North Coast, Dominican Republic
Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen are ideal due to high humidity and warm temperatures. These materials dry quickly, keeping you comfortable. For daytime, pack shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, and Swimwear. You will spend much time near the water. Evenings might need a light long-sleeved shirt or a Light jacket, especially in winter or for air-conditioned indoor spaces. A lightweight Rain jacket or a Travel umbrella is wise for the rainy season, as showers can be sudden and heavy. Quick-drying fabrics are good for watersports and outdoor adventures.
Cabarete operates as a beach town, so casual dress is fine. Outside beach areas, cover swimwear. For visits to churches or more formal settings in nearby towns, longer shorts or pants for men and skirts or dresses below the knee or pants for women are fitting. Shoulders should also be covered in these settings.
Keep important documents organized and secure.
Passport and visa documentation, or your E-Ticket QR code. Travel insurance policy information, with both physical and digital copies. An International Driving Permit if you plan to rent a car and your home license is not universally recognized. Vaccination records and health documentation, like a Yellow Fever card (not typically checked otherwise). Printed and digital copies of your flight, hotel, and tour reservations. Emergency contact information for family or friends and your local embassy. Copies of credit or debit cards, front and back, kept separate from your wallet. Student, senior, or press IDs for discounts (less common in Cabarete). A Travel document organizer for easy access and security.
110V/60Hz, Type A/B plugs. No adapter needed for North American devices.
No adapter needed.
A Universal travel adapter for other regions.
Most modern smartphones work.
Local SIM cards from Claro or Altice are readily available with data plans. Airalo for eSIMs.
Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing.
Capture moments worry-free.
A Waterproof camera or Waterproof phone pouch is highly recommended for beach and water activities. B&H Photo for gear.
Portable chargers and power banks, especially high-capacity Power banks, are useful for keeping devices charged during excursions or power outages.
Download offline maps and language packs before you go to save data. For Navigation, use Google Maps. Download offline maps for areas you plan to visit. For Translation, use Google Translate, download the Spanish offline pack. For Communication, WhatsApp is widely used for local communication. Ride-sharing like Uber is limited for daily rides in Cabarete, though an Uber for airport transfers from POP might be found.
Use cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox for photos and documents. This keeps your memories and important files secure.
Voltage is 110V/60Hz, same as US/Canada. Uses Type A and B plugs. A Power adapter may be needed for non-North American devices.
Most modern smartphones are compatible. Local SIM cards offer good connectivity.
A Waterproof camera or Waterproof phone pouch for beach and water activities.
Portable chargers and power banks keep devices charged on the go.
Cloud storage for photos and documents.
A well-stocked Personal first aid kit is a travel companion.
Your first aid kit should include:
Carry prescription medications in their original containers. Include a doctor's note. Pack cold and flu remedies, and motion sickness pills. These aid with common ailments.
These items add to your comfort and security.
This section details air travel, land routes, and departure information for a smooth journey.
Most international visitors arrive by air. Knowing the airports and transfer options simplifies your travel. Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) in Puerto Plata is the closest, about 20-30 minutes from Cabarete. Cibao International Airport (STI) in Santiago is 1.5-2 hours away, with more domestic connections. Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo is 3-4 hours away, the largest airport with the most international connections, but requires a longer transfer.
POP sees major North American carriers like American Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Air Canada, with routes from New York, Miami, Toronto, and Montreal. STI is served by JetBlue, American Airlines, and Spirit Airlines, mainly from cities like New York, Boston, and Fort Lauderdale. Flight prices peak during high season (mid-December to April) and holidays; they are lower during shoulder and low seasons, though direct flight frequency might lessen.
Find good flight deals. Services like Dollar Flight Club for alerts, and Skyscanner for comparisons.
Good for finding cost-effective flights.
Prices fluctuate; booking ahead is wise during peak season.
No passenger train services. Long-distance buses like Caribe Tours and Metro Tours offer comfortable travel between major cities. Book tickets in advance for popular routes. Self-driving requires a valid driver's license (International Driving Permit advised) and a credit card. Road conditions on main highways are decent; secondary roads can be poor. Aggressive driving is common, with motorcycles weaving through traffic. Night driving is hazardous. Comprehensive car rental insurance is advisable via DiscoverCars.com. Border crossing and sea/river arrivals are not primary for Cabarete.
Bus travel offers a comfortable intercity option.
Prepare for a smooth departure. The Dominican Republic no longer charges a separate exit tax; this fee is typically included in your airline ticket price. Arrive at POP at least 2-3 hours before your international flight. Have your passport and completed E-Ticket QR code ready for check-in and immigration. Security screening is standard. POP Airport has duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, currency exchange, and lounges.
No separate exit tax now.
Arrive 2-3 hours before your international flight.
| Item | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Ready for check-in and immigration. | Validity for 6 months beyond travel dates. |
| E-Ticket QR code | Printed or accessible on phone. | Required for both entry and exit. |
| Airport Arrival | Arrive 2-3 hours before international flight. | Plenty of time for check-in and security. |
