Punta Cana

Travel Guide

Essential tipping practices and food safety tips for Dominican Republic resorts

Tipping GuideFood SafetyResearch-BackedAll Resorts

Quick Reference Cards

Screenshot these cards for easy offline access during your trip to any Punta Cana resort

Tipping Quick Reference
  • Drinks: $1 per drink
  • Buffet: $1-2 per person
  • À la carte: $5 per person
  • Housekeeping: $3-5 daily
  • Bellhop: $1-2 per bag
  • Budget: $20-30 per person/day
  • Currency: USD preferred
  • Tip daily, not just at end
Water Safety Rules
  • ❌ NEVER drink tap water
  • ❌ Use bottled water for brushing teeth
  • ✅ Resort ice is SAFE (filtered)
  • ✅ Bottled water provided at resorts
  • ✅ Drinks made with filtered water
  • Bring extra bottles to pool/beach
  • Drink 8-10 bottles daily
Food Safety Essentials
  • ✅ Arrive EARLY for buffets
  • ✅ Choose cook-to-order stations
  • ✅ Wash hands before every meal
  • ❌ NO raw fish or sushi
  • ❌ Avoid pre-cut fruits at buffet
  • ❌ Skip mayonnaise-based salads
  • Start probiotics 1 week before
  • Get Zofran + Cipro prescriptions
Before You Travel Checklist
  • Start probiotics (1 week before)
  • Call doctor for prescriptions
  • Pack Pepto Bismol tablets
  • Bring hand sanitizer bottles
  • Pack $20-30/day in $1 and $5 bills
  • Download guide for offline use
  • Pack first aid kit
Tipping Amounts Reference
Recommended tipping amounts for Dominican Republic resorts
ServiceAmountNotes
Drinks (per drink)$1 USDStandard for single drinks
Drinks (2 drinks)$1-2 USDOrdered together
Formal bars$2 USDSpecialty cocktail bars
Bartender (extended stay)$5 USDWhen settling at pool/beach
Buffet breakfast/lunch$1 per personPer meal
Buffet dinner$2 per personPer meal
À la carte dinner$5 per person$5-10 depending on service
Housekeeping$3-5 per dayLeave daily on bed
Bellhop/Porter$1-2 per bag$5 total arrival/departure
Shuttle drivers$2-5Depending on distance
Concierge$5-10For special arrangements
Tour guides$5-10 per personFor excursions
Spa services15-20%Of service cost

Guide compiled from thousands of guest experiences, travel forums (Reddit, TripAdvisor, Facebook), medical sources (CDC, Mayo Clinic), and Dominican tourism resources.

Applicable to all Punta Cana and Dominican Republic resorts • Information current as of February 2026

This guide is for informational purposes only. Consult your healthcare provider before travel.