Dominican Republic travel guide
The Dominican Republic offers a wide range of experiences on half of the island of Hispaniola. You can walk the colonial streets of Santo Domingo, relax on the white sand of Punta Cana, jump the waterfalls of Damajagua near Puerto Plata and watch humpback whales in Samana Bay in the winter months. The country divides into distinct regions. Santo Domingo is the historic and cultural centre, and the southeast, around La Romana and Bayahibe, offers resorts and boat trips to Isla Saona. Punta Cana is the best-known resort coast, the north around Puerto Plata is the Amber Coast, and the Samana Peninsula, including Las Terrenas, is a greener, quieter corner for beaches and nature. The drier months from December to April are the most popular time to visit, and the Caribbean heat means the beaches are warm year-round. The country suits families, couples and active travellers who like a mix of beach and sightseeing, and you can plan the itinerary city by city with Zippy Trips.
Capital: Santo Domingo.
Before you go to Dominican Republic
- Currency
- DOP RD$
- Emergency number
- 911
- Plug type
- Type A, B
- Tap water
- Drink bottled water
- Tipping
- Service charge included
- Bargaining
- Not expected
- eSIM
- Available
- Card networks
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express (limited)
- ATM fees
- Around DOP 250-300 per withdrawal plus your home-bank fee
Cities in Dominican Republic
- Punta Cana The Caribbean's flagship all-inclusive resort destination on the far-eastern tip of the island, stringing together the white-sand,…
- Santo Domingo Capital of the Dominican Republic and the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the Americas. Its UNESCO-listed Zona…
- Puerto Plata Hub of the north (Amber) coast, blending Victorian gingerbread architecture, the San Felipe fortress and a cable-car mountain with the…
- La Romana Southeastern resort city anchored by the Casa de Campo estate and its cliff-top Mediterranean village Altos de Chavon, and the fishing…
- Las Terrenas Bohemian beach town on the lush Samana peninsula, gateway to the palm-fringed coves of Playa Rincon and Playa Bonita, the El Limon…
Frequently asked questions about Dominican Republic
- What currency is used in Dominican Republic?
- The currency in Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso ($). RD$1 is about ₹2.
- Can I use cards and ATMs in Dominican Republic?
- Accepted card networks: Visa, Mastercard, American Express (limited). Typical ATM fees: Around DOP 250-300 per withdrawal plus your home-bank fee. Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Should I tip in Dominican Republic?
- Tipping in Dominican Republic: service charge included.
- Is tap water safe to drink in Dominican Republic?
- Drink bottled water. Tap water is not safe to drink — use bottled or filtered water everywhere.
- What plug type does Dominican Republic use?
- Dominican Republic uses Type A, B plugs.
- What is the emergency number in Dominican Republic?
- Emergency: 911. Police: 911. Ambulance: 911. Tourist helpline: CESTUR (Tourist Police) 809-200-3500.
- Can I get a SIM or eSIM in Dominican Republic?
- SIM and eSIM available in Dominican Republic.
- What is the capital of Dominican Republic?
- The capital of Dominican Republic is Santo Domingo. Time there: IST - 9 h 30 min.