Dominican Republic
Currency in Dominican Republic: what to use and how to exchange
The Dominican Republic uses the Dominican peso (DOP), around DOP 60–64 to US$1 in 2026 (check). Bring some US dollars as backup, withdraw pesos from bank ATMs, and exchange the rest at a bank or casas de cambio rather than at your hotel or the airport.
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GuideDominican Republic
Key facts
- Currency
- Dominican peso (DOP); 100 centavos
- Rate
- About DOP 60–64 to US$1 (2026 estimate — check)
- US dollars accepted
- Yes in resorts and tourist areas; change is often given in pesos (check)
- Best value
- Bank ATM withdrawal in pesos, or a bank / casa de cambio in a city (check)
- Worst value
- Airport and hotel desks, and dynamic currency conversion at card terminals (check)
- Cards
- Visa and Mastercard widely taken in cities and resorts; Amex patchier (check)
- Cash still needed
- Yes — guaguas, street food, markets, tips, small towns (check)
- Tipping
- 10% service is added by law; leave a little extra for good service
Details
The peso is the only legal tender, but the country runs on two price systems. Hotels, resorts, tour operators and many Punta Cana restaurants quote and often accept US dollars, while supermarkets, buses, pharmacies, markets and local restaurants price in pesos. Paying dollars in a peso-priced place usually means a poor rate and change handed back in pesos, so keep small peso notes for everyday spending.
Cash is still the practical default outside resort zones. Guaguas (shared minibuses), motoconchos, roadside fruit stands, colmados and small comedores work in cash, and many have no card reader. Carry a mix: a few thousand pesos for the day, plus a card for hotels and larger restaurants.
ATMs are common in Santo Domingo, Santiago, Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and Las Terrenas, and thinner in small beach towns and the interior. Use machines at banks during opening hours where possible, take pesos rather than dollars, and decline any offered conversion to your home currency. Withdrawal limits and fees vary by bank and by your card issuer (check).
For exchange, banks and casas de cambio in cities generally beat airport and hotel counters. Bring clean, unmarked US dollar notes — many exchange desks and some shops refuse torn or heavily marked bills, and older series notes can be turned away (check). You do not need to change money before you arrive; there are exchange desks and ATMs at the main airports, just at worse rates.
Budget in pesos and convert once: about DOP 60–64 to US$1 in 2026 (check). A mid-range day of local food, transport and one paid activity lands in the low thousands of pesos; see the budget page for a full breakdown.
Summary table
| Method | Typical cost or rate | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Bank ATM in pesos | Interbank rate plus a local fee and your bank's fee (check) | Main way to get cash in cities and resort areas |
| Bank or casa de cambio | Close to the market rate; passport often required (check) | Changing a larger amount of USD cash |
| Airport or hotel desk | Noticeably worse than a city bank (check) | Small amounts on arrival only |
| Paying in US dollars | Merchant rate, change in pesos (check) | Resorts and dollar-priced tours |
| Card payment | Interbank rate; decline conversion to your home currency | Hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets |
| Traveller's cheques | Rarely accepted (check) | Skip |
Rates and fees move; confirm with your bank and the desk in front of you (check).
Tips
- Carry small peso notes (DOP 100, 200, 500) — big notes are hard to break at small vendors.
- Keep a US$50–100 backup in clean bills for emergencies, not for daily spending.
- Always choose to be charged in DOP, not your home currency, at card terminals and ATMs.
- Use bank-branded ATMs inside branches or malls rather than standalone machines on the street.
- Ask your bank about foreign withdrawal fees before you fly; two or three larger withdrawals usually beat many small ones.
- Prices in resort areas may be quoted in USD; ask which currency before you agree.
FAQ
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Dominican Republic?
The Dominican peso (DOP), divided into 100 centavos. US dollars are widely accepted in resorts and tourist areas, but everyday prices — buses, markets, local restaurants — are in pesos. Budget around DOP 60–64 to US$1 in 2026 (check).
Where is the best place to exchange money in Dominican Republic?
Banks and casas de cambio in cities usually give better rates than airport or hotel desks. Bring clean, unmarked US dollar notes; torn or heavily marked bills are often refused (check). ATMs at banks are the simplest option for most travellers.
Is it better to bring cash or use a card in Dominican Republic?
Both. Cards work for hotels, larger restaurants and supermarkets in cities and resorts, but cash is needed for guaguas, markets, small towns and tips. Withdraw pesos from bank ATMs and keep a small US dollar backup.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check