Cash or Credit Card in the Dominican Republic (What is the Best Option)?

Generally speaking, credit cards are invaluable when travelling in the Dominican Republic, as most businesses within the major tourist areas do accept credit cards. On the other hand, many small shops across the island will only accept cash, which is still widely used in the Dominican Republic.
Cash or Credit Card in the Dominican Republic
Table of Contents

Unlike cash which can easily attract criminals, credit cards offer a safer way to carry money.

They can also help travelers manage their spending by providing a record of all expenses, and they generally offer relatively good exchange rates.

However, credit cards tend to come with high fees, such as transaction fees for expenses incurred abroad, which make their cash advances an expensive way to get cash.

Ultimately, the convenience of cash versus credit card will depend on factors such as where you will be staying, what purchases you intend to make and what activities you plan to engage in

For instance, tourists staying at an all-inclusive resort may never need to use cash as most resorts accept credit cards. However, you will need cash to buy souvenirs or local goods from vendors outside of your resort.

Read on for the essential guide to money in the Dominican Republic.

Do I Need Cash in the Dominican Republic?

It depends.

If you will be staying at an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic, you may never need to use cash.

This is because most Dominican resorts accept debit or credit cards, with the exception of a few small hotels, located mostly outside the major tourist areas, which only accept Dominican pesos.

That said, you will need cash in the Dominican Republic for small expenses such as giving tips, paying for taxi rides and meals at neighborhood restaurants or buying souvenirs and local goods from small vendors.

How Much Cash Should I Bring to the Dominican Republic?

The amount of cash you need to bring to the Dominican Republic will depend on how long you intend to stay.

Plan to spend around RD $6,207 (US $107) per day during your vacation in the Dominican Republic.

This is the average daily cost, inclusive of food and transportation, based on the general expenses of most visitors to the island.

However, you don’t have to bring this whole amount to the Dominican Republic in cash, as you can also withdraw money from ATMs or pay using a debit/credit card.

It is therefore recommended that you only bring US $200-300 per person for your Dominican vacation.

How Much Cash Can I Bring to the Dominican Republic?

There are restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency in the Dominican Republic, which require that amounts exceeding US $10,000 must be declared.

Should I Exchange Money before Going to the Dominican Republic?

Yes. It is recommended that you exchange some money before going to the Dominican Republic.

This is because currency conversion is an unnecessary expense that can be avoided with some advanced planning. Before leaving home, visit your local bank to exchange some money into Dominican pesos that you can bring with you.

Only exchange the exact amount of Dominican money you’re sure you’ll need, so as to avoid having Dominican pesos left over at the end of your vacation.

If you do have some leftover Dominican coins, be sure to change them into banknotes in your home currency before you leave the Dominican Republic as they will be worthless once you return to your country.

What is the Best Currency to Use in the Dominican Republic?

The Dominican peso is the best currency to use in the Dominican Republic.

This is because most prices on the island are quoted in Dominican pesos. Moreover, when you use other currency, you will typically pay more than if you paid in Dominican pesos, as you will lose a percentage in conversion rates.

The US dollar is the second best currency to use in the Dominican Republic.

How Can I Get Dominican Pesos?

Here are two ways by which you can get Dominican pesos in the Dominican Republic:

  • You may withdraw from ATM machines using your international bank card, such as a debit/ credit card.
  • If you brought foreign currency such as US dollars, you may convert it into Dominican pesos. In the Dominican Republic, it is recommended that you only exchange money at banks or official exchange offices, which are known as casas de cambio.

Casas de cambios are widely available in the major tourist areas of the country and offer the best currency conversion rates – even better than Dominican banks.

Avoid exchanging currency at hotels and shops on the island as they will typically set the exchange rate to their advantage.

Can US Dollars Be Used in the Dominican Republic?

Yes, U.S. dollars can be used in the Dominican Republic, as they are widely accepted on the island.

