Dominican Republic

Know before you go

• money

  Resorts quote in US dollars but the street runs on pesos; you get noticeably better value paying local prices in pesos, and small notes are essential for colmados and motoconchos.

• transport

  Uber works well in Santo Domingo and Santiago; elsewhere, agree on taxi fares before getting in, and guaguas (shared minibuses) are the dirt-cheap local option.

• safety

  Tourist zones are well-patrolled, but skip the tap water everywhere — drink bottled or filtered, and be wary of late-night walks outside resort and Zona Colonial areas.

• tipping

  Restaurants add a legal 10% service charge, but staff expect an extra 10% in cash on top; tip resort staff and excursion guides in small dollar or peso notes.