Packing for the Dominican Republic is straightforward once you know what the country is actually like — and where most travelers go wrong. The DR is tropical, humid, and casual. You will need less formal clothing than you think, more sun protection than you expect, and a few specific items that are either expensive or unavailable locally. This list has been refined over years of travel across the country, from Punta Cana resort zones to Samaná jungle trails to Santo Domingo city streets.
The most common packing mistake is bringing too much. The DR is hot and humid — you will wear the same rotation of lightweight clothes all week. The second most common mistake is forgetting reef-safe sunscreen and quality mosquito repellent, both of which are more expensive and harder to find locally than at home.
Clothing Essentials
The Dominican Republic is casual. Even at upscale restaurants in Santo Domingo's Piantini district, men can wear a collared shirt and chinos instead of a blazer. At resorts and beach towns, the dress code approaches zero. Pack light, breathable fabrics — cotton and linen are your friends. Synthetic athletic fabrics (moisture-wicking shirts) work well for active days.
For Everyone
- Lightweight shorts (3-4 pairs): Quick-dry material if you plan on water activities. Chino shorts double for beach and casual dinners.
- T-shirts and tank tops (4-5): Light colors reflect heat. Cotton breathes best but takes longer to dry. Moisture-wicking synthetic is better for active days.
- Swimsuits (2-3): Bring at least two so one can dry while you wear the other. This sounds obvious but many travelers pack only one and spend a week putting on a damp swimsuit every morning.
- Light long-sleeve shirt (1): Essential for sun protection on boat trips, long beach days, or after a sunburn. Also useful in air-conditioned restaurants and buses, which are kept frigid.
- Rain jacket or lightweight windbreaker (1): Tropical showers are brief but intense. A packable rain jacket takes up almost no space and prevents you from being soaked for an hour. Also useful for boat trips (spray and wind).
- Evening outfit (1-2): For nicer restaurants and resort dinner events. Men: collared shirt, chinos, and closed-toe shoes. Women: sundress or smart casual outfit. Nobody wears suits or cocktail dresses — not even at the fanciest resort.
- Underwear (7+ days' worth): Humidity means clothes do not dry quickly. Bring more underwear than you think you need. Moisture-wicking athletic underwear is substantially more comfortable than cotton in tropical heat.
- Beach cover-up or sarong (1): For the walk from the beach to the restaurant. Many establishments require a cover-up over swimwear, even at resorts.
Clothing You Do NOT Need
- Jeans: Too hot and too slow to dry. Leave them at home unless you are visiting the mountains around Jarabacoa where evenings can be cool.
- Hoodies or heavy sweaters: The Dominican Republic is 28-33°C (82-91°F) year-round at the coast. A light long-sleeve shirt handles the occasional cool evening or aggressive air conditioning.
- Formal wear: No resort, restaurant, or venue in the Dominican Republic requires formal attire. Save the suitcase space.
Footwear is where many travelers get it wrong. The right shoes depend entirely on your trip type.
Essential for All Trips
- Flip-flops or slides (1 pair): For the beach, pool, and hotel room. Reef or Havaianas are popular. Nothing expensive — they will get sandy and wet daily.
- Water shoes or sport sandals with straps (1 pair): This is the item most travelers wish they had packed. Essential for the 27 Charcos de Damajagua, rocky beaches, snorkeling entries, waterfall hikes, and any activity involving slippery wet surfaces. Keens, Tevas, or Chacos are the gold standard. A cheap pair of water shoes (US$15) works fine too. Do not attempt waterfall hikes in flip-flops — you will injure your feet.
- Comfortable walking shoes (1 pair): For city exploration in Santo Domingo, museum visits, and evenings out. Lightweight sneakers, low-profile walking shoes, or fashionable sandals with support. The Zona Colonial's cobblestone streets punish cheap flip-flops.
For Adventure Trips
- Hiking boots or trail shoes: Required for Pico Duarte (the Caribbean's highest peak), Parque Nacional Armando Bermúdez, or serious mountain trails. Lightweight hiking shoes with ankle support and good tread are sufficient — full boots are only necessary for multi-day hikes. Break them in before the trip.
