Passport question

Pardon if this sounds like a stupid question. I will be in DR and wanted to know if tourists (American) should carry their passport (secured of course) with them at all times? Do most just lock them in their room safes?

Thanks

I don;t think you need to carry it around...more liklihood of losing it to theft/accident. I have been there 8 times and don;t carry it all the time. You will definitely need it for foreign exchange, may need it for large credit card purchases or duty free items tho as ID. Most usually keep it locked up until it's needed. Foreign exchange tip - try not to exchange at your hotel - there are plenty of cambios that give you a better rate, as well as telephone centres where you can make calls for much much less. Enjoy your trip.

I have been to the DR serveral times and even lived there for a year and I never carried my passport with me. I did carry a copy in my billfold theough.

Doreen: I agree with you on the carrying passport - why? But the other comment - the area - Be more specific. 8 times where? I have been there 6 times mostly in the Puerto Plata area, and I haven't seen a cambio. In some cases, I found the Hotel Exchange rate almost as good as the bank - ( in some cases C$ better) without the hassle or waiting in line. Bill

You will need it when cashing travelers checks, registering at hotels, renting cars etc

Tom

I can think of four money exchanges in PP, not likely to find one in Playa Dorado though

Tom

Just to get back to the original subject matter i.e do I have to carry my passport all the time . I believe the answer is no. You do not need to and I suggest you keep it save at your hotel. You only need it at the airport both ways.

You need your passport to rent vehicles, making large credit card purchases in the city, sometimes cashing travellers checks, and sometimes even as a security deposit for equipment such as jet skis.

If you do carry it, make sure you have a copy of it to be kept in a safe place, as this will greatly expedite getting a replacement should it get lost. Also, keep the immigration entrance paper locked up too, as you will need it when leaving the country.

I carry mine whenever I go into the city (in case I want to make a large credit card purchase). Otherwise, keep it locked in your safe and carry the Xerox copy.

Jim Hinsch JimHinsch@CSI.COM