Punta Cana: The Don'ts of Punta Cana, The Dominican Republic

[@wheelsupglobaltravels]

Speaking as someone who has lived in the country over a decade....Lots of great info in this video. But if you really want to experience the beauty of Punta Cana, don't stay on a resort! There are thousands and thousands of beautiful condos, apartments or villas where you can stay completely safely and comfortably. And right on the same beaches next to the resorts, but with much better value for your money. You can even hire a personal chef and pay far less than a resort to get authentic food. Or if you feel you MUST stay on a resort, maybe plan a day or 2 where you get off the resort. The authentic local experience is MUCH better than the resort experience. Great food, great people and lots to do. Great places to go dancing with locals at night if you are into dancing and good music. Lots of cool shops where you can go buy inexpensive goods and negotiate good prices. Even the costs of the excursions or tours are much cheaper off of the resort. As much as half price!! You won't experience any of this if you just stay on the resort doing the same thing everyday. Resorts are cool sometimes, but if you only stay on a resort in every country, when do you ever actually experience the authenticity of the countries you visit??

[@triskresli6697]

Staying all inclusive it is like to stay at high comfort prison. You are absolutely right, go around, explore Dominicana. Real people, real life. Loud bacchata, relax and positive people. Dominicana is one of the best my memories

[@wheelsupglobaltravels]

@triskresli6697 What an awesome analogy..."high comfort prison!"🤣🤣 But it's so befitting. I remember having that feeling of comfort, but at the same time feeling like I'm obligated to be locked in those walls. 🤦🏾‍♂️

Exactly, DR is not as dangerous as people think, there are more much more dangerous places in US. If you keep yourself by the center and don't go to dangerous neighborhoods, it should always be ok.

[@timmysweeps1632]

I just got back from dreams flora...high comfort prison is so perfect..even the ride to and from felt like offload them for a week then come get them

[@shaneh7519]

@@wheelsupglobaltravels this is why I do cheaper all inclusives. I don’t feel like I need to stay at the resort, and I have money for excursions

[@psyeriousrsps4754]

Thank you so much for mentioning about tipping. Here in my country and specifically in Punta Cana, most of the monthly salary is roughly 600 dollars or 30,000 pesos a month. Punta cana is more expensive to live than almost everywhere else in the country. So those tips really do help us a lot in the end! Thank you!!

[@heatherl4739]

We were just in Punta Cana last month and have already rebooked for January. We've vacationed in the DR a few times.. Great people, beaches, and value for money. We love it there!

[@FrankLinares]

Did your wall cell charger work fine in your hotel ?

[@gates1980]

@@FrankLinares prob uses different wall outlets

[@FastGuy1]

@@gates1980No, same as in US

[@teresafranz3718]

Where did you stay?

[@audreyp8958]

As someone who has seen both sides of the island, I urge you to just take a moment to appreciate how comfortable and well run things are. We take these luxuries for granted and life is VERY different not far away

[@Rocknroll73]

I’m assuming you mean Haiti here (and not western DR). So unbelievably sad what is going on there. Crazy to think how much fun tourists have in PC, and how it’s completely the opposite over there

[@sergioterrero]

As a Dominican that was there less than a month ago, you are on point. Negociate, bring singles, feel free to get out and explore around pubta cana, etc.. also, reserve, now there are a methodology thats all inclusives are using, the reservation to each specific restauran from the first minute you check in. You are accurate. Thank you for making these videos very helpful for tourists around the world!

[@tinasWindow]

@@sergioterrero when I tip, which is always I calculate the average yearly income against the average cost of living for instance people visiting should realize that everyday expenses like groceries cost just as much as in the USA without the higher wages!! So no surprise that people are trying to upsell!! Visiting DR means bring dollars on you everyday and everywhere!! My maid at Iberostar Bavaro beach kept me clean and my fridge full of cokes. She and her daughter had a very good Christmas! The airport is a totally different animal. I was a mark.

[@Jsbido]

As a Dominican-American I appreciate this video.

[@woltersworld]

Thank you. That means a lot to me to hear. Thank you.

[@tdeo2141]

@@woltersworld your video has given me lots of good tips, thank you. May I ask, did you have any issues with the hotel safe?

[@hi_c_doe7508]

I’m here right now at the Grand Palladium in Punta Cana, and I’m lovin it

[@DerrickDennison]

After visiting here for a week for the first time ever, this guy is spot on!!

