Practical Guide for Your Stay in the Dominican Republic

A little preparation goes a long way in the Dominican Republic. This guide covers the everyday questions our guests ask before and during their stay in Sosúa: money, tipping, phones, power, water, language, safety, driving and healthcare. Details change, so treat specific figures as approximate for 2026 and check with us if you are unsure about anything.

Currency: pesos, dollars and cards

The official currency is the Dominican peso (DOP, written RD$). Through 2026 the exchange rate has hovered around RD$58 to 60 to the US dollar; check a live rate before you travel. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, including Sosúa and Cabarete, but merchants set their own rates and you will typically lose several percent compared with paying in pesos. Euros and Canadian dollars are less useful for day-to-day payments.

Bank ATMs (Banreservas, Banco Popular, BHD and others) are found throughout Sosúa, Cabarete and Puerto Plata. Per-transaction limits are commonly RD$10,000 to 20,000, and local banks add a fee of roughly RD$250 (about US$4) on top of whatever your home bank charges, so it is more economical to make fewer, larger withdrawals. Use ATMs inside banks or supermarkets during daylight when possible. Credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard above all) are accepted at supermarkets, larger restaurants, pharmacies and tour operators, but small restaurants, beach vendors, colmados and taxis are cash-only. A sensible approach is to carry a modest amount of pesos each day and keep a card for larger purchases.

Tipping and the bill

Dominican law adds a 10% service charge (propina legal) to restaurant and bar bills, and the 18% ITBIS sales tax is also added, so a menu price can end up 28% higher on the final bill unless the menu says prices are inclusive. The 10% is shared among staff; an extra 5 to 10% in cash for good service is common but entirely optional. Elsewhere, small tips are appreciated: a few dollars or RD$100 to 200 for housekeeping per day, tour guides, drivers and porters, and rounding up taxi fares.

Phones and mobile data

The two main networks are Claro, which has the widest coverage and fastest speeds, and Altice; both offer good 4G/LTE along the north coast. A prepaid SIM must be bought in person with your passport at a carrier shop (there are Claro and Altice stores in Sosúa, Cabarete and Puerto Plata), and your phone must be unlocked. As of 2026, prepaid data is inexpensive: a few dollars buys several gigabytes, and tourist packages with around 15 GB cost roughly US$10. If your phone supports eSIM, international eSIM providers offer plans you can activate before you land; they cost more but save a shop visit. Most villas, apartments, cafés and restaurants have Wi-Fi.

Electricity

The Dominican Republic uses 110 to 120 volts at 60 Hz with North American Type A and Type B outlets, exactly like the United States and Canada. European and UK visitors need a plug adapter, and for hair dryers and other high-wattage appliances, a device that supports 110 V. Power cuts do happen on the island, so keep devices charged when you can.

Drinking water

Do not drink tap water. Use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth; large bottles (botellones) are sold in every supermarket and colmado, and ice in restaurants and bars is made from purified water.

Language

Spanish is the official language. In Sosúa and Cabarete, English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, shops and tour offices, and you will also hear German, French and Italian thanks to the international community. A few Spanish phrases go a long way with locals and are always warmly received.

Safety basics

The Dominican Republic is a popular and generally welcoming destination; most problems visitors encounter are opportunistic theft rather than anything more serious. The usual precautions apply: do not display expensive jewellery, cameras or phones on the street, avoid walking alone late at night in unlit areas, use the safe in your accommodation, keep beach belongings in sight, and use taxis or drivers you have booked rather than accepting rides from strangers. The tourist police (POLITUR) patrol resort areas.

Emergencies: dial 911

The nationwide emergency number for police, ambulance and fire is 911, and it works across the north coast. Operators generally speak Spanish; some speak English, so if possible have a Spanish speaker with you or contact us and we will help.

Driving

Traffic drives on the right, as in North America, and road signs are in Spanish with distances in kilometres. A valid foreign licence is accepted for tourist stays. Driving here demands attention: motorcycles weave through traffic, lanes are informal and enforcement is inconsistent, and the country has one of the highest road-death rates in the world. Drive defensively, avoid night driving on unfamiliar roads, wear seat belts, never drink and drive, and be aware that drivers involved in accidents can be detained while the matter is investigated. Many guests prefer taxis or a private driver for longer trips and rent a car only for local use.

Healthcare

Private clinics in Puerto Plata (Centro Médico Bournigal, Clínica Gregorio Hernández and Clínica Brugal are the best known), plus smaller clinics in Sosúa and Cabarete, provide good care for most needs, and pharmacies are plentiful and often deliver. Private facilities generally require payment up front and do not bill foreign insurers directly, so travel insurance that covers medical treatment and evacuation is strongly recommended. Bring any prescription medication in its original packaging, plus sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

If you have any question we have not answered here, contact InStyle Residences; we are happy to help you plan a comfortable, well-prepared stay in Sosúa.

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Staying in Sosúa?

Our team is here every day if a practical question comes up during your stay. Our own residences in Sosúa: studios and apartments at Rizz Suites in the town centre, private-pool Casa Linda villas five minutes from the beach, and oceanfront apartments at Infiniti Blu. Book direct with our local team or send us a message — we reply personally, usually within a few hours.