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Cash, Costs and Money-saving Tips for Travel in the Dominican Republic

Coconut vendor in Puerto Plata

Photo: Carlos Karlos

Use these must-know tips to make your dollar stretch (even) further in the DR

Thanks to the lower cost of living here in the sunny DR, your dollar or euro will naturally stretch further. But on any holiday, whether you're backpacking or flying business class, your budget can dry up quicker than you'd like. Here are some tips to help you get the best out of your trip - written by a US expat.

Need to know before you go

All tourists entering the Dominican Republic are required to pay a US $10 entry fee in cash. If you’re arriving by air, you don’t need to worry about this - the fee is now included in the airfare. If you’re entering via Haiti , Cuba or another Caribbean location, though, be prepared to pay the fee.

Art paintings for sale, Santo Domingo

Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

Cash in the DR

All taxis, public transport and many restaurants are cash only, and they'll expect to be paid in Dominican pesos. If you have a foreign currency they might take it (might) but won't give you change in the same currency, and might not give you change at all. So you'll need some pesos while you're here!

Pesos come in paper bills, and USD $1 will get you about 50 pesos*.

Here's a quick glance at the colors of bills in the Dominican Republic. Blue bills are 2,000 pesos. Pinkish red bills are 1,000 pesos. Bluish-green are 500 pesos. Pinkish purple are 200 pesos. Brown are 100 pesos.

Withdrawing cash

Withdrawing money from cash machines with your card costs approximately $10 per withdrawal if your card is from the US. You can go into any bank and most grocery stores to withdraw money at an ATM and there will probably be an armed guard there for your protection. There is a limit of $10,000 pesos daily at ATMs.

Dominican pesos

How to read price tags

The vast majority of costs across the DR are marked in pesos, which somewhat confusingly using the same dollar sign used in the US. In some tourist hotspots you'll also find USD prices listed - if you're not sure whether you're looking at a price tag in pesos or USD, just ask.

Haggling & tipping

Haggling is expected almost everywhere except supermarkets and banks. A good rule is to always negotiate a price before you jump in a cab or agree to buy something. To haggle successfully, locals recommend learning some essential Spanish, carrying pesos, not USD, carrying small change (including coins), being friendly and polite, and starting with around half of the first price a vendor offers you before negotiating toward a happy medium.

As for tipping, most of the sorts of places you’d normally tip in the US charge a 10% service fee that is split between serving staff. If you don’t see this extra charge added to your bill, tip 10-20% depending on food and service quality.

You might be asked for a “propina” - Spanish for tip - by people offering to do you favors, including giving you directions. Keep a handful of coins with you for these occasions, and give a couple of coins to express your gratitude. If you want to avoid tipping for these small favors, it’s best to say “no, gracias” politely and to refuse the help in the first place.

Read this guide to pick up on some useful Dominican customs to get a feel for the history and culture of the DR.

Photo: jaanall / Shutterstock.com

How and where to convert cash (and avoid a nasty surprise)

Find out up-to-date conversion rates by searching online for eg. "USD to DOP," "EUR to DOP" or "GBP to DOP." DOP stands for Do minican P eso. Keep in mind that fees are not included in Google's exchange rate, so the actual conversion will cost you a little more and vary by exchanger.

You can change money at a bank (best rate) or at any Vimenca shop. Vimenca deals in Western Union money transfers as well as money changing. You can find them in the ubiquitous La Sirena chain grocery stores.

Airports have the highest rates for changing money, but you should have at least 5,000 pesos cash when you arrive in the country. This is for contingencies - just in case you miss the shuttle to your hotel, an Uber driver isn't available and you need to take a taxi from the airport. (It won't cost quite that much, but maybe you're hungry too.)

Wherever you convert currency or withdraw cash, ask for 500 peso bills to minimise the chance of hustlers jacking up prices when they see you reaching for your wallet.

Find out how to save more on your flight to the Dominican Republic.

Using credit and debit cards in the DR

Credit cards are widely accepted in main tourist areas and cities across the Dominican Republic. Visa or Mastercard cards are accepted wherever credit cards are accepted, and some of the larger hotels and shopping destinations accept American Express cards.

If you plan on enjoying of the Dominican nightlife, plastic is a safer way to go, as you'll be dancing, hanging at the bar, and most likely mingling with people in a packed setting - so it would be wise not to go out with a bundle of cash.

There are usually no extra fees for using your card at a point of sale. If there is a fee, it will be very, very low.

A quick note: you may want to notify your bank before leaving your home country that you'll be using your card in a foreign country. This way they won't suspect your card has been stolen and block it. (It's happened.)

