Dominican Republic
Chic by Royalton Resort Punta Cana
Punta Cana vacation packages promise extraordinary all-inclusive resorts and glorious beaches surrounded by magnificent soaring palm trees that seemingly reach to the sky! Located on the eastern shore of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is a real Caribbean gem. Imagine frolicking on pearl-white sand beaches, shaded by graceful coconut palms, before clear azure waters and the longest continuous reef in the region.
The majestic coral reef breaks the waves offshore, keeping the Punta Cana beaches pristine and the surf gentle. Stunning Bavaro beach and most of its beachfront hotels are less than 30 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport and approximately 3 hours from the Santo Domingo International Airport (SDQ).
Several popular brand name hotels are represented in Punta Cana and many are situated in large, multi-hotel resort complexes offering guests a myriad of exceptional activities on land and on sea. Punta Cana hotels cater to families, couples, golfers and water sports enthusiasts.
The Dominican Republic was named the 2008 'Golf Destination of the Year for the Caribbean and Latin America' by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).
Travel Tips for Punta Cana
Note: All United States citizens are required to have a valid passport to re-enter the United States.
**All visitors must purchase a USD$10 Dominican Republic Tourist Card upon arrival (cash only).**
Size / Population:
100,000 people live in the 1,100 acre area of Punta Cana (PUJ) on the east coast of the Dominican Republic.
Political Status:
The Dominican Republic is a democratic republic.
Language:
Spanish. Some English is spoken in resorts, but it will be handy to learn some key Spanish phrases.
Currency:
The Dominican Republic Peso. U.S. dollars are widely accepted, and vendors may give you a better deal if you bargain with dollars. There are ATMs, and credit cards are accepted at many retail shops, although you’ll probably get a better deal with cash.
Electricity: 110 volts, same as U.S.
Time Zone:
Atlantic Standard Time (one hour ahead of New York); Daylight Saving Time is not observed.
Communication:
To dial Punta Cana from the U.S direct dial 1 + 809 + the 7-digit local number. When calling the U.S. you can make calls from your hotel; however, this is usually expensive. A more affordable route is using a local call center. Internet service is widely available at most resorts. Check with your cell phone provider for international coverage.
Drinking Water:
Ask at the resort if the water is purified. Even then it's a good idea to stick to boiled water only (ok for tea and coffee) or bottled water. Definitely keep to bottled water outside the resorts.
Transportation:
Taxis are readily available.Visitors can also rent cars or scooters. Drivers must be 21-25 years old (varies by rental company) and must be in possession of a valid U.S. driver’s license and major credit card and must purchase a $12 local license.
Local Customs:
The legal drinking / gambling age is 18. Tipping: generally 15-20% in restaurants; bellmen: $1 per bag; housecleaning staff: $1-$2 per day.
*Data from Vacation Express*
The majestic coral reef breaks the waves offshore, keeping the Punta Cana beaches pristine and the surf gentle. Stunning Bavaro beach and most of its beachfront hotels are less than 30 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport and approximately 3 hours from the Santo Domingo International Airport (SDQ).
Several popular brand name hotels are represented in Punta Cana and many are situated in large, multi-hotel resort complexes offering guests a myriad of exceptional activities on land and on sea. Punta Cana hotels cater to families, couples, golfers and water sports enthusiasts.
The Dominican Republic was named the 2008 'Golf Destination of the Year for the Caribbean and Latin America' by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).
Travel Tips for Punta Cana
Note: All United States citizens are required to have a valid passport to re-enter the United States.
**All visitors must purchase a USD$10 Dominican Republic Tourist Card upon arrival (cash only).**
Size / Population:
100,000 people live in the 1,100 acre area of Punta Cana (PUJ) on the east coast of the Dominican Republic.
Political Status:
The Dominican Republic is a democratic republic.
Language:
Spanish. Some English is spoken in resorts, but it will be handy to learn some key Spanish phrases.
Currency:
The Dominican Republic Peso. U.S. dollars are widely accepted, and vendors may give you a better deal if you bargain with dollars. There are ATMs, and credit cards are accepted at many retail shops, although you’ll probably get a better deal with cash.
Electricity: 110 volts, same as U.S.
Time Zone:
Atlantic Standard Time (one hour ahead of New York); Daylight Saving Time is not observed.
Communication:
To dial Punta Cana from the U.S direct dial 1 + 809 + the 7-digit local number. When calling the U.S. you can make calls from your hotel; however, this is usually expensive. A more affordable route is using a local call center. Internet service is widely available at most resorts. Check with your cell phone provider for international coverage.
Drinking Water:
Ask at the resort if the water is purified. Even then it's a good idea to stick to boiled water only (ok for tea and coffee) or bottled water. Definitely keep to bottled water outside the resorts.
Transportation:
Taxis are readily available.Visitors can also rent cars or scooters. Drivers must be 21-25 years old (varies by rental company) and must be in possession of a valid U.S. driver’s license and major credit card and must purchase a $12 local license.
Local Customs:
The legal drinking / gambling age is 18. Tipping: generally 15-20% in restaurants; bellmen: $1 per bag; housecleaning staff: $1-$2 per day.
*Data from Vacation Express*
Resorts in Dominican Republic
- Natura Park Eco Beach Resort & SPA
- Iberostar Dominicana
- Riu Bambu
- Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe
- Barcelo Dominican Beach
- Bavaro Princess All Suites Resort Spa & Casino
- Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa
- Caribe Club Princess Beach Resort & Spa
- Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana
- Dreams Punta Cana Resort and Spa
- Excellence Punta Cana
- Grand Palladium Bávaro Resort & Spa
- Grand Palladium Palace Resort & Spa
- Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
- Iberostar Bavaro
- Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro
- IFA Villas Bavaro Resort & Spa
- Majestic Colonial Punta Cana
- Majestic Elegance Punta Cana
- Melia Caribe Tropical
- Memories Splash
- Now Larimar Punta Cana
- Paradisus Palma Real
- Paradisus Punta Cana
- Punta Cana Princess All Suites Resort
- Riu Naiboa
- Riu Palace Bavaro
- Riu Palace Macao
- Riu Palace Punta Cana
- Royal Suites Turquesa by Palladium
- Royalton Punta Cana
- Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana
- Tropical Princess Beach Resort & Spa
- Vista Sol Punta Cana
- Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana
- Be Live Canoa
- Casa de Campo
- Dreams La Romana Resort & Spa
- Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus Hotel
- Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach
- Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace