Packing for the Dominican Republic might seem simple at first—swimsuit, shorts, sunscreen, done. But after living here for over a year, I’ve realized there are plenty of little things that can make your trip much more comfortable, especially if you’re venturing beyond the typical tourist trail.
Coming from the U.S., there were so many things I didn’t even think to bring that I later wished I had. The items on this list are what I’ve learned through experience—things I wish I had known before arriving in the Dominican Republic.
While most travelers head straight to Punta Cana or Santo Domingo, I hope my blog opens your eyes to some lesser-known gems like Bayahibe, Las Galeras, or the cool mountain town of Constanza. Whether you’re relaxing on a resort beach or exploring rural “campo” communities where power outages are common and AC is rare, this list will help you prepare for all sides of the DR.
🧳 Essentials (Don’t Leave Home Without These)
These are the non-negotiables. You won’t get very far without them.
- Passport – Obviously. But you’d be surprised how many people wait until the night before their flight to dig through drawers, only to find it expired or is nowhere to be found.
- Backup ID – Carry a second ID like a driver’s license so you won’t have to bring your passport around with you when walking around town. You need your passport to fly home, so you won’t want to take any chances on losing it.
- Cash – Bring enough cash for your arrival from the airport to where you’ll be staying. Then use ATMs once in the DR for the best exchange rates. While traveling, try to carry small bills for guaguas and other small purchases.
- Important Travel Tip:
When using international ATMs, you’ll often be asked, “Do you accept the conversion?” Always say no. It may seem counterintuitive, but this avoids hidden bank fees and gives you the real exchange rate. The bank’s conversion includes a markup fee that you don’t have to pay.
- Important Travel Tip:
- Reusable water bottle – Tap water isn’t drinkable, and free water at restaurants is not a thing here. And although plastic bottles are relatively cheap at colmados and grocery stores (about 30-50 USD cents), you may want to fill up using the botellon in your hotel before you go.
- Phone charger & Portable battery – Electricity blackouts happen, albeit rarely in tourist cities. Still, when traveling it’s always a good idea to have a portable charger in case you end up staying out later than expected.
👗 What to Wear in the DR
Whie local Dominicans often dress modestly — think jeans and longer sleeves —tourists can absolutely wear lighter, more breathable outfits to beat the heat and humidity.
- Lightweight, breathable clothes – Loose tanks, shorts, flowy dresses.
- Swimsuits – Whether swimming in the pool, ocean, river, or waterfall, you’ll want to pack at least a couple.
- Good walking shoes – For excursions, hikes, or city strolling. There’s a lot to see and you’ll probably want to explore.
- Flip-flops/sandals – For casual beach strolls or home use.
- Hat or cap – A must-have for sun protection.
- Underwear – TMI, but 2+ pairs per day is smart in this climate.
🧴 Toiletries & Personal Care
The heat and humidity will test your freshness. While hotels are usually pretty reliable, you’ll find that sometimes hostels and Airbnb’s don’t provide basic toiletries. Come prepared to feel clean, smell good, and stay comfortable.
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Body wash or bar soap
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush + hair ties + products
- Perfume or body spray
- Menstrual products – If you have a preferred brand, bring enough for your trip. Options here or more limited.
🧯 Health & Safety Must-Haves
It’s tropical, so bugs and rashes can happen. These items are your mini first aid kit for anything itchy, scratchy, or sticky.
- Bug repellent (natural if you prefer) – There are an ungodly amount of mosquitoes here.
- Itch cream or allergy medicine – Especially if you’re sensitive to bites.
- Sunscreen – Preferably reef-safe for beach days.
- Sunglasses – The UV index is intense.
- Hand sanitizer – For on-the-go as some bathrooms don’t have soap.
- Portable baby wipes – Super handy for long guagua rides, hikes, or when there’s no running water.
- Toilet paper or tissues – On that same note, public restrooms don’t always have it.
- Electrolyte tablets or powder packs – You’ll sweat more than you think, and you want to stay hydrated especially if planning on drinking alcohol.
☔ Rain + Humidity Essentials
Even in the dry season, passing showers happen.
- Travel umbrella – Doubles as shade from the sun.
- Light rain jacket – Great for mountain trips too.
- Quick-dry towel – Useful for beach, rain, or hostel stays.
- Waterproof phone pouch – For beach, rain, or waterfall adventures.
- Ziplock and bigger plastic bags – Protect electronics or store wet clothes.
🎒 Useful Extras That Make Life Easier
These aren’t essentials, but they are helpful items.
