Money questions are among the most common for Dominican Republic visitors — and for good reason. The difference between paying in pesos versus dollars, tipping at the right amount, and choosing the right ATM can save you hundreds over a week-long trip. Here's everything you need to handle money like a savvy traveler.
Currency Basics
The official currency is the Dominican Peso, abbreviated as DOP or RD$. You'll see prices written as "RD$500" or simply "$500" — context tells you whether it's pesos or dollars.
Coins come in denominations of RD$1, 5, 10, and 25. Bills come in RD$50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, and 2,000. The RD$2,000 note (orange/red) is the largest and most common at ATMs.
A quick mental math shortcut: divide peso prices by 60 to get the approximate USD value. So RD$600 ≈ US$10, RD$3,000 ≈ US$50.
Exchange Rates & Where to Change Money
As of early 2026, the exchange rate is approximately US$1 = RD$59-61. The rate has been remarkably stable for years, fluctuating in a narrow band.
Best Exchange Rates (in order)
- ATM withdrawals — Best overall rate. Your bank's interbank rate plus a 1-3% foreign transaction fee. This is the way.
- Casas de cambio (exchange houses) — Legitimate businesses with posted rates. Look for established ones like Gambi, Caribe Express, or T&T Money Exchange. Rates are typically 1-2% below the official rate.
- Banks — Offer official rates but can be slow (30-60 minute waits are common). Major banks: Banreservas, Banco Popular, BHD León.
- Hotels — Convenient but rates are 5-10% worse than banks. Only for emergencies.
- Airport exchange counters — The worst rates. Avoid unless you need cab fare immediately. Even then, ATMs in the airport are better.
Never exchange money with people on the street. Counterfeit bills and short-changing are common street-exchange tactics. Stick to ATMs and licensed casas de cambio.
ATMs: The Smart Way to Get Pesos
ATMs (cajeros automáticos) are the most efficient way to get Dominican pesos. They're everywhere — airports, shopping plazas, gas stations, and attached to banks in every town.
Which ATMs to Use
- Bank ATMs (recommended): Banreservas, Banco Popular, BHD León, and Scotiabank. Located inside or attached to bank branches. Highest security, lowest fees.
- Standalone ATMs: Found in malls, hotels, and tourist areas. May charge higher fees (RD$200-400 per transaction). Use only if bank ATMs aren't available.
ATM Tips
- Maximum withdrawal is typically RD$10,000-15,000 per transaction (US$165-250). You can usually make multiple transactions.
- When the ATM asks "Convert to your home currency?" — always select NO. This is Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), and it adds a 3-7% markup. Let your home bank handle the conversion.
- Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks. Set a travel alert through your banking app.
- Carry a backup card from a different bank network (one Visa, one Mastercard) in case one doesn't work.
- Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimize per-transaction fees.
Credit & Debit Cards
Card acceptance varies significantly depending on where you are:
Where Cards Work Well
- All-inclusive resorts and large hotels
- Upscale restaurants in Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, and Puerto Plata
- Shopping malls (Ágora Mall, Blue Mall, Sambil)
- Supermarkets (Nacional, Jumbo, Bravo)
- Car rental agencies and tour operators
- Gas stations
Where You'll Need Cash
- Comedores (local eateries), street food vendors, and market stalls
- Small shops, colmados (corner stores), and pharmacies outside tourist areas
- Public transportation: guaguas, motoconchos, and many taxis
- Beach vendors, tip jars, and small service providers
- Rural areas and small towns (almost exclusively cash)
Card Types
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. American Express works at major hotels and upscale restaurants but is less common. Discover has limited acceptance. Contactless payments (tap-to-pay) are increasingly common in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana but aren't universal.
Paying in Dollars vs Pesos
Here's the golden rule: pay in pesos whenever possible.
U.S. dollars are accepted throughout tourist areas — resorts, tour operators, taxi drivers, souvenir shops. But the exchange rate they use is almost always unfavorable. A vendor who accepts dollars might use a rate of RD$55:1 when the real rate is RD$60:1 — that's an 8-9% hidden markup on everything you buy.
