What budget for activities and outings Dominican Republic?

Unfortunately, there are no cultural passes for Dominican museums and cultural sites, not even in Santo Domingo. However, some local agencies offer tours combining visits to several sites.

Sporting opportunities abound in the Dominican Republic. From deep-sea fishing to scuba diving (coral reefs, wrecks and caves), from rock-climbing to potholing, not forgetting mountain trekking (in particular to Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Caribbean), not forgetting surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing of course, Cabarete being one of the best spots in the world for this last discipline. Depending on the activity chosen, prices vary: US$10/15 for a surf/kitesurf rental, US$45/50 for a diving trip, US$150/200 for deep-sea fishing... As for hiking, it all depends on the length of the trip and the logistics involved.

The good deals are rarely made in the tourist poles in Dominican Republic. To obtain good prices, in terms of craft industry in particular, the best is still to go in the villages of the country. For cigars, the best is to go directly in the factories, and for all that touches the food, the ordinary supermarkets remain very good places of shopping.

Today, more than discos, the fashion is for trendy bars that are sold out until late at night: Jalao, in Colon Square (Santo Domingo), is a very good example. As far as the budget is concerned, the majority of dance bars are free. When a band is playing live, a ticket worth a few hundred pesos may be required. To enter the discotheques, you may be asked to pay up to 1,500 pesos, depending on the night.

What budget to eat Dominican Republic?

Santo Domingo. Santo Domingo is home to all types of cuisine: apart from national dishes, the most popular are Mediterranean, Spanish, French and Italian, all of which work very well with local products. From elegant tables to neighborhood gargotes, from international buffets in luxury hotels to world cuisine, from home cooking to "new wave" creations, there's a menu to suit every appetite. Chinatown (north of Rue Duarte) overflows with inexpensive restaurants and is also popular for lunch. The restaurants in the north and south-west zones, far from the main tourist attractions, are frequented by business people and Dominicans alike. Restaurants in the colonial zone are lively both day and night. La Atarazana is a string of pleasant restaurants. The terraces, overlooking Plaza España and the Alcazar de Colón, are particularly pleasant in the evening.

The site to know. The www.menu.com.do website lists an incredible number of restaurants, in the capital but also in the country's other cities, according to your wishes: sea view, open 24 hours a day, parking, brunch special, etc., with a very easy-to-use interface. It presents menus for all the restaurants and offers a takeaway and delivery service. A wealth of information on where to eat!

In the capital's cafeterias, the price of a breakfast is around $200/250, while a cocktail is generally $250/300. You can usually get by for less when you go to more typical addresses. As for Santo Domingo, it is particularly nice to have a drink in the evening in the colonial zone. Not only is it far from the frenzy of the Malecón, but the monuments are wonderfully highlighted by a clever play of lighting. Opposite the Alcazar, Plaza de España, all the bars of the Atarazana are pleasant. The Condé also has welcoming terraces.

What is the budget for accommodation Dominican Republic?

Hotels. In the Dominican Republic, travelers can choose between two hotels, depending on their location, and this also applies to price. But generally speaking, the country, which has understood its tourist interests, has a well-developed hotel infrastructure where all ranges of hotels are represented. There is an endless succession of hotels in all tourist areas, from the most modest to the most luxurious, from charming hotels to all-inclusive packages with thousands of rooms. Although sometimes of rudimentary comfort, local hotels in small towns are generally clean. Prices vary according to the season, and can be negotiated during less popular periods. In high season, it's wise to book your hotel well in advance, especially during Holy Week and New Year's Eve.

Bed & breakfast. Bed & breakfasts are beginning to appear, particularly in Jarabacoa and as far as Las Galeras, where many French people have invested. For the rest of the country, you can negotiate with the locals directly to sleep "Dominican-style" and share a little of the Dominican way of life.

Youth hostels. There are no certified youth hostels, but backpackers are mentioned in this guide, in Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Jarabacoa and Las Terrenas, for example.

Campsites. Camping is gradually developing, particularly on the Samaná peninsula. Wild camping is possible (but not necessarily safe), particularly along beaches and in the mountains, but the usual precautions should be taken.

Good deals. There are two ways of renting a villa in the Dominican Republic: either through an agency or a private individual in your home country (there are plenty of ads in France and Spain), or through a local agency. There aren't many very serious and unsurprising ones, despite the numerous local adverts, especially in the north. Be careful about the contract and the services you sign. Renting a villa is an excellent option for longer periods in the country.

Travel budget Dominican Republic and cost of living

Beware, the Dominican Republic is not a cheap country, contrary to the expectations of visitors who are often surprised by the prices compared to the all-inclusive all-inclusive prices. Products and services for tourists, from hotels to restaurants to stores, are priced almost on a par with French prices in all tourist areas. In the case of restaurants, for example, only the country comedores do not include the de rigueur taxes (which reach 28%) and therefore offer more reasonable prices. Many products and materials are imported, and even local products are subject to constant inflation, which penalizes consumption.

In recent years, the cost of living in the Dominican Republic has risen significantly. Budget accommodation with basic comforts can be had for 800 to 1,000 pesos, and food for 300 pesos, but only in the less touristy parts of the country. For a decent level of comfort in tourist areas, you'll need to reckon with a minimum of 1,500 pesos a room, and even then only in low season.

Hotels. In low season (May, June, October, November), hotel rates are around 25% lower, and it's possible to negotiate prices. Similarly, for longer stays (a week or more), hoteliers offer lower rates.

A good meal by local standards costs 500 pesos on average, and much more in restaurants in tourist areas and/or specializing in foreign dishes. Good restaurants in the capital or in seaside resorts charge prices similar to those of French restaurants.

Public transport remains fairly inexpensive, costing an average of 450 pesos for a 3 to 4-hour journey in a fast, comfortable, air-conditioned bus. The popular guaguas are about half the price, but the journey takes twice as long in much more precarious conditions of comfort.

Entrance fees to museums are very affordable, while excursions and attractions for tourists are very expensive: a day's excursion (including meals, transport and activities) costs an average of US$80. It's often cheaper to contact the organizers directly than to go through the hotel representative, who usually charges a commission.

As for gasoline , its price fluctuates according to oil prices. In October 2023, the average price per liter was €1.21.