Stuff you need backpacking around the Dominican Republic

Spanish, Dominican style. Very Caribbean. English understood in the Santo Domingo airport and luxury tourist areas only. Do not expect to be able to get around without understanding and being able to speak some Spanish.

• Beer- Presidente, Brahma, Bohemia
• Rum- Brugal, Barcelo, Bermudez (Called the Three B's of Dominican Rum)

Additionally, other imported drinks are available for purchase--at least in the towns and cities--they might not be as readily available out in the countryside. Do not drink tap water! Locals, even in the most rural areas, will either boil their water or purchase bottled water. Eating salads or other food that may be washed in tap water is not advisable. Ice is a bad idea as well, except in luxury hotels and restaurants (which produce ice from bottled water). If you plan on cooking or washing dishes for longer stays, it is a good idea to rinse everything with bottled or boiled water before use.

One of the best spots in the Colonial District of Santo Domingo to shop is the several blocks long outdoor mall, c/ El Conde. It offers everything from street vendors (it is definitely NOT recommended to eat off these) to knock-off name brand clothing for extremely inexpensive prices. There are some very pleasant outdoor restaurants that serve as perfect spots to people watch and drink Presidente (their most popular beer). During the day, there are also several touristy shops where you can buy cheap presents for the family back home including authentic paintings and beautiful jewelry. There is also a very nice cigar shop at the end of the mall across from the cathedral. Crafts are generally not as exciting as in other Latin American countries such as Mexico. Clothes, however, are generally very economical and often of good quality. Most prices can be negotiated. US dollars are accepted in some areas.