According to baglib, Punta Cana is a resort on the east coast of the Dominican Republic. Here is one of the three international airports in the country and the only one that receives aircraft from Russia – both capitals, Krasnodar, Rostov-on-Don, Yekaterinburg and several other cities.
There are no direct regular flights, the only way to get there without transfers is charter flights, available only as part of package tours.
Most routes have more than one connection in London, Miami, Düsseldorf, Berlin or Munich. Airberlin, Air France, Aeroflot, British Airways, American Airlines and others fly from the capital. The price range is rather big, the most economical option from Delta Air Lines is 1500 USD round trip. A one-way trip will take more than a day, with connections in Amsterdam and Atlanta. There is a similar route from the Northern capital, however, it takes longer to fly (up to 1.5 days), but the prices are slightly lower – 1300 USD. Prices on the page are for July 2021.
Those who plan to travel with a transfer to the United States need to obtain an American visa.
Muscovites can fly faster with Air France – 15 hours, transfer in Paris, tickets will cost from 1400 USD. For Petersburgers, the least time-consuming option is a Condor Airlines flight with a connection in Frankfurt am Main. Travel time – 16-17 hours, prices – from 1700 USD.
From airport to hotels
The air gates of the resort are located in the city center, not far from the coast. Many hotels offer free shuttle service. Buses in Punta Cana are most often packed to capacity, but the fare is a little – about 50 DOP. A taxi ride will cost 1200-2500 DOP depending on the distance.
Transport
Public transport in Punta Cana is the talk of the town. The quality of city buses leaves much to be desired, and they run infrequently. During the trip, you will have to suffer from stuffiness in a crowded cabin, while trying to get rid of overly talkative local residents.
You will have to look for a bus stop – in Punta Cana they are not marked in any way. The easiest way is to ask the locals, naming the destination. However, “guaguas” can be stopped on the road – you just need to raise your hand.
Given the problems with public transport, tourists in Punta Cana prefer to travel by taxi. This method is at least 10 times more expensive, but more comfortable and safer. There is an official service in the city, all prices are fixed, but it is still worth agreeing on the cost of the trip in advance. If you do not want someone to be put into the car along the way, immediately warn the driver – this is a common practice here.
A standard taxi ride around the city will cost from 650 DOP, from one end of the resort area to the other – up to 3000 DOP.
There are special tourist taxis in Punta Cana. They are distinguished by the best condition of cars, higher level of service and prices.
Rent a Car
If the purpose of the trip to Punta Cana is a beach holiday, then it is better not to rent a car. Getting from the airport to the hotel and from the beach to the restaurant is easier and safer by taxi. A car can be useful for those who decide to drive around the country, go rafting or go to waterfalls.
Roads in Punta Cana are broken in places, potholes are common. Aggressive driving style is the norm for local residents, they almost do not comply with traffic rules. There are almost no serious traffic jams – there are much fewer cars here than motorcycles. You can park wherever it is not prohibited by signs.
The resort has many international offices – Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europecar and others, it is better to book in advance. The cost of an economy class car is from 1500 DOP per day. Most often, the price does not include insurance, so you will additionally have to pay another 600-1000 DOP per day.
Communication and Wi-Fi
Roaming of Russian companies in Punta Cana will cost a pretty penny – even the democratic Tele 2 will remove at least 50 DOP in a minute. To save money, you should buy a prepaid tariff from a Dominican operator — Viva, Orange or Claro. Orange has the best coverage, but Claro offers lower rates. A call home will cost an average of 30 DOP.
It is better to buy a tariff plan in a cellular communication salon. For registration, you will need a passport and from 100 DOP, which will be on the account.
Free Wi-Fi can be found in almost any busy place. It is available in many cafes, which means you can connect from the street and even from the beach. In hotels, the situation is a little worse – in many you will have to pay for Wi-Fi in the room separately, but at the reception it will most likely be free. In any case, there is a chance to catch a signal from a nearby hotel or restaurant.
