on the first Saturday, you will take a special trip to the beautiful
mountains where you will enjoy an open-fire meal and a hike to a stunning waterfall!
On a typical day, you will have breakfast with your host family prior to starting class. If
you are not within walking distance of ALPI, a shuttle bus will pick you up each morning
and will bring you back to your home stay at the end of each day.
25Spanish lessons will begin at 8:00 a.m. the following day and end at 12:00 p.m. for lunch
which will be served at a local cafeteria. Classes resume at 1:00 p.m. After a break from
your Spanish lessons and exercising your brain, it will be time to exercise your legs! In
order for you to get a feel of the Caribbean and Latin rhythm, at 3:30 p.m. you will be
joined by a dance instructor who will teach you the basics of Salsa and Bachata until
5:00 p.m.
Afterwards, you will be taken by the teachers to a typical Dominican activity in town. It
could be eating a Dominican dish, going to a cultural center, relaxing at an outdoor café
or dancing in a local disco to practice your newly acquired skills! When you are tired you
are taken back home by shuttle bus.
Note: This is an outline of the schedule but may vary slightly on special days with special
activities like Dominican cooking lessons, exchange sessions with Dominican student
studying English and other exciting cultural activities.
The cost of your accommodation, meals, dance and cooking lessons are covered in your
Spanish Immersion Program cost. Lunch is included and will be in good local cafeterias
as mentioned within walking distance of ALPI. Classes will be in air-conditioned rooms.
There will be 9-15 people assigned per classroom.
WHAT TO BRING
Spanish / English Dictionary
C. VOLUNTEER PROJECTS
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead
PROJECTOVERVIEW AND RESOURCE DOCUMENT
Your Project Overview is emailed to you approximately 30 days prior to departure. Print
out the document, read each page carefully and bring a copy with you to the Dominican
Republic.
You should check the packing list in your Project Overview, as this list includes essential
items you will need to bring that are not listed in this Travel Manual. Additionally, your
Host Organizations have taken the time to suggest reading materials (listed in the
Project Overview) that will help you understand the significance of your Volunteer
26Project. We highly recommend that you check them out as they could enhance your
Project experience.
Along with your Project Overview you will receive a Resource Document (emailed to you
and downloadable via a link). This document contains historical, environmental,
geographical and cultural information about the Dominican Republic. Your appreciation
of where you are, what you see and what you experience will depend on what you
know, so we highly recommend that you expand your knowledge of the Dominican
Republic by reading it.
PROJECT LEADER
Watch for an email from your ISV Project Leader one or two weeks prior to your
departure to the Dominican Republic. If you have not received an email from your
Project Leader by one week prior to your departure, please inform the ISV USA Office.
Occasionally, emails get filtered into spam folders or there could be a typo in the
address – it is important that your Project Leader knows that you have received his/her
email and that you have received any essential information or updates about your
Project. Please also reply to their email so we know you received it!
PROJECT ORIENTATION MEETING
Upon arrival at the Project site you will have an orientation conducted by your ISV
Project Leader and the Host Organization. The meeting will take several hours and will
provide information specific to the Volunteer Project such as safety, local customs, how
to use phones, public transportation, food, your volunteer tasks (including specific
instructions for your participation in the ISV Children’s Program) and the reasoning
behind them etc. Please remember to bring your Project Overview and a pen with you
to the meeting.
D. ACADEMIC CREDIT REQUIREMENTS
If you are earning academic credit through your home institution for your participation
in the ISV Program, download your applicable course syllabus and bring a copy with you
to your Project. If you are following the ISV Course Syllabus, you will need to refer to the
information in the syllabus about writing in your daily journal, planning for group
discussions and making sure you collect all the necessary information for writing your
paper upon your return home. If you need any forms signed by your Project Leader, be
sure to bring them with you.
Note: If you have not yet informed ISV that you are receiving course credit for your ISV
Program, email ISV right away at academiccredit@isvonline.org.
27E. ADVENTURE TOUR ACCOMMODATIONS AND MEALS
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR ISV TOUR ACCOMMODATIONS
Note: Participants will be staying with 3-4 people per room in most cases, often with 2
sharing large double beds, and ISV reserves the right to change our accommodations
without notice.
Hotel Albatros Albachiara Hotel Gran Hotel Jimenoa
City/Area: Calle Principal, C/27 (Camino a la Playa de Popy) City/Area: Jarabacoa
Cabarete, Dominican Republic City/Area: Las Terrenas, Samanà, Avenida La Confluencia, Los
Phone: 809-571-0841 Dominican Republic Corralitos
Fax: 809-571-0905 Phone: 809-240-5240 Phone: 809-574-6304
http://www.hotel- Fax: 809- 240-5239 Fax: 809-574-4177
cabarete.com/ http://www.albachiarahotel.com/ www.granjimenoahotel.com
Mercure Comercial Playa Azul Hotel
City/Area: Santo Domingo Carretera Barahona-Paraiso
El Conde Esquina Hostos Km.7Barahona, R.D.
Santo Domingo Los Canamos C. Por A.
Phone: 809-688-5500 Phone: 809-424-5375
Fax: 809-688-5522 Fax: 809-204-8010
http://www.mercure.com/merc playazulbarahona@hotmail.com
ure/fichehotel/gb/mer/2974/fic
he_hotel.shtml
Beautiful Beaches…
Tip: We suggest that you pick up the business cards of the hotels/accommodations
upon arrival, so that at all times you have a record of where you are staying if you go out
without your Travel Manual.
Approximately half of all meals are included in the price of the Adventure Tour.
Participants should be prepared to pay for meals during times of sightseeing. It is
important to note that ISV may change the meal plan if required to do so. All included
meals are indicated in parentheses on the itinerary by one of three letters: B
(Breakfast), L (Lunch), and D (Dinner).
Special Notes:
1. Day 5, note that lunch is not included for this day. There will be an optional $7
lunch meal deal at Playa Grande en route to Las Terrenas.
2. Day 6, there will be a $7 dinner deal option at Barrio Latino Restaurant.
Note: Any meals missed due to being late or missed intentionally cannot be
reimbursed.
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