Caribbean
Dominican Republic
The Caribbean's best-value base: cheap flights, beaches, mountains and real city life, with fast mobile data and ride-hailing. Street crime, chaotic roads and resort bubbles are the trade-offs.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa108 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyDOPUS$1 ≈ RD$59.59Details
- Price level38%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType A, B120 V, 60 HzDetails
- Emergency911Tourist police 809-200-3500 · All emergencies 911
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledNobody drinks tap water; apartments use cheap delivered 5-gallon botellones.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalSanto Domingo's Zona Colonial has gay bars and a small Pride; elsewhere attitudes are conservative and public affection draws attention.Details
- Internet74 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 126 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightForeign licences work for about 3 months; rental companies may also ask for an IDP.
Where to go in Dominican Republic
7 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punta CanaBeach town | 4/5 | $2,180–3,360 | Dec–Apr | 24/100 |
| Santo DomingoCapital city | 3/5 | $1,590–2,520 | Dec–Apr | 13/100 |
| CabareteTown | 4/5 | $1,430–2,180 | Dec–May | 57/100 |
| Las TerrenasTown | 4/5 | $1,510–2,350 | Dec–Apr | 50/100 |
| Puerto PlataCity | 3/5 | $1,260–1,930 | Dec–Apr | 36/100 |
| La RomanaCity | — | $1,430–2,350 | Dec–Apr | — |
| SosúaTown | — | $1,260–2,010 | Dec–Apr | — |
When to visit Dominican Republic
December–April is drier and less humid; June–November is hot with hurricane risk, peaking August–October. Jarabacoa's mountains stay cool; whales visit Samaná January–March.
Good to know
Entry
- Fill in the free e-Ticket (entry/exit and customs form) up to 7 days before arriving and before leaving; keep the QR code.
- The US$10 tourist card is included in most airfares; fingerprints and a photo are taken on arrival.
- You may be asked for an onward ticket. Overstays are charged as a fee at the airport when you leave.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry a copy of your passport photo page and entry stamp at all times.
- Even small amounts of drugs mean prison, often after years of pre-trial detention.
- Drivers in injury crashes are held in custody, even when not at fault.
Etiquette
- Say 'buenas' when entering shops, offices or a guagua.
- Long trousers are expected in government offices; shorts can be refused.
- Plans run on relaxed time; confirm on the day.
Tipping
Restaurant bills add 18% ITBIS tax and a 10% legal service charge; leave another 5–10% for good service. Tip guides and drivers.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Dominican Republic
- Dirección General de Migración e-Ticket
- Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism: entry requirements
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.