There are two ATMs in Las Galeras: one at Banreservas and one at Comercial De León. Both charge extra fees on top of what your own bank might charge, and withdrawal limits may be lower than expected.

A cheaper and more flexible option is to withdraw money inside the bank. You will need to present a cédula or a passport.

However, note that Banreservas only accepts credit cards for withdrawals inside the bank (debit cards can only be used at the ATM).

In Samaná, you can withdraw money inside Banco Popular. This bank accepts both credit and debit cards for withdrawals inside the bank. Make sure your full name is fully visible on the card. If your name is long, it could cause issues.

For those looking to stay connected to more than just nature during their stay in the Dominican Republic, 4G mobile data is available through two major operators: Claro and Altice. Both networks offer good coverage and reliable service, though depending on your location, one may work better than the other (Claro works better in Los Tocones for example).

A local SIM card costs only 100 DOP. You can purchase one at various shops. After getting your SIM card, you’ll need to add credit to your account. You can do this by visiting a “banca” and providing your phone number. The process is quick. Some colmados also offer this service.

If you want to see whales, plan your trip between January and March, when they migrate to the bay.

The high season runs from December to April, with more visitors and a livelier atmosphere. This period also matches the dry season, with less rain overall. From May to November is technically the wet season, but don’t let that scare you. The Dominican Republic enjoys warm, sunny weather almost all year round. Sometimes weather forecasts will predict rain every day — and sometimes it does — but usually only for a few minutes. Here, nature isn’t lush because we water it every night, but because there is a good balance between rain and sun.

It's best not overthink it. There's plenty of sunshine year-round, with amazing weather most of the time!

If you overstay your 30-day tourist card, overstay fees begin 1 day after your card expires.

If you extend your stay by visiting an immigration office (after leaving the airport), fees start again 1 day after you exceed the extension period.

These fines are payable at the airport before departure.

Overstay Fees (Updated August 2025):

30 days – 90 days: 3,500 DOP
3 – 9 months: 5,600 DOP
9 – 12 months: 7,000 DOP
12 – 18 months: 9,100 DOP
18 – 24 months: 11,200 DOP
24 – 30 months: 13,300 DOP
30 – 36 months: 15,400 DOP
36 – 48 months: 22,400 DOP
48 – 60 months: 28,000 DOP
6 years: 42,000 DOP
7 years: 56,000 DOP
8 years: 70,000 DOP
9 years: 84,000 DOP
10 years: 98,000 DOP
For each additional year beyond 10 years: 7,000 DOP

Prices can vary widely, so it’s a good idea to know them or ask in advance.

Here are some typical costs:

Typical meal in a Comedor: 250 DOP
Natural Juice: 75 DOP
Man haircut: 200-300 DOP
Local SIM card: 100 DOP
Flat tire fix on a motorcycle: 150 DOP

You can have almost anything delivered right to your doorstep: food, groceries, and other essentials. Skip the trip and enjoy the convenience!

If you’re staying at Villa Caribana, delivery from the center of Las Galeras to the villa costs just 150 DOP.