Dominican Republic’s tropical beaches, vibrant culture, and lively towns make it a top Caribbean destination – but managing money in the Dominican Republic and understanding how currency works is key to a smooth experience. Whether you’re dancing to bachata in Santo Domingo, paying for excursions, or dining at beachfront restaurants, knowing how to pay matters. This guide covers what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in the Dominican Republic (Dominican Peso – DOP), how to handle cash safely, and essential dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll avoid hidden fees and enjoy every moment stress-free.
How to pay in Dominican Republic – cash or card?
In the Dominican Republic, both cash and cards are widely accepted however cash is still needed for many daily expenses and transactions and cards are increasingly preferred in formal settings like points of entry and tourist hubs.
You can use cash for:
- Public Transportation and Taxis: Local buses, moto-taxis, and shared taxis are cash-only.
- Street Vendors and Markets: Markets, food stalls, and small shops generally prefer cash.
- Small Businesses: Family-owned cafés, kiosks, and corner stores often only take cash.
- Hostels and Guesthouses: Many budget and independent accommodations prefer cash payments.
- Tips and Gratuities: Cash is common for hotel staff, guides, and drivers.
- Rural Areas: Outside cities and resorts, card acceptance can be very limited.
You can use card for:
- Hotels and Resorts: Most accept Visa, Mastercard, and sometimes AmEx.
- Restaurants: Mid-range and upscale restaurants in cities and tourist zones take cards.
- Retail Stores: Malls, supermarkets, and branded shops often accept cards.
- Car Rentals and Tour Companies: Established providers accept card payments.
- Online Bookings: Flights, hotels, and tours can be booked and paid by card.
What’s the best currency to take to Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Peso (DOP) is the best currency to take if you’re traveling to the Dominican Republic. Paying in local currency means better rates, especially for things like food, transport, and shopping in local markets.
US Dollars are accepted in tourist-heavy areas – resorts, airports, and some restaurants – but if you pay in USD, expect poor conversion rates or prices rounded in their favor. Plus, you’ll usually get change in Pesos, and not always at a fair rate.
Avoid Euros or Pounds – they aren’t commonly accepted.
Where to get currency in Dominican Republic?
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Dominican Republic. They are:
- ATMs, or
- Currency exchange, or
- Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Dominican Republic
Visa and Mastercard transactions are commonly accepted for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Dominican Republic
If you’re withdrawing money in Dominican Republic from an ATM, ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus and Maestro cards. Some of them also accept American Express cards. Others like CUP, JCB, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Dominican Republic?
It’s smart to bring a small amount of Dominican Pesos (DOP) before traveling for expenses like airport taxis, tips, or snacks. However, exchange rates outside the Dominican Republic are often unfavorable, and DOP may not be available at your local bank.
A better option is to withdraw DOP from ATMs upon arrival. ATMs are widely available in airports, resorts, and city centers, and most accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, and Plus cards. Be sure to check with your bank for international ATM fees and travel alerts.
If you wish to exchange foreign currency, use local banks or authorized exchange bureaus, which offer better rates than hotels or airport kiosks. USD is widely accepted in tourist areas and can also be exchanged easily.
Where to withdraw money in Dominican Republic
You can withdraw money in Dominican Republic at leading bank ATMs in the country. The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Dominican Republic are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Banco Popular,
- Banco Lafise,
- BanReservas,
- BHD Leon and
- Scotiabank.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
For a detailed guide, read Cash and ATMs in Dominican Republic.
Where to exchange currency in Dominican Republic
You can exchange currency in Dominican Republic at licensed currency exchange offices and banks branches.
Currency Exchange Offices (Casas de Cambio): Casas de cambio are common in cities like Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, and Puerto Plata, especially in shopping centers, tourist districts, and near hotels. They generally offer better rates than hotels or airports.
Notable providers include Vimenca Exchange, Caribe Express and Banco Popular exchange counters (in malls and tourist zones)
Casas de cambio usually operate from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with shorter hours on Sundays.
Popular Banks Offering Currency Exchange Services are: Banco Popular Dominicano, BanReservas, Scotiabank República Dominicana. Banks are open Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Airport Services: Currency exchange is available at Punta Cana, Las Américas, and Cibao International Airports, but the rates tend to be lower than city options.
Tip: USD is easy to exchange and sometimes accepted directly in tourist areas, but paying in local Dominican Pesos (DOP) is always more cost-effective.
You can find good currency exchanges in Dominican Republic using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 160+ countries, including Dominican Republic. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: They have the highest fees and poorest exchange rates. Wait to get to the city to exchange cash.
Is carrying cash in Dominican Republic safe?
Carrying cash in the Dominican Republic requires caution, particularly in busy urban areas like Santo Domingo or Santiago where petty theft and pickpocketing can occur. While cash is widely used – especially in markets and small businesses – it’s best to carry only what you need for the day.
To carry cash safely in the Dominican Republic:
- Keep your cash in multiple locations – wallet, money belt, and a secure bag.
- Use a front-pocket wallet or zippered crossbody bag to avoid pickpockets.
- Avoid displaying large amounts of money in public or while shopping at local markets.
- Stay alert in tourist hotspots, buses, and public transportation hubs.
- Use ATMs located inside banks, malls, or resorts – not on the street.
- Carry small bills for tipping, taxis, and local vendors who may not give change.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Dominican Republic
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