- Day bag or backpack – Carry snacks, sunscreen, or cash on day trips
- Tip: In busy areas of populated cities (ex. metro of Santo Domingo) it’s common to wear your backpack on your stomach to avoid pickpockets
- Travel umbrella – I use mine more as shade from the sun — which is very intense during the summer— than the rain.
- Money belt / fanny pack – For added security that’s sleek to your body.
- Fan (manual or electric) – Because yes, it’s that hot.
- Earbuds/ Headphones – For catching the perfect vibe during a long guagua ride or while lounging on the beach.
- Earplugs – Helpful if staying near colmados (which play very loud music at night).
- Spanish translator app – Helpful in non-touristy areas that don’t speak much english.
📚 Just for Fun
Because sometimes you just want to relax and enjoy.
- Kindle or book – Especially nice for beach days or long guagua rides.
- Coloring book + pens – Surprisingly calming.
- Deck of cards – Easy group fun.
- Volleyball or beach game – One of the most popular sports in the country.
- Waterproof camera or GoPro – Capture those beautiful moments and adventures.
FAQ: What to Pack for the Dominican Republic
1. What should I wear in the Dominican Republic?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothes like tank tops, flowy dresses, shorts, and sandals. The climate is hot and humid year-round, but bring a light jacket or sweater if you’re visiting mountainous areas like Jarabacoa or Constanza. In beach towns, casual and swimwear is fine, but locals tend to dress modestly in daily life.
2. Do I need bug spray in the Dominican Republic?
Yes! Mosquitoes are everywhere, especially in the evening and near rural areas or beaches. Bring bug repellent with DEET or a natural alternative. You’ll thank yourself later.
3. Can you drink the tap water in the DR?
No! Tap water in the Dominican Republic is not treated like it is in the U.S. In rural areas like where I live, the water often comes straight from the river and even arrives at my house yellow. I treat it with chlorine for showering and cleaning— but would never drink it. Always stick to bottled or filtered water. Bring a reusable water bottle so you can refill it from the large 5-gallon jugs (called botellones) often available in hotels, Airbnbs, and even colmados.
4. What kind of shoes should I bring?
Pack good walking shoes or sneakers for exploring cities and nature spots, and flip-flops or slides for the beach. If you’re visiting the campo or plan to do any hiking, lightweight hiking shoes or durable sandals (like Tevas or Chacos) are smart.
5. Is it easy to find toiletries like tampons, sunscreen, or bug spray in the DR?/ What if I forget something? Can I buy it there?
If you are staying in a city, you can most likely find everything that you need. However, the brands may be different and imported brands that you recognize will often have a higher price tag. If you’re especially picky about certain products (natural deodorant, specific brands, menstrual products), it’s a safer bet to bring them from home.
6. Do I need a power adapter in the Dominican Republic?
If you’re coming from the U.S. or Canada, you won’t need one — the DR uses the same plug types (A & B) and voltage (120V). If you’re traveling from Europe or elsewhere, you’ll need a voltage converter and plug adapter.
4. Is it safe to carry cash?
Yes, carrying cash in the Dominican Republic is not only safe—it’s necessary. Local transportation like guaguas, as well as colmados and many small businesses, do not accept cards. Scams and inflated prices for tourists are more likely to happen than pickpocket. Still, to stay safe, use a money belt or a secure day bag, and avoid flashing large amounts of cash in public.
7. Is the weather the same everywhere in the DR?
Nope! Coastal areas like Punta Cana and Las Terrenas are hot and humid year-round. But places like Jarabacoa and Constanza (mountain towns) can be much cooler, especially at night — bring a light jacket or hoodie just in case.
8. Is there anything I shouldn’t bring?
I always recommend: don’t bring anything you’d be devastated to lose. If it’s just a short trip, you can survive without it. Keep your packing simple and smart — less is often more when traveling.
Final Thoughts: Pack Smart, Travel Better
Packing for the Dominican Republic isn’t just about flip-flops and sunscreen—it’s about preparing for the unexpected, especially if you’re exploring beyond the tourist resorts. A quick rain shower, a blackout, or a long guagua ride can quickly become uncomfortable if you’re unprepared.
By bringing the right mix of tropical-ready clothes, backup essentials, and a few comfort items (hello, portable fan!), you’ll enjoy your trip a lot more— no matter where you go.
Now that you’ve got your packing list sorted, check out my guide How to Travel Around the Dominican Republic Without a Car (Public Transportation Guide) to get even more prepared.
Got a question or still wondering what to pack? Drop it in the comments below—I’m happy to help!
Wandering Morena 
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