Planning your first Punta Cana trip? Get the free Ultimate Punta Cana Travel GuideGet it here
Palm-lined beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Plan Your Trip

Your first Punta Cana trip, made simple.

Everything that matters before you fly, in the order you will actually need it.

Top Priority Tip

"Download the Dominican Republic E-Ticket QR code before arriving at the airport. It's mandatory for entry and exit, and the airport Wi-Fi can be unreliable."

Logistics

Airport Transfers

Pre-book your airport transfer! It is cheaper and safer than grabbing a taxi on arrival. Look for authorized transfer companies with clear signage.

Full Guide
Money

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is common. $1-$2 for bartenders, $5 for housekeepers, and 10-15% for off-resort dining. Many resorts include a service charge, but extra is appreciated.

Full Guide
Health

Drinking Water

Never drink tap water. Use bottled water provided by your resort, even for brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach. Ice in major resorts is filtered.

Full Guide
Transport

Getting Around

Local buses (Guaguas) are cheap but can be crowded. Taxis have fixed rates—always confirm the price before getting in. Uber is available but limited.

Full Guide
Safety

Sun Protection

The tropical sun is intense. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days. The breeze can mask how much you are actually burning.

Full Guide
Culture

Local Respect

Dominicans are very friendly. A simple "Buen día" goes a long way. Dress modestly when visiting local churches or towns outside the beach areas.

Full Guide

Go Deeper on the Details

Full Safety Guide

The complete rundown on staying safe in Punta Cana, on and off the resort.

Full Packing Checklist

Everything worth packing for a Punta Cana trip, organized by category.

Book Before You Fly

Two things we would not leave until arrival.

Book Your Airport Transfer

Pre-book a private transfer from Punta Cana International Airport so a driver is waiting with a sign when you clear customs — cheaper and safer than flagging a taxi on arrival.

Reserve a Transfer →

Get Travel Insurance

Medical care off-resort can get expensive without coverage. Compare plans that cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, delays, and lost luggage — it takes about five minutes.

Compare Insurance Plans →

These are affiliate links — booking through them supports our free guides at no extra cost to you.

Good to Know

Travel Questions We Get Asked the Most

Most visitors from the US, Canada, and the EU don't need a visa for stays under 30 days. Instead, you'll complete the mandatory E-Ticket form online before you arrive — it covers customs, immigration, and health declarations in one step.

Have a Tip to Share?

Our guide is built by travelers, for travelers. If you have discovered a hidden gem or a helpful hack, we would love to hear from you.

Submit Your Tip