You might have some practical questions if you have never traveled to the Dominican Republic (DR) before and it is on your bucket list for Caribbean adventures. One question is, is there Uber in the Dominican Republic?
Is there public transportation, registered taxis, or what?
The answer is YES; there is Uber in the Dominican Republic, but NOT everywhere. I traveled around the island for over a month and found out the hard way that Uber is not an island-wide option.
Every year, millions of tourists visit the Dominican Republic, which may be partly why the DR implemented Uber not too long ago in some key tourist destinations on the island. Here is everything you need to know.
Is There Uber In Dominican Republic?
Yes, Uber arrived in the DR in 2015, and since then, it has become a popular transportation option for both locals and tourists. This is a grat choice for safe solo travel Dominican Republic, too.
Uber’s entry into the market even had a positive impact on the country’s economy, providing job opportunities for thousands of drivers and helping to increase tourism revenue!
The Dominican Republic is a popular tourist destination in the Caribbean known for its stunning beaches, especially in Punta Cana, historic sites, and vibrant culture across multiple popular destinations.
Now, with Uber, you have a reliable and affordable transportation option you can trust in the most popular destinations in the DR, possibly the best way to travel in the capital, Santo Domingo.
Meanwhile, in the smallest destinations, there is still no Uber in the Dominican Republic.
Where Is There Uber In The Dominican Republic
Uber is available in several destinations in the Dominican Republic, making it easier for you to explore the country.
Currently, Uber is a popular choice centrally but not available nationwide. Here is where you currently can book an Uber:
- Santo Domingo
- Punta Cana
- Puerto Plata
- Santiago
These are also among the most popular tourist destinations in the country, making Uber a convenient transportation option for visitors.
Is There Uber In Santo Domingo?
Yes, Uber is available in Santo Domingo, making it easy for you to book a car from wherever you are, get around the city, and explore its many attractions.
Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is one of the most popular destinations for tourists visiting the country.
With its vibrant culture, charming zona colonial as well as other historic sites, and delicious food, Santo Domingo is a destination you definitely want to put on your itinerary.
Uber rides in Santo Domingo are generally affordable and reliable, with the cost of a ride depending on the time of day (or night) as well as the total distance.
You can also use the Uber Eats app in Santo Domingo to have tasty local cuisine delivered straight to your hotel or holiday home!
Uber In Santo Domingo Airport
There is also Uber available for pick-up and drop-off at Santo Domingo Airport, situated around 35-40 minutes outside the city center, depending on traffic.
Just remember that you need to be online to book an Uber upon arrival in Santo Domingo!
If your phone does not connect to the national 4G net, you need to book the Uber from a wifi zone inside the airport and then meet the driver outside while offline – which I did.
Use the message feature to inform the driver of your clothes, colors, and luggage to make sure the driver will recognize you; it is super busy outside the Santo Domingo Airport.
Is There Uber Punta Cana?
Punta Cana and Cap Cana are other incredibly popular tourist destinations in the east of the Dominican Republic, known for their beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and world-class golf courses.
Uber is available in Punta Cana, making it super easy for you to book transport to and from your hotel and explore the area.
In Punta Cana, you can normally easily book an Uber to take you to local attractions such as the Punta Cana Ecological Reserve or the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park.
Be aware that in some areas, it might be hard to actually locate an Uber driver, even though the app is working.
Punta Cana also has Uber Eats, so unless you have an all-inclusive resort, you can have local cuisine without leaving your hotel or resort!
Also read: 5 Best Resorts In Punta Cana For Singles & Solo Travelers!
Uber Select Punta Cana
Uber Select is a segment adding the local standard taxis to the app service.
Uber Select is usually around 2.5 times pricier than regular Uber fares but still a bit cheaper compared to traditional taxi services in Punta Cana.
Uber Punta Cana Airport
Punta Cana International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean, with millions of tourists passing through each year.
Fortunately, Uber is available at Punta Cana Airport, making it easy for tourists to get to their hotels or resorts.
Booking an Uber to pick you up at Punta Cana Airport is easy as long as you get online after your arrival, like in Santo Domingo. After landing, just get online on the Uber app and book as normal.
Then follow the signs that lead to “Ground Transportation” and “Baggage Claim.”
Once you’re ready, head outside and look for a spot designated for picking up passengers or labeled as “TNC/Rideshares”, where your Uber can pick you up!
Pre-Booked Online Airport Pick-Up Punta Cana
If you do not want to risk not getting online with your phone or the hassle of finding taxi drivers outside the airport arrival, you can also pre-book a Punta Cana airport transfer online before your flight.
If you choose to pre-book airport pick-up in Punta Cana, someone will be conveniently waiting for you, holding a sign with your name on it, helping you with your luggage, and getting you to your hotel or resort in a flash.
Also read: 7 Top-Rated Best Punta Cana Day Trips By An Expert Traveler!
