Welcome to the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic mixes Caribbean beaches, colonial history and merengue rhythm. Most visitors fly into Punta Cana (PUJ), Santo Domingo (SDQ) or Puerto Plata (POP). A quick prep checklist makes your first trip smoother.
Plugs and voltage
The Dominican Republic uses Type A and Type B plugs — the same flat pins as the United States and Canada. The supply is 110-120V at 60Hz.
- Visitors from the US and Canada need no adapter or converter.
- Travelers from Europe, the UK and Australia need a plug adapter, and a voltage converter for any 220V-only device.
- Power cuts (apagones) happen; resorts use generators, but pack a power bank.
Language basics
Spanish is the official language. Staff at resorts often speak English, but a few words go far.
- Hola — hello
- Gracias — thank you
- Por favor — please
- Cuanto cuesta? — how much?
- La cuenta, por favor — the bill, please
What to pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a strong insect repellent (mosquitoes carry dengue)
- Lightweight, breathable clothing plus one layer for cool evenings
- Water shoes for rocky beaches and waterfall hikes like the 27 Charcos
- A reusable water bottle — tap water is not safe to drink, so stick to bottled
Connectivity
WiFi is common in resorts but slow and patchy off-site. The local currency is the Dominican peso (DOP); carry small bills for tips and street vendors. A 10% tip is standard at restaurants.
Quick tips
- Agree a taxi fare before getting in; use resort taxis or apps where available
- Carry cash in small denominations — many small shops are cash-only
- Tip resort staff and drivers a few dollars; it is appreciated
- Drink only bottled or filtered water, even for brushing teeth
- Hurricane season runs June to November; check forecasts
- Keep a copy of your passport separate from the original
- Use sunscreen even on cloudy days — the Caribbean sun is intense
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