[@josehidalgo2576]

Worked there as Tour Guide for 10 years, moved to Rhode Island but go there every year because family still live there. Love The Level at Meliá Caribe Punta Cana, very nice resort.

[@TheOficialrioplug]

Thank you for sharing these insightful 'don'ts' for Punta Cana! As someone who has visited this stunning destination, I can attest to the importance of being mindful of these tips. It's crucial to respect the local culture, avoid excessive bargaining, and be cautious with the local wildlife. By following these guidelines, we can ensure a more enjoyable and responsible travel experience. Your video serves as a valuable resource for anyone planning a trip to Punta Cana. Keep up the great work! Greetings from 🇧🇷

[@roundtwo3321]

Is there a lot of local crime around the resorts and gated condos?

[@robertomambru691]

This video is brutally honest. If you listen what he says, you will have a wonderful time in Punta Cana. I’m Dominican, and I’ll follow his advice to the T.😅😅😅😅😅

[@woltersworld]

Thanks Roberto!

[@jasonapplebaum9871]

These videos make me want to visit the Caribbean so bad, the ocean looks beautiful

[@Mzuka-Moto]

I was disappointed tbh

[@woltersworld]

The beaches are great

[@martinjuckvich1229]

@@Mzuka-Moto May I ask why because I plan on visiting.

[@familyadventuredays1203]

I would not visit the Caribbean! I went to Punta Cana last year for over 2 weeks and it's rubbish.. There is a HUGE SEAWEED problem in that part of the island.. there's also nothing to do... unless you want to go quad bikes and stuff.. average place to go at best. The beaches are just non stop people trying to sell you stuff.

[@familyadventuredays1203]

@@woltersworld I have to disagree about the beaches and Punta Cana in general. It's part of the island that's just for all inclusive resorts.. You really can't go outside the resort without going on a tour of something and other then quad biking and stuff there's not much to do. The beaches have a huge seaweed problem and the water isn't that clear... The resorts are so so and don't really offer much for the price.. What's more is they expect tipping! What is the point in paying for all inclusive and then having to tip $1/$2 per drink!! Much much nicer beaches in the world.. even in the UK we have nicer beaches in Cornwall...

[@oddlysatisfyingeveryday]

Punta Cana is Paradise! I saw a gorgeous coffee table book about this place full of beautiful photos on Amazon 😊

[@fromyk1999]

I have never booked my transportation to my resort when traveling to Punta Cana. I do pay the airport porters to handle my luggage and find that I always get moved to the front of the line when arriving. I have even been moved ahead of other people who were waiting to have their luggage x-rayed. I find this to be an easy to get through the rush because these porters arrange my taxi and take me right to the vehicle that will take me to my resort. It may be intimidating the first time you do this, but it is very easy as long as you understand that things work by giving people who help you tips when you are in the Dominican Republic. When I consider what my income is compared to what the average service worker earns in the Dominican, it is worth the few dollars it costs me to get good service all the time. Another advantage of taking a taxi as opposed to the buses is that you will usually beat the rush and get to your resort and have an easy and relaxed check in.

[@JuanManuelVilmaux]

these are all great and relevant tips, thank you so much for sharing!

[@jadefurman2840]

It's heaven on earth! Just tip well and enjoy how you get treated. Take trips outside the resorts and enjoy culture. Saona island is a MUST!!! Great people, great beaches; very hard to beat.

[@roundtwo3321]

This is the most informative video about the DR I've seen. Great!

[@jennifermorris6848]

Santa Domingo was great - combined with visit to a very cool Cenote and a lunch. It is day long but cool history and a UNESCO site I didn’t even know existed.

[@nick92065]

I am amazed by how many people do not think about booking transportation to the resort ahead of time. We have never waited more than 15 minutes to go through imigration because we have an early arrival.

[@judithganzradosevich1103]

I have been there 4 times. Just love it..i am thinking of going back. Best place loved my resort stay there every time i go.. so relaxing. Love the beach water just every thing. ❤❤❤❤

[@yolandaachukwu538]

I went to Saona Island and we took a speed boat there and back. It was a smaller group and we definitely spent more than 2 hours there. We also went to Turtle Island and another private beach

[@kalisa0835]

I know this is a long shot but to you happen to remember how you booked that?

[@elizabethenglish4979]

Do you remember who you booked through?! We were looking through Amstar.

[@aliciacasaccia3061]

Super helpful tips. Thank you so much

[@andreasilk8201]

People always say, don't drink the water, use bottled. Depending on the location, and your particular bodies immunity. BUT what people forget to remind you, don't brush your teeth with the tap water either. Used bottled to brush the teeth folks!!

[@tdeo2141]

Thank you for this reminder.

[@tdeo2141]

What about the shower water, though, did you have any issues?

[@CinD956]

I appreciate this video! I had my wedding at the Barcelo Bavaro Palace resort and visited one more time afterwards. We have browsed other resorts in Punta Cana but will likely visit the same resort in the near future. We would normally drive to Santo Domingo in a car rental but for those not renting a car, I do recommend the excursion to visit the capital. There is a lot of rich history in El Conde and Zona Colonial.

[@lulusp1023]

Going there next January ....yes 3 golpes ..lol. tostones...had some last night .love tostones

[@nechamastern8471]

Did you go there? How was it?

[@Kikusin22]

Punta Cana is a beautiful paradise, I saw a photograph coffee table book on Amazon about this place full of beautiful photos and is gorgeous!

[@enriquegonzalez4953]

Thanks for all the good recommendations to enjoy the best experience in Punta Cana and DR...

[@SilvanaDejesus-ji8io]

Todos muy hermoso la playa la carretera estoy orgulloso de ser dominicana

[@antoniettavilleneuve498]

I am going at the end of Mar/24 and in Canada, the agency we dealt with already arranged transportation and is included in the price :)

[@johndunbar5611]

Awesome video! My wife and I are planning a trip for February. Thanks for the info!

[@woltersworld]

Glad to help!

[@MultiLeac]

El mejor sitio para visitar 10 de 10 super recomendando

[@juanmosquea7569]

This was a great review.👍. Agree with you.

[@tobiojo6469]

Hey Mark, awesome video

[@woltersworld]

Thanks Tobelrone

[@fabYOUluhslife]

Fantastic information😊

[@tinaf600]

Great video. Thank you so much for sharing stuff that many of us wouldn't think of. Especially the island time. I'm Jamaican so I get it, but I do see how people from other countries can get so annoyed that some things take longer.

Something to add and I can't insist on this enough, ALWAYS pay a travel insurance in case you get sick, medicine and private hospitals can be a little too expensive in PUJ. I'm Dominican and worked and lived in PUJ for a while.

[@tbar311]

Awesome well said!! I am glad you enjoy my country and thank you for your time to put this well said and very accurate. Thank you!!

[@SilvanaDejesus-ji8io]

Todo hermoso me encanta el paisaje me gustaría ir aya

[@eddiefrith7277]

Was there last year, and even the restaurant food was horrible , also it’s best to purchase your excursions on the plane . Day 3 on a resort gets repetitive , so plan to do local things !

[@nitrokyosho]

Great video my friend

[@ms_cheeseandcrackers]

Great information !! Thank you

[@elslex]

Give this man a cookie!! love it man! thanks for share all these security measures for enjoy Punta Cana which is pretty useful to others. hope you enjoyed part of our country!

[@claudiostruckingltd911]

Great video with lots of great tips, but it’s also great to carry local currency rather than just USD. Easier for the locals to use rather than needing to exchange at the bank. Keep up the great work

[@soho1080]

Ty so much Sir.. V helpful tips..:)

[@seadogjack2022]

Your reviews are awesome and so informative. Great job!

[@woltersworld]

That is really nice of you. Thank you

[@baublesanddolls]

I love Punta Cana. I want to go back so badly.

[@ohthatpaul]

Great advice here. Thanks 🙏☝️👍

[@CL-es1nz]

good tips, thanks!

[@TheRenaissanceAmazon]

All of your videos are right on time. Wow.

[@lolav8062]

Very helpful.. thank you so much..much appreciated.. Great delivery!!!

[@MultiLeac]

El mejor lugar turístico

[@jijib7691]

Always love your videos, but I have to say I was a bit disappointed at the buffets being described as serving "cafeteria slop"? Punta Cana has some of the best buffet meals compared to so many all-inclusive destinations!

[@agendatwentythirty8244]

Great review!

[@janelreed396]

This is great advice and the best. Punta Cana is one of my favorite places to go. I've been three times, and it's highly recommended, especially if you enjoy the beaches. The weather is beautiful and it can rain heavily. The people are so nice. It doesn't hurt to exchange money to have on hand.

