packing list

Get ready for your trip with this complete packing list for the Dominican Republic. It covers everything you need for flights, resorts, beaches, and day trips, so you can pack smart and stay organized.

You’ll find what to bring and why, from travel documents and money items to clothing, health products, and beach gear. Perfect for the beaches of Punta Cana, the colonial streets of Santo Domingo, or the mountain scenery near Puerto Plata, this list keeps packing simple. Click the links to grab what you still need today and make sure you’re fully prepared before you go.

1. Travel Documents

• Passport

  Check that your passport will not expire soon. It should still be valid for at least six months after you return home. Keep it safe and easy to reach in a quality passport holder that protects it from spills and wear. See a travel-safe passport holder that keeps everything organized.

• Visa

  If you’re visiting from the United States, Canada, Europe, or most Caribbean countries, you don’t need to apply for a visa to enter the Dominican Republic. You can stay up to 30 days without one.
  If you’re unsure or your country requires a visa, check our Dominican Republic Visa Guide.

• Tourist Card

  Everyone entering the Dominican Republic needs a tourist card. For most flights, it’s already included in your ticket, so you don’t have to do anything extra.
  If it’s not, you can easily buy it online or at the airport when you arrive.

• E-Ticket

  Before you fly, fill out the Dominican Republic E-Ticket online. It only takes a few minutes and replaces the old paper form.
  Once done, you’ll get a QR code to show at immigration when you arrive and again when you leave. Doing it ahead of time makes the airport process smoother.
  See our easy E-Ticket steps and official link.

• Travel Insurance

  It’s always a smart idea to have travel insurance. It helps if you need medical care, miss a flight, or lose luggage.
  You can compare options and find what fits your trip on our Travel Insurance for the Dominican Republic page.

• Driver’s License

  Bring your driver’s license if you plan to rent a car or join excursions that require it, such as dune buggies or ATVs.

• Copies and Emergency Contacts

  Keep both paper and digital copies of your passport, insurance, and hotel details together. Save local numbers and one contact back home so you can reach them fast if needed.
  Stay organized with a compact travel document holder

2. Money Essentials

• Cash in USD and Dominican Pesos (DOP)

  Bring a mix of U.S. dollars and Dominican pesos. U.S. dollars are accepted almost everywhere, but pesos are useful for small shops, markets, and tips.
  Learn more about money in the Dominican Republic.

• Small Bills for Tips

  Pack plenty of $1 and $5 bills for quick tips and small purchases. Having exact change makes things easy.
  Check our Tipping in the Dominican Republic blog post for simple advice.

• Credit and Debit Cards

  Major cards like Visa and Mastercard work well in hotels, resorts, and restaurants. Notify your bank before your trip to avoid blocked transactions. ATMs are easy to find but may charge small fees.

• Travel Money Belt

  Keep your cash, cards, and ID safe with a slim hidden belt that fits comfortably under your clothes. See our recommended travel money belt.

3. Health & Safety

• Medications

  Pack enough medicine for your whole trip and keep it in your carry-on. It’s smart to bring what you already trust: Pepto-Bismol tablets, Imodium, pain medicine (like Advil or Tylenol), cream for itching (like calamine), motion sickness pills, cold medicine, and any prescription medicine you need. You can also pack a few probiotics to help your stomach. Some brands may be hard to find or unavailable at local pharmacies.

• First Aid Kit

  A compact kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister pads, tweezers, and a travel thermometer is a smart addition. Shop this lightweight travel first aid kit

• Sunscreen

  Choose a high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the ocean. You’ll need it daily under the Caribbean sun. Get this great reef-safe sunscreen.

• Insect Repellent

  Mosquitoes can be active at night or near water. Bring a skin-safe, DEET-free repellent to keep bites away while exploring. Protect yourself with this effective repellent

• Reusable Water Bottle

  Staying hydrated is key in the heat. A reusable bottle with a built-in filter helps you drink safely anywhere. See filtered travel water bottles

• Electrolyte Tablets

  The sun can drain your energy fast. Add electrolyte tablets to your water to replace minerals after swimming, hiking, or long days out.  See the best electrolyte options

  • Check out our blog: Beat the Heat in the Dominican Republic for easy cooling tips and gear that really helps.

