Top 5 Things to Know Before Traveling to the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is one of the best vacation destinations in the Caribbean. There's nothing better than its white-sand beaches, fun activities, and rich history. However, there are a few things you should know before traveling to the Dominican Republic. Let’s get into it.

Currency

The Dominican Republic uses the Dominican Peso. US dollars are easily exchanged, but you should only do so at a bank or official exchange office. You can only get Dominican Pesos in the Dominican Republic, so be prepared for that to be your first stop upon arrival. For every $1 USD, you'll get just under 57 Dominican Pesos. The US dollar goes a long way in the Dominican Republic.

Transportation

Many hotels provide transport from the airport to the property. In terms of getting around the Dominican Republic, you have a few public transportation options.

• Santo Domingo Subway

• Taxi

• Uber & Cabify

Language

Spanish is the official language in the Dominican Republic. You should expect to see signs and menus in Spanish with some English translations. There is a large population that speaks English in case you need help.

Tap Water

Similar to other Central American countries, you can’t drink tap water in the Dominican Republic. Bottled water is widely available (and is included for free at some hotels), and many tourists use this to brush their teeth. 

Tourism Entry Tax

If you're from the US, you will need to pay tourism entry tax. The tax is only $10, and it's included in your airfare, so you don't need to worry about paying it upon arrival.