- Duration: allow 90 minutes from landing at Puerto Plata to being on the road, longer on cruise days
- Included in a private transfer: the driver, the vehicle and waiting time. Tolls and tips are not
- Best for: first time visitors, who lose the most money in the first 24 hours
- Book ahead: transfers 3 to 5 days out, tours 2 to 4 days out, restaurants almost never
- Practical warning: ATMs charge per withdrawal, so take out larger amounts less often
The picks, ranked
1. Private Transfer Puerto Plata Airport to Hotels.
The tip that saves the most stress on day one. A named driver waiting at arrivals beats negotiating a fare at the kerb with your luggage out.
Check Availability →2. Half Day City Tour in Puerto Plata
The cheapest way to get your bearings on arrival. Half a day, a local guide and the city laid out before you rent anything.
Check Availability →Starting prices per person, indicative and subject to change.
Money and costs
- Currency: Dominican Peso (DOP). 1 USD is roughly 57-60 DOP. ATMs give the best rate.
- USD accepted: Most tourist businesses accept dollars, but you will get better prices in pesos.
- Tipping: 10% at restaurants (check if service charge is included). $1-2 for guides per person.
- Cash is king: Carry small bills. Many local restaurants, cenotes, and attractions are cash-only.
- Haggling: Expected at markets and with mototaxi drivers. Not at restaurants or established businesses.
Getting around
- Rent a car: Essential for the North Coast if you want flexibility. Roads are generally good.
- Guaguas: Local minibuses connect major towns cheaply ($3-7). Slow but authentic.
- Mototaxis: Motorcycle taxis for short trips in town ($1-3). Agree on price before getting on.
- Uber: Available in Puerto Plata and Santiago. Not on the North Coast.
- Tours: The easiest option for day trips. Book online for best prices and pickup included.
Health and safety
- Water: Do not drink tap water. Buy bottled water ($0.50-1).
- Mosquitoes: Bring repellent, especially for evenings and rural areas.
- Sunscreen: The tropical sun is intense. Apply frequently, especially at the beach and cenotes.
- Travel insurance: Strongly recommended. Medical care is good in cities but costs add up.
- Safety: Generally safe for tourists. Keep valuables secure, avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
Practical tips
- Phone: Buy a local SIM at the airport (Claro or Altice, ~$10 for data).
- Electricity: Same plugs as US (Type A/B, 110V). Power outages happen outside cities.
- Language: Spanish. English is spoken at tourist businesses. Learn basics for the North Coast.
- Water shoes: Bring them. Essential for cenotes, waterfalls, and rocky beaches.
- Book online: Tours booked through platforms like Viator are often cheaper than on-site and include free cancellation.
Start planning your trip
Browse tours and activities with current prices and free cancellation.
Before you book
- Tipping is 10 percent at restaurants on top of the service charge already printed on the bill, so check before you double pay.
- Card acceptance is patchy outside hotels. Assume cash for gate fees, mototaxis, guaguas and beach shacks.
- Buy a local SIM at the airport or a phone shop rather than roaming. Coverage on the north coast is good and it costs a few dollars.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Dominican Republic is generally safe for tourists, especially in resort areas and the North Coast. Use common sense: do not flash expensive items, avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep valuables in a hotel safe. Tourist areas like Puerto Plata, Cabarete, and Cabrera are well-traveled and friendly.
The Dominican Peso (DOP) is the official currency. USD is widely accepted at tourist businesses but you will get better rates paying in pesos. Withdraw DOP from ATMs for the best exchange rate. Avoid airport exchange bureaus which charge high fees.
Most nationalities (including US, Canada, UK, EU) do not need a visa for stays under 30 days. You will pay a $10 tourist card fee, usually included in your airline ticket price. Check the latest requirements for your specific nationality before traveling.
How this guide is put together
Written and reviewed by the Laguna Dudu Guide Editorial Team. Prices, ratings and review counts on this page are read from our booking partner catalogue on every rebuild, last refreshed 2026-06-27. We are an independent guide, not the operator of any site listed here.
