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Cash, Costs and Money-saving Tips for Travel in the Dominican Republic

Coconut vendor in Puerto Plata

Photo: Carlos Karlos

Use these must-know tips to make your dollar stretch (even) further in the DR

Thanks to the lower cost of living here in the sunny DR, your dollar or euro will naturally stretch further. But on any holiday, whether you're backpacking or flying business class, your budget can dry up quicker than you'd like. Here are some tips to help you get the best out of your trip - written by a US expat.

Need to know before you go

All tourists entering the Dominican Republic are required to pay a US $10 entry fee in cash. If you’re arriving by air, you don’t need to worry about this - the fee is now included in the airfare. If you’re entering via Haiti , Cuba or another Caribbean location, though, be prepared to pay the fee.

Art paintings for sale, Santo Domingo

Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

Cash in the DR

All taxis, public transport and many restaurants are cash only, and they'll expect to be paid in Dominican pesos. If you have a foreign currency they might take it (might) but won't give you change in the same currency, and might not give you change at all. So you'll need some pesos while you're here!

Pesos come in paper bills, and USD $1 will get you about 50 pesos*.

Here's a quick glance at the colors of bills in the Dominican Republic. Blue bills are 2,000 pesos. Pinkish red bills are 1,000 pesos. Bluish-green are 500 pesos. Pinkish purple are 200 pesos. Brown are 100 pesos.

Withdrawing cash

Withdrawing money from cash machines with your card costs approximately $10 per withdrawal if your card is from the US. You can go into any bank and most grocery stores to withdraw money at an ATM and there will probably be an armed guard there for your protection. There is a limit of $10,000 pesos daily at ATMs.

Dominican pesos

How to read price tags

The vast majority of costs across the DR are marked in pesos, which somewhat confusingly using the same dollar sign used in the US. In some tourist hotspots you'll also find USD prices listed - if you're not sure whether you're looking at a price tag in pesos or USD, just ask.

Haggling & tipping

Haggling is expected almost everywhere except supermarkets and banks. A good rule is to always negotiate a price before you jump in a cab or agree to buy something. To haggle successfully, locals recommend learning some essential Spanish, carrying pesos, not USD, carrying small change (including coins), being friendly and polite, and starting with around half of the first price a vendor offers you before negotiating toward a happy medium.

As for tipping, most of the sorts of places you’d normally tip in the US charge a 10% service fee that is split between serving staff. If you don’t see this extra charge added to your bill, tip 10-20% depending on food and service quality.

You might be asked for a “propina” - Spanish for tip - by people offering to do you favors, including giving you directions. Keep a handful of coins with you for these occasions, and give a couple of coins to express your gratitude. If you want to avoid tipping for these small favors, it’s best to say “no, gracias” politely and to refuse the help in the first place.

Read this guide to pick up on some useful Dominican customs to get a feel for the history and culture of the DR.

Photo: jaanall / Shutterstock.com

How and where to convert cash (and avoid a nasty surprise)

Find out up-to-date conversion rates by searching online for eg. "USD to DOP," "EUR to DOP" or "GBP to DOP." DOP stands for Do minican P eso. Keep in mind that fees are not included in Google's exchange rate, so the actual conversion will cost you a little more and vary by exchanger.

You can change money at a bank (best rate) or at any Vimenca shop. Vimenca deals in Western Union money transfers as well as money changing. You can find them in the ubiquitous La Sirena chain grocery stores.

Airports have the highest rates for changing money, but you should have at least 5,000 pesos cash when you arrive in the country. This is for contingencies - just in case you miss the shuttle to your hotel, an Uber driver isn't available and you need to take a taxi from the airport. (It won't cost quite that much, but maybe you're hungry too.)

Wherever you convert currency or withdraw cash, ask for 500 peso bills to minimise the chance of hustlers jacking up prices when they see you reaching for your wallet.

Find out how to save more on your flight to the Dominican Republic.

Using credit and debit cards in the DR

Credit cards are widely accepted in main tourist areas and cities across the Dominican Republic. Visa or Mastercard cards are accepted wherever credit cards are accepted, and some of the larger hotels and shopping destinations accept American Express cards.

