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Money & currency

Money in Dominican Republic

Updated 2026-08-15

Money & Currency
$

Dominican Peso (DOP)

Currency code: DOP

Practical Money Tips

Dominican Peso (DOP) — USD Dominates in Tourist Zones

The official currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP, RD$), but US dollars function as a de facto second currency and are accepted nearly everywhere in tourist areas including Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, La Romana, Samaná and Santo Domingo. Resorts, restaurants and taxis frequently quote prices in USD. Euros are accepted at many resorts but typically at a poor exchange rate — change at banks or ATMs instead for a meaningfully better deal. Exchange offices (cambios) in Santo Domingo give competitive rates; avoid changing money at airports, where margins are consistently the highest.

ATMs Widely Available — Use Bank ATMs, Not Casino Machines

ATMs are plentiful at Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial, airport terminals, resort corridors and shopping malls in Punta Cana and Puerto Plata. Banco Popular Dominicano, BHD León, Scotiabank and Banco BanReservas are the most reliable for international cards (Visa and Mastercard). Avoid standalone machines in casinos and duty-free shops, which carry higher fees and an occasional skimming risk. Daily withdrawal limits are set by the machine and your own bank and vary meaningfully, so check both before relying on a single ATM for a large withdrawal. ATMs in isolated beach towns (Miches, Las Galeras) are rare and often out of cash — stock up before heading off the beaten path.

Cards at Resorts — Cash Essential Outside the All-Inclusive Bubble

Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex at larger establishments) are accepted at resorts, restaurants in tourist zones and most shops in Santo Domingo. Apple Pay and Google Pay are not widely supported — contactless card payments have limited adoption compared to the US or UK. Outside tourist zones — local colmados (corner shops), roadside comedor restaurants, motoconcho taxis and rural markets — cash in DOP is required. A foreign-transaction surcharge is common at many merchants, so factor that in when deciding between cash and card for larger purchases.

ITBIS Plus Service Charge — All-Inclusive vs. Independent Budgets

Restaurant bills carry 18% ITBIS (VAT) plus a mandatory 10% service charge — check whether displayed prices are inclusive before ordering. All-inclusive resorts dominate the DR's tourism sector: most costs are bundled, but excursions, spa treatments and premium alcohol are extras worth budgeting separately. Independent travellers should expect accommodation and meal costs to vary considerably by region and season — check current rates directly rather than budgeting from an older figure, since both shift meaningfully over time. The tourist card fee is often included in the flight price — confirm on your booking rather than assuming, and don't pay again on arrival if it's already covered.

Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.

Common Money Questions

Can I use US dollars throughout the Dominican Republic?

Yes, especially in tourist areas (Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, La Romana, Samaná, Santo Domingo). Resorts, tour operators and taxis commonly price in USD. Outside tourist zones, DOP is necessary — local markets, colmados and comedores don't accept USD.

Do Apple Pay and Google Pay work in the Dominican Republic?

Rarely. Contactless mobile payments have very limited adoption. Use physical cards at resorts and tourist restaurants, and carry DOP cash for everything outside tourist zones.

What's the best way to exchange money in the Dominican Republic?

Withdraw DOP at bank ATMs (Banco Popular, BHD León, Scotiabank) or use licensed cambios in Santo Domingo for competitive rates. Avoid airport exchange counters and hotel desks, where margins run noticeably higher. Never change money with street touts.

Are euros accepted in the Dominican Republic?

At many resorts, yes — but typically at a rate well below the market rate. Change euros at a Banco Popular branch or licensed cambio in Santo Domingo for a considerably better deal.

What taxes and fees apply to restaurant bills?

Expect 18% ITBIS (VAT) plus a 10% service charge on most restaurant bills — a meaningful markup on top of menu prices. Always check if prices are quoted tax-inclusive. The service charge doesn't always reach staff directly, so an additional cash tip is appreciated where you can afford it.

Is tipping expected in the Dominican Republic?

Yes. At restaurants, a modest additional tip is appropriate if a service charge is already on the bill, or a more standard percentage where it isn't included. Hotel porters, all-inclusive resort staff and tour guides all customarily receive a cash tip; motoconcho (motorcycle taxi) drivers are usually just rounded up.

How much cash should I carry outside Punta Cana?

Enough for a full day trip in DOP or USD — ATMs exist in most towns but can be empty or out of service in remote areas like Miches, Pedernales or Las Galeras. Top up in Santo Domingo or Punta Cana before heading out rather than relying on finding a working machine along the way.

Is the tourist card included in my flight price?

Frequently yes — most airlines serving the Dominican Republic include the mandatory tourist card fee in the ticket price. Check your booking confirmation to avoid paying again at the airport. If it isn't included, it's payable at immigration.

Entry rules, visa types and practical notes live on the Dominican Republic overview.

Visaja keeps this page's contact details and visa guidance under continuous review — still, requirements can change at short notice, so confirm the essentials with the mission or the official government portal before you travel.