Dominican Republic: Basic Travel Guide

Saona Island, May 2024

Required Documentation

For U.S. citizens: A passport valid for at least six months. No visa is required for tourist stays of up to 30 days. For other nationalities, it is recommended to check requirements with the Dominican Republic Embassy.

Entry Form: All travelers must complete the electronic entry form before traveling: https://eticket.migracion.gob.do

Time Difference

• From the U.S.: Depends on time zone (Eastern Time -1h, Central Time -2h, Pacific Time -4h)

General Information

• Official Name: Dominican Republic

• Capital: Santo Domingo

• Official Language: Spanish

• Currency: Dominican Peso (DOP)

• Currency Exchange: Banks, hotels, and authorized exchange offices

• Main Religion: Christianity (Roman Catholicism)

Business Hours

• Public Services: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

• Banks: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Saturday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

• Shops and Malls: Typically 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, with extended hours in tourist areas

Medication

No mandatory vaccines, but it is recommended to be up to date with yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, and tetanus. Check the list of permitted medications before traveling..

Electricity

• Voltage: 120V, 60Hz

• Plug Type: A and B (no adapter needed for U.S. plugs)

Communication

• Phone Code: +1 809 / +1 829 / +1 849

• Internet Domain: .do

Climate & Best Time to Visit

• Climate: Tropical, hot, and humid year-round.

• Rainy Season: May to November (hurricane risk from August to October).

• Best months to visit: December to April, whenCom the weather is drier and more pleasant.

Payments & Cost of Living

• Credit cards are widely accepted, but it is recommended to carry some cash.

• Prices vary by tourist area. All-inclusive resorts are very common

Main Airports

• SDQ - Las Américas International Airport (Santo Domingo)

• PUJ - Punta Cana International Airport

• POP - Gregorio Luperón International Airport (Puerto Plata)

• STI - Cibao International Airport (Santiago)

Transportation & Distances to Tourist Areas

• SDQ → Punta Cana: 190 km (~2h30 by car)

• PUJ → Bávaro: 25 km (~30 min by car)

• POP → Cabarete: 20 km (~30 min by car)

Taxes & Tips

• Departure Tax: Usually included in the airline ticket.

• Tipping: A 10% tip is recommended in restaurants and hotels.

Main Holidays

• January 1 – New Year’s Day

• February 27 – Independence Day

• Holy Week (dates vary)

• August 16 – Restoration Day

• December 25 – Christmas

Emergency Services

• Police: 911

• Fire Department: 911

• Medical Emergencies: 911

Useful Links

• Official Tourism Page: https://www.godominicanrepublic.com

• U.S. Travel Registration: https://travel.state.gov