Beach Gear
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30-50): This is critical. The Dominican sun is intense — even on cloudy days, the UV index regularly exceeds 10 (extreme). Bring sunscreen from home. Local options are limited and expensive (US$15-25 for a small bottle at resort shops). Choose reef-safe formulas (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide based) — the DR's coral reefs are stressed and chemical sunscreens contribute to bleaching. Apply every 90 minutes when swimming.
- Sunglasses with UV protection: Polarized lenses reduce glare on water and are particularly useful for boat trips and driving.
- Wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap: Head sunburn is real and miserable. A hat with a brim protects your face, neck, and ears. Pack one that can get wet without being ruined.
- Waterproof phone pouch (US$8-15): A clear, waterproof pouch lets you take photos in the water, at waterfalls, and on boat trips without risking your phone. The cheap pouches from Amazon work fine — test them before your trip by submerging with a paper towel inside.
- Snorkel mask (optional): Resorts and beach vendors rent snorkel gear (RD$300-500/US$5-8.50), but rental masks often have poor seals and scratched lenses. If you snorkel regularly or plan to visit clear-water spots like Sosúa or Playa Frontón, bring your own mask. It does not take up much space.
- Dry bag (10-20 liter): A small roll-top dry bag protects your phone, wallet, and camera during boat trips, waterfall hikes, and beach days. Indispensable for independent travelers. Available for US$10-20 online.
Tech & Electronics
- Power adapter: The Dominican Republic uses Type A and Type B plugs (same as the United States and Canada) and 110V electricity. If you are coming from the US or Canada, you do NOT need an adapter. Travelers from Europe, UK, Australia, or Asia need a Type A/B adapter. Power quality in the DR can be inconsistent — voltage fluctuations happen, particularly outside major cities. A small surge protector is worth packing if you are bringing expensive electronics.
- Portable power bank: A 10,000-20,000 mAh portable charger is essential for day trips, beach days, and excursions. Phone batteries drain faster in hot weather and with GPS/camera use. Charge your power bank overnight at the hotel.
- Waterproof camera or GoPro (optional): If you plan on snorkeling, waterfall jumping, or boat trips, an action camera captures experiences your phone cannot — especially underwater. GoPros rent locally for approximately US$30-50/day, but bringing your own is cheaper for multi-day trips.
- Universal plug adapter (for non-US travelers): A compact adapter with USB ports is the most versatile option. The DR uses 110V/60Hz — the same as the US. European 220V devices (hairdryers, curling irons) may require a voltage converter, though most modern phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage (check the label on your charger — if it says "100-240V" you are fine).
- E-reader: If you read, bring a Kindle or similar e-reader. Lightweight, glare-free screens work in direct sunlight, and you avoid packing multiple books. Battery life lasts weeks.
Health & Medication
The Dominican Republic does not require any special vaccinations for entry from most countries. However, packing the right health items prevents minor problems from ruining your trip.
Essential Health Items
- Mosquito repellent with DEET (25-30%): Mosquitoes are present throughout the DR, especially at dawn and dusk, and particularly in rural, mountainous, or jungle areas like Samaná and Jarabacoa. DEET-based repellent is the most effective option. Picaridin-based alternatives work well too. Natural citronella products are largely ineffective in tropical conditions. Apply repellent on exposed skin during evening activities.
- Anti-diarrhea medication (Imodium/loperamide): Traveler's diarrhea is common — not because the food is unsafe, but because your gut encounters unfamiliar bacteria. Pack Imodium for quick relief. Pepto-Bismol tablets are a good preventive if taken before meals during your first 2-3 days.
- Rehydration salts (Pedialyte packets or similar): If diarrhea or heat exhaustion strikes, rehydration salts are essential. The combination of tropical heat, alcohol, and new foods dehydrates travelers faster than they realize. Available locally as "suero oral" at pharmacies, but having packets from home means you are prepared from day one.
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen): For headaches, sunburn discomfort, and general aches. Available locally at pharmacies (farmacias), but bringing a small supply avoids searching for one while in pain.