Most shops, hotels, restaurants and tour companies at the major tourist areas of the Dominican Republic accept both Dominican pesos and American dollars.

In fact, major resorts and high-end restaurants normally quote their prices in US dollars. This means that tourists can easily go their entire vacation without having to convert their currency into Dominican pesos.

However, do keep in mind that you may or may not receive your change in US dollars.

Moreover, Dominican vendors typically set the exchange rate to their advantage when giving back change. It is therefore recommended that you always pay the exact amount in U.S. dollars, preferably using US $1 or US $5 bills.

Is It Better to Take US Dollars to the Dominican Republic?

Although the Dominican peso is the best currency to use in the Dominican Republic, it is actually against Dominican law to import or export it.

As such, the most convenient currency to take to the Dominican Republic is the US dollar, which you can change into Dominican pesos upon arrival.

Do I Need Dominican Pesos in the Dominican Republic?

No, you don’t need Dominican Pesos in the Dominican Republic.

Because the Dominican Republic is a hotspot for international tourism, US dollars are widely accepted by most shops, hotels, restaurants and tour companies.

Moreover, if you will be staying at an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic, you may never need to use cash. This is because most resorts in the Dominican Republic also accept debit/credit cards.

What Currency Should I Take to the Dominican Republic from Britain?

The best currency to take to the Dominican Republic from Britain is the US dollar, which you can easily change into Dominican pesos upon arrival.

Can I Use My Credit Card in the Dominican Republic?

Yes, you can use your credit card in the Dominican Republic.

This is because credit cards are widely accepted by most shops, hotels, restaurants and tour companies in the major tourist areas of the Dominican Republic.

That said, it is not recommended to rely on credit cards as your only source of money while vacationing in the Dominican Republic.

Also bring travelers cheques and some cash, as many small shops and vendors will only accept cash.

Which Credit Cards are accepted in the Dominican Republic?

Visa and MasterCard credit cards are widely accepted by most shops, hotels, restaurants and tour companies in the major tourist areas of the Dominican Republic.

Some large hotels and upscale shops also accept American Express credit cards.

Is It Safe to Use Credit Cards in the Dominican Republic?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to use credit cards in the Dominican Republic.

However, because both credit card and ATM fraud do occur in the Dominican Republic, you need to be cautious when using your credit card.

Here are some safety precautions to take when using your credit card in the Dominican Republic:

  • Only withdraw from ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business premises.
  • Always pay careful attention when your card is being handled by others.
  • Do not accept the use of card readers with unusual or irregular features.
  • Always cover the keypad with one hand as you enter your PIN number.
  • Regularly check your account statements for any unauthorized transactions.

Can You Withdraw Money in the Dominican Republic?

Yes, you can withdraw money in the Dominican Republic.

This is because there are many ATM machines everywhere on the island, most of which accept international bank ATM cards.

You can withdraw up to 10,000 Dominican pesos (US $172) per day from Dominican ATMs, which often give a good exchange rate.

Can You Use ATM in the Dominican Republic?

Yes, you can use ATMs in the Dominican Republic.

This is because most ATM machines on the island accept international bank cards.

That said, the use of ATMs in the Dominican Republic should be minimized so as to avoid theft or misuse.

ATMs are widely available in the capital city of Santo Domingo, as well as across the major tourist areas of the Dominican Republic, such as Punta Cana, La Romana and Puerto Plata.

However, if you travel into the more remote regions of the country, you will find fewer ATMs, if any at all.

Can I Use My Debit Card in the Dominican Republic?

Yes, you can use your debit card in the Dominican Republic.

This is because debit cards are widely accepted by most shops, hotels, restaurants and tour companies in the major tourist areas of the Dominican Republic.

That said, it is not recommended to rely on debit cards as your only source of money while vacationing in the Dominican Republic.

Also bring travelers cheques and some cash, as many small shops and vendors will only accept cash.

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest