---
title: "Dominican Republic : Trip Preparation & Destination Information"
description: Traveling to the Dominican Republic? Check out our trip prep page for tips to help you prepare for your trip.
image: https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Dominican-Republic.jpg
---

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# Dominican Republic : Trip Preparation & Destination Information

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![Dominican Republic : Trip Preparation & Destination Information](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Dominican-Republic.jpg)

### About Dominican Republic

- [Overview](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/central-america/dominican-republic#overview)
- [Packing List](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/central-america/dominican-republic#packing)
- [Language ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/central-america/dominican-republic#language)
- [Weather](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/central-america/dominican-republic#weather)
- [Fun Facts](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/central-america/dominican-republic#funfacts)
- [Tipping](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/central-america/dominican-republic#tipping)
- [FAQ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/central-america/dominican-republic#faq)
- [Luggage Restrictions](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/central-america/dominican-republic#full-image-title)
- [Other](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/central-america/dominican-republic#other-if-needed)

#### Overview

The Dominican Republic, a country in the Caribbean just 2 hours from Miami, is an oasis of stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear water and rich culture. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean sea, the island is a paradise of tropical, lush rainforests and pristine beaches. Experience what makes this country the most visited in the Caribbean as you dance the Bachata, sip on coco locos and wander through its history-filled streets.

 

**Capital City:** Santo Domingo

**Population:** 11.4 million (2022 est.)

**Currency:** Dominican Peso (DOP)

**Time Zone:** Atlantic Standard Time (GMT -4)

**Emergency Number:** 911

**Outlet: **Type A/B

![Parrot](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/lukas-marek-MVfbutmutVY-unsplash.jpg)

![Santo Domingo Dominican Republic](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/asael-pena-hxdJX5SzELc-unsplash.jpg)

#### Packing List

**Active Shoes** - Great for exploring off-the-beaten paths, hiking trails and waterfalls. We love sturdy hiking sandals, such as Chacos or Keens, for warmer climates!

**Protect Your Tummy** - Pack some Pepto Bismol and Imodium. Dramamine can be really helpful if you're prone to motion sickness!

**Sunblock with SPF** - The sun shines brightly in the DR and nothing ruins a vacation like a lobster sunburn. Protect your skin from unwanted damage by loading up on SPF. Make sure you buy Reef Safe too!

**Hat & Sunglasses** - Keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face.

**Bug Spray** - Use bug spray with DEET or Picaridin to avoid bug bites and stay healthy during your trip.

**Day Packs** - Great for long adventure days.

**Reusable Water Bottle** - Staying hydrated is a recipe for success. You will have access to clean water for refilling throughout your stay.

**Portable Chargers** - Great for charging batteries while on the go.

**Packing Cubes** - We'll be moving in and out of hotels frequently and these will keep you organized.

**Hand Sanitizer ** - Need I say more?

**Ear Plugs ** - Light sleeper? Nice to have in case of a snoring roommate.

**Laundry Soap** - Single packets are perfect for sink washes when you're running low on clean clothes.

**Swimsuit ** - You'll be hitting the beach!

**Towel** - Quick dry is our go-to.

**Local Currency ** - Make sure to get some local currency. On average, you'll lose around 15% at the airport if you use the currency exchange. While many places do accept cards, small local restaurants tend to be cash only.

**Call Your Bank** - Your bank may suspend your card if they suspect unusual activity. Give them a call to let them know when and where you'll be traveling.

**Always pack extra underwear!**

#### Speak the Language

The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish

 

- **Hello **- ¡Hola! (O-la)
- **Goodbye **- ¡Adios! (AH-dee-ohs)
- **Thank you** - Gracias (GRA-see-as)
- **Do you speak English?** - ¿Habla inglés? (Ab-la in-GLAYS)
- **I (don’t) understand** - Yo (no) entiendo (yo no en-tee-EN-doh)
- **How are you? **- ¿Cómo está? (KOH-moh eh-STAH)
- **I’m fine, thank you **- Bien, gracias (bee-EN, GRA-see-as)
- **What’s your name?** - Cómo te llamas? ((KOH-moh te ya-mas?))
- **My name is… **- Me llamo… (May ya-moh… )
- **Where is...** - ¿Dónde está… (DON-day es-tah...)  
    
    - The bathroom - el baño (el BAH-nyo)
    - An ATM - un cajero (un kah-HEH-roh)

**Google Translate:** Google Translate: Download the Google Translate app or click [**here**](https://translate.google.com/) 

![trovatrip-dominican-republic-group-on-beach-1 (2)](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/trovatrip-dominican-republic-group-on-beach-1%20(2).jpg)

#### Weather

[SANTO DOMINGO WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/18d49n69d93/santo-domingo/?unit=us)

#### Fun Facts

- The Dominican Republic is the most visited country in the Caribbean, attracting over 6.6 million international travelers per year.
- The DR and Haiti are two separate countries that share one island.  Saint Martin and Sint Maarten are the only two other countries that share one island in the Caribbean.
- Merengue and Bachata are two music genres that originated in the DR.
- Oscar de la Renta, the famous fashion designer, was born in the capital city of Santo Domingo.
- The DR is known for having some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. There are over 200 beaches!
- You can find incredible cuisine due to the cultural influences in the country. African, Spanish and Taino traditions have all fused to become the modern Dominican food.  Try tostones (fried unripe plantains), chicharrón (pork skin), and Sancocho (rich meat stew)!

#### Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

| **Guides** |  | USD $10 per person/per day |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Drivers** |  | USD $10 per person/per day |
| **Restaurants(full service)**  |  | USD 10-20% of total bill |

 

#### FAQ

**Where can I find information on travel safety? **Check out the US Department of State's [website ](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/DominicanRepublic.html)for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling.

 

**Is the water safe to drink? **Tap water should be avoided by travelers. For drinking water, make sure to drink treated water which can be found at all lodging accommodations.

 

**Do I need a Visa?** For Visa information, click [here. ](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/DominicanRepublic.html)Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

**What about vaccines?** For vaccination information, click [here. ](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/dominican-republic)

 

**Do you recommend travel insurance? **While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, [worldnomads.com](https://www.worldnomads.com/usa/travel-insurance?affiliate=trvtrip&subld=banner&affiliateTrackingld=db44277c07544303b92d043564508276&utm_source=trvtrip&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Affiliate&utm_content=banner) or from a provider of your choice.

 

**What does public transportation look like?** Taxis are affordable and easily located in major towns and cities. Be sure to ask your local guide or hotel for help by calling a cab to ensure that it is official.

 

**Is Uber or Lyft available? **Uber is available in major cities like Santiago, Santo Domingo, and Puerto Plata.

#### Luggage Restrictions

![Luggage Restrictions purple](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Luggage%20Restrictions%20purple%20(2).jpg)

![Luggage restrictions purple – mobile – 1](https://trovatrip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png?width=390&height=929&name=Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png)

### Book With Confidence

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