Travel advice and advisories for Dominican Republic Starting with the history, upon arrival, you'll head out for a tour of the Spanish colonial landmarks and old fortresses that used to protect the city against invaders. December 4, 2022 If you are in the Dominican Republic and don't 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. And take a pass on the ice cubes or frozen drinks. The Saman Peninsula is where the unspoiled natural beauty of the Dominican Republic mingles with friendly small-town sensibilities - a stark contrast to the glitzy resorts of Punta Cana and the bustling grind of Santo Domingo. To be on the safe side, check ahead with your concierge on whether it is okay to tip the staff. 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. If you look like a moron while youre tipping I think the problem is you. Anyone from street vendors to taxi drivers can be reasoned with, so offer 25% to 40% off the original price and stand firm. Tell someone at your guesthouse, or keep in touch with people at home, if youre going out to explore more remote places. Armed robbery is the most common form of lawlessness, and its very important to be aware of valuables at all time. Always opt for bottled water and drinks without ice unless you've got a stomach of steel. Should you tip the staff at your villa? Known for being cheap, Germans also, maybe all Europeans in these AI. With 1 to 5 dollars will be more than enough. That means things run at their own pace, unhurried by tourists who arrive with strict routines. There are 28 Interstate I-5 rest areas in . The general rule for travelers visiting the Dominican Republic is to always tip anyone who provides you with great service. The question of Is Dominican Republic Safe? will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved. In the end, its an easygoing place that youre going to love, and youll love it more if you stay safe! Dominican Republic | History, People, Map, Flag - Britannica More good would come I think if most countries rather than supporting the Status Quo, would just shove money out an (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? As with restaurants, in the Dominican Republic some taxi companies will add a 10% service fee to your final fare, but not all do. Depending on where you are on the island, you might see some aspects of sex tourism. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The Dominican Republic 5-Day Tours & Itineraries, 5 Days in the Dominican Republic - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas, 1 Week in the Dominican Republic - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas, 10 Days in the Dominican Republic - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas, 2 Weeks in the Dominican Republic - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas. Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use Pesos? The same rule applies for a guide leading a bus tour. Best place to stay in Dominican Republic: Whats ideal for YOU? The Northern California HIDTA. Its also important to note that the Dominican Republic has strict laws regarding drugseverything including weed is illegal. Tipping at all inclusive resorts - Punta Cana Forum - Tripadvisor In fact, it made the news this year for an unusual spate of tourist deaths. Dominican Republic Travel Cost - Budget Your Trip miles around Saman. However,overcrowding is common. By keeping your wits about you and making sure youtravel safe and smart, youll likely avoid any trouble. Hoyo Azul is a cenote (a type of natural swimming hole usually found in limestone caves) located at the foot of a cliff. You are not required to tip but since he did make some reservations and may have escorted you to your room at check-in, a few $$$ may do the trick. This region is prized for its white-sand beaches that are less crowded than at other resort areas in the Dominican. The general rule for travelers visiting the Dominican Republic is to always tip anyone who provides you with great service. Wi-Fi is generally good in the resorts, but can be patchy in some parts of the island. Its the most popular tourist destination in the Caribbean, but at the same time, is rife with poverty. Day 4, you'll enjoy an outing to Los Haitises National Park, a protected area that covers 618 sq. You can also subscribe to our sister brands to receive more travel deals: We have updated your subscription preferences. FAQ about Staying Safe in Dominican Republic, Obviously, its down to how you want to travel. Should I Tip in the Dominican Republic (The Complete Tipping Etiquette 20% of the population struggles to get by on $2 a day. Also, tip at the bars once a day and for the restaurants make sure your waiter gets a tip because they in most cases really do try to please. There is a big difference between leaving 2 USdollarsand leaving 2Dominicanpesos. Just be sure to observe the following rules: While most all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic indicate that tips and gratuities are included, additional tips are generally accepted and appreciated. As California's premier travel stop, the Oasis on I-5 is one of the best places to stop on I-5 between LA and San Francisco. Tap water is definitely not safe to drink in the Dominican Republic. Public transport in the Dominican Republic is cheap, extensive, and highly varied. However, there are many. Mackenzie Roche|Amanda NorcrossJune 30, 2023, Katie Hearsum|Timothy J. ForsterJune 28, 2023, The U.S. News & World Report travel rankings are based on analysis of expert and user opinions. 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. The guy making your eggs, the girl serving your drinks, are the real people. Still, this area stays crowded no matter the season. What is the actual mechanics of tipping? These beaches, which include Playa Morn, are wide, inviting, and free of mass tourism. Some people decide to give a lower amount of tip when they get terrible service and it was the service providers fault. But its pretty damn special too. It could be that your service provider really is a good person who was just having a bad day like we all do. Day. You may leave a tip at the end of the meal by placing the money on your table, and using your cup/ glass to hold it down. On Day 2, you'll head across the Dominican's south coast, stopping at the mystical Cave of Wonders on the way to Bayhibe. