Dominican Republic | North America

The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea, bordering Haiti to the west. Its geography is defined by the Cordillera Central, containing the highest peak in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte, and a service-based economy heavily reliant on tourism and free-trade zone manufacturing; the capital city is Santo Domingo.

Visa & Entry Policy

EU, US, and UK passport holders do not require a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days. All travelers must complete a digital "E-Ticket" form for entry and exit. As of 2026, a temporary exemption allows these citizens to enter with a passport valid only for the duration of their stay, though the standard six-month validity rule remains the baseline for other nationalities.

Language & Communication

Spanish is the official language. English proficiency is high within the "Punta Cana bubble" and major international hotel chains but remains low to medium in Santo Domingo and rural provinces. The dominant local dialect, Dominican Spanish, is characterized by the omission of the "s" sound and the shortening of words (apocope).

Currency & Payment Systems

The official currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP). Cash is essential for transactions in local markets, "colmados" (neighborhood stores), and rural areas. While major hotels and supermarkets in urban centers accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), many small vendors apply a surcharge for card use. ATMs are widely available in cities but often have low withdrawal limits.

National Transport Grid

Inter-city travel is facilitated by high-standard express bus companies, primarily Caribe Tours and Metro ST, which connect the capital to regional hubs. Domestic flights are available between Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, and Puerto Plata but are less common for local transit. Local short-distance transport relies on "guaguas" (minibuses) and "motoconchos" (motorcycle taxis).

Digital Infrastructure

The primary mobile network providers are Claro and Altice. 4G/LTE coverage is robust in coastal tourist zones and major cities, with 5G deployment concentrated in the National District of Santo Domingo. Signal reliability decreases significantly in the mountainous interior of the Cordillera Central.

Climate & Seasonality

The climate is tropical maritime with little seasonal temperature variation. The dry season runs from December to April, which coincides with the peak tourist period. The wet season occurs from May to November, overlapping with the Atlantic hurricane season, which peaks between August and October.

Health & Safety

There are no mandatory vaccinations, though Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended due to waterborne risks. Malaria risk exists in western provinces near the Haitian border, and Dengue is endemic nationwide. The national emergency number is 911 in major cities; in rural areas, the tourist police (POLITUR) can be reached at +1 809-200-3500.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

The East Coast: Hub: Punta Cana.

The Northern Silver Coast: Hub: Puerto Plata.

The Samaná Peninsula: Hub: Santa Bárbara de Samaná.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 50 DOP ($0.85 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): 150 DOP ($2.50 USD)

1 SIM Card (10GB Data): 1,150 DOP ($19.00 USD)

Facts & Legends

Santo Domingo, founded in 1496, is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas and holds the first cathedral and university in the New World. Local folklore features the "Ciguapa," a mythical humanoid creature with long hair and backward-facing feet that inhabits the deep mountains to elude trackers.