- Prescription medications: Bring enough for your entire trip plus 3-4 extra days in case of flight delays. Keep medications in original labeled bottles. The DR's pharmacies are well-stocked, but finding your specific medication and dosage may be difficult.
- After-sun aloe gel: Even with diligent sunscreen use, you may get some sunburn. Aloe vera gel is the best treatment. Small travel-sized bottles are available, or buy a fresh aloe plant locally (RD$50 from fruit vendors).
- Band-aids and antibiotic ointment: Small cuts from coral, rocks, or adventure activities can become infected quickly in tropical humidity. Clean and cover any wound immediately.
Documents & Money
- Passport: Required for entry. Must be valid for the duration of your stay (some airlines require 6 months validity). Make a photocopy and store it separately from the original — or take a photo on your phone.
- E-Ticket (electronic entry form): The Dominican Republic requires an electronic customs and immigration form, completed online before arrival. Fill it out 72 hours before your flight at the official government portal. You will receive a QR code — screenshot it or print it.
- Credit and debit cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at resorts, major restaurants, and chain stores. American Express is less common. Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid fraud blocks. Chip-and-PIN is standard.
- Cash (US dollars and Dominican pesos): Bring US$100-200 in small bills (US$1, $5, $10, $20) for tips, street vendors, and small purchases. ATMs are widely available in cities and resort areas and dispense Dominican pesos (RD$). The exchange rate at ATMs is better than airport exchange counters. Avoid bringing large amounts of cash.
- Travel insurance documentation: Print or save your policy number and emergency contact information. Travel insurance is not required for entry but is strongly recommended — it covers medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and emergency medical expenses. DR hospitals expect payment upfront; insurance simplifies reimbursement.
Adventure & Hiking Gear
If your trip includes activities beyond the resort, pack these additional items:
- Quick-dry hiking pants or convertible pants: For waterfall hikes, mountain trails, and jungle excursions. Zip-off convertible pants (pants that become shorts) are ideal for variable conditions.
- Daypack (15-25 liters): A lightweight, water-resistant daypack carries water, sunscreen, snacks, and camera gear on excursions. Choose one with a chest strap for stability on uneven terrain.
- Reusable water bottle (1 liter): Stay hydrated. Do not drink tap water in the DR — fill your bottle from filtered or bottled water at your hotel. A vacuum-insulated bottle keeps water cold for hours in the heat.
- Headlamp or small flashlight: Useful for early-morning hikes, power outages (they happen occasionally outside resort zones), and nighttime walks on unlit rural roads.
- Insect-repellent clothing (optional): If you are hiking in mountain or jungle areas (Jarabacoa, Valle Nuevo, Samaná interior), permethrin-treated clothing adds a layer of mosquito and tick protection beyond repellent sprays.
For Pico Duarte Hikers
If you are attempting Pico Duarte (3,098 meters — the highest peak in the Caribbean), you need additional mountain gear:
- Warm layers (fleece jacket, thermal base layer) — summit temperatures drop to 0-5°C (32-41°F) at night
- Sleeping bag rated to 0°C (32°F) or rent one from your guide service
- Broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
- Trekking poles (helpful for the descent)
- Rain gear — mountain weather is unpredictable
What NOT to Bring
Save suitcase space and leave these at home:
- Expensive jewelry: You will not need it and it attracts attention. Leave the Rolex and diamond earrings in a safe at home.
- Heavy books: Pack an e-reader instead. Physical books add weight and get damaged by humidity and sand.
- Hairdryers: Every hotel and resort provides one. Bringing your own wastes space and may require a voltage converter (for non-US travelers).
- Excessive formal wear: One nice outfit is sufficient. You will wear casual clothing 90% of the time.
- Towels: Hotels and resorts provide beach towels. Some charge a refundable deposit for pool/beach towels — bring a credit card for this.
- Full-size toiletries: Pack travel sizes. If you run out, local pharmacies and supermarkets carry international brands (Dove, Pantene, Colgate) at reasonable prices.
- Valuables you would be devastated to lose: Travel involves risk — lost luggage, pickpockets, rain, and rough handling. Leave irreplaceable items at home.
