Dominican Republic Country Info: Travel Preparation
Entry Details
Get a PASSPORT. If you have even a slight desire to do a short-term mission trip, Even if you decide not to go, a passport is good for years. And sometimes people are help up in their travel plans because of waiting on this document. Also it is cheaper to apply early rather than having to pay extra for priority handling.
RUSH your passport application if you are supposed to leave soon. (Must show proof of impending trip.)
Immunizations
Check with your own doctor and with the Center for Disease Control about IMMUNIZATIONS for the country you will be traveling to. We are not a health care provider and cannot provide counsel beyond letting you know that immunizations are recommended.
Team Manual
You will receive a manual to help you prepare for your mission trip with your church or organization. Sharing provides these as part of our application fee, once you are confirmed for a trip. Teams who meet together weekly before the trip find this manual very helpful in focusing on preparation in a way that will help you get the most out of this short-term mission experience.
Clothing
Lightweight cottons work best in the heat, while synthetic fabrics like polyester tend to be very hot. You may need a light jacket during some evenings.
Men should wear long trousers, not shorts. In Dominican society, only younger boys wear shorts. When we work with local people we will “connect” more readily when observing some cultural norms such as this one.
Ladies should bring dresses and skirts that are not necessarily “dressy”, but that can be worn while among the local people. Among Christians, conservative dress is always more appropriate in this society. Tops that cover the shoulders and long loose fitting, below-the-knee slacks are right for the work site.
Church services may tend to be a bit more formal with men wearing ties and long sleeve dress shirts. However this varies depending on location. It is good to bring some clothing a step above casual. When site seeing or during a trip to the beach, your clothing is still reflective of what you represent in this society. Tight fitting clothes or clothing that reveals a lot of skin is seen differently here. Many times this type of clothing is used to advertise prostitution.