When Dollars Are Acceptable
- Tipping at all-inclusive resorts (staff prefer dollars)
- Paying tour operators who quote in USD
- Emergency purchases if you run out of pesos
When to Always Use Pesos
- Restaurants, comedores, and street food
- Taxis and guaguas
- Markets and shops outside resort areas
- Any negotiable purchase (you'll get a better starting price in pesos)
Complete Tipping Guide
Tipping culture in the DR has specific customs that differ from North America and Europe:
The "Propina Legal" — Automatic 10% Service Charge
By law, Dominican restaurants add a 10% service charge (propina legal) to every bill. This is NOT optional — it's legally mandated and goes to the staff. On top of this, a 18% ITBIS tax is also added. So a menu price of RD$500 actually costs RD$640 after tax and service.
It is customary (but not required) to leave an additional 5-10% on top of the propina legal for good service. Many Dominicans leave the coin change; tourists who leave an extra 10% are considered generous.
Tipping by Situation
- Restaurants: 10% propina legal is automatic. Leave an extra 5-10% for good service. Round up for excellent service.
- All-inclusive resorts: US$1-2 per drink or service at the pool/beach bar. US$2-5/day for housekeeping. US$5-10 for bellhops handling multiple bags. Despite "all-inclusive," tips are expected and appreciated.
- Taxi drivers: Tipping is not expected for standard rides. Round up by RD$50-100 if the driver helps with bags or gives good recommendations.
- Tour guides: US$5-10 per person for a half-day tour, US$10-20 for a full-day tour. If the guide was exceptional, tip more.
- Hotel concierge: US$5-10 for significant help (booking reservations, arranging transportation).
- Spa therapists: 15-20% of the service cost if not already included.
- Gas station attendants: RD$20-50 (gas is always pumped for you in the DR).
- Grocery baggers: RD$20-50 at supermarkets (baggers are unpaid and rely on tips).
Money at All-Inclusive Resorts
If you're staying at an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana or the east coast, here's what to know:
- Bring US$100-200 in small bills (ones, fives, tens) for tips. This covers a week comfortably.
- Many resorts have on-site ATMs but charge premium fees (RD$300-500). Withdraw from a bank ATM on any day trip instead.
- A-la-carte restaurants within the resort often don't charge extra, but tips are still expected just like at the buffet.
- If you leave the resort for excursions, bring Dominican pesos for local purchases. Vendors outside the resort may accept dollars but at poor rates.
Daily Budget Examples
Budget Traveler: US$40-60/day
Guesthouse or hostel (US$15-25/night), comedores for meals (US$3-5/meal), guagua transport (US$1-3/trip), one paid activity (US$10-20). Beer at a colmado: RD$80-100 (US$1.50).
Mid-Range Traveler: US$100-180/day
Boutique hotel (US$60-100/night), restaurant meals (US$10-25/meal), mix of Uber and rental car, 1-2 paid activities or tours (US$30-60). Cocktail at a nice bar: RD$400-600 (US$7-10).
Luxury Traveler: US$250-500+/day
Premium resort or villa (US$150-350/night), fine dining (US$40-80/meal), private transfers, premium excursions. Resort spa treatment: US$80-200.
Money Scams & Tourist Traps
Being forewarned is being forearmed:
- Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): When a card terminal or ATM asks to charge you in your home currency — always say NO. Their conversion rate includes a 3-7% markup.
- The "no change" trick: A vendor claims they don't have change for your large bill, hoping you'll let them keep the difference. Carry small bills and coins.
- Taxi fare inflation: Always agree on the price BEFORE getting in. Better yet, use Uber or InDriver.
- Counterfeit bills: Check large bills (RD$1,000 and RD$2,000) against light — genuine bills have watermarks and security threads. ATM bills are always genuine.
- Double-charging on cards: Rare but possible at small businesses. Check your statement and report discrepancies to your bank immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I bring US dollars to the Dominican Republic?
Bring US$100-200 in small bills as backup and for tipping at resorts. For everything else, withdraw pesos from ATMs. Paying in dollars outside of resorts costs you 5-10% in poor exchange rates.
How much should I tip at an all-inclusive resort?
Budget US$1-2 per drink or service, US$2-5/day for housekeeping, and US$5-10 for exceptional help. Over a 7-day stay, US$100-150 in tips covers generous tipping.
Where is the best place to exchange money in the Dominican Republic?
Bank ATMs offer the best rates. Second best: casas de cambio (exchange houses) in town. Avoid airport exchange counters and hotel desks — their rates are significantly worse.