5:38 pm
-4h from you
Weather in Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
25°
Light drizzle
Sun
21
25
Mon
21
28
Tue
21
26
Wed
21
26
Thu
21
29
SPF level in Dominican Republic
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Transportation in Dominican Republic
Tipping in Dominican Republic
Tipping is customary in the Dominican Republic for good service. While not mandatory, it is greatly appreciated, especially for service industry workers.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill if a service charge isn't included. Check the bill first, as some establishments automatically add it.
Bar/Café
10-15% of the bill.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated. An extra 10-15% is generous for good service.
Hotel Porter
25-50 DOP per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
50-100 DOP per night of stay.
Tour Guide
100-200 DOP per person, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
Safety & security in Dominican Republic
Tips for British travellers
Dominican Republic is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Stay alert to the risk of drive-by robberies, especially from motorcycle thieves snatching bags or reaching into cars.
Keep your bank card in sight when paying or use cash to avoid card cloning and identity theft.
Always carry copies of your passport photo page and entry stamp as identification.
Avoid wearing expensive jewellery, carrying large amounts of cash, and leaving bags unattended in restaurants or bars.
Be cautious of assault or sexual aggression, especially at beach resorts, and do not leave drinks unattended.
Bonus tips:
Ensure adventure tourism providers meet safety standards and you are insured for activities like water sports or quad biking.
Use authorised airport or hotel taxi services or registered ride-hailing apps, as many other taxis are in poor condition.
Driving in Dominican Republic
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
40 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Dominican Republic drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Dominican Republic
Voltage
110V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are accepted in many establishments in tourist areas, including hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, smaller businesses and local markets may only accept cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
ATMs in Dominican Republic
ATMs are available in major cities and tourist areas, but less common in rural areas. Banco Popular and Scotiabank are common.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
Using ATMs is a convenient way to obtain local currency. Ensure your bank card is enabled for international use before travelling. Be aware of potential transaction fees. You may want to notify your bank of your travel dates in advance.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in the Dominican Republic. Roaming charges can be expensive; consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data and calls.
Local SIM data package
10GB for 300 DOP (~£4)
Network coverage
4G, 5G, GSM
Local carriers
Claro, Altice Dominicana, Viva
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, restaurants, and cafes, particularly in tourist areas. However, the quality and speed can vary.
Average speed
25 Mbps
WiFi is generally accessible, but connection speeds may be slower than what you're accustomed to. Mobile data can be a more reliable option in some cases.
Health & vaccinations
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation. Check that your policy covers all the activities you plan to do.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Consult your doctor at least 8 weeks before you travel to check the latest health advice. Ensure you are up to date on routine vaccinations. Dengue fever, chikungunya virus, and Zika virus are risks in the Dominican Republic. Use mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves and trousers, and sleep under mosquito nets. Water-borne diseases are present so drink bottled water.
Calling Dominican Republic
Country code
+1
To call the Dominican Republic from the UK, dial 001 followed by the local number.
To call the British Embassy: 001 809 472 7111
The country code for the Dominican Republic is 1. Note that the area code 809, 829, and 849 are used interchangeably and should be included when dialling a local number.
UK Embassy in Dominican Republic
British Embassy Santo Domingo
Edificio Corominas Pepín, 4th floor, Ave 27 de Febrero #233, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Airports in Dominican Republic
Frequently asked questions about Dominican Republic
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.