Punta Canta

1. Dominican time and timezone is GMT-4.

Punta Cana timezone is GMT-4. We also should pay a special attention to a very interesting fact. Perhaps this is due to the close proximity of the Bermuda Triangle, but time here works quite differently than we are accustomed to! If you hate waiting and if you used to plan your day in minutes, then in the Dominican Republic you will have to forget about it!

The favorite word for Dominicans is mañana (Spanish tomorrow). Very often Dominicans promise a solution to some question but they will decide it tomorrow. Being late for 15-30 or even 60 minutes is normal and is not considered critical. It is just the way things go on an island.

 

2. Best time to visit is from December to February.

It is supposed that the months from December to February are the best time to visit Punta Cana. Moreover, in February you can watch whales in Samana Peninsula and Carnival celebrations. The resorts are the most crowded these months. If visiting Punta Cana at this period, we recommend you to make your booking well in advance.

But actually, the weather in is great all year round here. Book a hotel or a comfortable apartment in Punta Cana set right on the beach. Enjoy the warm tropical weather and picturesque landscapes.

 

3. The national currency is the Dominican peso.

The Dominican peso is national currency of the Dominican Republic. US dollars are also accepted, but it is better to change some dollars into pesos. Thus you will have the change. But be aware! The rate is not very profitable at the airport. That’s why we recommend change your money in banks.

 

4. The tourist area has its own rules.

Dominicans are very hospitable and kind people. Despite the luxurious beaches and first-class service, the Dominican Republic is a country with a high poverty level. Thus, do not forget that the tourist area has its own rules. So, if you go outside the hotel or your apartment in Punta Cana, remember the basic rules of tourism security:

• Carefully cross the road.

• Do not wear bright and expensive bags and jewelry.

• Try not to use your mobile phone on the street.

• Do not go with money in your hands. Do not count your money on the street.

 

5. You can not drink the tap water.

This is one of the most important tips for travelling to Punta Cana. You can not drink the tap water in the Dominican Republic, because it is not good and you will get sick. Even local Dominicans do not drink the tap water. Mostly hotels have a bottle of drinking water prepared for its guests. In our apartments in Punta Cana you will find a water dispenser. If you need water you just find a local colmado (a corner store) and order a big jug. You also can buy drinking water in bottle in supermarkets, that are within walking distance of our apartments.

 

6. Be careful with the sun.

The climate of Dominican Republic is tropical. The weather in Punta Cana is hot and humid all year round. The temperature is about 27-30°C (80-86°F) the whole year. Be careful with the sun. The Dominican sun is so good that you can roast in the sun without noticing it.

Do not forget to apply sunscreen with high protection every 2 hours no matter where you are. Spend the first days in the shade. We guarantee that even in the shade you will get tanned. The recommended time for tanning is until 11 am and after 4 pm. Note these tips for travelling to Punta Cana.

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7. Write down Emergency and Embassy numbers.

We strongly suggest you remember or write down the emergency number in the Dominican Republic. It is 911. Also you can note the address of your country’s embassy. If you have the EU citizenship, you can contact any EU country’s embassy for assistance. Below you will find sites of some embassies in the Dominican Republic.

• US embassy​

 

We hope you will take note of our tips for travelling to Punta Cana. Relax and enjoy this brilliant place! See you in the Dominican Republic!

Updated on: 2023-10-30. Author: Konstantin Ro