• Hand Sanitizer & Wet Wipes

  Hand sanitizer and wipes come in handy for quick clean-ups anywhere. Read more about hygiene

• Washcloth or Small Towel

  Not all hotels provide face cloths. so bring one if you use it daily.

• Personal Care Items

  Feminine hygiene, skincare, or wellness items may be expensive or unavailable locally; pack what you use regularly.

• Dryer Sheets or DampRid Packs

  Tropical climates can be humid. These help prevent mildew and keep your suitcase fresh.

• Flashlight or Headlamp

  Power outages are rare but possible. A small flashlight or headlamp helps if you’re walking at night or need extra light in your room. Travel with this compact LED flashlight

4. Clothing & Accessories

• Lightweight Clothing

  Pack breathable clothes made from cotton or linen. These fabrics help you stay cool in the heat.

• Swimwear

  Bring at least two swimsuits so you always have a dry one. You'll likely swim every day. Find cute and comfortable swimwear here

• Rash Guard or Swim Shirt

  Protect your skin from the strong Caribbean sun during water activities like snorkeling or surfing. Get a sun-protective swim shirt here

• Comfortable Walking Shoes

  Good walking shoes make exploring so much easier. Choose something lightweight and supportive for exploring cities, waterfalls, or national parks.

• Flip-Flops or Sandals

  You’ll live in these most of the time. Perfect for the pool, beach, or just walking around your resort.

• Sun Hat & Sunglasses

  Protect your eyes and face with a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. They’ll make a huge difference under the Caribbean sun. Get this stylish, packable sun hat.

• Light Rain Jacket

  Sudden tropical showers are common. A light rain jacket is good to have, especially in the rainy season.

• Sarong or Beach Cover-Up

  A sarong or light cover-up is super practical; you can use it as a towel, skirt, or wrap when heading to lunch from the beach. Check out these versatile beach cover-ups.

• Evening Wear

  Some all-inclusive resorts have simple dress codes for dinner, especially in à la carte restaurants.. Men might need long pants and a collared shirt, while women often wear a nice dress or a smart-casual outfit. Check your resort’s policy before packing so you’re ready for every occasion.

• Light Sweater or Hoodie

  Great for airplane rides, cool hotel lobbies, or breezy nights.

5. Beach Essentials

• Quick-Dry Towel

  A regular towel takes up space and stays wet. Quick-dry towels are lightweight, fast-drying, and easy to pack. Grab this travel-friendly towel.

• Snorkel Set

  You don’t have to bring your own, but it’s cleaner and more comfortable than using shared gear. Great for reef snorkeling and island tours like Saona or Catalina. Check out this full-face snorkel mask.

• Dry Bag

  Protect your phone, cash, and valuables during boat rides, beach days, or waterfall trips. A dry bag keeps everything safe and dry.  Buy a waterproof dry bag here

• Beach Bag

  Choose a beach bag with zippered sections or hidden pockets so your things stay organized and protected. It’s one of those items you’ll use every single day. Shop this secure and stylish beach bag

• Water Shoes

  Some beaches have coral, rocks, or uneven ground. Water shoes protect your feet while swimming, hiking, or exploring waterfalls. Get durable, comfortable water shoes here

Discover our Poolside Gadgets for All-inclusive resorts. From floating drink holders to waterproof speakers, these small, affordable items make every pool or beach day easier and more fun.
Browse the list now

6. Flight Comfort

• Eye Mask & Earplugs

  Block out light and noise to get better sleep on planes, in airports, or even in noisy hotels. Buy this travel sleep set for better rest

• Compression Socks

  Ideal for long flights to improve circulation and reduce swelling. Pick up a pair of flight-friendly compression socks

• Neck Pillow

  Keep your head supported and avoid neck pain during flights and transfers. A soft, supportive pillow makes all the difference. Shop this bestselling neck pillow

• Priority Pass
  Upgrade your airport experience with Priority Pass. Enjoy lounges with food, drinks, and quiet seating, perfect for early flights or layovers.

• Airhelp+
  Protect your trip from delays, cancellations, and lost luggage with AirHelp+. It also gives you lounge access when plans don’t go as expected.

See our full post on 10 Gadgets for Travel Comfort to find simple tools that make flying smoother and help you arrive refreshed.

7. Tech Gadgets & Travel Apps

• Universal Adapter

  The Dominican Republic uses 110V outlets like the US, but if you’re coming from Europe or elsewhere, you’ll need an adapter.  Get a universal travel adapter.

