Tourism may bring a lot of money to the country, but there are a lot of negative impacts as not every tourist is respectful of the locals. If you plan to stay for more than 30 days, you'll need to obtain a travel visa before traveling (online through the Dominican Embassy). 26 Top Safety Tips for Traveling to the Dominican Republic. A dollar goes a long way in the DR and staff is always very appreciative. Plus, youll feel much more comfortable engaging with people, if you can converse in their local language. While its often stories about pickpocketing that make the news, locals in the Dominican Republic are warm and friendly. While some parts can be safe, its always best to take a bit of extra caution. Away from the tourist areas, the crazy scenery opens itself up as a haven for backpackers looking for an adventure in the backyard of an otherwise well-trodden, cruise-ship-visited destination. See Full Ranking List. Consider the offseasonFrom May to June and September to October, room rates tend to be their cheapest and tourist volume is at its lowest. Safety in the Dominican Republic is generally okay. Tips in the Dominican Republic Seems this is a problem in the minds of many Brits. Here, we recommend that you indicate with a note that you leave a tip by adding this word in Spanish, so that the staff will not have problems when leaving the hotel or resort. Beach at the Paradisus Punta Cana Resort/Oyster. Due to the high poverty rates, prostitution has a visible presence throughout the D.R., particularly in Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata. Tipping in the Dominican Republic | Tripmasters Your butler will be going the extra mile to make your vacation memorable. All this and more will be addressedso lets get into it. On your penultimate day in the Dominican, embark on a unique aquatic activity: "Scuba Doo." Other hotels do only allow you to tip specific staff members. (Feb 2022), Riu announces the refurbishment of the Palace Bvaro 2024, Designated smoking areas at resorts in PC, Dreams Royal Beach or Secrets Royal Beach, Royalton Punta Cana vs. Bavaro vs. Splash. (You may also see more speedos, thong bikinis and topless sunbathers than you're used to.). For short excursions such as walking tours (whole day or shorter), it is customary to tip 10-20% of the cost of the tour. . There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, and this article is no different. Ultimately, how much you tip at an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic will both depend on the type of resort youre staying at, and the level of service provided by its staff. Tip a waiter in the Dominican Republicas muchas you would at a restaurant back home. The Dominican Republic is known internationally for its sex tourism. Still, this area stays crowded no matter the season. Dominicans are friendly and hospitable, always ready for a lively conversation or a good party. Day two involves a half-day hike to the Damajagua River, famous for its network of waterfalls and natural waterslides, which you'll get to enjoy throughout the day. Keeping your wits about you, meeting other people and even getting a local guide will really help you explore this country to the fullest. Punta Cana Travel Guide | U.S. News Travel Learn more. Of course, tipping can be very personal. Is the Dominican Republic Safe to Visit Right Now? Tipping spa staff is normally allowed and expected. Unfortunately, owners do not always tip their employees. Santo Domingo Travel Guide | U.S. News Travel Learn more. Violent crime against tourists, mainly in the form of robberies, definitely still occurs. What I find a bit strange is people taking candy or lip gloss etc for staff, it reminds me of films where the GIs hand out chewing gum to ragged kids in occupied or third world countries or cowboys give beads to the native Americans I can understand taking a small gift for a member of staff you have formed a friendship with but to me handing out candy doesnt sit right. Your plane will touch down in the capital of Santo Domingo, at which point you'll take a scenic three-hour ride in a private car to Saman. Top 10 spring destinations Americans are visiting this year, Get answers to your questions about Punta Cana, Check-list - Canadian travel to the DR-PC - UPDATED, Resort (Brands) COVID Policies -Quarantine, Testing, Etc - As of March 1, 2022, How do I fill out the new DR E-Forms for Immigration and Customs? That said, Dominican wait staff always expect tips in restaurants even when a service charge is already included. Hoyo Azul is a cenote (a type of natural swimming hole usually found in limestone caves) located at the foot of a cliff. Tipping is not mandatory, but if you decide to leave a tip, make sure it is fair in case you decide to leave it in the local currency. Best place to stay in Dominican Republic: Whats ideal for YOU? If youre planning on staying in a resort area, and the only time youll be leaving is on a tour, then you wont need to worry about anything except natural disasters. Or you can choose to tip them at the beginning of your stay and at the end of your stay. The airfare portion of the itinerary price is based on economy class, midweek departure. Do I notice I get better service once staff figures out that I am a tipper, sure, but I also realize that these people are working very hard to make sure that you have a great vacation. Is Dominican Republic SAFE to Visit? (2023 Insider Tips) Tropical islands of paradise! And if so, how much should I tip? 1. At a high end restaurant or a restaurant within a touristy area, atipof between 10-20%,depending on the level of service, is good. LemonTune / Getty Images. How much to tip? - Punta Cana Forum - Tripadvisor Buy water from stores, or invest in an epic filtered water bottle. Dominicans take clubbing seriously, and turning up in your beach attire will make you feel slightly underdressed in many bars and clubs. The taxis are surprisingly safe in the Dominican Republic. