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Essential tips for travelers headed to the Dominican Republic for the first time.
There’s a delightfully tropical quality attached to Dominican Republic travel. Cradled by warm Atlantic Ocean waters to the island’s north and the blue Caribbean Sea to its south, the Dominican Republic’s nearly 1,000 miles of coastline offers sultry white-sand beaches and lush rainforest dotted with tall coconut palm trees.
The island’s natural attractions have helped it become the Caribbean’s most popular destination. Yet Dominican Republic travel also encompasses adventure tourism, from ziplining in seaside Puerto Plata to horseback riding and whale-watching excursions on the Samana peninsula. Visitors can even take a cable car ride 2,500 feet up to the summit of Mount Isabel de Torres.
Dominican Republic visitors can also explore the island’s history and culture in Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial, where the original cobblestone streets are lined with 16th-century palaces and mansions. The carefully restored historic district is also home to craft and retail shops and art galleries, plus eateries featuring authentic Dominican cuisine.
Simply put, Dominican Republic vacations are all about choice and variety. Here are a few facts about travel to the country.
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Documents and Visas You Might Need
U.S. citizens traveling to the Dominican Republic must hold a passport with at least six months of validity remaining. Visitors must also complete an electronic entry and exit form (known as a tourist card or E-ticket). Forms can be submitted online prior to arrival. U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter the country.
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Currency and the Cost of Things
The Dominican peso, known since 2012 as the peso dominicano, is the country’s official currency; one U.S. dollar equals approximately 62.15 pesos. However, U.S. dollars are used and accepted everywhere.
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Transportation in the Dominican Republic and Transport Tips
The Dominican Republic’s transportation system is modern and extensive. Taxis are available at hotels and resorts, cruise ship piers, and tourism sites. Have hotel or cruise ship staff recommend a taxi company or make your booking.
When hiring a taxi personally, confirm the car’s make and color, the fare to your destination, and the estimated wait time. The country’s taxi association sets rates.
App-based services including Uber are available in Santo Domingo, Santiago, and Puerto Plata. All major car rental companies operate, with most based at the Dominican Republic’s international airports. Book online ahead of time for the best rates.
Highways built over the last several years now link once-disparate regions. The highways from Santo Domingo to the Samaná Peninsula, and along Puerto Plata’s lush, palm tree-lined coast, are particularly scenic.
Santo Domingo even offers a subway. Used primarily by local commuters, a few stations are located near tourist sites, including the Plaza de la Cultura and the National Theater.
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Dominican Cuisine and Eating Culture
Dominican cuisine combines African, Taíno, Middle Eastern, and Spanish influences. The national dish is la Bandera, a mélange of white rice, chicken or beef, and red beans. Tostones (fried plantain wedges), green salad, and avocado are traditionally served as sides. The dish’s name is said to originate from the red, white, and blue colors of the Dominican flag.
Mofongo, another traditional Dominican entrée, consists of a base of green plantain mashed together and fried with garlic, salt, and broth. The mixture is then finished with tasty extras like pork rinds.
Cassava dumplings are formed from fried, mashed cassava and filled with soft cheese. They can serve as a main dish or accompany a larger meal. Mangú, also created from plantains, is a smooth puree frequently served with breakfast. There’s also a sweet version made from ripe bananas.
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Healthcare and Health Considerations
While there have been no reported outbreaks, the CDC recommends travelers going to certain areas of the Dominican Republic take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. CDC identified the Azua and San Juan provinces as impacted areas.
Depending on the particular medication, you may need to take it several days before, during, and after your trip. It is always recommended that visitors purchase travel insurance prior to their departure. Modern health facilities are available in cities and major tourist areas.
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Weather and the Best Seasons for Travel
One of the Dominican Republic’s genuine charms is its reliably warm and sunny weather. Ocean waters are mild, and air temperatures generally range between 77 degrees and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The season between December and April remains warm, although drier, while summer-season weather is generally hotter and more humid. In true Caribbean fashion, periodic rain showers seldom last long and are usually followed by an outbreak of sunshine.
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Packing for the Dominican Republic
Water shoes are a good take-along; while most Dominican Republic beaches feature powdery white sand, some have rocky stretches. Binoculars are a good accessory for travelers planning whale-watching excursions in Samana Bay. A small zippered carrying case can accommodate earbuds and phone chargers.
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Staying Safe in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic’s tourist areas are generally safe and tolerant of visitors of every type and orientation. Dominican people have a generally welcoming nature and although English is not always widely spoken, it’s prevalent in tourism zones. As they would anywhere, travelers should take the same precautions they would in any area new to their experience.
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Key Phrases to Know
“Concho” is a Dominican term for a car or motorcycle.
“Que lo que?” translates as “What’s up?” or “What’s going on?”
A “chercha” is a good time or a party and chévere is an adjective meaning “cool” or “great.”
The word “bacano” or the phrase ¡Qué bacano! indicates that something is especially good; (“How great!”).
Finally, “vania” is a catch-all meaning “thing” or “stuff;” “Pásame esa vaina” translates as “Pass me that thing.”
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Internet, Wi-fi, and Connectivity
The Dominican Republic has a well-extended internet network, but broadband expansion is lagging. Around 84% of residents have access to the internet, and around 11% have fast internet. Altice Mobile, Claro Mobile, and Viva are the leading cellular networks.
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Know Before You Go
Although motorbikes and taxis are widely used by Dominican residents as transportation (you’ll even see some along the edges of highways), it’s best to avoid this particular form of transportation while in the country.