If you plan on enjoying of the Dominican nightlife, plastic is a safer way to go, as you'll be dancing, hanging at the bar, and most likely mingling with people in a packed setting - so it would be wise not to go out with a bundle of cash.

There are usually no extra fees for using your card at a point of sale. If there is a fee, it will be very, very low.

A quick note: you may want to notify your bank before leaving your home country that you'll be using your card in a foreign country. This way they won't suspect your card has been stolen and block it. (It's happened.)

Dominican pesos changing hands

Average costs of traveling in the DR

Entrance to a museum: 150 pesos

Entrance to a national park or landmark of natural beauty: 100-200 pesos

A mojito at a ritzy bar: 339 pesos

A plate of tostadas from a street food vendor: 75-150 pesos

A nice meal at a down-to-earth restaurant: 690 pesos

A nice meal for two in a $$$ restaurant: 3,000 pesos

A latte: 150 pesos

Three night weekend in a Santo Domingo Airbnb: 11,400 pesos

Three nights at a sustainable, all-inclusive eco-lodge: 22,350 pesos

A boat tour to watch the whales: US $64 for adults

Day trips ( Scuba diving, snorkelling , caving, ziplining, boat trips): US $40 - $140

An umbrella and two chaise lounges under a palm-thatched umbrella on one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world: US $20 a day

Watch out for these hidden costs

Sales tax in the DR is 18%, and many restaurants and hotels will charge you an additional 10% service charge to the bill. This means you should expect the bill to be almost 30% more than the stated cost.

If you're renting a place or are here on business and you don't want to carry large sums of money with you, remember the lawyers dealing with real estate here don't usually take cards. You can go to the lawyer's bank with them to complete the transaction, or do a bank transfer from your phone app. The fees for international bank transfers can be 2-5%, but check with your bank.

Money-saving tips to help you travel on the cheap

Taxis are the most expensive way to travel. If you're not comfortable squeezing into a guagua or clinging onto a motore , try Uber instead. If you take a cab, be sure to negotiate the fare before you get in.

Get transportation costs and tips for getting around in the DR!

If you're not staying in a hotel or resort, your lodging will be wonderfully affordable. Airbnb has plenty of listings in all the major destinations, brilliantly located and lovingly furnished. These start around USD $30 a night - cheaper than a bed in an eight-bedroom hostel dorm in most touristy cities. Staying here for longer? Visitors can rent directly for between $300-$600/month, depending on where you've settled.

Most Airbnbs and many lodges, hotels and resorts offer access to a kitchen, meaning you can save money by preparing some of your own meals at home, and splash out on restaurant meals when you want to, not because you have to. Self-catering solo travelers can expect to eat for as little as US $50 a week.

It's easy to keep track of what you're spending in real-time if your card or bank has an app you can use on your phone. This way whatever you've spent will show up right away in your own currency.

Written by G. Abdullah.

Published November 2020

(Updated April 2022)

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Punta Cana Currency – money exchanges, helpful tips and everything you need to know

When the question about the Punta Cana currency is raised, travelers are often unsure: Dominican Pesos or US Dollars? What is the better currency to have when traveling to Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic? Or is a credit card sufficient so you don’t have to exchange money in Punta Cana? Exactly those questions are answered in the following article. We’ll show you what is the difference between US-Dollar and Dominican Pesos, if you really need to go to a money exchange in Punta Cana, what’s the best for tipping in the resort, which exchange rates to expect at different places and if it is cheaper to travel with the Dominican Republic currency instead of only having US-Dollars.

The currency of Punta Cana during road trips

Money exchange at banks, what is punta canas’ currency.

The currency of Punta Cana is the Dominican Peso, which is also the national currency of the Dominican Republic. The shortcode of the Dominican Peso is DOP. Currently, as of December 2022, 1 USD equals approx. 55 DOP, which means that for 1 US-Dollar you are getting 55 Dominican Pesos when exchanged for the interbank rate.

However, effectively, the Dominican Peso and the US-Dollar can be used likewise in Punta Cana due to its status as the most important tourism destination in the Dominican Republic. The following article will give you some more details, on which occasions it is better to use the US-Dollar and when you shall better use the local currency of the Dominican Republic, the Dominican Peso when paying with cash money in Punta Cana.

