Is it safe to drink the tap water in Punta Cana?

No — stick to bottled or resort-filtered water, including for brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach. Ice at major resorts is made with purified water, so it's generally safe.

How much should I tip at an all-inclusive resort?

$1-$2 per drink for bartenders, around $5 a day for housekeeping, and 10-15% when dining off-resort. Many resorts already include a service charge, but a little extra for great service is always appreciated.

What currency should I bring — dollars or pesos?

US dollars are widely accepted at resorts, but you'll get better value paying in Dominican pesos for local taxis, markets, and small purchases off-resort. Withdraw pesos from an ATM rather than exchanging cash at the airport.

Should I book my airport transfer in advance?

Yes. Pre-booking with an authorized transfer company is cheaper and safer than flagging a taxi on arrival, and it means someone is waiting with a sign the moment you clear customs.

Palm-lined beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana Travel Tips

Make the most of your Punta Cana vacation with these local-vetted insights and essential advice.

Top Priority Tip

"Download the Dominican Republic E-Ticket QR code before arriving at the airport. It's mandatory for entry and exit, and the airport Wi-Fi can be unreliable."

Logistics

Airport Transfers

Pre-book your airport transfer! It is cheaper and safer than grabbing a taxi on arrival. Look for au...

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Money

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is common. $1-$2 for bartenders, $5 for housekeepers, and 10-15% for off-resort dining. Many...

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Health

Drinking Water

Never drink tap water. Use bottled water provided by your resort, even for brushing your teeth if yo...

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Transport

Getting Around

Local buses (Guaguas) are cheap but can be crowded. Taxis have fixed rates—always confirm the price ...

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Safety

Sun Protection

The tropical sun is intense. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days. The breeze can ma...

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Culture

Local Respect

Dominicans are very friendly. A simple "Buen día" goes a long way. Dress modestly when visiting loca...

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Plan Ahead

Book These Before You Fly

Book Your Airport Transfer

Pre-book a private transfer from Punta Cana International Airport so a driver is waiting with a sign when you clear customs — cheaper and safer than flagging a taxi on arrival.

Reserve a Transfer →

Get Travel Insurance

Medical care off-resort can get expensive without coverage. Compare plans that cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, delays, and lost luggage — it takes about five minutes.

Compare Insurance Plans →

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Good to Know

Travel Questions We Get Asked the Most

Most visitors from the US, Canada, and the EU don't need a visa for stays under 30 days. Instead, you'll complete the mandatory E-Ticket form online before you arrive — it covers customs, immigration, and health declarations in one step.

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