Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Dominican Republic Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Dominican Republic – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
110 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Dominican Peso (DOP) £1 ≈ DOP 81.58 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in the Dominican Republic, especially in tourist areas. Credit and debit cards are commonly used in hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary in the Dominican Republic, with 10% being standard in restaurants. Taxi drivers and hotel staff also appreciate small tips. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally not allowed in the Dominican Republic, except in licensed establishments like bars and restaurants. Public drunkenness may lead to fines. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces, such as restaurants, shops, and public transport, but allowed in designated outdoor areas. |
| Independence Day (27 February) |
National holiday with military parades and celebrations |
|---|---|
| Christmas (25 December) |
Celebrated with family gatherings and festive meals |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber |
| Other: | The Dominican Republic is famous for its beautiful beaches, resorts, and rich history. It is a popular destination for tourists seeking sun, relaxation, and cultural experiences. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Dominican Republic, Dominican Republic
Hurricane season June to November, with highest risk August to October
Humpback whale watching in Samaná Bay runs mid January to mid March
Climate varies by coast: the north and east are wetter in winter, the south and southwest are drier year-round
Carnival every February, with the biggest parades on the last Sunday in La Vega and Santo Domingo
Don't miss
- 🏖️ Relax on the pristine beaches of Punta Cana
- 🏰 Explore the historic Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo
- 🕳️ Discover the natural beauty of Los Tres Ojos caves
- 🏝️ Visit Saona Island for crystal-clear waters and wildlife
- ⛰️ Hike the 27 Charcos waterfalls in Damajagua
- 🐋 Experience whale watching in Samaná Bay (Jan-Mar)
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Dominican Republic?
What makes the Dominican Republic truly special is its remarkable diversity packed into one accessible destination. In a single trip, you can lounge on world-class beaches in Punta Cana, explore the oldest colonial city in the Americas in Santo Domingo, trek through lush mountains and witness the spectacle of humpback whales in Samaná Bay. The country's geographical diversity creates endless opportunities for adventure – from scaling 150m waterfalls to mountain biking remote trails, windsurfing world-class waves or hiking 3000m peaks. Beyond natural wonders, the Dominican Republic offers a fascinating cultural experience shaped by its history as the site of Columbus's first colony. The vibrant rhythms of merengue and bachata provide the soundtrack to your journey, while the warm hospitality of locals and delicious cuisine complete the experience. While tourism infrastructure is well-developed in resort areas, some visitors may find popular coastal zones overcrowded during peak seasons and traveling between regions can sometimes be challenging due to road conditions.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
Santo Domingo
Capital city of the Dominican Republic offers a blend of colonial architecture and modern amenities. Cobblestone streets lead to historic plazas, while nearby beaches provide sun and sea. Museums showcase local art and vibrant markets offer fresh produce. -
2
Punta Cana
This Caribbean resort town on the Dominican Republic's Atlantic coast features pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife and lush landscapes. It offers luxury hotels, golf courses and easy access to nearby islands like Saona for unforgettable day trips. -
3
Cabarete
This Caribbean beach town draws surfers and kiteboarders to its waves. Cabarete feels lively near the shore, yet head inland or explore nearby coves for a quieter escape that still offers plenty of calm to offer.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Dominican Carnival
-
Merengue Festival
-
Puerto Plata Cultural Festival
-
Samaná Whale Watching Season
-
Santo Domingo Jazz Festival
-
Restoration Day Celebrations
-
Independence Day
-
Cabarete Kite Festival
-
Jarabacoa Mountain Festival
-
Fiesta de la Altagracia
Knowledge before you go
- Stick to resort areas and avoid walking alone at night.
- Beware of strong rip currents on beaches; obey red flag warnings.
- Use hotel taxis or Uber; never hail street taxis or drive at night.
- Complete free e-ticket online before flight to skip airport lines hassle-free.
How to travel to Dominican Republic
Most international visitors arrive in the Dominican Republic through one of its eight international airports, with Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) and Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo (SDQ) being the busiest. These airports receive direct flights from major cities in North America, Europe and Latin America. Upon arrival, pre-arranged hotel transfers are the most convenient option for reaching your accommodation. Cruise ships also dock at several ports including Santo Domingo, La Romana and Puerto Plata, allowing for day visits to nearby attractions. For those traveling from neighboring Haiti, land border crossings exist but may have restricted hours and additional entry requirements.
Access summary
- Punta Cana resorts: Fly to PUJ from North America, Europe, Latin America.
- Santo Domingo: Fly to Las Américas (SDQ) from regional and intercontinental hubs.
- Puerto Plata/North Coast: Fly to POP; many charter and regional flights.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic offers accommodation options for every budget and preference, from luxury all-inclusive resorts to boutique hotels and budget guesthouses. The eastern coast, particularly Punta Cana and Bávaro, is known for its extensive selection of all-inclusive resorts with pristine beaches. The north coast around Puerto Plata and Cabarete offers a mix of resorts and more independent options. For a cultural experience, consider staying in colonial-style hotels in Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial. Prices vary significantly by season, with peak rates during the winter months (December-April) and around major holidays.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Grand Bavaro Princess - All Inclusive
CASA de CAMPO RESORT & VILLAS
Caribe Deluxe Princess - All Inclusive
PUNTA CANA PRINCESS ALL SUITES RESORT AND SPA - ADULTS ONLY - ALL INCLUSIVE
Catalonia Santo Domingo
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana All Inclusive
Coral Costa Caribe All Inclusive, Juan Dolio
Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino All Inclusive
Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana All Inclusive Adults Only
Barcelo Bavaro Palace All Inclusive
How to get around Dominican Republic
Getting around the Dominican Republic offers various options depending on your budget and comfort level. For intercity travel, guaguas (public buses) are the most economical choice, connecting major towns and cities, though they can be crowded and schedules unpredictable. Private taxi services and car rentals provide more flexibility but at higher costs. Many visitors opt for organized tours when exploring specific attractions like the 27 Waterfalls or Los Haitises National Park. Within tourist areas like Punta Cana or Puerto Plata, taxis are readily available, though prices should be negotiated in advance. For adventurous travelers, motoconchos (motorcycle taxis) offer a thrilling if somewhat risky way to navigate local areas. When planning to visit multiple regions, consider domestic flights between major cities to save time, as road journeys can be lengthy due to varying road conditions.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Dominican Republic are around 49% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to DOP) is 11% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is cheaper compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
The Dominican Republic is generally safe for tourists in resort areas, but exercise caution in cities and unfamiliar neighborhoods. Petty theft can occur, so avoid displaying valuables. Use reputable transportation and be wary of motorcycle taxis, which can be dangerous.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities vary widely, with excellent care in private clinics in major cities but limited services in rural areas. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever can occur, so take precautions against insect bites.
Accessibility
Accessibility infrastructure is limited outside major resorts. Modern hotels and resorts often offer good accessibility features, but historical sites, natural attractions and public transportation present challenges for those with mobility issues. Advance planning is essential.
Tap water
Tap water is generally not safe for drinking throughout the Dominican Republic. Stick to bottled or purified water, which is widely available. Most resorts provide filtered water in restaurants and rooms.
Packing recommendations for Dominican Republic
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Waterproof jacket
especially during the rainy season
🕶️
Sunglasses
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
🪰
Insect repellent
🩱
Swimwear
👟
Water shoes
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
📱
Translation app or phrasebook
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
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