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Historically, the DOP is the currency of the Dominican Republic since 2011, even though the first Dominican Peso was issued in 1844. Before 2011, the “Peso Oro” was the Dominican Republic’s currency for a long time and therefore also valid in Punta Cana.

Seen over a long period, the Dominican Peso is historically devaluating compared to the US-Dollar. While in 2011, 1 USD was only worth 38 DOP, you get now around 55 DOP for your dollar, which shows the strength of the greenback. However, since Covid-19 in the Dominican Republic , the currency Dominican Peso has shown remarkable strength. From a ratio of 58:1 in July 2020, the Peso strengthened to the an exchange rate DOP to USD of 53:1 in September 2022. Just since then the US-Dollar is outperforming the Dominican Peso again, which leads to the current exchange rate of 55:1.

What currency does Punta Cana use?

Travelers are often asking what currency Punta Cana is using. As often, the answer is “it depends!”. Let’s have a look into the different use cases of Punta Cana’s money, depending on if you are in a hotel respectively all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana , if you enjoy one of the various Punta Cana excursions or if you are on a road trip through the Dominican Republic .

The currency of Punta Cana in hotels

When staying in an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana , you basically won’t see or experience the currency of Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic, the Dominican Peso. Everything is priced in US-Dollar – not only your booking but also the spa, the souvenir shop, any additional experience or your room upgrade you might want to take. Therefore, you won’t need any Dominican Pesos.

Even for tipping in Punta Cana, you can use US-Dollars. Resort workers are used to US-Dollars and they can easily pay with it for their daily needs, such as supermarkets or when using public transport in Punta Cana . Therefore, you don’t have to exchange your money from US-Dollar to Dominican Peso, neither for the all-inclusive resort nor for tipping. The US-Dollar can be considered Punta Cana’s second currency.

If you feel tempted of paying too much during your holiday, you can continue reading here to see how you can save during your all-inclusive holiday .

The currency of Punta Cana during excursions

The same situation as for the hotels does also apply to excursions in Punta Cana . They are all paid in US-Dollar (usually you pay for them upfront via credit card anyway) and the only money you need in Punta Cana during your tours is (usually) for tips, souvenirs, snacks/drinks and/or photos. Both currencies of Punta Cana are accepted, you can pay all those costs in Dominican Peso or US-Dollar, but there is no need to exchange USD into DOP.

The currency of Punta Cana when staying in an Airbnb

The situation is a little bit different when staying in an Airbnb in Punta Cana . Compared to your all-inclusive holiday in Punta Cana , a vacation in an Airbnb lets you take part in the real life of the Dominican Republic. Therefore, the Dominican Republic’s currency might be of greater use to you.

When staying in an Airbnb in Punta Cana , you can use both currencies in Punta Cana – US-Dollar or Dominican Pesos. As mentioned above when talking about the “real life” of the resort workers, both currencies are accepted in Punta Cana. However, change will always be given in Dominican Pesos when paying at supermarkets, convenience stores, fruit stalls, public transport in Punta Cana or any other kind of service.

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This also means, that it is not necessary to exchange money in Punta Cana, as you can pay everywhere with US-Dollars. However, it is recommended. The reason is that if you pay with US-Dollars and you get your change in Dominican Pesos, it might happen (intentionally or unintentionally) that you get either an unfavorable exchange rate for your change or the vendor tries to give you fewer Pesos than he should. Just imagine you’re paying the amount of 1235 Pesos with a 50 US-Dollar bill, do you know in 2 seconds how much change you are supposed to get?

Probably not. And exactly that’s the reason why I would recommend heading to a money exchange in Punta Cana or an ATM to get some local Pesos, Punta Canas currency No. 1 – and also the official currency of the Dominican Republic.

If you’re staying in an Airbnb which is more kind of a villa and you have a chef coming to you to cook and a grocery service, you don’t need Pesos either.

Last but not least, if you’re planning a road trip in the Dominican Republic or only in the area of Punta Cana, Dominican Pesos are also highly recommended, if not mandatory. Especially when venturing out off the beaten track and exploring all those adventures and secret spots the country has to offer, all prices will be marked in Dominican Pesos. Even though US-Dollars are also accepted in most businesses outside of Punta Cana, it will save you money, time and hassle to get used to paying with Dominican Pesos – it is simply the main currency of the Dominican Republic and Punta Cana.

