Tipping your driver in the Dominican Republic
What is normal, what is not expected, and what the price already covers.
Updated: 2026-09-11
Short answer
Tips are never included in the transfer price and never required. If the driver did a good job, US$5–10 on a city run and US$15–25 on a long run to Punta Cana, Samaná or Puerto Plata is a generous, normal amount. Pesos, dollars and euros are all fine.
What the fare already includes
Tolls, taxes, fuel, waiting time, child seats, water and the meet-and-greet are inside the quoted price. Nobody should ask you for extra money for any of those at the end of the ride. If that ever happens, tell us on WhatsApp the same day.
Everyday tipping outside the car
Restaurants add 10% service plus 18% ITBIS to the bill; leaving another 5–10% for good service is common but optional. Hotel porters get 50–100 pesos per bag, housekeeping 100–200 pesos a day.
Frequently asked questions
Is the tip included in the transfer price?
No, and it is never expected. The quoted price is the full cost of the ride.
How do I book a transfer from SDQ?
Send your flight number, date, hotel or address and number of passengers on WhatsApp. You get a written confirmation with the fixed price, and the driver details the day before travel.
Do I pay in advance?
No. You pay the driver at the end of the ride in US dollars, Dominican pesos or euros. There is no deposit and no card charge when you book.
Is the price per person or per vehicle?
Per vehicle, for 1–6 passengers, including tolls and taxes. Larger groups are quoted with additional vehicles at the same fixed zone rate.
How far in advance should I book?
A day or two is usually enough, and same-day requests often work. In high season, book a van three or four days ahead.