[@robertrivera4098]

Thank you so much you are the best me and my wife are traveling there from the 12th to the 16th of June I'm going to have some dental work done I really appreciate all the tips to give me we're going to go to Santo Domingo p I did stay before in punta Cana we loved it God bless your family you have a beautiful family

[@chipchaunamom2665]

I will be returning to the DR to attend a destination wedding this month. When I was in the DR 6 years ago, I noticed we were the only people that were tipping. People from other counties were not tipping at all. I’m all for tipping, but are we bringing American habits along with us?

[@paulnelsonofleeds]

Great video, thanks

[@SilvanaDejesus-ji8io]

Hermoso lugar

[@shantelburris6658]

I just got back Tuesday and it was a breeze getting thru immigration and I already had transport set up. I was out of there in 25 minutes

[@sghook3]

Which transportation did you use?, Round trip or one way? Also what was the cost? Thank you!

[@robertofiguereo2996]

Amazing video. Im dominican living in the US. Always look forward to revisiting Bavaro. But I can help to mentiones Royalton Resort tricked me with their deceptive Diamond club plan. I paid them but they wont let me reserve a short stay. You have 1000 of hotel to pick from and have an amazing time. I HAVE Been to 5 in Punta cana. Have fun. All the people who work to serve you at the resorts are usually honest people.

[@triskresli6697]

I agree, dominicans are proud and honest people

[@robertofiguereo2996]

I definitely recommend the zipline in samana

[@becca_c456]

@@robertofiguereo2996 What hotels have you stayed at?

[@Odua1]

Nice and timely information…’ll be visiting next month and this come really handy, THANK YOU!

[@SilvanaDejesus-ji8io]

Me encantan todas

[@allenjohnson7686]

I tend to find coming from the uk, anywhere lots of Americans travel to. The costs in that area go crazy expensive. Last year i went to Mexico it was insanely expensive. I was shocked at the prices they were charging as it was full of Americans on holiday. Yet out of our hotel and a short walk to a local shopping area. Food, drinks were the prices id expect... Medication was easily a 10th or less of the cost in the resort area.

[@CallNickCaccavella]

Lot’s Resort Style Condos throughout Bavaro -Punta Cana & so many good Restaurants outside the resorts plus so many great Beach Club ! Resorts Food is very average ! So much to do outside of the resort ! safe & beautiful international city it has now become ! 😊

[@mrbc1848vu]

Excellent - real, substantive, and useful travel video Just a few questions - excursions - any excursions that are close/good value/no buses? Also, how was the El Derado Water Park? Any comment? Also, how was the food at Barcelo? Top Restaurant? Whatever you can reply to, would be helpful. All the best!

[@mannyr8091]

Right to the point 👍🏼 your the best 🍹stay awesome stay safe primo….😎👍🏼

[@Deury._mota02]

Yes thanks video watched

[@eleazarfermin3917]

Thank you for your travel tips!!

[@athomas32205]

I’ve been 3 times, Excellence El Carmen(NO KIDS) Love the membership, people, accommodations!!! Highly Recommended!

[@susansunshine2001]

Great tips!! I wanted to ask is the dolphin interaction close by to the resorts ? That is something my daughter definitely wants to do . Thanks for your lovely videos and so many great tips!

[@jamconnell1377]

I am giving away a secret here but if you want to avoid that seaweed sargassum that plagues many caribbean beaches especially punta cana stay on the caribbean south coast in bayahibe dominicus beach instead of punta cana because thier almost no seaweed there and the water is more turquoise and clear and you are a lot closer to saona island and the tours are much cheaper from there. I always stay on the caribbean south coast when i go to the DR now and you have great resorts there also like the catalonla la romana and the hilton la romana.

[@joep248]

Thank you! Loved PC but the seaweed was awful.

[@jisa39]

About tipping, are all resorts open to accept tips? I've heard that some forbid their employees to accept tips.

[@jennifermorris6848]

Don’t forget to actually apply the sunscreen. Holy crap. . . Easy way to ruin a 6 day vacation quick. All - inclusive = sun exposure all day.

[@triskresli6697]

Jennifer Im sorry.. I didnt buy sunscreen , only sunscreens what i can find was with low protection or too high protection like for people with high risk of skin cancer.. So I came without sun protection at all. And actually i did not need it..

