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Travel Guide
Visiting Dominican Republic
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Top Attractions in Dominican Republic
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
UNESCO World Heritage
Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990, the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas, founded in 1498. Within its 106 blocks stand the first cathedral built in the New World, the Alcázar de Colón palace, the Panteón Nacional, and a grid of cobblestone streets that served as the template for urban planning across the continent. Wandering the district reveals layers of Spanish Renaissance, Gothic, and Mudéjar architecture that have stood for more than five centuries.
Alcázar de Colón
Built between 1510 and 1514 from coral stone without a single nail, the Alcázar de Colón was the residence of Diego Columbus, son of Christopher Columbus, and is the oldest European palace still standing in the Americas. Its 22 museum rooms display furniture, tapestries, weaponry, and decorative objects from the 14th to the 18th centuries, offering a vivid portrait of colonial life at the height of the Spanish empire. The building blends Spanish Renaissance, Gothic, and Mudéjar styles and overlooks the Ozama River from a commanding hilltop position.
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in the Dominican Republic. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for the Dominican Republic.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Call 911 and ask for an ambulance if you’re in Santo Domingo. The 911 emergency number does not have full coverage across the country. If you’re outside Santo Domingo, you can telephone the tourist police (‘Politur’) in an emergency: +1 809 200 3500. Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medi
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police911
Ambulance911
Fire911
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Dominican Republic
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Dominican Republic page at Yoogo.
The Dominican Republic uses the Dominican peso (DOP). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and many all-inclusive resorts, while card payments are available at larger hotels, restaurants, and shops. It is advisable to carry some local currency in pesos for markets, smaller businesses, and tips.
The Dominican Republic is generally safe in established tourist destinations such as Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, and Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone. Petty theft, including pickpocketing and bag snatching, is the most commonly reported issue, particularly in crowded urban areas and on public beaches. Using reputable transport, keeping valuables out of sight, and staying in well-lit areas at night are sensible precautions.
Long-distance coaches operated by companies such as Caribe Tours and Metro connect major cities comfortably and at low cost. Within cities, shared minibuses called guaguas and shared taxis known as conchos cover fixed routes at very affordable fares. Uber operates in Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata, and parts of the tourist coast, and car hire is widely available for those wishing to explore independently.
December to April is generally considered the best period to visit, as the country experiences its dry season with warm, sunny weather and lower humidity. Humpback whale watching in Samaná Bay is at its peak from January to March. The rainy season runs from May to November, coinciding with hurricane season, though travel during this period can offer lower prices and fewer crowds.
Spanish is the official language and is spoken throughout the country. In major tourist resorts and hotels, English is widely understood by staff, and French and Haitian Creole are also spoken in some areas. Learning a few basic Spanish greetings will be warmly appreciated by locals beyond the main resort zones.
Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are commonly recommended for most travellers. There is a low risk of malaria in some rural areas outside the main cities, so consult a travel health clinic before departure regarding preventive measures and any other vaccinations relevant to your itinerary. Routine vaccinations should also be up to date, and it is worth checking current NHS or government health guidance before you travel.
Tipping is customary and forms an important part of income for service workers. Many restaurants automatically include a 10% service charge on the bill, though adding a further 10 to 15% is standard practice for good service. Hotel housekeeping, porters, and tour guides also customarily receive tips, and both Dominican pesos and US dollars are accepted.