Dominican Republic

Country: Dominican Republic

• Country code: DO
• Official language: Spanish
• Currency: Dominican peso (DOP)
• Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-4, normally without daylight saving time
• Power supply: often 110 to 120 V / 60 Hz, mostly plug types A and B

Infrastructure differs by region. Tourist areas, cities and larger towns usually have better supply, but local power outages, water pressure problems, mobile network outages or restrictions after heavy rain can still occur.

Preparation for hurricane season, heavy rain, flooding, heat, drinking water hygiene and simple emergency communication is particularly important.

The central emergency number in the Dominican Republic is 9-1-1. This system coordinates emergencies such as police, fire brigade, ambulance and security situations.

• 911: general emergency call / Sistema Nacional de Atención a Emergencias y Seguridad 9-1-1
• 911: police via the central emergency system
• 911: fire brigade via the central emergency system
• 911: ambulance / rescue service via the central emergency system

Separate direct numbers for local police stations, fire brigades or hospitals may vary by city. Therefore, 911 is the safest general information for nationwide guidance.

For official warnings and disaster information, COE, Defensa Civil and INDOMET are particularly relevant.

• COE: Centro de Operaciones de Emergencias, responsible for alert levels, situation information and coordination during major events.
• Defensa Civil: civil protection, rescue and support structures during disasters and evacuations.
• INDOMET: official weather information, weather warnings and meteorological notices.

During heavy rain, tropical storms or hurricanes, rivers, streams, flooded roads and low-lying areas should be avoided. Official warnings are more important than rumours from social media.

For the Dominican Republic, practical household preparedness is especially important because electricity and water supply can vary by region.

• Store enough drinking water and use water only from safe sources.
• If water quality is uncertain, boil water or disinfect it properly.
• Plan long-life food, baby food, pet food and personal medication.
• Prepare power banks, torches, batteries, solar lamps or small emergency power solutions.
• Never operate generators in enclosed rooms or directly by a window.
• Keep important contacts, identity documents, cash and medication ready.
• When a hurricane warning is issued, fill water containers early, secure loose objects and follow official instructions.

For power faults, the regional electricity distributor is responsible. For Juan Dolio and many places in the east, EDEEste is relevant. For complaints and general guidance in the electricity sector, the Superintendencia de Electricidad is responsible.

Important official bodies include the 9-1-1 system, COE, Defensa Civil, INDOMET, the Superintendencia de Electricidad and, depending on the region, the local electricity distributor.

For Austrian citizens in the Dominican Republic, according to the BMEIA, Austrian representation is handled through the Embassy in Havana and the office in Santo Domingo. The office in Santo Domingo does not have full passport authority, but according to the BMEIA it is a passport application office and is relevant for emergency passport matters.

Travellers should have passport copies, insurance, emergency contacts, accommodation address and medical information available offline.