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Dominican Republic

Sun, merengue, and a WhatsApp message away

Curated by travelers, verified by locals

Heads up

WhatsApp is the backbone of daily life . locals use it for everything from restaurant reservations to haggling prices. Download it before you land. Cash (Dominican pesos) is still king outside resorts, so keep small bills on hand.

9 apps5 essentialCaribbean

Last updated: March 2026

inDrive

Essential

The most-downloaded ride-hailing app in the Dominican Republic, letting you negotiate fares directly with drivers.

Pro tip: Always agree on the fare before the driver starts moving . the negotiation feature is the whole point.

Uber

Essential

Available in Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, and La Romana. Fixed upfront pricing makes it easier for first-timers.

Pro tip: More consistent with English-language support and GPS tracking than local alternatives.

DiDi

Nice to have

China's ride-hailing giant operates in Santo Domingo and Santiago with competitive fares and a growing driver base.

PedidosYa

Essential

The dominant food delivery app in the Dominican Republic. Covers restaurants, pharmacies, and convenience stores.

Pro tip: Use it outside tourist zones to discover local comedores and colmados that won't appear in any guidebook.

Uber Eats

Nice to have

Available in select Dominican cities with the familiar Uber interface. Smaller selection than PedidosYa.

WhatsApp

Essential

The de facto communication standard for the entire country . businesses, taxi drivers, tour operators, and families all run on it.

Pro tip: Save your hotel, tour guide, and local contact numbers to WhatsApp immediately. Voice calls over WhatsApp are free on WiFi.

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Need data to use these apps? Get an eSIM before you go.