Caliente Caribe Resort & Spa

Insider tips for Puerto Plata

by mgon6424

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN

The U.S. Embassy recommends - but does not require - any child under 18 traveling without one or both parents, to have a notarized document from the non-traveling parent(s) stating the reason for travel. This notarized letter will be a good 'back up' upon leaving the island too. Minors under 18 years of age of any nationality, who are RESIDENTS of the Dominican Republic MUST present written authorization from a parent or legal guardian in Spanish notarized by a Dominican consulate in the U.S., or notarized & then certified at the at the Dominican Attorney General's office on-island (locally known as the Procuraduria de la Republica).

CURRENCY & MONEY EXCHANGE

A smile opens a lot of doors on the island. The Puerto Plata area has had a lot of experience welcoming Canadians, the British, and most recently Americans; therefore, English is generally understood and spoken in the tourist areas. For those who venture into less traveled areas, remember to smile and friendliness generally paves the way! Also, be careful how much money you choose to exchange into Dominican pesos while on the island. Travelers are only allowed to change back up to 30% of one's pesos for foreign currency upon departure. You will be given exchange receipts each time you change money during your stay, so keep them if you need to change back for dollars, pounds, etcetera! If you decide to gamble in the casinos on the island, some slot machines only take U.S. dollars. Also, some casinos and churches require pants and long sleeves for men, and long sleeves and "proper attire" for women.

Source: http://www.puertoplata.com

Puerto Plata

by ValbyDK

" PUERTO PLATA - FACTS "

Puerto Plata was founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus and the city soon became a major trade centre for the Spanish colonies. In 1508, the port was granted an official coat of arms by the king of Spain.

However, with the discovery of new and richer lands, commerce slowly died. By 1520, the city was financially ruined and the citizens of Puerto Plata turned to the more profitable business of smuggling. Soon, Dutch and French ships were bringing in shiploads of European-made goods and trading them for livestock and foodstuffs. When word of the illegal trading reached the Spanish Crown, the city was ordered destroyed and its citizens relocated to the southern regions of the islands.

The city of Puerto Plata was officially abandoned until the second half of the 18th century, when the port was once again opened to merchant vessels. It enjoyed another brief period of prosperity in the second half of the 19th century. The city’s latest boom began some 20 years ago, when its natural beauty and dun-drenched beaches were seen as ideal for resort development. Today, Puerto Plata is one of the leading tourist destinations in the Caribbean.

" MY VISIT "

I think Puerto Plata is where I have spent most days in the Dominican Republic, and I have visited the city both in 2004, 2006 and 2008.

When I say Puerto Plata, I mean the old Puerto Plata – I have never stayed at the new resort area (Playa Dorada) just outside Puerto Plata. Instead, I like to hang around in the old city and at the malecón where you can find a lot of small local restaurants and bars.