Effective December 31, 2006, you will need a passport for your trip to the Dominican Republic. You will need US$20 to pay for your Dominican Republic tourist card and departure tax. You will also need some additional money to pay for any snacks, beverages, and meals you decide to eat outside the orphanage, phone calls home, and any souvenirs you purchase.

If you are staying longer than two weeks, there is an additional departure tax of approximately:

• 15 Days to 3 months: $12 US or 300 Pesos
• 3 Months to 9 Months $20 or 500 Pesos

Please make two copies of your passport. Leave one copy with a friend, and put one copy in a pocket of your luggage. That way, if you lose your passport, you have another copy available. We have not had anyone lose their passport or get it stolen, but if it does happen and you don't have a back-up, it can be difficult getting home. Don't miss the flight!!! Plan to arrive at the airport two hours early. If you do miss the flight, follow the enclosed directions. You may want to bring a snack for the ride from the airport to the orphanage (2-3 hours). Also, bring a personal water bottle for your use on the trip there, as well as during your stay. Orphanage Outreach will supply the bottled water in the Dominican Republic. We recommend that you pack as much of your personal items in your carry-on bag as possible. This will free up your two checked suitcases for donated items for the orphanage In addition, if your checked luggage is lost, we will probably not be able to return to the airport until the end of the trip.Emergency contact: Leave a message at (602) 375-2900. We will check messages daily.

The living conditions are simple and primitive, although every effort is made to ensure cleanliness in the facilities where we stay. You will be sharing a room, dormitory style, with other teammates of your gender. The electricity can be sporadic and the shower water is cool. Tap water is not drinkable (or useful for brushing your teeth!) and purified water will be provided. Please be sure to wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly with purified water before eating them. If you are in doubt about what is healthy to eat or drink, please ask.

Towels and twin sheets are available, but you may want to bring your own, and donate, if possible, at the end of the trip.

The Dominican Republic, especially the rural areas, is very safe, but follow the same safety precautions you would here. In particular, away from the orphanage, you need to watch out for theft. Don't set your purse, camera, etc. down without watching it. Also, you should not bring any expensive or sentimental jewelry.

We encourage you to spend as much time as possible with the children at the orphanage. Even a half-hour stolen from other activities will make a difference in the lives of one, two or maybe many kids. If you like, bring an interactive project or be prepared to play basketball, baseball or other games with the kids during your free time. 

WEATHER

Comfortable during the day with the temperature reaching the 80's or 90's in late afternoon. The temperature may cool off at night to below 70 and you may wish to bring a light sweater or wind breaker. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent.

IMMIGRATION/CUSTOMS

You will need a valid passport. 

When you arrive in the Dominican Republic, you will purchase a tourist card. The cost is US $10. Upon exiting the country, you will be required to pay departure tax of US $10 once you've cleared immigration at the airport gate. Both fees are payable only in US dollars (not Dominican currency).

MONEY

The official currency is the Dominican peso. The exchange rate fluctuates, but it has recently been around 30 pesos per US dollar. Generally, you can exchange money at the airport on your arrival or your first day at the orphanage. Credit cards are not generally accepted in the rural areas, but can be used in the tourist areas, like Puerto Plata. You will occasionally have access to an ATM machine.

LANGUAGE

The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish. You may wish to purchase a pocket electronic translator - they come in very handy talking with the kids and communicating ideas with the orphanage staff.

MEALS

Meals will be simple but nourishing. A vegetarian will have no problem with the diet – there is lots of fruit, rice, beans, plantains, egg plant, pasta, etc.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU MISS THE PLANE

1. If you have missed your flight due to late airline connections through the fault of the airlines, they will work with you to get you on another flight to Santiago, as well as providing a hotel if an overnight stay is required.
2. Once you have made alternative arrangements, leave messages on your status and a number we can reach you at on the Arizona voice mail box - (602) 375-2900. Let us know your flight number, arrival time, and airport. We will make every effort to meet you at the airport when you arrive.

DON'T MISS YOUR FLIGHT!! YOU'VE INVESTED TOO MUCH IN THIS TRIP; PLAN TO ARRIVE AT THE AIRPORT WELL AHEAD OF YOUR SCHEDULED FLIGHT TIME