LANGUAGES
The common language in the Dominican Republic is spanish. So when you come over to here it is good to speak a couple of words spanish.
Because there are living a lot of European people in the region Samana, you hear many languages. French is also often spoken, because their are a lot of french and swiss people around here.

• Spanish Language Travels

MEDICAL CARE
There are some local and foreign doctors in Las Terrenas and Samana. In Las Terrenas you also find a small hospital. For a dentist, you can go to Santo Domingo.
There is a special helicopter-service for quick medical service. They fly you within half an hour to Santo Domingo hospital.
In the Capital of Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, you can find a variety of modern up to highest standard hospitals and also specialized clinics.
Health insurance can be obtained through big ins0a‚ce companies in Dominican Republic and rates are far below from those in Europe and the United States den USA.

• Aerolife Medical Heli-transport

TELEPHONE & INTERNET
Just like in Europe or the USA the have a normal phone-line. So national and international calls are no problem.
Orange is the mobile phone company which is in the region Samana. The coverage is very good.

Their are a lot of place where you can go on the internet. The most hotels have these facilities. There are also a lot of internet-cafe’s with ADSL connection.
If you want internet in your own house, no problem. It can be done by phoneline with ADSL or with a satellite-connection.

INFRASTRUCTURE
The infrastructure is not as we know it in Europe or the USA. Most of them are small roads, sometimes not so good.
Around Samana and Las Terrenas there are a lot of sandy roads, so a 4-wheel drive car or quad is a very good transportion vehicle.

BANKS - MONEY - CHANGE
Their are several banks in Las Terrenas. Also you can find money-machines in the shoppingmalls.
When you travel into the Dominican Republic your maximum cash to bring in is 10.000 usd.
The currency is changing every day. You can check this at OANDA.Their are several small offices where you can change money, what is also possible at banks. The small offices give you the best rates. You can find them everywhere.

• Fort Knox: Money change and depositbox-units for rent.

What do you want to convert:

• from Dominican Pesos to US Dollars
• from Us Dollars to Dominican Pesos

• from Dominican Pesos to Euro's
• from Euro's to Dominican Pesos

• from Euro's to US Dollars
• from US Dollars to Euro's

• all other currencies

LIVING HERE
Is living in paradise. The most beautifull surroundings give you a piece of life you never dreamed of. It’s cheap, easy and friendly people and a lot of sun...
And when you're here a couple of days.... then you know it! This place has some kind of special energy, you can actually feel and enjoy...
Foreigners are subject to the same regulations and laws as Dominican citizens, when purchasing property.
Permanent residency is easy to obtain for foreigners and a minimum period of stay is not required.

THE NONI PLANT - MORINDA CITRIFOLIA
The people who live along the San Pedro highway have discovered the commercial potential of noni and are selling the fruit on roadside stalls, as well as home made noni juice.
Noni has a mildly unpleasant taste that can be easily disguised. You can make your own noni juice by picking the fruit when it is yellow, storing several of them in a jar for several days until they turn mushy and start oozing juice. You then strain the juice into a clean receptacle and refrigerate. Another way is to liquidise the ripe fruit with water and strain. Dilute it with some water and mix with fruit juice to mask the taste. It can also be applied externally to wounds and is said to help rid the hair of lice. The leaves can be used to make a medicinal tea to relieve urinary problems.

Caribbean Noni: For centuries Noni has been known for its benefits to our health and physical condition.
Taino-Health: German site about Aloe Vera and Noni production and distribution in Cabarete.
At Hotel Louisiana in Las Terrenas you can buy PURE Noni. Patrick, the owner makes it himself, totally without chemicals. You can reach him at pm@verizon.net.do.

All the latest flight-information about airfields in the Dominican Republic at www.ias.com.do or at www.flytheislands.com for ordering the Caribbean Pilot's Guide 2005.

Pilot's Guide for EL PORTILLO - MDPO

• Runway 9/27 - 4,264' x 72' asphalt
• TWR 118.7
• Fuel: none
• Customs/immigration: 6am - 6pm
• Civil aviation: (809) 248-2719 - fax (809) 248-2560
• Remarks: no longer a private airport. Runway seems short - watch for animals.