The perfect postcard beach, luxury resorts, and solid tourism infrastructure attract many tourists to the Dominican Republic. From lush forests and mountains to semi-desert areas, geographic conditions also create unique opportunities for travelers seeking more than just a beach vacation. Beach resorts in Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, and La Romana offer what many package travelers are looking for a tropical hideaway for relaxation. The best way to travel around the Dominican republic is via car.
What is the difference between an International Driving Permit (IDP) and an International Driver’s License (IDL)?
An International Driving Permit is a small grey booklet marginally larger than a passport containing a translation of your original driving license in 10 languages, including English, French, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish. It is recognized by 141 countries worldwide and is valid for one year.
In comparison, an International Driving License is not a legal document and cannot be used to drive in foreign countries or instead of an IDP.
United Nations Agreement on Road Regulations
Organizations authorized by the United Nations issue International Driving Permits and comply with the United Nations road traffic conventions. There were three international conventions on motor vehicle traffic in 1926 (Paris), 1949 (Geneva), and 1968 (Vienna). Many countries have committed to treating the IDP as a valid document in all conventions. Specific automotive associations and organizations have been authorized to issue IDPs on behalf of the country’s government.
Always have your driving permit in the Dominican Republic.
Chartering your car saves money and your life. Aside from that, convenience in driving a car is better than cheap car rental costs in the city – or at least high-quality ones! If you decide to hire a car, you need a valid license from the place you are from. This can help you get a driver’s visa in the Dominican Republic, which can be helpful to you anywhere in the world. You’ll be asked if an International Driving Permit will be beneficial.
Driving license
Your driving license will last 30 days after arriving in the Dominican Republic. This doesn’t matter whether it is a national or international license. However, this issue is because it means that the Dominicans cannot get a visa until they obtain a cedula. Ideally, something should show that we can work towards our residency. Usually, foreigners can go without their Dominican license, even though it is not mandatory.
Benefits of carrying an International driving permit
Reduce or eliminate the risk of fines.
All non-resident drivers need an International Driving Permit to drive in many countries legally. If you don’t have one and get caught by law enforcement, you risk a fine. Simplify communication with local authorities. The International Driver’s License presents your U.S. driver’s license information in 10 languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, German, Arabic, Italian, Swedish, and Portuguese).
Dealing with car rental agencies.
If you’re considering renting a car, be aware that most major car rental companies in most countries require tenants to provide a valid international driver’s license. This is true even in countries where foreign drivers are not legally required to have this document. Bring peace of mind. Knowing they could be fined for doing something illegal can be stressful and overwhelming for some people. When driving abroad, having an international driver’s license gives you extra peace of mind knowing you’re following the law.
Driving requirements in the Dominican Republic
Whether you prefer to explore the bustling town of Roseau or hit the winding wooded paths shaded by the dense shadows of soaring skylights, you’ll need a valid driver’s license.
An international driver’s permit is a valid translation of your national driving license. This is not a stand-alone or separate driving license that you can use without your national driver’s license. It is used when you want to travel to Dominica or any foreign country. The IDP comes in the form of a passport-sized booklet containing multiple translations of your driver’s license. Specifically, it includes translations of the 12 most spoken languages worldwide.
You must bring a valid native driver’s license when you plan to drive in Dominica. However, your valid driver’s license does not allow you to drive in the country. Instead, it will enable you to apply for a temporary driver’s license to guests. Local foreign driver’s licenses are valid for one month or three months. You won’t need to enroll in a driving school in Dominica to get a passenger driver’s license.
Since your native driver’s license will be considered valid in Dominica, an official international driver’s permit is not required. However, it is highly recommended, especially when your license does not reflect English or French Creole. You can use your IDP when applying for a guest’s provisional driver’s license. The requirements for applying for an International Driving Permit (IDP) are pretty simple. If you have a valid driver’s license from your home country and are 18 years of age or older, you can apply for an international driver’s license. IDPs can only be purchased from authorized agencies, so beware of scams. You can apply easily through our website and need a current driver’s license, photo, and identification.
Car rental in Dominica
Whether you are staying in Dominica for two days or more, renting a car will be a decision worth considering. However, tourist attractions are scattered all over the island. Second, renting a car is one of the benefits of having an international driver’s license.
You can rent a car upon arrival or pre-booking it online. Most car rental companies in Dominica have websites and social media pages that make your car rental process easier. You will mainly find local agents in Dominica and significant international agencies in the country, such as Happy Car Rentals, LaRonde Rent-A-Car, Inc, Island Car Rentals, Paradise Rent-A-Car, etc.
Car rental companies want their customers to have the most convenient travel experience. To be able to deliver this, these companies invest heavily in the maintenance of their vehicles. That’s why it’s not surprising that they also set some standards for tenants to follow.
