Is it better to pay taxis in Dominican Republic with cash, or do drivers accept cards or payment apps?
In my experience, taxis in the Dominican Republic were strictly cash-based. Even in big cities, drivers didn’t have card machines, and I never saw anyone paying through an app. US dollars were accepted in some places, but pesos were better value. I found it easier to withdraw pesos early in the trip and use those for rides. If you’re relying on taxis, just plan to use cash. Anything involving cards has to be arranged ahead of time through hotels or private companies.
When I was in Santo Domingo, taxis only took cash. Not once did I see a driver with a card reader, and when I asked about apps, they laughed. The system is old-fashioned but straightforward: agree on the price and pay in pesos or dollars. Just know that if you use dollars, drivers usually don’t give the best rate. If you want to avoid cash, arrange your transfers through a company in advance because regular street taxis won’t accept anything but notes.
My time in the Dominican Republic showed me that taxis are cash-driven. I didn’t encounter a single driver with a card machine, and payment apps aren’t really in use. Drivers in tourist zones often accept dollars, but they round up prices, so paying in pesos is cheaper. If you’re arriving at the airport, have some local cash ready before leaving. Hotels can book transfers where you pay with a card, but if you’re taking regular taxis, cash is absolutely necessary.
Taxis in the Dominican Republic overwhelmingly run on cash. None of the drivers I used in Punta Cana or Santo Domingo accepted cards. US dollars were fine in tourist areas, but Dominican pesos were usually cheaper to use because of the exchange rates drivers gave. It’s definitely better to keep cash on you before you leave your hotel or resort. For anyone who wants card payments, booking private transfers online in advance is the only reliable way.