Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for the Dominican Republic depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for the Dominican RepublicEmergency Numbers
- General
- 911
Currency
- Name
- Dominican Peso
- Code
- DOP
- Symbol
- RD$
ATMs widely available in resort areas and Santo Domingo. USD accepted at all-inclusive resorts and major tourist areas. Cards widely accepted. Good value destination.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type A, Type B
- Voltage
- 110V
- Frequency
- 60Hz
Time Zone
AST (UTC−4) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
November–April is the dry season — best for Punta Cana's beaches (consistent sunshine), Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial (UNESCO — the first permanent European settlement in the Americas, 1498), Samaná (humpback whale watching January–March), and surfing at Cabarete. May–October is hurricane season.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10–15% | 10% service charge often included — check |
| All-inclusive resort staff | $5–10 USD daily, pooled between staff | — |
| Taxis | 10% | — |
Dress Code
- Beach casual at resorts
- Smart casual for Santo Domingo's restaurants
- Modest dress in smaller towns and markets
Social Etiquette
- The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti — the two countries have a complex, sometimes tense relationship; the island was the site of the first permanent European settlement in the Americas
- Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial contains the first cathedral, first university, and first permanent street in the New World — genuinely extraordinary historical depth
- Merengue (the national music and dance) is everywhere — it's fast, joyful, and expected to be danced; Bachata (also from the DR) has become one of the world's most popular dances
- All-inclusive resorts dominate tourism in the Dominican Republic — stepping outside the resort compounds gives a very different picture of Dominican life
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- LGBTQ+ activity is not explicitly criminalised; no same-sex union recognition; social attitudes are conservative
- Cannabis illegal
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Dominican Spanish) | Que lo que? / Que bola? | keh loh KEH — the quintessential Dominican greeting, distinct from standard Spanish |
| Cool (Dominican slang) | Tiguere / Chevere | tee-GEH-reh (a clever/street-smart person — a compliment); CHEH-veh-reh (cool/great) |
| No problem (Dominican) | No hay vaina / Tranquilo | noh AY VAY-nah — 'no problem'; TRAHN-kee-loh — 'relax' |
| Thank you (Dominican Spanish) | Gracias | GRAH-syahs |
| Cheers! (Dominican) | Salud! | sah-LOOD — with Presidente beer or mamajuana (rum, red wine, honey, herbs) |
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