In lieu of a government tourist office, you can go to the offices of Sunshine Services, Calle del Carmen 151 (tel. 809/240-6164), a travel agency. The staff here is very helpful and will provide information about the area and assist you in your travel needs. There's a TOURIST INFORMATION sign posted outside. Of course, this is a profit-making organization, and the English-speaking staff hopes to make some money off you by helping you in your travel arrangements. Hours are Monday to Saturday 9am to noon and 4 to 7pm.

A Western Union office is at Calle Principal 165 (tel. 809/240-6551), open Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm, Sunday 8am to noon. For the local phone company, head for Verizon, Calle Principal s/n (tel. 809/220-7412), open daily 8am to 10pm. Internet access is also possible here, costing RD$23 for 30 minutes or RD$45 for 1 hour.

For a police, fire, or medical emergency, dial tel. 911.

The most central pharmacies are Farmacia de La Plaza, Calle Principal 6 (tel. 809/240-5708), open Monday to Saturday 8am to 7pm, and also Farmacia R y R, Ramon Matia Mella 8 (tel. 809/240-6135), open Monday to Thursday 8am to 7pm, Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday 7am to 10pm, and Sunday 8am to 10pm.

To exchange money, go to Banco del Progreso, Calle Duarte at Plaza El Paseo de la Costanera (tel. 809/240-6409), open Monday to Friday 9am to 3:30pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.