Money exchange in Punta Cana

Ok, now you know what is the principal currency of Punta Cana. Just in case you decide to get some Dominican Pesos, you might wonder where you can find the best money exchange in Punta Cana.

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Money exchange in the airport

Money exchange at Punta Cana International Airport – or any other of the Dominican Republics’ airports – might be the first idea you have when thinking about where to get some Dominican Pesos. However, it is not the best idea.

Even though they advertise commission-free money exchange at Punta Cana Airport, the exchange rates for US-Dollars in Dominican Pesos are usually pretty bad. Expect to pay (at least) a 5-10% markup on the official rate (sometimes also 15%), hence the exchange rate will be somewhere between 47 and 50 Pesos for 1 US-Dollar.

The next time I am at the airport in Punta Cana , I will check on my own for the current US-Dollar exchange rate. 😉

Money exchange at the hotel

Using the money exchanges in the Dominican Republics’ hotels, particularly in Punta Canas’ all-inclusive resorts , is nearly as bad as at the airport when you want to obtain Punta Cana’s currency for your US Dollars. Usually, the exchange rate also has a markup of around 5-10%, mostly closer to the higher end of the range.

This being said, if you exchange 100 USD for Pesos, you will only receive around 5000 Pesos instead of 5500 Pesos, according to the current exchange rate of 55:1.

Note: It is not recommended to travel to the Dominican Republic with large sums of money (mainly for your peace of mind). Therefore, make sure to check out the ATM section below.

Money exchange in the city

If getting Punta Cana’s money at the airport or the hotel is too expensive, you might want to use a money exchange office in Punta Cana’s city center, which is called Bavaro. This is possible and you’re getting very good exchange rates, usually with a markup of just around 1-2%, sometimes even less. However, it also depends on where you go. If you exchange your money in Punta Cana close to the tourist areas, such as Corales or Punta Cana Village, you still will pay higher prices, usually around 2-4% more than the interbank rate. If you head to Friusa, the local center of Punta Cana, you find money exchange offices with the best US Dollar to Dominican Peso rate.

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Still, please keep in mind two things: – You have to factor in the costs of getting to these money exchanges in Punta Cana. If you pay 20 US-Dollar for Uber or taxis back and forth, it might be cheaper to just use the less attractive exchange rate in your hotel. – There is a theoretical risk of getting counterfeit money. While this usually doesn’t happen so much if you go to an official money exchange in Punta Cana, the risk is much higher if exchanging with street vendors or touts. You’ll get even approached by some of them at the beach.

Some of the more recommendable money exchanges in Punta Cana are (use at your own risk):

• Casa de Cambio Friusa, +1 809-556-2702 (close to the big Friusa junction)
• Agente de Cambio, Downtown Punta Cana (at the Sunix gas station)
• Caribe Express Bavaro, +1 809-552-0862 (at Avenida Espana)
• Caribe Express Bavaro Friusa, +1 809-552-0313 (close to the big Friusa junction)

The last option to change your US-Dollars into Punta Cana’s currency, the Dominican Peso, are the public banks. Here you’re getting the best exchange rates, usually very close to the interbank rate and similar to the money exchange offices. When exchanging money in Punta Cana at a bank, you just have to factor in two things: – some banks (but not all of them) require a local bank account to exchange different currencies – usually, the lines are pretty long, so you have to wait a bit

The most common banks, which are also all present in Punta Cana and Bavaro, are:

• Banco Popular
• Banreservas
• Banco Santa Cruz

Most banks are located either at Punta Cana Village, Downtown Mall Bavaro or in the Friusa area.

ATMs in Punta Cana

As you can see, getting money in Punta Cana for an attractive rate is not too easy. There are different options for obtaining Punta Cana’s currency, but all have their little drawbacks.

Therefore, for me, the best option to get the currency of the Dominican Republic in Punta Cana is via an ATM. They are readily available in the entire country. Without having them counted, I would say that there are at least 20-30 ATMs in Punta Cana, maybe even more.

