Punta Cana’s Airport has a thatched roof and is built in an open-air design, which means that several areas of it are not air-conditioned. This is one of the busiest and best-connected airports in the region. It sometimes has more flights than Santo Domingo’s airport, the Aeropuerto International de Las Américas, three hours away.
When you arrive at Punta Cana Airport, you will be asked to buy a $10 tourist card before going through immigration. This is usually included in the documentation you get before departing, or is issued to you on the flight. After picking up your luggage and clearing through customs, arriving passengers will be greeted by their tour company representative and advised to board the right bus for transfer to their designated resort. Most travelers who will be staying at all-inclusive resorts, will be met by a guide holding a sign bearing the establishment’s name.
Punta Cana airport transfers can also be booked in advance on the Internet or by telephone before your trip through Dominican Airport Transfers. You will be able to get an instant quote and book the trip online. The company is located in Santo Domingo City. If you are visiting relatives or friends and not traveling with a tour operator, you may consider taking a taxi to your destination. You will find most taxis right outside the airport custom’s area. , but it’s best to clear up the price and the location you want before you board and then pay upon arrival. During your vacation, you can get a taxi outside most resorts and hotels. Taxi drivers will accept dollars, pesos and Euros.
If you are looking for an adventure, you might try catching a local Punta Cana bus. The ride is very inexpensive, but the problems are the irregular bus schedules, crowds and the safety of the actual vehicles. In 2007, 689 casualties were reported among bus passengers.
Renting a car is another option. All the well-known car rental companies are in Punta Cana, like Euro car, Budget, Prestige, and Avis. Many of the resorts have car rental offices right on their property. Some companies also offer motorcycles, scooters, and 4-wheel drive terrain bikes by the hour, the half-day, the full day, and for longer periods.
Driving in the Dominican Republic is not like driving in the U.S., Canada or Europe. True, the driver’s side is on the left and driving is done on the right side, just like in the U.S. But while there are similar driving laws and rules in the Dominican Republic as in North America, the problem is they’re not usually enforced. Also your fellow drivers may be using all types of vehicles, ones you’ve never seen on the road before, that are missing parts, lights, even hoods. Also the roads are poorly lit, which makes driving at night ill advised and of course, animals cross the road with no warning. Speeding and tailgating are regular events and passing is done almost anywhere including on curved roads. You will notice the din of honking horns as soon as you start your journey. It’s all part of the scene.