Essential Travel Tips
Don't be a typical tourist. Learn how to move around, what to pay, and how to stay safe. Mastering these basics will save you money and headaches.
Safety First
RD is fun, but requires common sense. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry and always use verified transport apps like Uber.
Currency & Cash
Always carry Dominican Pesos (DOP) for small shops. Dollars are accepted but at a very bad exchange rate.
Local Etiquette
Dominicans are friendly! A simple "Buenos días" (Good morning) opens many doors and gets you better service.
Latest Advice
Sick in Punta Cana? The Honest Guide to Hospitals, Pharmacies & 911 (2025)
Nobody plans to step on a sea urchin or get "Montezuma's Revenge," but it happens. Here is the honest truth about Dominican healthcare: why you must avoid public hospitals, the specific clinics to trust in Punta Cana, and the "WhatsApp Trick" to get medicine delivered to your hotel room.
Shopping in Punta Cana: The Only 5 Souvenirs That Matter (And How to Avoid Fakes)
Please, step away from the plastic fridge magnets. If you want to bring home a piece of the DR, you need to know the difference between real Larimar and blue plastic, and why you should NEVER buy cigars on the beach. Here is my "Local Shopping List" to save you money and embarrassment.
Best Time to Visit Punta Cana: The Truth About Rain, Hurricanes & Cheap Months
Panic-scrolling your iPhone Weather App because it shows "Thunderstorms" for your entire trip? Stop. As a local, I’m here to tell you why apps lie about Caribbean weather, the truth about Hurricane Season, and the secret "Sweet Spot" months where you get perfect sun for half the price.
Dominican Food Guide: 5 Dishes You Must Eat Before You Leave (Beyond the Buffet)
Bored of the "International Buffet" and the mystery meat pasta? It’s time to eat like a real Dominican. From the garlic explosion of Mofongo to the beachside crunch of Yaniqueques, here are the 5 dishes you must try, how to order them in Spanish, and the "Concón" secret that will earn you respect from the locals.
Uber vs. Taxi in Punta Cana: How to Save $20 Per Ride & The "Gate Trick"
Yes, Uber works in Punta Cana, but it comes with a "turf war" between drivers and the local taxi unions. Learn the essential "Walk to the Gate" trick to save 50% on your rides, why you should never call an Uber if you have more than two suitcases, and the one time I always pay full price for a regular taxi.
Internet in Punta Cana: Don't Pay $50 at the Airport! (Local SIM & eSIM Guide)
Thinking about paying $12/day for international roaming? Stop! As a local, I see tourists getting scammed at the airport kiosks every day. Here is my step-by-step guide to getting a local SIM (Claro or Altice) for the price of a beer, or how to use an eSIM to connect the second you land.
Is Punta Cana Safe? A Local’s Honest Guide to "Sanky Pankys" & Avoiding Scams
Is it safe to leave your resort in Punta Cana? What on earth is a "Sanky Panky"? As a local resident, I’m cutting through the fear-mongering news to give you the raw truth about safety, the one scam to watch out for on the beach, and why you should definitely leave the hotel (if you follow my 3 rules).
Tipping in Punta Cana: The Truth About the "10% Law" & Who to Tip in 2025
Confused about tipping in Punta Cana? Forget the generic travel brochures. As a local, I’m breaking down the unwritten rules of the "10% Legal Tip," why European coins are useless here, and the $20 handshake trick that will get you treated like royalty. Read on to travel like an insider, not just a tourist.