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All ATMs from official banks dispose of Dominican Pesos at the official interbank rate. For most ATMs, there is a 150-250 Peso usage fee (3-5 USD), hence it makes sense to get a bit more than just 50 USD (respectively the equivalent in Dominican Pesos). The maximum you can take from any ATM varies between 12000 and 20000 DOP (approx. 230 – 400 USD) per transaction, even though there are few ATMs without a limit (Banesco for example). You just have to check the fees from your credit card company for withdrawals at foreign ATMs, but I know that there are many travelers (especially from Europe) who can withdraw money from ATMs worldwide without additional costs.

Besides the ATM usage fees, which are hard to avoid, there are several advantages of ATMs when looking for money in Punta Cana:

• 100% security, no counterfeit money (which is, however, not a big problem in the Dominican Republic)
• Usually, there is always an ATM close to you
• ATMs from official banks available at the airport and in several all-inclusive resorts
• Best exchange rate between US-Dollars and Dominican Pesos
• No need to bring large US-Dollar amounts into the country

ATMs in Punta Cana can be found at Punta Cana’s International Airport , at many all-inclusive resorts (even not at all of them), in the big malls (Downtown Mall, Blue Mall), in Corales, El Cortecito, Friusa and Punta Cana Village and all bank offices.

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Conclusion: which currency in Punta Cana do you need?

For most of the trips to Punta Cana, you’re fine with US-Dollars. Especially when staying in all-inclusive resorts and heading on organized excursions in Punta Cana , you won’t need any of the local currency of the Dominican Republic. Tipping in US-Dollar is fine as well. Just if you’d like to venture out to the countryside and explore the Dominican Republic on a road trip, for example when renting a car in Punta Cana , Dominican Pesos come in handy.

When getting money in Punta Cana, the easiest option is to use an ATM. They only supply the official currency in Punta Cana, Dominican Peso, and have the best rates. Just check the terms and conditions with your credit card company and you are good to go. Money exchanges office are an alternative if you don’t want to use your credit card, but it might be tricky to get attractive exchange rates between US-Dollar and Dominican Pesos in this case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Currently (2022), the exchange rate between US-Dollar and Dominican Peso is approx. 1:55. However, when looking for the exchange rates in Punta Cana, especially in hotels or at the airport, you usually only get 48 or 50 Pesos for your US-Dollar.

Yes, you can pay everywhere in Punta Cana with US-Dollars. They are accepted everywhere, even little street vendors or small shops accept them at a reasonable rate.

The official currency in Punta Cana is the Dominican Peso, which is also the national currency of the Dominican Republic.

Canadian Dollars in Punta Cana are not as widely accepted as US-Dollars. Therefore, it is recommended to change them to US-Dollars as long as you are still in Canada. When traveling in the entire Dominican Republic, Canadian Dollars are hardly accepted. You can only exchange them at banks or exchange offices.

Currently, as of December 2022, you’re getting around 55 Dominican Pesos for 1 US-Dollar. The exchange rate can vary depending on where you’re planning to exchange money.

Yes, US-Dollars can be used everywhere in Punta Cana. They are widely accepted and usually, you get a reasonable exchange rate.

It is not recommended to exchange money at Punta Cana International Airport as the exchange rate is pretty unattractive. Instead, better pay with US-Dollars for your first expenses in Punta Cana and exchange your money later.

Compared to the United States and Canada, Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic are pretty cheap to visit. Compared with the rest of the country, Punta Cana is slightly more expensive. You can find more information about if Punta Cana is expensive here .

No, taxis in Punta Cana do not accept credit cards. In this case, it is more recommendable to use Uber in Punta Cana , where you can easily pay by card.

SHARING IS CARING! IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS – I WOULD APPRECIATE IT A LOT.

Hey, I am Chris, a born and raised German, travel-addictive and Caribbean soul, who has been living in the Dominican Republic for 6 years. I’d love to be your Punta Cana expert, as I have stayed at more than 45 all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana and the country, visited more than 70 beaches, explored more than 40 waterfalls and have seen basically all the attractions Punta Cana has to offer. I have also studied tourism for 3 years and worked in the tourism industry my entire life, which is why I am not only giving you recommendations and tips as a traveler but also the best secrets and travel hacks as an industry professional. Do you need more information? Read more at my About Me Page , send me a travel coaching request or Contact Me here .