[@JeanMelville]

I needed this 1 year when it dropped but grest video and a grest hotel

[@danic8361]

Thank you for the info, those are some good tips over there. Also where is that beautiful beach you made this video, everything around you looks amazing, the beach, the water?

[@prevosfr]

Samana is the best touristic spot of Dominican Republic.

[@SilvanaDejesus-ji8io]

Me encanta el paisaje

[@randywiley66]

Thank you sir great info

[@massy0409]

The Dominican Republic is a country rich in tourism

[@JPTech933]

When I travel I have to keep telling the barmen, no ice, no soda in the drinks. It comes from the barguns they use and it's tap water. I learned that the hard way, on my first vacation spending time on the ivory tower!

[@6942pjka]

@@JPTech933 you would think the high end resorts would have an excellent water filtration system but I guess not.

[@tashamonfort879]

July 7th here i come i can't wait

[@zeitlerusmc]

How was it? We are going in about 10 days, anything he didn’t mention? Thanks :)

[@shameer685]

I love that resort but went there many years ago. Can I ask how it is nowadays? I'm looking to revisit there this summer with the kids, unlike the first time. Thank you.

[@jairofrancisco2621]

Hermoso lugar 😻

[@deanbilly9073]

your wife is stunning! also thanks for the info, planning a trip to punta cana soon with my girl friends 😁

[@jairofrancisco2621]

Me gusta ese lugar muy lindo

[@stuartnicholl7344]

Thank you! Excellent video. When catching your flight to DR and you only have carry-on and you checkin online, is it the airline boarding agent you show your electronic DR customs form QR code to? Or must you go to checking desk before security?

[@aliciajackson8704]

Do you recommend buying excursions before going. We are going in July and aren’t sure if buying when we get there will be more costly. What do you suggest?

[@pilardejesus1874]

Muy buena informacion

[@ifern4545]

This video very handy as we are going in next 5/22

[@zeitlerusmc]

How was it? We are going in about ten days, anything he didn’t mention? Thanks!!

[@tennillep7010]

Thank uuu so much

[@shosho8393]

What resort would you recommend for a family of 4, 2 adults and 2 kids (9 & 14)?

[@mobilecontainer3217]

Just got home from Punta Cana. This dude nailed it 100%. I forgot to bring Neosporen and had to pay $12 for a tube of off brand lol. Also ran out of singles and had to use atm and couldnt find change for my Pesos for days. And the one thing he didnt mention.. a $1 or $2 tips is a LOT for them. So you dont have to tip much at all!

[@robertbaratheon6573]

Pro tip: have dollars but also carry local currency. Many vendors will markup their prices because you're perceived as a wealthier buyer. You can definitely negotiate with dollars, but many times it's just easier to pay cheap in local currency.

[@kiyannajordan2323]

Where do you get the entrance and exit forms

[@MikerlangePierre-wp4do]

República Dominicana es muy lindo

[@749260]

Excellent tips! I agreed with all and learned a little too. Thank you. Just got back to the usa today from 1 week there. 🙂

[@djohnson4274]

Statement followed by a Question… years ago, while visiting Cancun, my family did not drink the water, but we ate salad, which I guess had been washed in the regular water. Our entire family was sick for four or five days which just about ruined the vacation. Is it the same way in Punta Cana? Should I stay away from anything that could be washed in the water? Great video and Thanks.!

[@becca_c456]

That’s an excellent question.

[@derperderp9036]

I have an odd question... when taking excursions... do the buses have bathrooms on them?

[@MrTwinkie007]

Hi, what about vaccination? Do you have to vaccinate against malaria, dengue, mosquitos bites or any type of vaccine?

[@mikep509]

Just got back from 5 days in Punta Cana at the Grand Sirenus... was there with 2 children 8 and 10... great pool, great beach (except for a few medusa jelly fish that lurked around), and decent resort food... i know we are getting overcharged at an all inclusive, but if traveling with children the thought of a condo, getting food shopping, laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc... not much of a vacation 😂😂😂... maybe a bed and breakfast next time... i have been 4 times now and did get a chance to explore on my first trip outside the resort... great country, beautiful people.. its a tragedy that only a few hundred Km west is Haiti, who is equally as beautiful, and its people as warm and kind..but rought with corruption... therefore too difficultto visit.😢,