Santo Domingo Airport

I am surprised that no one has written about this great little airport just outside the capital of the Dominican Republic Santo Domingo - it is a little gem with very few faults although the main airline AA has appalling service. the airconditioning works well the toilets are clean there are good fast food outlets and ample parking. Departing is simple and the immigration is well set out and also arrivals are good there is a duty free shop on arrival but sometimes the bags are slow getting from the plane to the carousel - best to keep valuables in the hand luggage. Outside the taxis have a monopoly and there are no buses here into the city - they are 15 minutes walk away.

Santo Domingo Las Americas is over all a nice airport. Quite new and clean. The departure area has shops and bars. Immigration is quite fast for a Caribbean airport and the waiting time is much less than in most US airports these days. Be prepared to have USD 10-- change ready for the tourist card. Every Non Dominican has to pay it. They take US cash only so visitors from other areas should have some change in USD to avoid a longer waiting time at the bank. However if you flight is early do not expect that it may approach the gate right away. Already waited for 30 minutes in the plane standing on the ramp/apron as there was nobody to move the equipment blocking the gate out of the way.

Las Americas International Airport is the principal airport of the Dominican Republic facilities are nice and convenient very clean and people is very friendly. For US Citizen there is inbound tourist card charge of US$10.00 and a US$20.00 departure tax normally collected on your travel ticket unless indicated differently then you need to pay in cash at the check in counter. Above taxes are paid at all Dominican Republic's airports.

Santo Domingo International airport is an excellent gate not only to Dominican Republic but also to those intended to travel to Haiti and are afraid about high rates there. Las Americas airport is well organized very well linked with Santo Domingo and even only two miles away from Boca Chica a nice white-sand beach where to take a drink before checking in. This may sound strange but believe me it's a relaxing experience.

Santo Domingo's Las Americas International Airport is quite nice. It's even better if you speak/understand Spanish. There are some nice shops and eateries. Sometimes airport staff will ask you to buy them a gift. Having traveled to the Dominican Republic often people are not overly aggressive. If you express that you are not buying a gift they leave you alone. When you come outside the terminal someone may attempt to help you with your bag(s). If you don't want help make it clear. They will get the message. The taxis are reliable and regulated. If it's your first time in DR you may be somewhat daunted at the amount of taxi propositions. You can also arranged taxi service before you actually leave the US. Remember you must pay a USD 10.00 fee for the tourist card once you land in DR. There is no fee to depart for the US. FYI Santiago airport is much nicer than Santo Domingo.