Rentals of two-wheeled vehicles are possible. Be sure that you have experience with a motorcycle or scooter, the road surfaces are poorly maintained and the driving style is hectic. Drivers very rarely observe stop signs, even red lights are “optional.” A license is not required to operate a motorcycle or scooter and as such, the skill levels vary widely. Helmets are seldom used (though they are required by law to do so), but you may have difficulty getting a rental helmet, and it most certainly will not fit properly. Inspect your scooter or motorcycle before renting.

Privately owned minibuses operate routes between Puerto Plata’s central plaza and Playa Dorada, and some all the way to Sosua. This is an inexpensive way to get around, however, they can be unreliable. If you do ride a bus, be sure to have coins or small bills to pay your fare. You’ll also want to tell the driver your desired destination upon boarding.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

The Dominican Republic observes Atlantic Standard Time year-round.

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.

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.

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.

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.