To rent a car in Dominica, you must be 25 years or older. However, some companies allow young drivers (ages 21 to 24) to hire for an extra fee. To rent a car in Dominica, you must submit basic requirements, which include a valid native driver’s license with at least two years of driving experience and an international driver’s license.
To rent a car in Dominica, you must submit basic requirements- a valid native driver’s license and an international driver’s permit.
Renting a car in Dominica can average $51/day, depending on the vehicle type. Rates displayed online sometimes do not include associated fees depending on the season, pick-up location, tenant age, add-ons, and insurance.
Add-ons are average car features that aren’t necessary. An example of this is a child car seat. In addition, you have the option of adding additional insurance, such as theft insurance. You should also expect your total bill to include administrative fees and taxes.
Driving in the Dominican Republic
Brushing up on the rules of the road is wise before getting behind the wheel.
Some things to keep in mind are:
- AMET traffic cops wear green uniforms.
- There is an abundance of roadways that have two-lane traffic and are excellent
- The max alcohol limits are: 70 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of urine and 80 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood
- All passengers and vehicle drivers must wear seat belts
- The speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas and 80 km/h on main roads and highways
- The minimum age to legally drive in Dominica is 18
- You must drive on the right-hand side of the road
- The number for emergencies is 999
- Honking your horn in heavy traffic is already good road manners
Top 6 Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
150 meters in length. Lake Enriquilla deep, at an elevation of 10417 ft. Pico del Mar in Dominica has an excellent topography, and this country provides a fantastic tourism destination for the inland region. Along the coastline, rich marine ecosystems powered by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean create an unforgettable underwater environment for snorkelers and SCUBA dive enthusiasts. Here’s one area for exploration.
Sanctuary of Humpback Whales
Has anyone seen the magnificent Humpback Whale pod in real life? These animals are truly incredible! Are whale humpbacks able to sing songs at varying times and frequencies for hours and sometimes 30kms? Talk of singing lessons on the beach? Typically whales can be found in tropical latitudes from October to April. Each year, approximately 2000 humpback whales are seen in the Dominican Republic for reproduction. Whales are seen most around Samana. The best chances are you will look at them from the ship. The area around Saman is populated with several jumping points.
Playa Rincon
It’s one of the best ten white beaches on the planet, and calm water encircles the coastline and makes the place ideal for swimming and snorkeling. In Playa ElVale, you can enjoy fresh seafood in the Caribbean. Playa Rincon is on Samanas Peninsula. It is necessary to drive three hours to get there by carrying Juan Pablo II, and the route will take approximately three hours. On the brighter side, the road trip can be viewed from a scenic standpoint with breathtaking views of the southern shore and the inland hills of the Samana peninsula.
Damajaqua Cascades (The 27 Waterfalls)
Do you ever jump off cliffs? Do you still have to go on such thrilling adventures? The choice of trekking between 7-27 waterfalls varies according to stamina. The activities are generally safe and accessible, a professional tour guide will assist you, and you will receive safety equipment. The event is open from 8 am to 3 pm. You should go to the park before sunrise because this canyon-hopping experience will be quite an adventure. For example, you’ll have to travel from Santo Domingo’s capital city in three hours.
Dunas de Bani
Duna’s Bani is a drier zone situated on the southern Dominican coast. This makes it a unique destination of travel because it is the only dunes in the entire nation where you may go surfing! It should take plenty of water in a zone where vegetation hasn’t been found to offer shade. This park is open from 8:05 to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, and 9:00 am to 16:00 during the weekends. Depending on your time, you can also visit the nearby salt mines. Sanches Route 520 –
Cayo Arenas (Paradise Island)
This list starts in North Dominica. A 20-minute boat journey from Punta Russia will take you onto a feisty white sandy island that only hosts huts in a shaded area. Enjoy crystal clear blue sand where you may swim, snorkel or even swim! When driving to Santo Domingo, the fastest way of getting to Punta Rucia is via Carr, and it’ll take about four hours to get here on Duarte Road.
Pirate Rum Factory and Taino Cave
What makes The Bahamas so popular? Rum. Pirate Rum Factory provides authentic brews made by Dominican artisans using recipes from more than 400 years! Nearby, visit the famous Taini Cave and discover the native inhabitants long before Christopher Colon discovered America. Take a bus from Autopista Este towards Pirate Rum Factory. It takes 2 1/2 to 3 hours to arrive in Santo Domingo.
FAQs
Do I need an International Driving Permit in the Dominican Republic?
Yes, an International Driving Permit is required, and a D.R. license is needed, but obtaining a foreign driving permit might help you get around the country.
Can I use my U.S. driver’s license in the Dominican Republic?
You may, however, for only a specific time.
How can I get my IDL for the Dominican Republic?
It simplifies the application procedure, making our platform a quick and easy solution. All you need is your current license, I.D., and photographs.
How do I get a Dominican driver’s license?
You must come to your local embassy in the D.R. and receive an official license, then carry the document and your residency card to your local driving license center, where you have a blood and vision test.