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. Between the pandemic, ever-worsening cultural division, and a click-hungry media, it can be hard to maintain what is truth and what is sensationalism. , Punta Cana is a paradise for beach and ocean lovers The white-sand beaches, serene . While the Dominican Republic has had its fair share of negative press, the country is generally safe, especially if visitors stick to tourist areas and follow the usual common sense when it comes to traveling. Out of 197 countries, Dominican Republic is ranked 80th in terms of criminality, meaning there are a lot more dangerous nations out there. Its called conscience, its a morality switch. All-in-all, the Dominican Republic isa pretty safe place to travel to. You should tip in the Dominican Republic even if you receive bad service. But this article is written for savvy travellers from the perspective of savvy travellers. As such, there are fewer mosquitoes which can help make your vacation feel much more comfortable. Upon arrival in Santo Domingo, discover its history and culture on a bicycle tour of the Zona Colonial. Explore festivities ideal for maximizing the sweater weather season. Go enjoy the beauty of it; just but be aware of abusive and unethical businesses. Copyright 2023YourDominicanGuide.com | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Amazon Affiliate Disclosure. After hiking around the river, strap into a biplane and soar over the falls and treetops on an unforgettable adventure. We received excellent service. While this destination is better known for relaxation than adventure, visitors can get their fill of thrills hiking to Hoyo Azul or taking on challenging golf courses likePunta EspadaorLa Cana. I've been to the Dominican 5 times, soon to be 6 and I always tip. 1. If you book a tour through a resort, most likely the transport youll encounter will be more luxury, and A LOT less crowded, than actual public options. In the Dominican Republic, it is recommended that you tip US $1-2 per person for a free hotel breakfast. Round it up if the attendant is using a luggage cart. But if hes been giving you a very good deal for a long time, feel free to be more generous. Otherwise, thanks for your ear and stay safe! Its important for first-time visitors to the Dominican Republic to know the countrys tipping culture and etiquette to avoid making an embarrassing mistake. These incredible trips are sure to inspire romance and relaxation. for their motorbike or whatever in USD at "normal" exchange rates. There's also a high rate of HIV and AIDS in comparison to other Central American and Caribbean countries. And Punta Cana in particular has been known to face severe tropical storms, with October being the rainiest month. Billini Hotel, Historic Luxury. Solo travelers are always a little more vulnerable so its important to be careful when youre traveling around the Dominican Republic alone. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Be aware of this and say a firm no before moving on. Leave both of these on your pillow, as the housekeeper will need to show this to security to prove it was meant for them. The culture is very welcoming. Someone knowing where you are is better than. Newlyweds get gift certificates from friends and family. If you visit in the winter (October through January) and fancy an excursion away from the beach, check out a Dominican Professional Baseball League game. Depends on whether your request was easy or complicated. From fake beggars and police to unlicensed taxis, theres a wide variety of potential scams to avoid on the island. Dominican Republic Travel Tips: 16 Things to Know Before You Go Of course, tipping is solely based on the diners discretion, so you shouldnt feel obliged. Still, those who venture out canfind affordable dining, especially at the area's many beachside bars and grills. Cristo Rey is another area in the Dominican Republic where extra caution should be taken. Dominican Republic: Tipping & Etiquette - Tripadvisor The Dominican Republic is the star player of Caribbean tourism and CAN be safe if you use your common sense and do a bit of research. Small gifts items that are expensive or hard to obtain in the Dominican Republic are also accepted and appreciated. In that case, 5% is good enough. Armed robbery is the most common form of lawlessness, and its very important to be aware of valuables at all time. Is It A Good Time To Visit The Dominican Republic? - Forbes You can use U.S. dollars, but in many places, youll likely be paying a higher price for products and services. 