Accommodations

Choosing the best place to stay in the Dominican Republic depends on your preferences:

• Punta Cana is popular among beach lovers. It has chic resorts, snow-white beaches and a wide range of villas and apartments.
• Cap Cana is an elite area with luxury residences, golf courses and private beaches.
• La Romana (Casa de Campo) is an ideal place for lovers of peace and luxury. Known for its villas and golf resorts.
• Santo Domingo is for those who want to combine a beach holiday with exploring culture and history.
• Puerto Plata is good for budget holidays, as well as for lovers of active tourism, such as windsurfing.

Each region has its own unique atmosphere, so choose a place depending on your goals and budget.

Accommodation in the Dominican Republic is diverse and affordable for all budgets.

• Luxury villas and apartments offer private pools, modern design and a high level of service.
• Hotels and resorts have a wide range of options from budget to premium, often with an all-inclusive concept.
• Guesthouses and hostels are budget options for solo travelers or those on a budget.
• Apartment rentals are a popular option for long-term stays or family vacations.

Most accommodations come with all the necessary amenities, such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a kitchen or even access to a pool.

If you plan to stay in the Dominican Republic for more than 30 days, you need to take care of legally extending your stay:

• Contact the country’s migration service (Dirección General de Migración). You can extend your stay permit for another 60 days.
• If you stay longer than the authorized period without extending your visa, you will have to pay a fine upon departure. The amount of the fine depends on the length of your stay.
• If you plan to stay for a long time, contact the Dominican Republic consulate to apply for a resident visa.

The cost of renting an apartment in the Dominican Republic depends on the type of accommodation, its location, and the duration of the rental.

Average prices for accommodation rentals in the DR

Most tourists choose the following popular destinations:

• Punta Cana – a leading tourist center with numerous resorts and villas near the beaches.
• Bávaro Beach – known for its all-inclusive hotels and a wide range of entertainment.
• La Romana (Casa de Campo) – attracts lovers of luxury vacations and golf.
• Puerto Plata – a paradise for active vacationers and budget travelers.
• Santo Domingo (capital) – a popular destination for cultural tourism and excursions.

Tourists most often choose resort areas with developed infrastructure and direct access to the beaches.

Choosing between La Romana and Punta Cana depends on your personal preferences:

• Punta Cana is the perfect destination for a beach holiday, family vacation or honeymoon. It has many resorts, entertainment and activities such as diving, snorkeling and nightlife.
• La Romana is a more peaceful and exclusive option. This place is known for its luxury villas, golf courses and proximity to cultural sites such as Altos de Chavón.

If you want a full-fledged vacation with plenty of entertainment, choose Punta Cana. For those looking for peace and luxury, La Romana will be the best option.

The low cost of condos in Punta Cana is explained by several factors:

• Supply exceeds demand. In recent years, many new residential complexes have been built here, which has created great competition in the real estate market.
• Investment attractiveness. Punta Cana actively attracts foreign investors who buy real estate for short-term rentals, which reduces overall prices.
• Economic factors. The Dominican Republic offers a lower cost of living compared to other resort countries, which also affects pricing.

Despite the affordability, many apartments offer a high level of comfort and modern amenities.

The Dominican Republic is generally considered a safe place to live, especially in the tourist and upscale areas. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Areas like Punta Cana, Cap Cana, and Casa de Campo have well-developed infrastructure and security.
• General safety tips are avoiding walking around in unfamiliar areas at night, keeping valuables in a safe place, and using licensed taxis or shuttles.
• Hurricane season runs from June to November, so it’s worth considering this factor if you’re planning a long-term stay.

The Dominican Republic is known for its unique features that attract tourists from all over the world:

1. Some of the most beautiful in the world with white sand and turquoise waters.
2. National parks, waterfalls, coral reefs.
3. Merengue and bachata dancing, local cuisine and the hospitality of the inhabitants.
4. Santo Domingo is the oldest European settlement in the New World.
5. Diving, surfing, golf, as well as excursions to historical sites.

When planning a trip to the Dominican Republic, it is important to know what not to bring with you:

• Drugs or narcotic substances.
• Weapons or weapons without the appropriate permits.
• Clothing made of thick fabric. Due to the heat and high humidity, it is important to have a light and breathable wardrobe.
• Excess cash. It is better to use cards or have a minimum amount of cash.
• Some products may be prohibited from import due to quarantine regulations.
• The high cost of jewelry can attract unwanted attention.

Travel light, taking only the necessary things that will make your trip comfortable and carefree.

The cheapest places to stay in the Dominican Republic are usually located away from the popular tourist areas. Here are some affordable areas:

• Santiago is a large city with affordable apartment rentals and lower living costs than in the tourist areas.
• Barahona is a city in the south with low housing prices and less developed tourist infrastructure.
• Puerto Plata (some parts) is although a tourist area, housing is cheaper here than in Punta Cana or Cap Cana.
• Small towns and villages offer very affordable housing, but infrastructure can be limited.

For a comfortable life in the Dominican Republic, the budget depends on your lifestyle and where you live.

Average pricing for basic categories in the DR

To “live well,” a rough budget would be around $1,000–$1,500 per month for one person.

The safest cities to visit in the Dominican Republic:

• Punta Cana belong to the most popular resort with a high level of safety and security.
• Cap Cana is considered an elite area with gated communities and excellent conditions for tourists.
• La Romana is a well-known and rich cultural region with a low crime rate.
• Samana is popular as a natural paradise with a calm atmosphere and fewer tourists.

All of these cities have a developed infrastructure and are suitable for a safe vacation.

The traditional cuisine of the Dominican Republic is rich in flavors and based on local ingredients. Main dishes include:

• La Bandera – the national dish, consisting of rice, beans, stewed meat and fried plantain.
• Mangu – a mashed green plantain, usually served for breakfast with cheese, eggs and salami.
• Sancocho – a thick soup made with several types of meat, root vegetables and spices.
• Tostones – fried green plantains.
• Desserts – Flan, dulce de leche and tres leches.

The Dominican cuisine combines Spanish, African and local traditions, creating unique flavors.

Each side of the Dominican Republic has its own unique characteristics:

• East (Punta Cana) has stunning beaches and world-famous resorts.
• North (Puerto Plata, Samana) has magnificent views, waterfalls and peaceful beaches.
• South (La Romana, Santo Domingo) is a combination of history, culture and picturesque nature.
• West (Baraona) is less popular with tourists, but with unique landscapes and eco-friendly resorts.

The “best” side depends on your preferences: for a beach holiday, choose the east, for an authentic experience – the south or west.