Money in Dominican Republic

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.