Travel Tips

🛬 Airport +Arrival

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• Fly into Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ):
  It’s the nearest major international hub with the best flight options. From there, it’s about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive to Hotel Casablanca in Cabrera.
• Hotel Casablanca Airport Transfers:
  Complimentary transportation is provided for guests arriving on Friday, September 12 and departing on Monday, September 15.
  Our drivers will meet you at SDQ holding a Hotel Casablanca sign, and get you comfortably to the property.
• Flight Timing:
  We recommend booking flights that land as close to 2:00 PM as possible. This ensures you’ll have a smooth arrival, time to clear customs, meet your driver, and enjoy the scenic ride to the hotel in time for check-in and welcome events.
• Airport Experience:
  Immigration and customs at SDQ are generally smooth.
  Just have your E-Ticket QR code ready, the hotel address (Hotel Casablanca, Cabrera), and proof of your return flight easily accessible.

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🛂 Before You Fly

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• Passport Validity:
  Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip dates.
  (Temporary relaxed rules for U.S., Canada, UK, EU travelers through Nov 30, 2025 — but we still recommend having full validity if possible.)
• Return Ticket:
  Airlines are required to verify you have a return or onward ticket before you board your departing flight.
• Dominican Republic E-Ticket:
  Complete the mandatory immigration E-Ticket form at eticket.migracion.gob.do.
  You’ll fill out basic personal details, your flight info, and where you’re staying.
  Screenshot or print your QR codes for both arrival and departure.
• Quick Immigration Tip:
  If asked your destination by officials, say: "Hotel Casablanca, Cabrera, Maria Trinidad Sanchez Province."

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💵 Money + Payments

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• Currency:
  The Dominican Peso (DOP) is the local currency.
  U.S. dollars are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger stores — but it's smart to have pesos for small purchases like souvenirs or snacks.
• How Much Cash to Bring:
  We suggest bringing around $100–$150 USD in small bills ($1s, $5s, $10s) for tips, taxis, and small vendors.
  Some excursions or activities might be cash-only.
• Using ATMs:
  ATMs are available in Cabrera but can occasionally be offline.
  If you want pesos, it’s better to withdraw once at the airport or in a major town like Sosua or Cabarete on your way in.
• Tipping Culture in the DR:
  • Restaurants often include a 10% service charge automatically — but it’s customary to add another 5–10% in cash for good service.
  • Tip shuttle drivers ($5–$10 depending on the trip), bellhops ($1–$2 per bag), housekeeping ($2–$5 per night), and spa therapists (10–20%).
• Credit Cards:
  Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. American Express is accepted at some major places but not all.
  Always carry a bit of cash for backup just in case the machine is down!

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📱 Phone + Internet

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• International Roaming:
  Many carriers (like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T) offer international roaming plans for about $10/day. Check with your provider before your flight to activate one if needed.
• eSIM Option with Holafly:
  For a faster and often cheaper option, we recommend purchasing a short-term data plan through Holafly.
  Holafly lets you install a digital SIM on your phone before you leave, so you’ll land with data ready to go — no SIM card swap or store visit needed.
  (Perfect for maps, messaging, and travel apps without worrying about Wi-Fi!)
• Wi-Fi at the Hotel:
  Hotel Casablanca provides complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi for guests throughout the property.
  It’s reliable for emails, social media, and casual use, but can slow down during heavy storms (normal for the tropics).
• Offline Travel Tip:
  Download Google Maps offline for Cabrera and nearby towns.
  Save important travel documents and screenshots of confirmations just in case you can’t connect right away.

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🛍️ Extra Travel Tips

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• Carry-on Packing:
  Pack a swimsuit, sandals, and one change of lightweight clothes in your carry-on.
  If your luggage is delayed, you can jump straight into vacation mode without worry.
• Dress for the Tropics:
  Cabrera is warm and humid year-round. Light, breathable clothes (linen, cotton) are best.
  Bring a light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings or heavily air-conditioned spaces.
• Electrical Outlets:
  The Dominican Republic uses the same plugs as the U.S. (Type A/B, 110V), so no adapters needed if you're coming from the States or Canada.

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We can’t wait to celebrate with you in paradise!
A little preparation now will make your journey smooth, easy, and full of unforgettable memories.

If you have any questions before you travel, feel free to reach out — we’re here to help.
Safe travels, and we’ll see you soon under the Dominican sun! 🇩🇴☀️

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