📍 Punta Cana

Punta Cana, located on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic, is a tropical paradise known for its stunning white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and luxurious all-inclusive resorts. It’s a favorite destination for relaxation, water sports, and romantic getaways. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, catamaran cruises, zip-lining through lush jungle, or exploring nearby ecological parks like Indigenous Eyes. With its vibrant nightlife, warm hospitality, and scenic beauty, Punta Cana offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.

Travel Document Requirements
🛬 If You're Flying Into the Dominican Republic

Travel Requirements

🛬 If You're Flying Into the Dominican Republic

  • ✅ Passport required for all travelers

  • ⛔ No entry with just a birth certificate + ID

  • 🇺🇸 U.S. citizens can enter visa-free for up to 30 days

  • ✈️ E-Ticket form must be filled out online before arrival and departure.


🔒 Why a passport is still better:

  • If an emergency forces you to fly home from the DR, you must have a valid passport to board a plane.


🌎 Non-U.S. Citizens

  • Check visa requirements for the Dominican Republic based on your nationality.

  • Most cruise passengers are covered under the cruise line’s arrangement, but a valid passport is usually required regardless.

  • Some nationalities may need a tourist card or visa even for short stays—check with your cruise line or consulate.

📝 Travel Document Tip Checklist


Valid Passport

  • Required for Cruise ✅ Recommended 
  • Required for Flying ✅ Yes 

Birth Certificate + ID 

  • Required for Cruise ✅ Accepted (closed-loop cruises) 
  • Required for Flying ⛔ No

Cruise Boarding Pass

  •  Required for Cruise ✅ Yes 
  • Required for Flying ⛔ N/A

E-Ticket Form (DR) 

  • Required for Cruise ⛔ No (by cruise) 
  • Required for Flying ✅ Yes

Visa / Tourist Card

  • Required for Cruise ⛔ Not for U.S. citizens 
  • Required for Flying ⛔ Not needed for stays under 30 days
Fun Fact


Here’s a fun fact about Punta Cana:

🌴 Punta Cana is home to one of the longest coral reefs in the Dominican Republic, stretching over 19 miles along the coast! This makes it a fantastic destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, with vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters.

All About the Money
💱 Currency & Payment


  • Dominican Peso (DOP) is the official currency, but U.S. dollars (USD) are widely accepted throughout the port, excursions, and nearby Puerto Plata 

  • Paying in USD is common and often preferred, but expect change in pesos.

  • Credit cards (Visa/MasterCard/AmEx) are accepted, but some local vendors add the 18% sales tax (ITBIS); using cash may help you avoid that fee 


👜 Tips for Managing Money


  1. Bring plenty of small USD bills ($1, $5, $10, $20) for easy tipping and small purchases 

  2. Use credit card for larger purchases, but be aware of the 18% ITBIS tax—cash may save you money 

  3. Have a bit of DOP on hand if venturing into Puerto Plata or street markets—locals use pesos more frequently there.

  4. Avoid unofficial passport stamps; get stamps on souvenir postcards instead 

💵 Tipping Advice


  1. 💵 Tipping Advice

    • Taxis, carts, excursion guides, rickshaw drivers: Expect to tip $1–5 each 

    • Restaurant staff: Many include a 10% tip in the bill, but additional tipping is appreciated.

    • Housekeeping, comfy carts, excursions: $1–5 per service is customary.

Getting Around

Getting around Punta Cana is relatively easy, especially for travelers staying in resorts or planning excursions. Here are the main options:

🚗 Transportation Options:

  • Resort Shuttles: Most all-inclusive resorts offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport and for nearby excursions.
  • Taxis: Widely available and convenient, though it's best to agree on a fare beforehand as meters are not always used.
  • Private Transfers: Pre-booked private cars or vans are popular for airport transfers and day trips.
  • Rental Cars: Available at the airport and in town, but driving can be challenging due to local road conditions and signage.
  • Excursion Buses: Tour companies often include transportation in their packages for activities like zip-lining, catamaran cruises, or visits to Saona Island.
  • Motoconchos (Motorbike Taxis): Common for short distances, but not recommended for tourists due to safety concerns.
Best Time to Travel

The best time to travel to Punta Cana is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During these months, you’ll enjoy:

  • 🌞 Sunny weather with low humidity
  • 🌴 Warm temperatures averaging 77–86°F (25–30°C)
  • 🌊 Calm seas, perfect for beach days and water activities
  • 🎉 Festive atmosphere, especially around holidays and Carnival season

This is also the peak tourist season, so resorts and flights may be more expensive. If you're looking for fewer crowds and better deals, consider the shoulder months of May or November, when the weather is still pleasant but less busy.


🧳 Travel Advisor Pro Tip: What to Pack

Be sure to bring these essentials:

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunscreen

  • Swimsuit

  • Water shoes (great for excursions or rocky areas)

  • Comfortable walking shoes (ideal for town tours or sightseeing)

  • Backpack or beach bag (for carrying beach or day-trip items)

A little preparation goes a long way—pack smart so you can focus on enjoying your Caribbean getaway!

Are Credit Cards Accepted

Yes, you can use credit cards in Punta Cana, especially in tourist areas, resorts, and larger restaurants and shops. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

💳 Credit Card Usage

  • Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted cards.
  • American Express is accepted at major establishments but less commonly than Visa or Mastercard
  • Discover may work in some places, but it's best to check ahead


💰 Fees & Tips

  • Some businesses may add a surcharge (up to 16%) for credit card payments due to local tax policies
  • Foreign transaction fees from your bank can range from 1% to 3%, so consider using a travel card with no foreign fees 
  • Restaurants often include a 28% charge (18% tax + 10% service fee), so tipping may already be included 


🏧 ATMs & Cash

  • ATMs are available in resorts and towns, but may have low withdrawal limits (2,000–10,000 pesos daily) 
  • Carry some cash (preferably small denominations of Dominican pesos or USD) for:
    • Small purchases
    • Local shops
    • Tipping
    • Remote areas where cards aren’t accepted 


🔐 Safety Tips

  • Use ATMs in secure locations like banks or shopping centers.
  • Shield your PIN and avoid handing your card to anyone out of sight.
  • Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid blocks due to suspected fraud