Dominican Republic travel info

Electricity

The electrical current is between 110 and 120 volts, 60Hz. American-style two-pin flat blade plugs are standard.

Language

Spanish is the official language, but English is spoken in the main tourist centres.

Money

The currency is the Dominican Republic peso (DOP), which is divided into 100 centavos. Many of the hotels and restaurants in the main tourist destinations display their prices in US dollars as well as in Dominican pesos, as US dollars are widely accepted. Some places will also accept euros.

Major credit cards are accepted everywhere, but a commission is usually charged. It's recommended that travellers use their credit cards at their hotels, as fraud incidents have been reported. The best exchange rates are paid on US dollars in cash, and are best exchanged at exchange bureaux (casas de cambio). Banking hours are Monday to Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm. Some banks also open on Saturdays. ATMs are widespread.

Tipping

Hotels and restaurants generally include a 10 percent service charge as well as tax, but additional tips should be given for good service, as the charge often doesn't go to the staff who provided the service. Waiters usually receive 10 percent extra for good service. For other services, including taxi drivers, tipping is discretionary depending on the service provided.

Health

A yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers over one year old arriving from certain areas of Brazil or transiting through those regions for more than 12 hours, though there's no yellow fever risk in the Dominican Republic itself. Vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies and polio are recommended for those visiting rural areas. Malaria prevention may be advised in specific regions; dengue is present year-round, with higher risk from May to September. Visitors should use mosquito repellent and drink bottled water in undeveloped areas. Medical care is good in cities, but more limited in remote areas.

Safety

Most trips to the Dominican Republic go smoothly, but it's a good idea to stay aware and take simple precautions against minor theft. Serious crimes are uncommon but can happen. Before visiting areas near the Haitian border, it's helpful to check local updates as the situation can sometimes be unsettled. The country is also affected by hurricanes between June and November, especially from August to October. During this season, keeping an eye on the weather and having travel insurance is a sensible precaution.

Local customs

Being polite and showing respect, especially to elders, is important in the Dominican Republic and appreciated by locals. When taking photos of people, it's courteous to ask permission first, and some visitors also like to offer a small gift afterward as a kind gesture. Dominicans often take pride in their appearance and tend to notice how others dress, so dressing neatly and avoiding overly revealing clothing outside of beach areas is a good way to show respect and fit in comfortably.

Doing business

Building strong relationships and trust is an important part of doing business in the Dominican Republic, and knowing the right contacts can be a helpful advantage. People tend to value appearance, so dressing smartly is a good idea. Meetings usually begin formally, with a polite greeting and handshake; being punctual is appreciated, as is showing courtesy throughout. Business cards are commonly exchanged at the start, and it's helpful to have materials available in both English and Spanish. While many professionals speak some English, Spanish remains the main language. Business hours typically run from 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Duty free

Travellers to the Dominican Republic over 16 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 1 litre of alcohol and gifts up to a maximum value of $100.

Communications

The Dominican Republic uses the +1 dialling code and travellers should dial 011 plus the country code (such as 011 44 for the UK) to call internationally. However calls to North America may only require +1. WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafés and restaurants, especially in tourist areas.

Passport & Visa

All visitors (except residents and cruise passengers) must present a return or onward ticket on arrival. Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Though official requirements are clear, immigration officers may request additional documentation such as proof of funds, accommodation, or onward travel, so it's best to be well prepared.

Entry requirements

US citizens must have a passport that's valid for the period of intended stay in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required for touristic stays. A tourist card is required, but this fee is typically included in the airline ticket.

British citizens must have a passport that's valid for the period of intended stay in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required for holders of British passports endorsed 'British Citizen' or 'British Overseas Territories Citizen' travelling as tourists. A tourist card is required on arrival and is generally valid for 30 days, but can be extended.

Canadian citizens must have a passport that's valid for the period of intended stay in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required for tourist stays. The tourist card fee is usually included in the cost of the airline ticket.

Australian citizens must have a passport that's valid for the period of intended stay in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required for those travelling as tourists. A tourist card is required and is generally included in the airline fare.

South African citizens must have a passport that's valid for the period of intended stay in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required for those travelling as tourists. The tourist card fee is generally included in the ticket price.

Irish citizens must have a passport that's valid for the period of intended stay in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required for those travelling as tourists. A tourist card is required and usually included with the flight.

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that's valid for the period of intended stay in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required for those travelling as tourists. A tourist card is generally included in the airline fare and valid for 30 days.

Useful contacts

Ministry of Tourism: www.godominicanrepublic.com

911 (General Emergency Helpline)