Discovering Paradise
Discovering Paradise
The little things that make a big difference. Insider knowledge from people who know the Dominican Republic best.
The Dominican Peso (RD$ or DOP) is the local currency. As of 2025, 1 USD ≈ 58–60 DOP.
| Service | Suggested Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% is often added automatically (propina legal). Leave extra 5–10% for good service. |
| Hotel housekeeping | $1–2 USD per day, left on the pillow |
| Taxi drivers | Not expected, but round up for good service |
| Tour guides | $5–10 USD per person for a half/full day tour |
| Resort staff | $1–2 USD for bellhop, pool attendant, etc. |
| Beach chair attendant | RD$100–200 is appreciated |
Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas (Punta Cana, resorts, popular restaurants), but less common outside these zones.
Staying connected in the DR is easy — most hotels and restaurants have free WiFi, and mobile data is affordable.
Buy a Claro or Altice SIM at the airport or any colmado. ~$5–10 for a week of data.
Services like Airalo and Holafly offer eSIMs — activate before you land. Starting at ~$5.
Free WiFi at most hotels, cafes, and malls. Speed varies — decent in cities, slower in rural areas.
The DR enjoys warm tropical weather year-round. Average temperature: 25–32°C (77–90°F).
Peak tourist season with warm, sunny days and low humidity. Ideal beach weather. Slightly higher prices and more crowds.
Brief afternoon showers followed by sunshine. Lower prices, fewer tourists. Hurricane season is June–November (though direct hits are rare).
Lightweight clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, a light rain jacket, and a power adapter (US-style Type A/B plugs, 110V).
🤝 Greetings matter — always say hello and goodbye, even in shops
⏰ “Dominican time” — expect things to run 15–30 minutes late
👗 Dress code — casual is fine everywhere except upscale restaurants
📸 Ask before photographing locals, especially in rural areas
🎶 Music is life — merengue, bachata, and dembow are everywhere
⚾ Baseball is king — catch a game if you can (Oct–Jan season)
🙏 Religion — predominantly Catholic; churches are important community centers
🎉 Celebrations — Carnival (Feb) is the biggest cultural festival
Now you're prepared like a local. Start exploring the best destinations and beaches in the Dominican Republic.