£1 DOP 80.22
Today
11:57 pm
-4h from you
Weather in Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
31°
Slight rain showers
Wed
22
31
Thu
20
31
Fri
19
30
Sat
21
29
Sun
22
28
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.
Getting around Dominican Republic
Tipping in Dominican Republic
Tipping is customary in the Dominican Republic for good service. While not legally required, it is a significant part of service industry workers' income. A 'propina' (service charge) of 10% is often included in restaurant bills, but an additional tip is appreciated for exceptional service.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill if service is not included, otherwise 5-10% for excellent service.
Bar/Café
10% of the bill for good service.
Taxi
5-10% of the fare, or round up to the nearest convenient amount.
Hotel Porter
25-50 DOP per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
50-100 DOP per night.
Tour Guide
10% of the tour price for a good tour.
Safety in Dominican Republic
Tips for British travellers
Dominican Republic is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be highly vigilant for bag-snatching and pickpocketing, including from motorbike riders at traffic lights.
Do not wear expensive jewellery or carry large amounts of cash to reduce your personal risk.
Avoid walking alone at night and do not leave your drinks unattended to reduce the risk of assault.
Carry copies of your passport photo page and entry stamp with you at all times.
Only use authorised hotel or airport taxi services, or registered ride-hailing apps.
Bonus tips:
Check the safety standards and ensure you are insured before taking part in water sports or quad biking.
Be aware that lifeguards and safety equipment may not be present at beaches or pools.
Driving in Dominican Republic
A valid UK driving license is required. An International Driving Permit is recommended, especially for longer stays.
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
The Dominican Republic uses 110V electricity with a frequency of 60Hz. Plugs are typically Type A and Type B. British travelers will need an adapter to use their devices.
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 vendors may only accept cash. It's always a good idea to carry cash, especially when travelling outside of major tourist areas.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
ATMs in Dominican Republic
ATMs are available in major cities and tourist areas, but less common in rural areas. Ensure you have sufficient cash if travelling outside of urban centers.
Local name
Banco Popular
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are generally safe to use, but be aware of your surroundings and potential skimming devices. Check for any unusual attachments before inserting your card. Most ATMs will dispense Dominican pesos (DOP). Some may also offer US dollars.
Mobile & roaming
Post-Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in the Dominican Republic. Roaming charges can be high so consider purchasing a local SIM card if you plan to use your phone extensively.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 500 DOP (~£7)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Local carriers
Claro, Altice Dominicana, Viva
WiFi & internet
Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, resorts, restaurants, and cafes, particularly in tourist areas. However, the quality and speed of Wi-Fi can vary significantly. Rural areas may have limited or no Wi-Fi access.
Average speed
25 Mbps
Consider purchasing a local SIM card with a data package for reliable internet access, specifically if you're traveling outside main tourist locations.
Health & vaccinations in Dominican Republic
It's crucial to get comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, before travelling to the Dominican Republic. Ensure your policy covers all activities you plan to participate in.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip for the latest health advice and necessary vaccinations for the Dominican Republic. Mosquito-borne diseases are present, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and trousers, especially during dawn and dusk. Drink bottled or purified water to avoid stomach upsets.
Calling Dominican Republic
Country code
+809
To call the Dominican Republic from the UK, dial 00 1 809 followed by the local number.
To call the British Embassy in Santo Domingo from the UK, you would dial 00 1 809 472 7111.
The country code for the Dominican Republic is 1-809 (plus 1-829 and 1-849 also in use). When calling from abroad, dial your country's exit code, followed by 1-809, and then the local number.
UK Embassy in Dominican Republic
British Embassy Santo Domingo
Edificio Corominas Pepin, 4th Floor, Avenida 27 de Febrero No. 233, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Airports in Dominican Republic
Frequently asked questions
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.