Uber Dominican Republic Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata is a popular destination in the Dominican Republic and is known for its beautiful beaches and historic sites.
Uber is available in Puerto Plata, making it easy for tourists to explore the city and its many attractions.
In Puerto Plata, you can book an Uber to visit local attractions such as the Amber Museum or the Fort of San Felipe.
As in other areas, the Uber platform and rides in Puerto Plata are generally very affordable, with the cost of a ride depending on the distance traveled and time of day.
Also read: The 17 Best Beaches In Puerto Plata Dominican Republic!
Uber In Dominican Republic Santiago
Santiago, located inland in the northern part of the Dominican Republic, is a vibrant city known for its beautiful parks, museums, and historic sites.
Uber is also available in Santiago, making it easy for you to get around between its many attractions.
In Santiago, you can book an Uber to visit local attractions such as the Monumento a Los Heroes de la Restauracion or the Centro Leon.
Uber Eats is also available in Santiago.
How to use Uber in the Dominican Republic
Using Uber in the Dominican Republic is basically the same as using it in other countries.
You will need to download the Uber app on your smartphone and create an account if you don’t already have it.
Once you’ve done that, you can request a ride as normal by entering your pickup location and destination.
The app will show you the estimated cost of the ride and the expected time of arrival of the driver.
Payment is normally made through the app before you meet the driver at the pick-up point.
There is one Uber issue in the Dominican Republic that I have only heard about, and not experienced myself. That is, sometimes, drivers decline your ride if you only have electronic payment activated.
Uber Cash Payment Dominican Republic
Some drivers prefer cash payment (an option in the Uber app) and might decline a fare if the user only has a card payment as an option.
The reason that some drivers prefer cash is to avoid payment delays, according to the locals I asked.
One of the really great things about Uber, in my opinion, is exactly that there is no actual cash in the mix, and the whole transaction is done as you get in!
However, to avoid any issues, you can choose to have both cash and card payment options activated before using Uber in the Dominican Republic.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Uber may not be available everywhere in the Dominican Republic like in other countries.
While available in several destinations, the number of drivers may be limited, especially during peak hours or in more remote areas.
To avoid complications, it can be smart to plan ahead, especially if you need convenient transportation options to be somewhere on time for a bus or flight.
FAQ’s Uber Dominican Republic
Can you Uber from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana?
Yes, you can book an Uber to go from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana!
The drive from the capital to the eastern beach paradise of Punta Cana is around two hours, and Uber prices are much cheaper than local taxi cabs.
So Uber’ing from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana, especially if you are a small group, can be affordable and convenient (although more expensive than the bus).
How much is Uber from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana?
An Uber from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana will be arund $100.
This price is significantly lower than local taxis or private transfer, but of course, with Uber, you don’t know if you will be traveling in style or not (if that matters).
Is Uber Safe In The Dominican Republic?
Safety is always a concern for travelers, especially solo travelers, and it’s no different when using Uber in the Dominican Republic.
Uber has several safety features, such as conducting background checks on drivers. One is the rating system, where you can check the driver’s scores from previous passengers.
You can also share the Uber ride information with friends and family if you travel solo and it makes you feel more at ease.
Remember to always verify that the car and driver match the information and name provided in the app before getting in the car, and they should also know your name – and wear their seatbelts.
If you worry about safety, you can always call and ask the hotel staff to send one over for you – providing extra peace of mind and improved safety on every journey.
How Much Is An Uber In The Dominican Republic?
The cost of an Uber ride in the Dominican Republic varies depending on the distance traveled, time of day, and demand.
However, Uber is generally considered to be an affordable transportation option in the country, adding to the public transportation service.
The cost of an Uber ride in Santo Domingo, for example, can range from around 100 to 500 Dominican pesos (approximately 2 to 10 USD), depending on the distance traveled.
Keep in mind that prices may be higher during peak hours, in the middle of the night, and in more remote areas!
Can You Message Uber Driver Before Ride?
Yes, you can!
Now, it’s even easier to share vital information (“I’m wearing a red jacket”) or send your driver a quick pre-written message like “I’m out front” with a single tap right within the app.
Uber has designed Pickup Messages to facilitate safe driving, too. Drivers can have the messages read aloud while driving, and they can simply tap once to respond.
Is There Uber Eats In Dominican Republic?
Yes, Uber Eats is available in some parts of the Dominican Republic.
This allows you to order food from local restaurants and have it delivered to your location if you have one of those days and just don’t want to go out and look for a nice place to eat!
Uber Eats is a super-convenient option if you want to try local cuisine in your pajamas on an off day.
Does My Uber Account Work Internationally?
Yes, your Uber account work internationally.
Once you have your Uber app active with payment details registered, you can use it in all destinations where there is Uber – as long as you are able to get online.
Is There Uber In Samana Dominican Republic?
No, you will not find Uber in Samana, a town north of the Dominican Republic where you can go on the famous whale-watching tours. .
