🇩🇴
Essential apps for
Dominican Republic
República Dominicana
SpanishDOP5 apps
Punta Cana and Santo Domingo. Uber, DiDi, and InDrive all work. WhatsApp for tour operators and resorts.
🔌
Power & Plug
TypeA / B
Voltage110V
Freq60Hz
Same as the US.
💬
Basic phrases
Spanish
- HelloHolaOH-lah
- Thank youGraciasGRAH-syahs
- Excuse me / SorryPerdónpehr-DOHN
- YesSísee
- NoNonoh
+10 more below
🎎
Tipping
A 10% service charge ('la propina') is legally added to most restaurant bills, but it is customary to leave an additional 5-10% for good service; tipping hotel staff, drivers, and tour guides a few dollars is also appreciated.
🚖Rideshare & Taxi
See all →U
Uber
The most widely available rideshare service globally. Works in 70+ countries.
Wide coverage in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana.
D
Didi
China's dominant rideshare. Has an English interface for travelers.
Often cheaper.
🗺️Navigation & Maps
See all →Phrases
All Spanish phrases
Hello
Hola
OH-lah
Thank you
Gracias
GRAH-syahs
Excuse me / Sorry
Perdón
pehr-DOHN
Yes
Sí
see
No
No
noh
Please
Por favor
por fah-VOR
Goodbye
Adiós
ah-DYOHS
How much?
¿Cuánto cuesta?
KWAHN-toh KWES-tah
Where is the bathroom?
¿Dónde está el baño?
DOHN-deh es-TAH el BAH-nyo
The check, please
La cuenta, por favor
lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR
I don't understand
No entiendo
noh en-TYEN-doh
Do you speak English?
¿Habla inglés?
AH-blah een-GLEHS
Help!
¡Ayuda!
ah-YOO-dah
Delicious
Delicioso
deh-lee-SYOH-soh
Cheers
Salud
sah-LOOD
Briefing
What to know before you go
✓ Do
- Greet with a friendly 'Buenos días/tardes' and a handshake; close friends may exchange a cheek kiss
- Dress neatly and avoid beachwear away from the beach, as Dominicans value tidy appearance
- Use titles like 'Señor' and 'Señora' with people you do not know well
- Be patient and warm in interactions; relationships and friendliness matter more than rushing
- Accept offers of food or coffee when visiting a home as a sign of respect for hospitality
- Ask before taking photos of people, especially in rural communities
✕Don't
- Do not confuse Dominicans with Haitians or make insensitive remarks about Haiti, as it is a sensitive topic
- Avoid flashing expensive jewelry, cameras, or large amounts of cash in public
- Do not be overly blunt or publicly critical, which can be seen as rude; Dominicans favor warmth and indirectness
- Avoid disrespecting religious symbols or making light of local Catholic and folk beliefs
⚠️ Common scams to know
- Unmetered taxis and 'motoconcho' drivers overcharging tourists; agree on the fare before getting in or use a ride app
- Resort-area vendors and excursion sellers using high-pressure tactics or selling fake-branded goods and overpriced tours
- Currency exchange shortchanging or poor rates from unofficial street changers; use banks, ATMs, or official 'casas de cambio'
- Counterfeit bills given as change; check large notes, especially in markets and nightlife areas
Going elsewhere?