VZCZCXYZ0023
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHDG #1911/01 1581517
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 071517Z JUN 06
FM AMEMBASSY SANTO DOMINGO
TO RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC PRIORITY
INFO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5062

UNCLAS SANTO DOMINGO 001911 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EFIN OTRA DR
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE APPROVAL - TREASURY 
REPRESENTATIVES RAMOS & WARFIELD 
 
REF: SECSTATE 8240 
 
 ¶1. US Embassy Santo Domingo welcomes and grants country 
clearance to US Treasury Representatives John Ramos and 
Robert Warfield for travel to Santo Domingo, Dominican 
Republic, from June 19 to June 30, 2006. The purpose of this 
trip is to conduct an annual assessment of the current Tax 
Technical Assistance project in the Dominican Republic. 
 
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¶2. Embassy Assistance 
---------------------- 
Per reftel hotel reservations have been made at the Jaragua 
Hotel. Confirmation numbers are as follows: John Ramos 
390812; Robert Warfield 388887. 
 
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¶3. Contact with US Embassy 
--------------------------- 
In case of an emergency during visit, including medical, 
please contact the US Embassy Marine Guard Post One at (809) 
221-2171, extension 4398. 
 
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¶4. Travel Documents 
-------------------- 
All official visitors are encouraged to enter the Dominican 
Republic on valid passports, with valid visas. If a visa 
cannot be obtained before entry into the Dominican Republic, 
a 30-day visa can be purchased for USD 10.00 in the airport 
terminal upon arrival. A USD 20.00 airport departure tax is 
charged to all non-residents leaving the country. Many US 
carriers include this tax in the ticket price, so please 
consult your ticket. 
 
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¶5. Monetary Exchange 
--------------------- 
Embassy does not recommend use of local ATM machines, 
accordingly visitors are encouraged to bring sufficient cash, 
traveler's checks or credit cards for their needs. Although 
many merchants in the Dominican Republic generally do not 
accept US currency as payment for goods and services, most 
commercial banks and hotels provide exchange services. Please 
note that most hotels will calculate the room charges in 
pesos at their own exchange rate. To be certain that you pay 
only your advertised dollar rate, travelers should pay their 
bill in US currency to avoid currency fluctuations that could 
result in higher charges. Banco de Reservas, a Dominican 
commercial bank, offers check cashing and accommodation 
exchange services in the Embassy from 0900-1100 and 1200-1545 
during official workdays. Official visitors may cash personal 
checks and can elect to either receive US Dollars or 
Dominican Pesos. US credit cards, especially Visa and 
Mastercard, are widely accepted in Major cities and tourist 
areas. 
 
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¶6. Medical Attention 
-------------------- 
In the event medical services from Embassy Health 
professionals are needed, visitors will be expected to 
provide a copy of their orders upon receipt of care. 
 
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¶7. Country Threat Assessment 
---------------------------- 
A)  Terrorism: The Dominican Republic is considered to be a 
low threat post for terrorism. Embassy is unaware of any 
indigenous terrorist groups operating in the Dominican 
Republic or of support for terrorist groups. However, 
transnational terrorism remains a possibility due to a number 
of factors, some of which include porous borders and a 
culture of corruption that impacts police and other security 
agencies. 
 
B)  Crime: The Dominican Republic is considered a high threat 
post for crime. Street robberies, pick pocketing, credit card 
fraud, ATM fraud, burglaries, and theft from vehicles are all 
common crimes in the Dominican Republic. If you are the 
victim of a street robbery, do not resist. Statistically, 
most who resist robbery are injured. Those who obey robbers' 
demands are generally left unharmed. To avoid credit card 
fraud, avoid excessive use of credit cards while in country. 
Contact your card provider and advise them what charges you 
will be making while visiting the Dominican Republic. Keep a 
close watch over your credit card charges even weeks after 
leaving the Dominican Republic. Fraudulent charges may not 
appear until well after you have returned to your place of 
origin. To avoid ATM fraud, use only ATMs that are located in 
major hotels, or collocated with banks. Avoid using carros 
publicos, the least expensive type of taxi. Many travelers 
 
have reported being pick pocketed in these vehicles. Use 
established taxi services, or hotel taxis, which are 
considered safe. 
HERTELL