TRAVEL TIPS AND ADVISORY
 

Weather

Average temperatures in December – Punta Cana

HIGH: 29°C/84°F

LOW: 22°C/72°F

Government of Canada

Website
 

US Department of State

Website
 

SAFTEY & SECURITY

Exercise caution and be aware of surroundings at all times, especially after dark due to a high crime rate.

Carry only small amounts of money and avoid showing signs of affluence.

Keep electronic devices like cellphones, tablets, laptops and cameras out of sight.

Never leave personal belongings unattended.

Lock your valuables, passport and other travel documents in hotel safe.

Ideal Protein suggests only leaving the resort if you have booked a guided tour directly with the hotel.

Exercise caution when leaving the resort at your leisure.

CRIME

Bag-snatching and pickpocketing is prevalent.

Theft of items from checked baggage at airports has been reported.

Do not leave luggage unattended.

Avoid walking alone in unpopulated areas and unpatrolled beaches after dark.

Use Ideal Protein arranged transportation.

Avoid unmarked taxis.

FRAUD

Use credit cards only in major hotels, restaurants and shops.

Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others during payment and, upon your return home, check your statements for fraudulent charges.

 

FOOD & WATER SAFETY

WATER

  • The Tap Water in Dominican Republic is not considered potable.
  • Brush teeth with purified or bottled water (available on-site)
 

TRAVEL HEALTH NOTICE

ZIKA VIRUS: Zika Virus is a concern in The Caribbean.

  • Use insect repellent on exposed skin
  • Cover up: wear light-coloured, long–sleeved shirts and long pants

Zika is a virus which typically causes mild illness lasting only a few days. Many people who are infected do not develop any symptoms and do not know that they have been infected. However, Zika virus infection in a pregnant woman can pose significant risks to the fetus, even if the woman does not develop symptoms of infection.

 

ALCOHOL AND BEHAVIOR

Alcohol/Behavior Disclaimer: By registering for the 2018 Ideal Protein Summit you have acknowledge and agree that, as a condition of your attendance, guests must conduct themselves in a professional manner and will be fully responsible for their own actions. We are all expected to behave in such a way that gatherings, events and meetings are free from harassment and other abusive behavior. Although alcohol will be available to all, we trust that you will be responsible in your intake.

 

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance is included through Desjardins health benefits (staff only)

If consultants wish to be covered, they will have to purchase personal travel insurance coverage at own expense.

 

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Passport must be valid for the duration of stay in Dominican Republic.

Tourist Card is included in your airline ticket.

Departure tax of $20 usd is included with your airline ticket.

 

PACKING SUGGESTIONS

Clothing

Bring a carry-on with your beach wear and sunscreen in case you arrive before check-in time. Don’t forget to bring sandals, sunglasses and a hat. Consider bringing a rain jacket in case it rains, and water shoes if you plan on doing water sports or snorkeling.

Toiletries

Toiletries at stores or in the resort gift shop may be expensive, so bring band-aids, lip balm, hand sanitizer, pain killers, sunburn relief, Pepto Bismol, Imodium, Gravol and any other basic medicines (for stomach, headache, etc.) that you may need.  Don’t forget your prescription medications.

Camera/Cell Phone

Plan on bringing extra batteries for your camera and a charger for your cellphone.

Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellent

With the harsh sun, you will be at risk of sunburn even one meter under the water. Bring sunblock. In case you do get burned, bring sunburn relief products. Don’t forget the mosquito repellent.
 
 
MEDICAL TREATMENTS & MEDICAL INSURANCE

CANADA:

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance. Contact your insurance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment. Any incidents of sickness or injury requiring hospitalization should be reported to the Embassy of Canada in Santo Domingo.

UNITED STATES:

Check before traveling to ensure your medical insurance provides coverage overseas or obtain supplemental travel insurance. Most health care providers in the DR only accept cash payments and these payments often must be made prior to treatment and/or before the patient’s hospital discharge.  The US embassy does not pay medical bills. US Medicare does not apply overseas.

 

CONSULAR ASSISTANCE

CANADA:

Carretera Veron

Bavaro KM. 2 ½

Amstar Business Center

Building 5, Suite 521

Punta Cana

Dominican Republic

Telephone: (809) 455-1730

SOS@INTERNATIONAL.GC.CA

 

UNITED STATES:

Palma Real Shopping Center

Business Center 2ND Floor

Bavaro, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic

Telephone: (809) 552-8990

Emergency After Hours Phone: (809) 368-7777

PUNTACANACONSULARAGENCY@STATE.GOV

INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT WAS SOURCED FROM:

Government of Canada: Travel Advisory – Dominican Republic

https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/dominican-republic 

US Department of State: Travel Advisory – Dominican Republic

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/DominicanRepublic.html