5 Days in the Dominican Republic - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas First off are thepublicos. The most convenient currency to take with you is US dollars, which you can change to pesos once you arrive. Although I do t agree with the concept of paying forward, this is just corrupt and makes of bribery. However, petty theft (especially of cell phones, according to some) does sometimes occur, so you should be careful when carrying valuables with you. (Feb 1, 2022). Enjoy some of the best the Dominican Republic has to offer on this five-day highlights tour that will take you from the streets of colonial Santo Domingo to the white-sand beaches and coral reefs of Isla Saona. As we said before, its safe to visit the Dominican Republic right now. Some hotels dont allow you to tip at all. Or have their services already been included in the rate? Yes. Tipping your maid daily in the Dominican Republic is recommended to ensure that your tip gets to the person who actually cleaned your room. The table below provides a breakdown of how much to tip in US dollars (USD): Yes. In the Dominican Republic, tours are quite inexpensive. The sugary sand of a Punta Cana beach is so soft, so perfectly golden that you might think it was synthetic. The Dominican Republic in June: Travel Tips, Weather, & More, The Dominican Republic in July: Travel Tips, Weather, & More, The Dominican Republic from North to South - 14 Days. Best Hotels in Santo Domingo. If you just look at the crime statistics, then Jamaica is slightly safer than the Dominican Republic. Is the Dominican Republic safe for solo female travelers? The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 20 Best Things to Do in the Dominican Republic - TripSavvy Beach Near La Romana in the Dominican Republic/Oyster. At the end of the day, its all about how you travel, and wed recommend you do so SMARTLY. For female tourists, some could become the object of the same attention (and belittlement) as well. With that in mind, it pays to be prepared before you visit. Dominican Republic: Tipping & Etiquette - Tripadvisor It is an etiquette which is ingrained in all trades, from wait staff at restaurants to our baristas, valets, cab drivers, porters, and many more trades. English is widely spoken at the resorts, but if you choose to explore further afield, youll likely need to know a little Spanish to get by. Looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Dominican Republic? Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use Pesos? In the Dominican Republic, it is customary to leave a 10% if you enjoyed your services. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. We wouldnt recommend walking around at night in the Dominican Republic. Its important to be aware of the issues around trafficking and prostitution, in order to gain insight into the island beyond its dreamy Caribbean image. This will guarantee your money directly to them. Avoid these things in the Dominican Republic to stay safe: Dont walk by yourself at night time Dont even TRAVEL at night Avoid looking rich and flashy Dont withdraw money at night be careful around ATMs. You can tip your butler around 10 USD to 20 USD a day. Welcome to Dominican Republic: Where Heaven kisses the Earth. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. Should I Tip in the Dominican Republic (The Complete Tipping Etiquette Guide)? And though the official currency is the Dominican peso, many of the Punta Cana resorts accept United States dollars and major credit cards. So you try to help others. Aggressive driving and a lack of road signs and traffic laws being enforced dont help matters. And take a pass on the ice cubes or frozen drinks. Used to drive to SD more often, and I always thought the 5 was a little faster/direct, despite the 405's designation as "the San Diego freeway". Is the Dominican Republic Safe for Families? Some cities may charge local taxes that can only be collected by hotel at destination. If you plan to venture beyond your resort, you'll find that most attractions offer shuttle service bundled in the entry fee. I've been to the Dominican 5 times, soon to be 6 and I always tip. Youll see poor living conditions, people openly carrying weapons, litter, and possible threats to your safety, not to mention sex workers. Theres nothing like La Zona Colonial, the historic center of the city of Santo Domingo. Then theres themetro, which youll findin the capital,Santo Domingo. As a backpacker traveling outside resorts, youll see some extremes, namely in terms ofpoverty. She planned everything from the stays, to excursions, to any last minute changes we needed and was always easily", Traveled to the Dominican Republic as a couple in July, 2021, "We cant say enough good things about Marta. If you plan on staying at your resort the whole time particularly if youre on an all-inclusive vacation then U.S. dollars will work just fine, but you might want some local currency when venturing off the property. The Dominican Republic in May: Travel Tips, Weather, & More. Our local travel specialists have been recommended by, "Our trip to the Dominican Republic was amazing thanks to Kimkim and our local travel specialist Marina. If you want to tip the person who cleaned your room, you can leave a few dollars or pesos (the local currency). Going around by yourself at night time isnt a very smart move. Backpacking is becoming more popular here and its easy to see why: humpback whales, colonial architecture, adventurous landscapes, andthose beachesWowsers. This fee is for the hotel staff. Insight/Feedback on Monkeyland and Other Animal Attractions? The next day you can unwind and explore Cabarete