In Samana, though, you will easily find regular taxi drivers, especially around the bus station, waiting for travelers to arrive.
I had no problem getting a taxi from Samana bus station when I arrived and needed to get myself to the north of the Samana Peninsula.
You need to negotiate the price yourself, and I recommend (as always) settling that before you get in the taxi!
Can I pre-book An Uber?
Yes, you can pre-schedule an Uber, however!
As a pre-scheduled Uber is not an agreement with an actual driver, there is the odd chance that there are no drivers available when your scheduled time arrives.
I had that exact situation in Memphis, TS (not the Dominican Republic), at 4 am in the morning, waiting for my Uber to go to the airport – and the Uber never showed. (Luckily, Memphis had a 24/7 taxi company that actually answered the phone, and I got to the airport in time).
The risk of that happening is probably lower in a large city or dense area with lots of drivers than in the suburbs or small towns and villages.
Regardless of where you are, if the trip you are looking for is super important to arrive on time, I would probably not go with a pre-scheduled Uber, but rather a guaranteed booking with a taxi company.
Can I Request A Female Uber Driver?
No, you can not request a female Uber driver.
In this technologically advanced age, where you can summon a ride with the tap of your finger on an app on your phone, you could assume that it would be possible to choose either a male or female Uber driver.
Especially many female solo travelers ask the question; “can I request a female Uber driver?
Unfortunately (for some), neither Uber nor Lyft offer such flexibility in their app so no gender preference is possible when you book your Uber ride.
At least not yet.
How Do You Get Around In The Dominican Republic?
Apart from booking an Uber, there are plenty of regular taxis, private pre-booked options, and local and long-haul buses as well.
With probably more than a hundred cab companies available throughout the Dominican Republic, transport will not be a problem.
You’ll recognize them by their standard signature sign atop each car.
Can You Kiss In The Back Of An Uber?
Wow, what a question! Well, no, you can not kiss in the back of an Uber!
We can only imagine what situations Uber drivers had to deal with for this to become a formal guideline for passengers. Nevertheless, those are the boundaries, people!
The community guidelines on the Uber website specify that “you shouldn’t touch or flirt with other people in the car,” and that there’s “no sexual conduct with drivers or fellow riders, no matter what.”
What Are The Best Options For Transport In Santo Domingo?
Apart from Uber, there is a variety of transport options in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic.
- Santo Domingo Subway (has two lines: north-south and east-west)
- Taxi
- UBER & Cabify
- Interurban Coach Bus Service
- Low-Cost Minivan Bus Service or Guaguas
- Minivan Bus
- Motorbike Taxis or Motoconchos
- Shared Taxis or Conchos
What Is The Cheapest Transportation In The Dominican Republic?
Bus travel is very cost-effective in the Dominican Republic when compared to renting a car.
In the DR, there are three bus companies that offer coach services between destinations and cities.
These are Metro Tours, Caribe Tours, or Expreso Bavaro, all of whom are considered trusted and guarantee dependable transportation.
I have used Caribe Tours, and Expreso Bavaro, and apart from the fact that their home pages are simple (and you can not book online), the trip itself is well organized and without problems.
Are Taxis Expensive In The Dominican Republic?
In the Dominican Republic, standard taxis are up to 2.5 times more expensive than Uber rides.
Is There Lyft In Dominican Republic?
No, Lyft is not available in the Dominican Republic.
What countries is Lyft available in?
Lyft operates in the U.S. and Canada.
Is There Cabify In The Dominican Republic?
Yes, there is Cabify in the Dominican Republic, but Cabify is currently only available in the capital, Santo Domingo.
What About Dominican Republic Taxi Service?
You will easily find taxis in most destinations in the Dominican Republic, and you can either call a taxi company to book one or hail one on the street.
Traditional taxis can be up to 2,5 times more expensive than Uber rides in the DR.
If you prefer a traditional taxi, you can ask your hotel to book one for you or just hail one while you are out and about.
Where to call for a Taxi in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
- Santo Domingo Taxi: +1 809 544 4444.
- Apolo Taxi: +1 809 537 0000.
- Tecnitaxi: +1 809 567 2010.
Wrap-Up Is There Uber In Dominican Republic!
Uber is a convenient, affordable, and safe transportation option for you during your holiday in the Dominican Republic.
It’s available in several popular destinations, including Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, and Santiago.
Generally, the cost of an Uber ride in the Dominican Republic varies depending on the distance and time of day, but it is normally cheaper than a standard taxi.
Personally, I love the Uber concept, especially since I don’t even need to know exactly where I am (great for travelers); a safe and vetted driver comes to get me, and the pay is all taken care of online.
So, it is really good news that Uber is becoming more common in the Caribbean and Central America.
So go ahead and enjoy the convenience and affordability of Uber while exploring all of the wonders and beauty that the Dominican Republic has to offer!
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