ALSO WORTH READING:

Grand Sirenis Punta Cana – a comprehensive guide for this family all-inclusive resort

Riu Palace Punta Cana – a comprehensive review for this Punta Cana all-inclusive resort

Temptation Miches Resort – a comprehensive review of this adults-only all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana

The best couples-only resorts in Punta Cana and the best couple-friendly all-inclusive hotels

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Currency in the Dominican Republic - A Full Guide 2024

Planning a trip to the Dominican Republic? Whether you’re heading there for work or pleasure, you’ll need to know how to pay your way as you travel.

This guide covers all you’ll need to know about the official currency in the Dominican Republic, where to get it and how to keep your costs down during your trip.

What is the currency in the Dominican Republic?

The official currency in the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso, which is issued and overseen by the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic. If you’re buying your travel money online you may also see the official code being shown - DOP. In stores and restaurants, Dominican Peso prices are likely to use the currency symbol $.

Once you’re in the Dominican Republic you’ll see costs of items shown in DOP and you’ll need to start paying for things in local coins and notes which are often found in the following denominations:

banknotes - 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and coins - 1, 5, 10, 25.

Can you officially pay in USD when you are in the Dominican Republic?

You’re unlikely to be able to officially transact in USD in the Dominican Republic, which is why it’s time to start getting used to DOP and learning more about the currency exchange rates so you’ll know what you’re spending on your trip.

This guide will walk through all you need to know, including US Dollar/Dominican Peso rates and where best to get your travel money from.

Dominican Peso coins and banknotes

Here’s a full rundown of the DOP coins and banknotes you’ll need to be familiar with when you’re in the Dominican Republic.

Is USD accepted in the Dominican Republic?

As we’ve seen, the official currency in the Dominican Republic is DOP. If you carry US Dollars with you on your trip, you’ll probably need to exchange it before you can spend.

Sometimes when you’re away on a trip abroad you’ll find that merchants will take payments in a selection of major foreign currencies. However, the chances are that where this is offered, you won’t get a good exchange rate for your USD. Planning smart and convenient ways to spend in DOP when you’re away is likely to mean you save on costs in the end.

Usually, having a few different ways to pay and get cash is the best option for travellers and tourists. That’s because you’ll have a back up plan in case one payment method isn’t accepted for any reason, and you can pick the method that’s best suited to the specific transaction. Having a multi-currency card from a provider like Wise , plus your normal bank debit card, and some local cash in DOP should mean you’ve always got options. You can use your cash for small purchases and tipping, and make low cost payments and cash withdrawals with your multi-currency card, while keeping your bank card in reserve for emergencies.

Use a travel card on your next trip to the Dominican Republic

Using a travel debit card in the Dominican Republic is usually cheap, safe and convenient. A few providers in the US offer multi-currency cards which come with a linked payment account that lets you convert, hold and spend in DOP. That allows you to add a balance in USD and switch over to DOP to lock in the exchange rate and set your travel budget.

Once you have DOP in your account there are no extra fees to make payments, and you’ll not have foreign transaction charges to worry about, either.

Here’s a quick overview of a couple of handy travel debit cards you may want to order and use in the Dominican Republic.

Wise travel card

Order a Wise travel card online or in the Wise app, to hold and exchange 40+ currencies and manage your money from your phone. You’ll be able to spend conveniently in DOP - and all currency exchange uses the mid-market rate with no markup.

Card holders get some free ATM withdrawals available every month, and there’s no annual or monthly fees to pay, and no minimum balance requirement.

Read a full Wise review here

What is the currency exchange rate for £ 1 USD/DOP?

It’s helpful to get to know the live USD/DOP rate so you can easily calculate how much things are costing you while you’re on your trip abroad.

The rate you need to focus on is the mid market rate, which is the one banks and major currency services get when buying and selling currencies. This rate isn’t always passed on to customers. Instead you may find that the USD/DOP rate you get when exchanging travel cash includes a markup - an extra fee.

Find the USD/DOP mid-market rate from a currency conversion site or a website like this, so you can keep an eye on the market and compare the rates you’re offered as you travel against the mid-market rate easily.

