Tipping in Dominican Republic: 2026 Guide for Travelers

What’s on a Dominican Restaurant Bill

Restaurant and bar bills in the DR carry two mandatory charges: 18% ITBIS (the value-added tax) and a 10% service charge, usually shown as “10% ley,” “propina legal,” or “servicio.” Together they add 28% to menu prices if those prices are listed before tax.

The 10% service charge is shared among staff and isn’t always distributed to your server directly. That is why an extra 10% in cash, handed to your waiter or left on the table, is customary for good service. If service was poor, the legal 10% alone is acceptable. Our auto-gratuity explainer covers how built-in service charges work.

Read the bill before adding anything. If the menu prices already include ITBIS and ley, the total won’t jump at the end — but the service has still been paid.

All-Inclusive Resorts

Tips are not required at most all-inclusive resorts — gratuities are often listed as included in the rate — but resort staff wages are low and small cash tips are widely given and noticed. Many repeat visitors bring a stack of $1 and $5 bills for the week.

• Bartenders: $1–2 per round, or $10–20 at the start of your stay to the bartender you’ll see most.
• Housekeeping: $2–5 per day, left daily with a note.
• Buffet servers: a dollar or two at a meal where someone brings drinks or clears plates.
• À la carte restaurants: $5–10 per couple.
• Beach and pool attendants: a few dollars if they save loungers or bring towels.

For a deeper look at resort tipping across the Caribbean and Mexico, see our all-inclusive resort tipping guide.

Taxis, Transfers, and Excursions

Taxis in the DR are usually unmetered, so agree on the fare before you get in. A tip isn’t expected beyond that, though rounding up for help with luggage is kind. For a pre-booked airport transfer, $2–5 to the driver is plenty.

On excursions — Saona Island catamarans, Samaná whale-watching, zip-lining, ATV tours — tip the guide and crew $5–10 per person for a full day. If several crew members share the work, a single tip to the guide, who splits it, is fine. Compare with our tour guide tipping guide.

Pesos or Dollars?

In resort areas, US dollars are accepted for tips and staff are used to them. Use bills only: US coins can’t be exchanged in the DR. In Santo Domingo and outside tourist zones, pesos are more practical. Paying by card is common at restaurants, but the extra tip is best given in cash so it reaches your server.

Other Services

Spa and massage therapists at resorts usually expect around 10% unless a service charge was added. Golf caddies at courses like those in Punta Cana and La Romana are usually tipped in dollars, often $15–30 per round depending on the course. Local hair salons and barbers get around 10%.