- Drone (without advance planning): The DR has restrictions on drone use. Commercial drones require a permit from IDAC (civil aviation authority). Casual tourist drone use is technically restricted, and customs may confiscate your drone on arrival if they notice it. Research current regulations before packing one.
Packing by Trip Type
All-Inclusive Resort Trip
The lightest packing list. You are spending most of your time at the pool, beach, and resort restaurants. Priority items:
- 3-4 swimsuits (rotation is key)
- Casual beachwear (shorts, tanks, cover-ups)
- 1-2 nicer outfits for themed dinner nights
- Flip-flops and one pair of comfortable shoes for evening
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Waterproof phone case
- A book or e-reader
You can get away with a carry-on suitcase for a 7-night resort trip if you pack efficiently.
Independent Travel / Multi-Destination Trip
You need more versatility. You will be in cities, on buses, at beaches, and possibly hiking. Add to the resort list:
- Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestone-ready)
- Water shoes or sport sandals
- Light rain jacket
- Daypack
- Reusable water bottle
- Quick-dry clothing
- Portable power bank
- Mosquito repellent (essential outside resort zones)
- More cash (smaller towns may not accept cards)
Adventure / Hiking Trip
If activities like the 27 Charcos, Pico Duarte, canyoning, or jungle trekking are on your itinerary, you need specialized gear. See the adventure section above. Key additions:
- Hiking boots or trail shoes
- Quick-dry hiking pants
- Headlamp
- Dry bag
- Extra mosquito repellent
- First aid basics (Band-Aids, antibiotic cream, blister pads)
Seasonal Adjustments
Dry Season (December - April)
The most popular travel period. Hot, sunny, and relatively dry. Standard packing list applies. January and February can bring occasional cool fronts — a light long-sleeve shirt is useful for evenings, especially in mountain areas. This is also whale season in Samaná, so pack binoculars if that is part of your plans.
Wet Season / Hurricane Season (May - November)
Hotter, more humid, and with afternoon rain showers (usually brief but heavy). Adjustments:
- Rain jacket becomes essential — afternoon showers happen almost daily from June through October
- Quick-dry clothing over cotton — cotton takes forever to dry in high humidity
- Extra mosquito repellent — mosquito populations peak during the wet season
- Umbrella (compact travel size) — useful in cities where you cannot just wait out the rain
- Waterproof dry bag — more important than in dry season for protecting electronics
The upside of wet season travel: hotel prices drop 25-40%, resorts are less crowded, and the landscape is at its greenest. The rain is usually a 30-60 minute afternoon burst, not all-day drizzle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need bug spray in the Dominican Republic?
Yes. Mosquitoes are present throughout the country, especially at dawn and dusk and in areas with vegetation (basically everywhere outside air-conditioned spaces). DEET-based repellent (25-30%) is most effective. Picaridin is a good alternative. Apply on exposed skin during evening activities. At all-inclusive resorts, mosquitoes are less of a problem due to regular spraying, but they are still present — especially near gardens and pools at dusk. In rural and mountainous areas like Samaná, Jarabacoa, or national parks, repellent is essential.
What kind of shoes should I bring to the Dominican Republic?
Three pairs cover every situation: flip-flops for the beach and pool, water shoes or sport sandals (Keens/Tevas) for water activities and waterfall hikes, and comfortable walking shoes for city exploration. If you are hiking in the mountains, add a pair of trail shoes or lightweight hiking boots. Leave dress shoes at home — the dress code is universally casual.
Should I bring a power adapter to the Dominican Republic?
Only if you are traveling from outside North America. The DR uses the same plugs (Type A/B) and voltage (110V/60Hz) as the United States and Canada. European, UK, Australian, and Asian travelers need a Type A/B adapter. Most modern phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage (100-240V) and only need a plug adapter, not a voltage converter. Check the label on your charger to confirm.
Can I buy things I forget at my resort or in the DR?
Yes, but at a premium. Resort gift shops sell sunscreen, bug spray, and basic toiletries at 2-3x US prices. Cities and towns have well-stocked pharmacies (farmacias) and supermarkets where prices are more reasonable. The exceptions: reef-safe sunscreen and high-DEET repellent are harder to find locally. Pack these from home.