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The Dominican Republic is best known for its fine white sand beaches, crystal clear blue water, natural pools with smooth waves, and palm trees. You will also find mountains, waterfalls, sand dunes, pink salt flats, rum bars, and humpback whales. From all-inclusive beachfront resorts in Punta Cana to the capital Santo Domingo, the country receives over 5 million tourists each year. Continue reading for our Complete Dominican Republic Travel Guide.
Planning international travel can be overwhelming and time-consuming while working full-time. Use this Dominican Republic travel guide and the following Punta Cana travel blog post to plan your perfect vacation. The top destinations in the Dominican Republic are Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, and Samaná. Enjoy your time out of the office!
Dominican Republic Travel Guide: Popular Areas to Visit
Why Visit Punta Cana
You will find 21 miles of beaches full of all-inclusive resorts, swim in a cenote at Hoyo Azul Scape Park, spend a day lounging on Macao Beach, explore the underground cave system to Taíno Caves, dance the night away at the famous Coco Bongo.
READ: Things to Do in Punta Cana Dominican Republic, One Week Itinerary
Why Visit Puerto Plata
Spend the day in the clear waters of Cayo Arena, visit the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua, and ride the cable car up Isabel de Torres mountain.
Why Visit Samaná
Take a horseback ride to El Salto de Limon Waterfall, go whale watching, and spend the day in Rincon fishing village.
Why Visit Santo Domingo
Explore the Zona Colonial. check out the lagoons and caverns at Three Eyes National Park (Parque Nacional Los Tres Ojos), browse the stalls at the Mercado Modelo.
Dominican Republic Travel Guide: What You Need to Know to Plan Your Trip
Where is the Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic is a country in the West Indies and the second-largest nation in the Caribbean Sea. It shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti and is located between Puerto Rico and Cuba. Punta Cana is a short 2.5-hour flight from Miami. The population of the Dominican Republic is about 11 million. The island is 18,704 mi², Similar to the size of Vermont and New Hampshire combined. Santo Domingo is the capital and largest city in the Dominican Republic.
What is the language spoken in the Dominican Republic?
The national language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish. Although English is taught in school, it is not widely spoken in the Dominican Republic. Most staff in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions speak some English. It is good to at least try to speak the common language before resorting to English. FluentU offers a helpful list of common words and phrases to learn before you travel.
Do I need a visa to visit the Dominican Republic?
Visas are not required for visits shorter than 30 days. US citizens do need a passport to visit. The Dominican Republic charges tourists a $10 tourist fee that is added to airline charges.
What is the currency in the Dominican Republic?
The currency in the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso. US Dollars are widely accepted by taxis, excursion vendors, and restaurants, however, you may not get the best exchange rate. Don’t be fooled by ‘0 commission’ money exchangers because the ‘service fee’ is high. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.
Can I use credit cards and ATMs in the Dominican Republic?
ATMs are available throughout the Dominican Republic. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in the Dominican Republic and google its location before you travel. Credit cards are widely accepted. Always pay in pesos to avoid being overcharged. You get the best exchange rate using your credit card as long as there is not a “foreign fee”. It is always a good idea to carry some cash for small shops and street stalls. Restaurant bills include a 10% service charge. Tours do not add a service charge and tips are appreciated.
How much should I budget per day in the Dominican Republic?
According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in the Dominican Republic is $112. Expect to pay $1,563 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2 in an all-inclusive hotel.
When is the best time to visit the Dominican Republic?
The best time to visit the Dominican Republic is between November and April. Spring shoulder season is April-May. The rainy season is June through October, expect mosquitos. Low season is. July to November is hurricane season, be sure to purchase travel insurance. January is the coldest month with an average of 77 °F; August averages 83 °F and is the hottest month.
How Many Days Do I Need in the Dominican Republic?
7 days is enough time in the Dominican Republic to visit the historical cities, take a snorkeling day trip to a white sand island, and visit the rainforest.
What type of transportation does the Dominican Republic use?
Fly into Punta Cana International Airport. Uber does not operate in Punta Cana Airport. Prearrange shuttle service to the resort. Public transportation is limited and considered unsafe for tourists. Uber works well in Santo Domingo and Santiago. Driving is chaotic and not recommended, instead, book arranged excursions.
What kind of adaptor do I need in the Dominican Republic?