at your own pace. You can get away with tipping only 10%, but if you received outstanding service, a 20% tip is a great way to show your appreciation. The highest mountain in the Caribbean the landscape is beautiful! Before travelling to the Dominican Republic, here are the 11 things you need to know. The next day you'll transfer back to Santo Domingo for your flight home. Guests can leave small items and usually $1 or $2 U.S. dollars each morning on the pillows for the maids and just add a little note to let them know that it is for them. Best Adult Only All Inclusive in Punta Cana? 10 Important Things to Know Before Visiting Punta Cana - Oyster.com The Dominican Republic has much in common with the countries of Latin America (with which it is often grouped), and some writers have referred to the country as a microcosm of that region. If you see any outdated information in this guide, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. If the price of the service is listed and paid for in Dominican pesos, you may use US dollars for the tip if the value of the tip is appropriate. A vacation in Punta Cana is all about relaxing on the beach. Then youll LOVE Pico Duarte! Only when gratuity has not been included (which it normally is). But poverty, combined with an influx of relatively rich tourists, has meant that robberies committed against visitors arent all that rare. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-109421211', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');airplane at least it would get to the hands of the real people, instead of the pockets of local politicians. If you have enjoyed a delicious meal at a restaurant in the Dominican Republic, and the bill comes, check that the 10% tip is included in the bill. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide you a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis. Have you ever visited Saman? The guy making your eggs, the girl serving your drinks, are the real people. The general rule of thumb here is to avoid walking through quiet/sketchy areas by yourself. It obviously bothered you, or the idea. Loose change is spent faster and lost easier than bills. Do not drink tap water The local water filtration system is not like that of the U.S., so for your stomach's sake, it's best to drink only bottled water. Other hotels do only allow you to tip specific staff members. Pricing for Majestic Colonial Punta Cana. Public transport in the Dominican Republic is cheap, extensive, and highly varied. If caution is taken, both places can be very safe for travellers. Re: Tipping butler 1 year ago Save Certainly depends on the level and quality of service. The Dominican Republic is very safe to travel for families. This can be from 1 to 5 dollars. On Day 3, you'll visit Hoyo Azul, an incredible limestone sinkhole with a blue lagoon. Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip. Its clean, modern, comprehensive, and is expanding every year. However, there are many. You should tip the porter who helped you with your luggage $1 per bag. Finest or Funtasia (or others) for Four Year Old ? Bartender $1 to $2 is a good tip for the bartender if you have a quick drink. When you want to enjoy the delicacies offered by restaurants, for example, you should take into account that there are two imposed taxes in the Dominican Republic. Read on for the essential guide to tipping in the Dominican Republic. The Northern California HIDTA. The people of the Dominican Republic are friendly and welcoming. Prices are fixed, however, in supermarkets and shopping mall stores. Tips are also appreciated in hotels and serviced apartments - and other places where staff may not be so well rewarded, like spas or salons. A dollar a round, a dollar or two for the house keeping staff (especially if I need extra towels or something), a dollar in the mini fridge for the stock person, and a few for the servers in the restaurants. Spanish is the national language in the Dominican Republic, so learn a few key phrases before you arrive. Is tipping optional? Regardless if youre wondering whether the Dominican Republic is safe for families, or if you want to know some tips for solo travel in the Dominican Republic, weve got you covered. This is because the 2,000 pesos bill is the most forged bill in the Dominican Republic. All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. If you are in the Dominican Republic and dont know how much to tip at all-inclusive resorts, restaurants, spas, hairdressers, and more, keep reading, because in this post we have prepared everything you need to know about tipping in Dominican Republic. How much do you tip in Dominican Republic? - 2023 An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Youre likely to save on time and money, plus gain some peace of mind, with a little forward thinking. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. For example, if youre staying in Punta Cana, finding the local culture or mythical waterfalls might take a little planning. Looking for adventure? Ride to Cable Car in Puerto Plata. If you ever visit la La Romana, dont forget to visit Altos de Chavn its beautiful! If youre visiting the Dominican Republic, chances are you want to spend some time on the beach. Parents and their children have been hitting up this popular destination for years and continue to do so.

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