Top 5 Essential Tips for Visiting the Dominican Republic

By Camila Medail | July, 29 2024

Samana Bay at Plata Esmeralda

The Dominican Republic is a breathtaking destination! This country has it all: beautiful landscapes, great people, delicious food, outdoor activities, lush nature, fun nightlife, and so much more. It should be on the bucket list of every person who dreams of experiencing the Caribbean and its rich culture. 

Here are five facts you should know if you are planning to visit the DR:

1. Dominicans are very welcoming people

When you arrive in Dominicana you will quickly feel at home as the Dominicans will greet you with a warm welcome. They are kind, friendly, and affectionate. As soon as they get to know you, you will be a friend and then an “hermano”. They will help you when you have questions and share a glass of water when you need it. Also, Dominicans are very joyful, a characteristic that is reflected in their theatrical way of speaking: loud, fast, expressive, and accompanied by many facial expressions and body language. They are also known to have a good sense of humor. It is impossible to get bored when you have a Dominican around! 

2. The concept of time is a little bit different

Many Dominicans have a different perception of time. This can certainly be frustrating for people who are used to punctuality. Before traveling there for the first time, I was told that Caribbean people have a “different rhythm”. And that makes sense! Between so much nature, warmth, and good vibes, it is expected that they are more relaxed. This is something I have personally experienced many times! The Dominican Republic tests your patience. Don't stress out if your bus arrives late or a concert starts later than expected. The best thing to do is to adapt to this timing, especially if you are on vacation. There is no need to rush!

3. Dancing is the soul of the country 

Without a doubt, a Dominican´s heart beats to the rhythm of the tambora. You will hear music (and at very high volume!) everywhere you go: merengue, bachata, and salsa are among the most popular rhythms. You can also frequently find young people listening to reggaeton and dembow. But it's not just the music. Dominicans are passionate about dancing and have rhythm in their blood. Taking a salsa class or going out to dance merengue is a must if you go to the Dominican Republic. The joy of dancing is a fundamental part of the Dominican culture, and you will find yourself swept up by the rhythm. I recommend spending a Sunday in Santo Domingo so you can attend the Grupo Bonyé show. This is an experience that you cannot miss! It consists of live music performed in the ruins of the San Francisco Convent in the Colonial Zone. The band plays on a stage, in front of a large, open dance floor. It's a free, open-air concert that feels like a celebration. It takes place every Sunday from 6 pm and attracts hundreds of tourists and locals alike. It is an excellent opportunity to dance to the rhythm of live merengue and salsa. If you haven't danced enough at the show, go to the Rum Museum after, the place where the locals go to keep the night going. Even if you have never danced in these styles before, don’t be embarrassed to try! The secret is to let the other person guide you. They are such good dancers that you will feel like you are too!

4. The Dominican Republic is more than Punta Cana

Punta Cana is the most popular destination in the country. It is beautiful: white beaches, turquoise waters, palm trees, and the bright sun to tan. But this place does not have everything and the country has so much more to offer beyond Punta Cana. So, to live the Dominican experience, try to get up close and personal with the culture and its people. I recommend adding other places to your travel itinerary so you can experience the soul of the country. There are endless destinations no matter your travel preferences where you will find beaches, mountains, countryside, waterfalls, and cities throughout the country. Here are my favorites: 

Santo Domingo and its Colonial Zone are a must. You can do it at the beginning or the end of your trip. However, if you want picturesque beaches, go to Bayahibe and Saona Island where you can experience the Caribbean Sea in all its splendor: calm waves, natural pools, and crystal clear waters surrounded by coconut trees. You will fall in love with this landscape! If you would like to venture into the Atlantic Ocean, I recommend visiting the beaches of the Samana peninsula. You could visit Las Galeras, where you will find beaches without many people that can be reached by boat or on foot. Las Terrenas is another option, which also has great beaches where you can watch the sunset and enjoy a variety of nightlife options, including restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

On the other hand, if you are looking to get more into nature, Samaná Bay is the ideal place to go. Here you can visit Los Haitises National Park, a protected area full of life with a variety of activities such as kayaking, boat rides between the “mogotes”, and hiking to waterfalls and caves. You can also go on humpback whale-watching tours during their breeding season (mid-January to the end of March).

And this is not all! In the middle of the country, you will find green and lush mountains in places like Jarabacoa and Constanza. These two towns are the perfect destinations to try traditional homemade food. They are also a great alternative to escape from the heat, so bring a jacket because it gets cold at night! 

5. The tap water is not drinkable

However, it is important to note one of the Dominican Republic’s shortfalls. The tap water throughout the country is not safe to drink. While it may seem hard to believe that you cannot cool down by drinking the free water in a place that is always so hot, you will have to purchase bottled water for all of your drinking needs. Only drinking bottled water will minimize your risk of getting a stomach infection. You can also only cook with tap water if you boil it first. Although you can use the tap water to brush your teeth, it is very important to avoid swallowing it. It is also important to make sure that restaurants use ice made of bottled water. I recommend avoiding eating fruits with peels and raw vegetables, including salads. A smart practice is to purchase 20-liter gallons of water and use that to refill your water bottle. Also, remember to pack a reusable bottle to avoid wasting plastic. Because of the intense heat, carrying a water bottle at all times and staying hydrated is essential. 

Apart from the undrinkable tap water, rest assured that the Dominican Republic is a safe and welcoming place to visit. The country will embrace you with its warm culture and vibrant spirit, guaranteeing a memorable and enjoyable experience. 

6. Bonus track: Learn some Dominican slang!

While Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic, they have many of their own words. Even if you speak advanced Spanish, you may need help understanding Dominicans as they have very particular slang and unique ways of saying certain things. 

Here is a list of words that you should include in your vocabulary list for your trip (and its closest English translation):

ke lo ke (what's up)

un chin (a little bit)

bacano (cool)

vaina (thing)

habichuelas (beans)

guineo (bananas)

guagua (bus)

colmado (a local convenience store) 

motoconcho (a taxi that is a motorcycle)

menudos (small bills and coins)