Town in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Sosúa
Long-established expat town on the north coast with calm beaches, diving and cheap rent, close to Cabarete's kitesurf scene. The beach strip is lively; sex tourism and touts shape parts of the town.
At a glance
- Monthly budget$1,260–2,010Comfortable, one person · RD$75,000–120,000Details
- Best time to goDec–AprWarmest: Sep, 30°CDetails
- Air quality66 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · Severely pollutedDetails
- Internet74 MbpsFixed broadband, Dominican Republic medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDo not drink tap water.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$34–76Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in hotels, malls and larger restaurants; carry pesos for colmados, guaguas, motoconchos and beach vendors.Details
Where to stay in Sosúa
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| El Batey | Beach strip, restaurants and nightlife, tourist centre |
| Los Charamicos | Local neighbourhood with cheaper rooms, food and everyday life |
| Sosúa Bay hillside condos | Quieter long stays with sea views, car or taxi needed |
Apps that work in Sosúa
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| PedidosYa | Works in central Sosúa; limited elsewhere |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- AlertaCOE: Official storm and emergency alerts (Spanish)
- Taxis: Street taxis are unmetered; agree the fare first. Motoconchos are cheapest but risky. Uber and inDrive work in Sosúa; Cabarete coverage is patchy.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Dominican Republic.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in hotels, malls and larger restaurants; carry pesos for colmados, guaguas, motoconchos and beach vendors.
- Currency: Peso (DOP). US$1 ≈ RD$59.59 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Expect a local fee and low per-withdrawal limits; use ATMs inside banks or malls because of skimming.
- Tipping: Restaurant bills add 18% ITBIS tax and a 10% legal service charge; leave another 5–10% for good service. Tip guides and drivers.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay work in malls, chains and hotels; cash elsewhere.
Before you go
Visa and 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.
Emergency numbers
Tourist police 809-200-3500 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Claro or Altice prepaid SIM at the airport or brand stores, with passport; monthly data packs are cheap. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Dominican Republic
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety 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.