Frequently Asked Questions

Most passengers entering or leaving the Dominican Republic on commercial flights must complete the electronic entry and exit form. It is free through the official government portal, eticket.migracion.gob.do. Complete it before you get to the airline counter, and verify the passport and visa requirements for your nationality. Watch out for lookalike sites that charge a fee.

Yes, if you want more than resort life. Depending on where you stay, you can explore local restaurants, beaches, golf courses, shopping and marinas. Plan your rides ahead and check travel times, since places are spread across a large area. Start with our Explore page.

That Punta Cana is really a collection of areas, so where you stay shapes your whole trip. Bring some pesos for small purchases, drink bottled water and give yourself time to get out past the resort gates. Our 24/7 Insider Concierge is built on these lessons. Get it on our Insider Concierge page.

It depends on how you like to travel. An all-inclusive resort keeps things simple, with meals, drinks and plenty to do in one place. A vacation rental gives you more space, privacy and freedom to explore local restaurants and beaches, but rides, meals and groceries add up, so compare the whole trip and not just the nightly rate. See our Stay page.

It comes down to what you want most. Bávaro puts you close to restaurants, shopping and a long stretch of beach, while Cap Cana is quieter, gated and more upscale, with golf and a marina. Tell Maya your must haves and she will point you to the right area, or browse our Stay page.

Neither is better, they are just different. Cap Cana feels private and polished, with championship golf, a marina and beaches like Juanillo. Bávaro is livelier and has more places to eat, shop and walk to. Ask Maya, our Executive AI Concierge, any time.

Read recent reviews closely, ask how far the beach really is and check how you will get to restaurants and the airport. Ask about security, parking, water, power backup and the area at night. Insider Concierge members can also request a free Boots on the Ground check-in, where Izzy & Patricia visit a place to stay for about 10 to 15 minutes, when we are available, and post an honest short video. Learn more on our Stay page.

Yes, Uber operates in Punta Cana, including pickups at Punta Cana International Airport. Wait times and driver availability vary by time of day and area, so keep an authorized taxi as a backup, especially late at night. Only get in a car you booked through the app.

We recommend it, especially if you land late, travel with kids or have a lot of luggage. A booked transfer means someone is waiting for you and you know the price up front. Airport taxis are not metered, so confirm the fare before you load your bags. Ask Maya, our Executive AI Concierge, any time.

You have good options without renting a car. Uber, local taxis and private drivers cover most trips, and many areas like Bávaro have restaurants and shops you can reach on foot. Plan longer outings ahead, since distances between areas can be bigger than they look. Ask Maya, our Executive AI Concierge, any time.

Punta Cana is a year round destination, but weather, crowds and prices change with the season. Sargassum seaweed can show up unpredictably, and conditions can differ even between nearby beaches. Check recent beach reports close to your travel dates rather than counting on a seaweed free guarantee. Ask Maya, our Executive AI Concierge, any time.

Some of our favorite calm days happen away from the busiest resort strips, and Cap Cana’s Juanillo Beach is a beauty. Ocean conditions change, so always check flags and local advice before swimming. Find our picks on the Explore page.

The local currency is the Dominican peso. US dollars are widely accepted at resorts, tours and tourist restaurants, but the exchange rate you get may not be great, so carry some pesos for local shops, colmados and small purchases. ATMs are easy to find at airports, supermarkets and shopping malls.

Restaurant bills usually already include a 10% service charge on top of the 18% tax (ITBIS), so check your bill first. Many visitors leave a little extra for great service. Small bills in pesos or dollars work best for tips. Find great spots on our Eat & Drink page.

No, please do not drink the tap water. Stick to bottled or purified water, which is easy to find at hotels, colmados and supermarkets. Ice at well established restaurants and hotels is usually made with purified water, but when in doubt, skip it.

Green fees vary a lot by course and season, so ask Maya for current rates. We can help pair golf with your stay. Get $50 off at Punta Espada when you book your tee time directly through Izzy, a Punta Espada member. Anyone booking our Stay. Play. Reset. condo at Cocotal Golf & Country Club gets free round trip airport transfers. See our Golf page.

Cap Cana is a favorite for its ocean views, elegant venues and quieter setting, and our own family is saying “I do” there. Bávaro and other areas offer great options too, often with more lodging choices for guests. Follow along on our Weddings page.

The earlier the better, especially for popular venues and peak season dates. Starting early gives your guests time to book flights and lodging, and gives you time to choose vendors with care. Tell us about your plans on our Contact page.

Think sunset dinners, a round of golf, a quiet beach day or a night out at a great local restaurant. Our Browse by Mood picks make planning easy: Date Night is for couples, and Special Occasions (at Eden Roc) is for birthdays, anniversaries and proposals. Start on our Explore page, or ask Maya for ideas.

Punta Cana is a major tourist destination, and most visits go smoothly when you take sensible precautions. Use reputable transportation, keep valuables secure and be cautious with unfamiliar offers. Check current travel advisories before you go, since conditions can change. Ask Maya, our Executive AI Concierge, any time.