• Extension Cord or USB Power Strip

  Many hotel rooms have limited outlets. A small power strip makes it easy to charge multiple devices at once.  Grab a travel-friendly power strip.

• Portable Charger

  Keep your phone or camera charged all day, especially useful on long tours or beach days. Buy a high-capacity power bank here.

• Camera or Smartphone

  Don’t miss a moment. Bring your best device for photos and videos. Dominican beaches, waterfalls, and city views deserve more than a low-battery phone shot. Check out this compact vlogging camera that fits easily in your bag.

• Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

  Add some music to your beach day or hotel balcony. Get this waterproof speaker.

• Noise-canceling Headphones

  Great for flights, transfers, hotel lobbies, and noisy environments. Shop these comfortable headphones.

• Bluetooth Transmitter for Flights

  Allows you to use your wireless headphones with in-flight entertainment systems. Fly smarter with this Bluetooth adapter for flights

• E-Reader or Kindle

  A lightweight alternative to books, perfect for reading by the pool or on the beach. Check out our recommended books for your trip, or grab a Kindle now. Buy here

• Translation App

  Use a translation app with camera mode for quick help reading menus and signs, or to learn a few local Spanish phrases.

• Currency Converter

  Track Dominican pesos easily while shopping or tipping. Try XE Currency

• Uber

  Uber is available in Santo Domingo, Santiago, and parts of Punta Cana. It’s often cheaper and more convenient than local taxis.

• VPN

  Keep your data safe when using public Wi-Fi in airports, cafés, or resorts. Protect your connection with a reliable VPN.

• eSIM (Digital SIM Card)

  Stay connected from the moment you land without hunting for local SIM cards. Set up your eSIM before your flight and enjoy instant data anywhere in the Dominican Republic. Get your prepaid eSIM and stay online across the island.

8. Final Packing Tips

• Pick the Right Suitcase

  Choose a lightweight, durable suitcase with smooth wheels and a sturdy handle. Hard-shell luggage protects your things and keeps everything organized during transfers and flights. If your suitcase feels heavy or worn out, upgrade before your trip and check out this carry-on and checked luggage set

• Leave Some Space

  Don’t pack every inch of your suitcase. Most hotels and resorts offer laundry service, so you can wash what you need and keep your bag lighter. You’ll want room for local treats, coffee, rum, or handmade souvenirs.
  See our Shopping in the Dominican Republic guide to find the best local gifts to bring home.

• Stay Organized

  Packing cubes keep your clothes neat and make unpacking easy. They also help fit more into your carry-on. Get these space-saving packing cubes.

• Know the Customs Rules

  You are allowed to bring the following:

  ✔ Tobacco products – Up to 20 packs of cigarettes, 25 cigars, or 200 grams of tobacco.
  ✔ Alcohol – A total of three (3) liters of wine, beer, rum, whiskey, or liquor.
  ✔ Gifts – Items with a value of up to USD 500 (once every three months).
  ✔ Medicines for personal use – You can bring reasonable quantities for personal use. If you are carrying medications that contain psychotropic substances, you must have a prescription. If you’re bringing more than the allowed amounts, be prepared to declare your items at customs and pay any necessary duties.

• Learn a Few Spanish Phrases

  Learning a few basic Spanish phrases and customs helps you connect and avoid misunderstandings. Explore our Dominican culture and language tips

• Check the Weather

  Look at the forecast before you pack. The DR is warm year-round, but rain can surprise you.  See our weather guide

You’ve packed your bags and checked your list. Now it’s time to plan the best part, what you’ll actually do when you get here. Read the Ultimate Punta Cana Bucket List: Must-see spots and unforgettable experiences you can’t miss.

Find more guides and travel tips:

• First-Timer's Guide to All-Inclusive Resorts in Punta Cana: Get the most out of your stay with insider tips.

• 10 Common Travel Problems (and How to Fix Them): Be prepared for any hiccups along the way.

• How to Prepare Your Kids for the Trip: Make the journey smooth and enjoyable for the whole family.

Explore the Dominican Republic with DR Simplified – Your Viator Travel Shop

Find the best excursions, cultural experiences, and adventure tours across the Dominican Republic. From sunny beaches and waterfalls to charming towns and outdoor activities, our Viator shop makes planning your trip simple and fun. Start enjoying the best of the island.

See tours and book today!