Punta Cana is easy to travel to, but a few details catch visitors out every week. Here are the answers to the questions we are asked most often, in the order they tend to come up.
Where is Punta Cana?
Punta Cana is on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, the country that shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, in the Caribbean. It is not in Mexico, and it is not a US territory: unlike Puerto Rico, it is an independent country, with its own currency, laws and entry rules.
Do you need a passport?
Yes. Every visitor needs a passport, including US citizens. The US Department of State advises that US passports be valid for six months from arrival. Canadian travellers should check the current rules at travel.gc.ca, where the Government of Canada publishes them. A visa is not needed for a tourist stay of up to 30 days for US and Canadian citizens.
The e-Ticket
Every traveller must complete the e-Ticket, the country's free electronic entry and exit form, at eticket.migracion.gob.do, once for arrival and once for departure. It generates a QR code that airlines and immigration ask for. Our guide on arriving at Punta Cana airport covers it in detail.
Currency and payment
The local currency is the Dominican peso. In the tourist areas, US dollars are widely accepted, and cards are taken in hotels, restaurants and most shops. It is still useful to carry some cash for tips and small purchases. Use cash machines inside banks, malls or hotels rather than on the street.
Tipping
Restaurant bills in the Dominican Republic usually show two additions to the price: an 18% tax, called ITBIS, and a 10% service charge required by law. The service charge is shared among the staff, so an additional tip is customary rather than obligatory. Around 10% in cash, directly to the person who served you, is the usual practice when the service was good. Drivers, boat crews, housekeeping and villa staff are also usually tipped.
Can you drink the tap water?
No. Drink bottled or filtered water, which is what hotels, villas and restaurants serve. Ice in hotels and good restaurants is made from purified water.
Plugs and voltage
The Dominican Republic uses the same plugs as the United States and Canada, types A and B, at 110 volts. Visitors from Europe need an adapter.
Time zone
Punta Cana is on Atlantic Standard Time, four hours behind UTC, and does not change the clocks. It is on the same time as New York in summer, and one hour ahead of it in winter.
Language
Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist services, and a few words of Spanish are always appreciated.
Getting around
Taxis, ride sharing and car rental all work differently here than at home, and the choice matters more than visitors expect. We compare them in our guide on getting around, and the details of our own service are on the page on private transport.
Drinking age and sun
The legal drinking age is 18. The sun is strong all year, close to the equator: high factor sunscreen, a hat and water on every outing are not optional.