Should I exchange USD to DOP before traveling to the Dominican Republic?

It’s a good idea to exchange US Dollars to Dominican Peso before you head off to the Dominican Republic, as you can often find a better exchange rate and lower overall costs before you travel.

When you’re in the Dominican Republic you may need DOP in cash for some of your spending - particularly when tipping or making smaller value purchases. Buying your DOP travel money in advance can get you better USD/DOP exchange rates, and saves you wasting precious time shopping around for a good deal once you arrive in the Dominican Republic.

Get familiar with the exchange rates offered locally to you, and online, so you can decide whether it’s worth switching some funds in advance of trip, using a travel card to pay while you’re away, or converting cash on arrival. Both in the US and in the Dominican Republic, steer clear of exchanging currency at the airport. A captive market means that USD/DOP rates are often worse in the airport than in city centers.

Tips for exchanging money in the Dominican Republic

At merchants and ATMs, make sure you’re charged in DOP. If you’re asked if you’d rather pay in USD instead, say no. That’s a sign of dynamic currency conversion, which usually means extra costs. Withdrawing money in target-currency can be easy, particularly in big cities and Santo Domingo, here’s a few other tips if you want to exchange money in the Dominican Republic

• Avoid using exchange providers at airports or hotels in the Dominican Republic as they usually offer pretty poor exchange rates because they have a captive market and little competition nearby
• Use a travel debit card like the Wise card while you’re in the Dominican Republic for fast and cheap conversion between currencies and easy ways to manage your money from your phone

Best place to exchange currency in the Dominican Republic

You can get your DOP in the Dominican Republic in a couple of ways.

You’ll be able to use a travel debit card from a provider like Wise to make convenient payments and cash withdrawals and to convert funds online.

Or if you prefer an offline solution you can carry some cash in USD to exchange when you arrive. Currency exchange providers are often in airports and hotels, although the exchange shops in a city centre are likely to be cheaper overall.

How to pay in the Dominican Republic?

You’ll need to have DOP to spend in the Dominican Republic. However, generally having a few different payment methods is a good plan. That means that if a merchant won't accept one, you’ve got a back up. It’s also reassuring to know you have a different way to pay if you were unlucky enough to have a card or some travel cash stolen. Here are your key payment options in the Dominican Republic.

Debit or credit card

Card payments can be helpful in shops, restaurants and hotels but there will be places where cash is also important. Order a travel card from a provider like Wise for cheap and fast transactions, including card payments and cash withdrawals as and when you need travel money in DOP.

Dominican Peso cash

You’ll usually find you can use a card to make payments in the Dominican Republic, but carrying some cash in DOP is also reassuring. It’s often easier for tipping and making smaller purchases, plus you’ve got a nice backup if your card is ever out of action for some reason.

It’s a smart idea to have both a card and some cash in DOP when you’re in the Dominican Republic. Some merchants will prefer cash, but having a card for higher value payments and in busier more tourist places is also convenient. Consider using a travel card from a provider like Wise alongside your cash for flexibility.

Paying for the trip in USD

If you’re paying for things in the Dominican Republic with a USD bank card you might find a foreign transaction fee is added. This pushes up your costs when you spend in a foreign currency, and can be tricky to calculate.

Travel debit cards don’t always work this way. When you make purchases in the Dominican Republic using the Wise card you can either choose to convert your account balance to DOP in advance in the Wise app, or just leave your balance in US Dollars and let the card handle the transaction when you pay. You’ll always get the lowest available fee and there are no extra foreign transaction charges.

Conclusion - Currency in the Dominican Republic

You won’t be able to pay in USD when you visit the Dominican Republic - so learning about the currency you need is essential. Whether you decide to use a travel debit card from a service like Wise , or stock up on DOP in cash in advance, knowing the mid-market exchange rate can help you get the best available deal. Use this guide to learn all you need to know about the options, rates and fees for exchanging USD to DOP, and make your money go further while you’re away.

The official currency in the Dominican Republic is DOP. You can’t usually pay in US Dollars in the Dominican Republic, so you’ll need to plan in advance to get your travel money sorted. Consider ordering a travel debit card from a service like Wise, for low cost conversions to DOP and convenient spending and withdrawals - and remember that knowing the USD to DOP mid-market exchange rate is essential to check you’re getting a fair deal on currency exchange.

