I made a Dominican Republic travel tips video for 2025 — and after living here another year, I realized I left out some critical things that can create real stress, cost real money, or seriously impact your trip.
So in this updated 2026 guide, I break down the 12 biggest mistakes travelers make when visiting the Dominican Republic — and exactly how to avoid them, based on living here full-time and watching what actually goes wrong for visitors.
This isn’t fear-based.
It’s practical, current, and designed to give you a smooth, stress-free experience from the moment you leave home until you return.
✅ WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS VIDEO
Why travel medical insurance matters specifically in the Dominican Republic
A simple airport mistake that can cause major issues
How to avoid common payment and receipt problems
Where first-time travelers go wrong with car rentals
How to plan around seaweed season in 2026
Why tipping myths actually hurt, not help
How long you can legally stay in the DR (and what really happens if you stay longer)
🔗 IMPORTANT LINKS & RESOURCES
▶ FREE Dominican Republic E-Ticket (Official Site)
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⚠️ Never pay for the DR e-ticket. It is always free.
▶ Travel Medical Insurance (DR-Friendly Options)
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(Or visit my referrals page below)
▶ My Trusted Referrals (Insurance, Attorney, Resources)
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⚠️ DISCLAIMER (PLEASE READ)
This video is for informational and educational purposes only.
I am not providing legal, medical, or immigration advice.
Travel requirements, fees, insurance policies, and regulations can change.
Always verify details with official government sources, airlines, and service providers before traveling.
⏱️ CHAPTERS – 12 MISTAKES (COPY/PASTE)
00:00 – I Was Wrong (Why This 2026 Update Matters)
00:15 – Mistake #1: Traveling Without Medical Insurance
01:22 – Mistake #2: Checking One Bag for Two People
02:23 – Mistake #3: Not Completing the DR E-Ticket
03:40 – Mistake #4: Landing Without Cell Service
04:35 – Mistake #5: Assuming All-Inclusive Is Your Only Option
06:10 – Mistake #6: Renting a Car Without Proper Coverage
08:12 – Mistake #7: Only Visiting Overcrowded, Overdone Spots
10:11 – Mistake #8: Planning Poorly Around Seaweed Season
12:34 – Mistake #9: Paying in USD Instead of Dominican Pesos
13:49 – Mistake #10: Not Asking for a Receipt (“Factura”)
15:18 – Mistake #11: Tipping With the Wrong Mindset
16:28 – Mistake #12: Limiting Yourself to a One-Week Stay
18:15 – Final Thoughts & Next Video to Watch
👋 FINAL NOTE
The Dominican Republic welcomes over 12 million visitors a year, and the overwhelming majority leave with incredible memories.
Most problems don’t come from danger —
they come from not knowing how things actually work.
We will be in Punta Cana in a few weeks. Where are the best places to eat?
What a great information Jamie!
You always come up with one of the best videos for sure👍
You already know, of course, not in this video😂
I really like you contents Jamie 😉 again lots of great tips, totally agree with you. And for those who are coming from Europe like me, the little belgian, you can easily change your Euros to a Carribe Express and the change is always interesting. Tue that 1 week stay is not enought to really enjoy and have the chance to see the beauty and diversity of this jewel that is the Dominican Republic. I'm so in love with this island …
Avoid to pay with credit cards when possible. Many people are getting scammed right now. Happened to my dominican brother in law and lost $8k.
Great tips.#2 is interesting one..
Any realtors you’d recommend?
Yes get off the resort a little. Not sure why your wife is against that, saying wait till the kids are teenagers…wtf
great advice, the other part I would recommend is that if you are going the "all inclusive" route, is to make sure you have private transfer set up. Last thing you wanna do is walk through that shark tank after you get your bags without a ride set up and waiting for you.
There are 2 other towns on the northen part of the island called Nagua and Matancitas wich are beautiful and very safe for tourist, beautiful beaches, actually some of the nicest of the northen coast, for example. playa poza de bojolo, playa los gringos, and others, and the food is amazing, the fish with coconuts and rice with coconuts 😍 there is so much to see in this amazing country.
GREAT TIPS…ESPECIALLY, 5,6,11 AND 12..😅😅😅
Can’t wait to get my arse there and just live .
You should try secrets cap Cana next to the Hyatt’s , best resort you’ll ever visit , 5* diamond .
Love the tipping tip, so many people brag about their tip amounts it’s just cringeworthy
You describe the DR berry good I'm now old doses area and you are correct
Any recommendations for a private driver service that can do a Santo Domingo day trip?
if you new here, have to let you know that background is not a green screem. DR is beautiful.
I ask for the reciebo because I want to learn the prices here.