Planning a trip to the Dominican Republic? Come for the white-sand beaches and turquoise Caribbean water, but leave time to explore beyond the resorts. The country is also home to mountains, waterfalls, tropical forests, historic cities, sand dunes, mangroves, wildlife, and some of the Caribbean’s best-known whale-watching areas.
This Dominican Republic travel guide will help you decide where to go, when to visit, how to get around, how much to budget, and what you need to know before you arrive. You’ll also find practical information about Dominican entry requirements, currency, transportation, weather, electrical outlets, safety, food, packing, and local travel tips.
Visiting the Dominican Republic for the first time? Punta Cana is ideal for beaches, resorts, and easy excursions; Santo Domingo offers history and culture; Samaná is known for waterfalls, nature, and seasonal whale watching; and Puerto Plata combines beaches with outdoor adventures.
The Dominican Republic offers much more than an all-inclusive beach vacation. Choose a region that matches your interests, then add day trips or a second destination if you want to experience more of the country.
Dominican Republic Travel Guide at a Glance
Planning your first trip to the Dominican Republic? Here are the essential things to know before you go:
Capital: Santo Domingo
Currency: Dominican peso (DOP)
Official Language: Spanish
Emergency Number: 911 in areas covered by the national emergency system
Driving: Dominicans drive on the right
Power Outlets: Type A and B, 120V, 60Hz
Best Time to Visit: December–April for generally drier weather; the Atlantic hurricane season runs June–November
Popular First-Time Destinations: Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Samaná, Puerto Plata, and Bayahibe
Getting Around: Private transfers, taxis, ride-hailing services, buses, rental cars, and organized excursions are available depending on the destination
Entry Requirements: Requirements depend on nationality; travelers arriving on commercial flights must complete the Dominican Republic’s free electronic entry and exit form
Best Known For: Caribbean beaches, all-inclusive resorts, merengue and bachata, baseball, rum, waterfalls, historic Santo Domingo, and humpback whales
Don’t Miss: Santo Domingo’s Colonial City, a Caribbean beach, Dominican food, Samaná, a waterfall or national park, and at least one experience away from your resort
First-time Dominican Republic travel tip: Don’t assume Punta Cana represents the entire country. Santo Domingo, Samaná, Puerto Plata, Bayahibe, and the interior offer very different experiences.
Best Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic
Punta Cana: Best for Beaches, Resorts and Easy Excursions
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
Puerto Plata: Best for Beaches and Outdoor Adventures
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.
Samaná: Best for Whales, Waterfalls and Nature
Take a horseback ride to El Salto de Limon Waterfall, go whale watching, and spend the day in Rincon fishing village.
Santo Domingo: Best for History, Culture and Food
Explore the Zona Colonial. Check out the lagoons and caverns at Three Eyes National Park (Parque Nacional Los Tres Ojos), and browse the stalls at the Mercado Modelo.
Dominican Republic Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go
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 Language Is 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 U.S. Citizens Need a Visa for 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 Currency Does the Dominican Republic Use?
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 You Use Credit Cards and ATMs?
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 Does a Trip Cost?
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 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. Hurricane season is June 1 through November 30, with September typically the most active month, 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 You Need?
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.
How Do You Get Around?
Fly into Punta Cana International Airport. Prearrange shuttle service to the resort. Public transportation is limited and considered unsafe for tourists. Driving is chaotic and not recommended; instead, book arranged excursions.
What Power Adapter Do You Need?
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 You Pack?
Beaches and resorts: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, swimsuits, cover-ups, sandals, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. Bring a nicer casual outfit for restaurants, nightlife, or resort evenings.
Outdoor adventures: Pack comfortable walking or hiking shoes, quick-drying clothing, insect repellent, a small day bag, and a lightweight rain jacket or poncho. Water shoes can be useful for waterfalls, caves, and certain excursions.
Santo Domingo: Bring comfortable walking shoes with good soles for exploring the Colonial City and its historic streets. Lightweight clothing is useful in the tropical heat.
Boat and snorkeling trips: Bring a swimsuit, sun protection, a waterproof phone case or dry bag, and any motion-sickness medication you normally use.
Year-round: Pack sunscreen, insect repellent, reusable water bottle, basic medications, and rain protection.
Dominican Republic travel tip: Pack for more than the resort. Waterfalls, caves, national parks, historic cities, and boat excursions often require different shoes and clothing than a day at the beach.
Is the Dominican Republic Safe for Solo Travelers?
The Dominican Republic is a popular tourist destination, but solo travelers should take normal precautions and remain aware of their surroundings. The U.S. Department of State currently advises travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime, including robbery and other violent crime.
Tourist destinations and resort areas generally have a greater police and security presence than some metropolitan and rural areas. When exploring independently, avoid displaying expensive jewelry, large amounts of cash, or other valuables. Keep your phone secure and be discreet when using it on the street.
Avoid walking alone in isolated areas at night and use reputable taxis, ride-hailing services, or transportation arranged by your hotel when possible. If you meet someone through a dating app or online, meet in a busy public place rather than a secluded location. Keep an eye on your food and drinks, particularly when visiting bars and nightlife areas.
Store valuables securely at your accommodation and carry only the cash you need for the day. If you are robbed, do not resist. Dial 911 for emergencies in most of the Dominican Republic. The country also has a specialized tourist police force that assists visitors.
Solo travel tip: Use the same precautions you would in any unfamiliar destination: research neighborhoods before exploring, arrange transportation in advance when appropriate, avoid isolated areas after dark, and let someone know your plans when heading out alone.
What Dominican Food Should You Try?
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 Presidente 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
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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