Dominican Republic, known for its all-inclusive resorts, colonial towns, and vibrant Caribbean culture, is a top destination for sun-seekers and adventurers alike. Whether you’re exploring the streets of Santo Domingo, relaxing in Punta Cana, or hiking in the central highlands, knowing how to access cash is important. Cards are widely accepted in major tourist areas and hotels, but cash is still preferred in local shops, street vendors, and rural regions. This guide offers essential details on cash and ATMs in the Dominican Republic, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.
Where to find ATMs in Dominican Republic?
Santo Domingo, Santiago, and Punta Cana are well-served by ATMs, especially near shopping malls, bank branches, and major intersections. Banks such as Banco Popular Dominicano, BanReservas, and Banco BHD León operate extensive ATM networks that accept international cards. ATMs are typically found in commercial districts, metro stations, and near universities.
Tourist Spots:
ATMs are available in and around major resort areas like Bávaro, La Romana, Puerto Plata, and Samaná. Machines are often found in hotel lobbies, at airports, and near beach promenades. However, some ATMs in tourist areas may charge higher fees for foreign cards. It’s wise to withdraw larger amounts at reputable bank branches when possible.
Rural Areas:
In smaller towns or rural inland areas, ATM access can be inconsistent. Machines may be outdated, offline, or unavailable altogether. Many local vendors and transport operators work on a cash-only basis. Travelers should carry enough Dominican pesos (DOP) when venturing outside the city or tourist zones.
Best ATMs to use in Dominican Republic for foreigners
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.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Dominican Republic, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in DOP).
– If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
– If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in DOP’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Dominican Republic?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Dominican Republic. 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.
What are the ATM opening hours?
Most ATMs across the Dominican Republic are available 24/7, especially in urban areas, near hotels, and at airports. Machines in shops or gas stations may follow the location’s hours.
What are ATMs called in Dominican Republic?
Locally, ATMs are referred to as “Cajeros automáticos”. However, signage often includes the word “ATM” as well, especially in tourist zones.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs typically offer Spanish by default, with English available on most machines in cities and resort areas.
If you don’t understand these languages, try scanning the ATM screen on your phone camera with Google Translate and get an indicative translation (please note – such translations can have errors).
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Dominican Republic?
ATMs in the Dominican Republic dispense only Dominican pesos (DOP). U.S. dollars are widely accepted in resorts and tourist areas, but ATM machines do not issue USD. Travelers must withdraw Dominican Pesos from ATMs.
ATM withdrawal limits in Dominican Republic?
ATMs in Dominican Republic have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of DOP 2,000 to DOP 20,000, most common being DOP 10,000 per transaction. Some ATMs offer lesser cash per transaction depending on the availability of notes at the ATM at the time of withdrawal. Some banks also usually have a daily withdrawal limit of DOP 50,000.
ATM Fees in Dominican Republic
There are usually no fee-free ATMs in Dominican Republic. Majority of the bank ATMs in Dominican Republic charge DOP 300 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders. There is only one ATM part of the Global ATM Alliance Network that may not charge your card ATM fees, if you have a card from a bank part of the same network.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Dominican Republic. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Dominican Republic
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Dominican Republic?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Dominican Republic. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Dominican Republic. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
While the Dominican Republic is a popular tourist destination, it has reported incidents of theft, pickpocketing, and ATM-related scams, especially in urban areas like Santo Domingo and tourist zones such as Punta Cana. Use ATMs located inside bank branches, shopping centers, or hotels for better security. Avoid withdrawing cash late at night or in isolated spots. Be alert for card skimming devices and always shield your PIN while entering it. Monitoring your transactions regularly is recommended to catch any suspicious activity early.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Dominican Republic takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Dominican Republic?
No, its usually not possible.There are usually no fee-free ATMs in Dominican Republic. Majority of the bank ATMs in Dominican Republic charge DOP 300 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders. There is only one ATM part of the Global ATM Alliance Network that may not charge your card ATM fees, if you have a card from a bank part of the same network.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Dominican Republic?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Dominican Republic and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are multiple Bitcoin ATMs operating across the Dominican Republic, particularly in Santo Domingo (around 9), Punta Cana, and Santiago de los Caballeros. These machines, typically installed by providers like Coinhub or BitcoinRD, support buying (and sometimes selling) major cryptocurrencies and are generally available 24/7.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Dominican Republic
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate standalone ATMs in the Dominican Republic.
- Barclays: No, Barclays does not have ATM presence.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not operate local ATMs for consumer banking.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not operate ATMs in the Dominican Republic.