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Dominican Republic? Butler they will make your stay as stress-free and hassle-free as possible, so a tip of $10 to $20 is usually well accepted. By Jessie Festa. Check out the Center for Disease Control'swebsitefor its recommendations and make an appointment for the proper prescriptions and vaccinations. In this sense, make the conversion at the exchange rate, since 10 pesos is not the same as US$10, for example. The top 8 places to visit in the Dominican Republic - Lonely Planet Ultimate Dominican Republic: Santo Domingo, Cabarete & Sa Dominican Republic Adventure: Santo Domingo & Saman - 7 Dominican Republic Adventure: Santo Domingo to Punta Can Dominican Republic Self-Drive Adventure 12 Days, The Dominican Republic Tours & Itineraries. Be sure to give the tip directly to the maid, instead of leaving cash on the pillow. I have been lucky enough to visit the Dominican Republic and try some of the , A good Dominican sancocho accompanies significant dates, is nutritious and delicious, and combines native Caribbean , Dominican gastronomy is made of history and memorable dishes that accompany everyday life in homes. Zika is another health concern in the Dominican Republic because of the prevalence of mosquitos. 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. That being said, you might want to get a mobile hotspot device to stay connected, especially if you plan on traveling off the property. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. Safety isnt the highest concern; they squeeze people on and drive erratically. 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. A vacation in Punta Cana is all about relaxing on the beach. Learn more. Overall, this reasonably priced, Caribbean hideout is made for travelers of all ages seeking a relaxing turn from the norm. You can tip your butler around 10 USD to 20 USD a day. Yes. If tipping in pesos, be sure to calculate the exchange rate and give an equivalent value to USdollars. For a one-week stay at an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic, a couple should expect to spend about US $150 in tips. 16 Best Things to Do in Punta Cana | U.S. News Travel Flying Into Punta Cana (and How to Get From the Airport). Bavaro Express Bus Information? Tipping your maid daily in the Dominican Republic is recommended to ensure that your tip gets to the person who actually cleaned your room. Still, its important to avoid dangerous areas and walking around after dark. most-visited destinations in the Caribbean, The Best Time to Visit the Dominican Republic, 6 Stellar Destinations in the Dominican Republic That Arent Punta Cana, Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic for Every Budget, 12 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Aruba, How to Tell If Youre Ready for Your First Swingers Resort, The 14 Best Adults-Only All-Inclusives on the Beach. A private guide will lead you into the park, where you can hike through the rainforest and marvel at the limestone formations rising dramatically out of the water just offshore. But for excellent service, be sure to tip a decent amount. 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. This is by far Dominican Republics safest mode of public transport. Most of the resort's buffets and restaurant menus will feature some additional traditional dishes, such as fried plantains and fish in coconut sauce. One of the biggest dangers in the Dominican Republic isits roads. Determine how much you will expend in your own Aid Program, and divvy it up. Another thing to keep in mind is that some all-inclusive resorts usually add a tip to the bill when you order room service. It is customary to tip if a gratuities charge is not included in your bill. Over five action-packed days, you'll hike around one of the most gorgeous locales in the Dominican Republic: the Saman Peninsula. Tipping butler - Punta Cana Forum - Tripadvisor Plan an idyllic escape to revel in fall's colorful splendor. The cenote sits within Scape Park, a . Continue with Recommended Cookies. These days the area is known more for its unspoiled rainforests and inviting white-sand beaches, which you can visit the moment you arrive. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service. We strive to provide the most relevant travel information on the web and always appreciate input from our readers (nicely, please!). The amount could be the same as in . Punta Cana is one of the safest vacation spots in the Caribbean, and tourists should feel comfortable traveling outside of the hotel zone. Aggressive driving and a lack of road signs and traffic laws being enforced dont help matters. For example, if youre staying in Punta Cana, finding the local culture or mythical waterfalls might take a little planning. If you plan on taking in the nightlife in the Dominican Republic, make sure to pack more than your standard beachwear. Known as the "coconut coast," this is one of the most popular destinations in the country due to its 51 miles of white-sand, palm-fringed beaches. The stretch between East LA and the Orange County border is usually bad, but afterwards its clears out. Upon arrival in Santo Domingo, discover its history and culture on a bicycle tour of the Zona Colonial. Hotel concierges can easily summon taxis; keep in mind that taxi fares from the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) vary widely, depending on where you're staying, ranging from as little as $10 to as much as $80. 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. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. If youre a male traveling alone you may be approached by prostitutes. Tipping in Dominican Republic Etiquette: Who & Where to Tip Unfortunately, this dynamic leads to increased levels of crime; sometimes its pickpocketing, sometimes its a mugging. Going around by yourself at night time isnt a very smart move. Dominicans are friendly and hospitable, always ready for a lively conversation or a good party. Punta Cana Travel Tips - 41 Things to Know Before Visiting in 2023 The Dominican Republic is known internationally for its sex tourism. That said, most prices in the Dominican Republic are in Dominican pesos. For more information on entry and exit requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State's website. Loose change is spent faster and lost easier than bills. Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in Dominican Republic. Showing any money, a wallet, wearing expensive jewelry, carrying designer bags, shouting around in English, looking lost; all of these are to be avoided. Tipping spa staff is normally allowed and expected. 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.