Travel Guide
Dominican Republic Information
Learn key facts about the Dominican Republic before you travel — from climate and currency to language, airports, and tourism highlights.
Before you travel
Practical facts for your trip.
Climate, money, language, and time — the essentials covered in one place.
Climate
The Dominican Republic is tropical year-round, with temperatures ranging from 66° to 93°F (19°–34°C). The cooler, drier season runs November through April; the hotter, wetter season is May through October, with August as the warmest month.
66°–93°FYear-round sunshineNo winter season
Time
Time Zone
The Dominican Republic runs on GMT −4 all year. It does not observe daylight saving time — clocks never change. During US Eastern Standard Time in winter, the DR is one hour ahead of the East Coast.
GMT −4No DSTConsistent year-round
Language
Spanish is the official language. At major resorts and hotels, staff commonly speak English, and many also speak French, German, and Italian. If you venture beyond tourist zones, a few basic Spanish phrases go a long way.
Spanish (official)English at resortsFrench & German too
Finance
Currency
The Dominican Peso (RD$) is the official currency. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most tourist locations. ATMs are available in cities and at most resorts, including late-night ATMs at large supermarkets. Verify card acceptance before visiting smaller restaurants and shops.
Dominican Peso (RD$)Visa & MC acceptedATMs widely available
Country overview
Geography, people, and tourism at a glance.
Location
The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola — the second largest Caribbean island, shared with Haiti. Its surface is 18,533 sq mi (48,442 km²), with the Atlantic to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south.
2nd largest in Caribbean
Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is the oldest continuously inhabited European city in the Americas and the country's political, economic, and cultural center. Greater Santo Domingo has a metropolitan population of roughly three million.
Oldest city in the Americas
Population
The 2010 Census recorded a population of 9,378,819 — making the Dominican Republic one of the most populous nations in the Caribbean and a significant regional economic force.
9.3 million
Tourism
Over 4.4 million foreign visitors arrived in 2014 — 19.5% of all Caribbean arrivals. Punta Cana led at 65.3% of air traffic, followed by Santo Domingo at 18.5%, Puerto Plata at 8.1%, and La Romana at 2.4%.
PUJ 65%SDQ 18%
Getting around
Airports and transportation in the Dominican Republic
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) handles over 65% of all international arrivals. Santo Domingo's Las AmГ©ricas International Airport (SDQ) serves the capital and the south coast, while La Romana International Airport (LRM) is the gateway to Casa de Campo and the east coast.
Private airport transfers are the fastest, most reliable option for reaching your resort, villa, or hotel directly upon arrival — with no shared-shuttle stops or waiting for other passengers.
PUJ — Punta Cana
SDQ — Santo Domingo
LRM — La Romana
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is the most convenient for the Punta Cana and BГЎvaro resort area. For the capital, fly into SDQ, and for Casa de Campo or La Romana, use LRM.
The Dominican Republic is at GMT −4 year-round and does not observe DST. During US Eastern Standard Time (EST), the DR is the same hour. During US Eastern Daylight Time (EDT/summer), the DR is one hour behind.
ATMs are widely available, and Visa/Mastercard are accepted at most tourist locations. For smaller shops and restaurants outside resort areas, carrying some Dominican Pesos (RD$) is recommended.
Yes. At major tourist destinations, most hotel and resort staff speak English and frequently French, German, and Italian too. Outside tourist zones, Spanish is the primary language.
The most comfortable option is a private airport transfer. Prestige can coordinate direct pickups and drop-offs from PUJ, SDQ, or LRM to your resort, villa, or hotel — with a driver waiting curbside when you land.