Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Dominican Republic: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
Best method in the Dominican Republic is to use ATMs for the bulk of your withdrawals. Budget DOP 2,500-4,000 daily depending on meals, transport, and tours. Bring a Visa or Mastercard, since Amex doesn’t always work at ATMs here. The airport counter should only be used for small amounts - maybe DOP 500-1,000 for a taxi. Once you reach your hotel area, find a reliable bank ATM to withdraw more at a fair rate.
The airport counter in Santo Domingo was a total rip-off. I exchanged $200 and later realized I lost nearly 15% compared to the rate I got from an ATM in town. That loss could have covered my entry to Los Tres Ojos caves and dinner afterward. I was budgeting around DOP 3,000 a day, and wasting money upfront felt frustrating. If you’re headed here, don’t fall into the airport trap - wait until you can use a bank ATM.
I landed in Punta Cana and swapped $50 at the airport just to cover my cab. The rate was poor. Later, I used a BanReservas ATM near my resort, and the difference was clear - I got more pesos for the same USD. Meals cost me about DOP 1,500 daily and taxis another 500-600, so the ATM made my budget go further. My tip: avoid airport counters except for small amounts, and rely on ATMs in town.
In the Dominican Republic, ATMs generally give a much better rate than airport exchange counters. Machines linked to Banco Popular or BanReservas provide rates close to the market, while airport kiosks add heavy markups. If you’re budgeting DOP 2,000-3,000 daily for food, taxis, and excursions like a Saona Island trip, withdrawing from an ATM is the better choice. Exchange just a small amount at the airport for immediate transport needs, then use ATMs in the city or resort areas for the rest of your trip.