FAQ - Currency in the Dominican Republic

What is the currency in the dominican republic called.

The official currency in the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso. You may also see the code DOP and the currency symbol $.

What's the currency in Santo Domingo?

The official currency in Santo Domingo is the Dominican Peso. You’ll only be able to spend in DOP while you’re there.

What is the old the Dominican Republic currency?

Today the currency in the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso. If you’re worried about currencies changing, why not get a travel debit card from a service like Wise which will automatically pick the currency needed in your destination when making a payment - with no penalties or inflated fees.

What is the best currency to take to the Dominican Republic?

You’ll only be able to spend in DOP while you’re in the Dominican Republic. Carrying some money in cash and using a travel debit card from a service like Wise is usually the best way to spend while you’re away from home.

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Do You Need To Exchange Money When Visiting The Dominican Republic?

By: Author James Henry Currie

Posted on Published: February 24, 2023

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Last Updated 9 months ago

Travelers might be surprised to learn that there are many instances in the Dominican Republic where paying in U.S. dollars (USD) is perfectly acceptable , especially in the hyper-popular Punta Cana, which is fast becoming a Caribbean haven for Americans . But while the USD can be used at times, it isn’t always accepted, nor is it the best way to get a good deal.

Where The U.S Dollar Is Accepted

The following are the most common places that the USD can be used to pay. Although it’s always good to double-check before purchasing anything:

In The Resorts Of Punta Cana

Many of the all-inclusive resorts of Punta Cana are dollarized, to the point that travelers that don’t stray outside of their resort may not even see a Dominican peso during the whole vacation. It isn’t uncommon to see the prices of in-resort souvenir shops and spas priced exclusively in USD either.

Tipping of servers and resort staff is another situation where the choice is completely up to travelers. The locals of Punta Cana who work in the resorts are able to use USD to pay for things like public transport and their grocery bill at supermarkets.

The most common reason for travelers to leave the luxury of the all-inclusive resorts is to take one of the Dominican Republic’s fantastic day trips or excursions. Again, these are almost always priced in USD, and although the majority of people will book these trips with their credit card, for those paying in cash, this is another opportunity to pay in USD and avoid the costs of exchanging currency.

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Shopping In Punta Cana

There is a wealth of forum threads on the internet about where travelers can and can’t use USD in Punta Cana, with one of the places often mentioned being the shopping districts. But this comes with a catch. Paying in USD in these businesses won’t always bring the best price.

This is thought to relate to the extra costs for businesses to exchange large amounts of currency into their local currency, the Dominican peso . Although the difference in cost can sometimes be just a dollar or two, at other times, it can jack up the price considerably.

Where The U.S. Dollar Isn’t Accepted

Using USD is rarely an issue for travelers who prefer to stay close to their resort, but for those with an adventurous streak who enjoy going off the beaten track and experiencing the country from a local perspective, exchanging currency for the Dominican peso is unavoidable.

This shouldn’t be a shock, of course. The Dominican Republic is a solid democracy with a generally stable currency, so outside of the main tourist hubs, the USD isn’t as sought after by locals.

Where To Exchange Currency

The best place to exchange USD for Dominican pesos is in the country, the banks in the Dominican Republic and the Cambio’s (Currency exchange businesses) offer much better rates than currency exchange businesses in the U.S.

It is highly advisable not to use the currency exchange service in airports. This advice is solid the world over as the rates for exchanging currency in these outlets are normally much higher than can be found elsewhere.

ATMs are another convenient option for getting out small amounts of Dominican pesos when needed, every ATM will give an overview of the exchange rate offered, and they are normally reasonable.

Although travelers shouldn’t forget to notify their bank or credit card provider that they’ll be using their card in the Dominican Republic, this is to avoid it being unnecessarily blocked by fraud prevention actions.

Do Travelers Need To Exchange Currency?

Whether or not a traveler will need to exchange currency will completely depend on what type of vacation is planned. For those planning on staying in-resort for the whole trip or only venturing out on organized excursions, it isn’t necessary. But for everyone else, having a mix of USD and Dominican pesos is a must to ensure no difficult situations where purchases are concerned .

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