Before You Travel to the Dominican Republic

Use this a few days before your trip and again the night before you fly. It’s written for people flying into Las Américas (SDQ) — whether you’re visiting family, staying in Santo Domingo, or heading to Boca Chica.

You don’t have to memorize anything. Just walk through the list.

A Few Days Before Your Trip

1

Check your passport Make sure it’s valid and won’t expire during your trip.
2

Confirm your return or onward ticket Airlines check for a booked return or onward ticket before you’re allowed to board your flight — it’s a boarding requirement, not just a good idea. Dominican citizens and DR residents are exempt, but that exemption doesn’t cover anyone else traveling with them, so if your group is mixed, make sure everyone else has one booked too.
3

Fill out your E-Ticket The DR uses a digital E-Ticket instead of paper forms. You’ll need your passport info, flight details, and where you’re staying. Guide here
4

Confirm where you’re staying Save the address somewhere you can reach without Wi-Fi. A screenshot works — but write it down too in case your phone dies. Haven’t picked a place yet? See our guide to where to stay in Santo Domingo.
5

Decide how you’re getting from SDQ Family pickup, Uber, taxi, or private driver. Full breakdown here
6

Check your phone plan Find out if your carrier includes roaming in the DR and what it’ll cost. Phone guide here, or compare eSIM options if you’d rather skip roaming fees.

Money and Cards

7

Cards and cash Bring at least one debit card and one credit card. Tell your bank you’re traveling if they still require it. Have a small amount of USD cash as a backup.
8

Dominican pesos You don’t need to exchange money before you leave. ATMs are available in the city and most places accept cards — but small shops and local spots may prefer cash.

The Night Before Your Flight

9

Screenshot the important stuff E-Ticket confirmation, address where you’re staying, return flight details, and any driver or pickup contact info.
10

Charge everything Phone, power bank if you have one. Make sure your charging cable is in your personal item — not checked luggage.
11

Pack your airport pouch Keep these together and easy to reach: passport, wallet, written address, a pen, any medications you need during travel.

At the Departure Airport

12

Keep your passport and phone on you Not in checked luggage. Not buried in a backpack.
13

Double-check your E-Ticket If you’re second-guessing it, skim the guide one more time. E-Ticket Guide
14

Message whoever is picking you up Share your flight number and arrival time at SDQ. Let them know you’ll message again after you clear Immigration.

If Something Doesn’t Go as Planned

15

Phone not getting signal Stay inside the airport, use Wi-Fi if available. Phone guide
16

Ride is late Stay near the main exit. Don’t follow strangers offering rides. Official taxis are right outside if you need a backup.

If you’ve handled the E-Ticket, you know where you’re staying, you have a plan for getting from the airport, and your phone and money situation is sorted — you’re already ahead of most first-time travelers.

E-Ticket Guide Arriving at SDQ Getting From SDQ Using Your Phone