Plugs are type A and B, the standard voltage is 120 V, and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. If visiting from the US, you do not need a converter or adapter. Be sure to pack a 3 to 2-prong adapter in case type B sockets are not available.
What should I pack for the Dominican Republic?
Dominican’s dress to impress, bring a few nice outfits to go out at night. The Dominican Republic is a tropical destination. Pack lightweight, casual beach clothes, including, sandals, and sunglasses. Swimsuits, cover-ups, water shoes, floating dry bag reef-safe sunscreen. Bug spray. Activewear, umbrella, raincoat, and a day pack for rainforest hiking tours, a nice outfit for clubbing, Wear shoes with cushioned soles for walking on Santa Domingo’s cobbled streets.
Is the Dominican Republic a safe country for solo travelers?
According to Travel Safe Abroad, there is a medium risk of bag-snatching, pick-pocketing, and some violent crime in Punta Cana and a high risk in Santa Domingo for solo female travelers. Stay aware of your surroundings, stay on busy streets during the day, and do not travel alone at night. Keep all of your belongings on your person and don’t flash expensive iPhones.Terrorist risk is low but Russian mafia members are present in the Dominican Republic. It is common for Airbnbs to be robbed. Dial 112 in an emergency. Contact the US Embassy for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport.
What food do I need to try in the Dominican Republic?
Common foods in the Dominican Republic are pork, goat, beef, white rice, beans, plantains, and passion fruit. Popular meals are pastelito (empanada), pica pollo (fried chicken), chivo guisado picante (spicy goat meat stew), lechon asado (grilled pork), la bandera (stewed meat, red beans, and white rice), yaroa (pork, beef, chicken, sweet mashed plantains or fries, and cheese), mangú (boiled and mashed green plantains served with eggs, fried cheese, and fried salami), tostones (fried plantain). Try President Beer and mamajuana (rum, red wine, honey, herbs, and spices). Drinking purified bottled water is recommended and do not eat unwashed fruit.
Tips for Traveling in the Dominican Republic
- The Dominican Republic is in North America’s Eastern Standard Time Zone.
- The Dominican Republic is hot weather and humid; drink a lot of bottled water.
- Buy gallon-sized water jugs to refill your water bottle.
- Avoid street food and junk food cafes, hygienic and sanitary rules are not always followed.
- The Dominican Republic Is close to the equator, bring a lot of sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat.
- Monday is the day of rest and most things are closed.
- Wi-Fi is also in most cafes and restaurants.
- You will be charged an additional 28% (10% for service + 18% for unexplained taxes) when eating at a restaurant.
- Know your pesos, it is common for tourists to be shorted change.
- Be aware of hustlers, it is also common for vendors to overcharge tourists.
- Drones are allowed in Punta Cana.
- You are on island time in the Dominican Republic, don’t expect promptness.
- Watch out for Sankie Pankies and Chapiadoras, Dominican guys and girls looking for a foreigner ( a visa).
Top Things to See and Do in the Dominican Republic
- Explore Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial
- Get your adrenaline fix at 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua
- Scape Park
- Snorkel a starfish-filled natural pool on Saona Island
- Go for a swim in the El Limon Waterfall
- Kayak Los Haitises National Park
- Whale watching in Samana Bay
Be sure to check the Dominican Republic Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Interesting Facts About the Dominican Republic
- The capital Santo Domingo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The Dominican Republic produces bananas, mangos, sugar, coffee, cocoa, and tobacco.
- Dominican rum and cigars are known around the world.
- Coffee is the national drink; locals drink it with sugar.
- The precious stone larimar is only found in this country.
- Rhinoceros iguana are only found in the Dominican Republic.
- Humpback whales migrate to the Bay of Samana for their mating season in February and March.
- Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Caribbean, and Lake Enriquillo, the lowest point in the Caribbean, are both in the Dominican Republic.
- The Godfather II, Jurassic Park, and Pirates of the Caribbean were all filmed in the Dominican Republic.
- The Dominican Republic is known for its great baseball players.
- Oscar de la Renta, the acclaimed fashion designer, was born in Santo Domingo
- 25% of the Dominican Republic’s land and shoreline are preserved as national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries.
- The Dominican Republic is the only country in the world with a Bible on the flag.
- Merengue is the national dance and music.
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