Dominican pesos changing hands

Average costs of traveling in the DR

Entrance to a museum: 150 pesos

Entrance to a national park or landmark of natural beauty: 100-200 pesos

A mojito at a ritzy bar: 339 pesos

A plate of tostadas from a street food vendor: 75-150 pesos

A nice meal at a down-to-earth restaurant: 690 pesos

A nice meal for two in a $$$ restaurant: 3,000 pesos

A latte: 150 pesos

Three night weekend in a Santo Domingo Airbnb: 11,400 pesos

Three nights at a sustainable, all-inclusive eco-lodge: 22,350 pesos

A boat tour to watch the whales: US $64 for adults

Day trips ( Scuba diving, snorkelling , caving, ziplining, boat trips): US $40 - $140

An umbrella and two chaise lounges under a palm-thatched umbrella on one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world: US $20 a day

Watch out for these hidden costs

Sales tax in the DR is 18%, and many restaurants and hotels will charge you an additional 10% service charge to the bill. This means you should expect the bill to be almost 30% more than the stated cost.

If you're renting a place or are here on business and you don't want to carry large sums of money with you, remember the lawyers dealing with real estate here don't usually take cards. You can go to the lawyer's bank with them to complete the transaction, or do a bank transfer from your phone app. The fees for international bank transfers can be 2-5%, but check with your bank.

Money-saving tips to help you travel on the cheap

Taxis are the most expensive way to travel. If you're not comfortable squeezing into a guagua or clinging onto a motore , try Uber instead. If you take a cab, be sure to negotiate the fare before you get in.

Get transportation costs and tips for getting around in the DR!

If you're not staying in a hotel or resort, your lodging will be wonderfully affordable. Airbnb has plenty of listings in all the major destinations, brilliantly located and lovingly furnished. These start around USD $30 a night - cheaper than a bed in an eight-bedroom hostel dorm in most touristy cities. Staying here for longer? Visitors can rent directly for between $300-$600/month, depending on where you've settled.

Most Airbnbs and many lodges, hotels and resorts offer access to a kitchen, meaning you can save money by preparing some of your own meals at home, and splash out on restaurant meals when you want to, not because you have to. Self-catering solo travelers can expect to eat for as little as US $50 a week.

It's easy to keep track of what you're spending in real-time if your card or bank has an app you can use on your phone. This way whatever you've spent will show up right away in your own currency.

Written by G. Abdullah.

Published November 2020

(Updated April 2022)

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Dominican Republic

Travel Advisory June 18, 2024

Dominican republic - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued after periodic review without changes.

Exercise increased caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime.

Country Summary:  Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault, is a concern throughout the Dominican Republic. The development of a professional tourist police corps, institution of a 911 system in many parts of the country, and a concentration of resources in resort areas means these tend to be better policed than urban areas like Santo Domingo. The wide availability of weapons, the use and trade of illicit drugs, and a weak criminal justice system contribute to the high level of criminality on the broader scale.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to the Dominican Republic.

If you decide to travel to the Dominican Republic:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Follow the advice of resort and tour operators regarding local safety and security concerns.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for the Dominican Republic.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Passports must be valid for the period of stay in the Dominican Republic.

1 page required for entry stamp

Not required for visits shorter than 30 days

None required if arriving from the United States

$10,000 and over or its equivalent must be declared

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy santo domingo.

Av. República de Colombia #57 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Telephone: +(809) 567-7775 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(809) 567-7775, dial zero (0) ask for Duty Officer Email:   [email protected] Hours: Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM except U.S. and Dominican holidays 

Consular Agencies

U.S. Consular Agent - Puerto Plata Plaza el Doral, carretera Luperón KM 3 1/2 Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Telephone:  +(809) 586-4204, +(809) 586-8023 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  (809) 567-7775, dial zero (0) ask for Duty Officer Email:  [email protected] Hours:  Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM except U.S. and Dominican holidays

U.S. Consular Agent - Bavaro/Punta Cana Palma Real Shopping Center Business Center 2nd Floor Bavaro, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic Telephone:  (809) 552-8990 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(809) 567-7775, dial zero (0) ask for Duty Officer Email:  [email protected] Hours:  Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM except U.S. and Dominican holidays

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visas are not required for visits shorter than 30 days. Visit the  Embassy of the Dominican Republic  website for current visa information.

All visitors to the Dominican Republic are charged a $10 tourist card fee that is incorporated into airline charges. Cruise passengers must obtain a tourist card if they are disembarking for longer than 24 hours. Once used, the card allows for stays up to 30 days but can be extended at the General Directorate of Migration in Santo Domingo.

Contact the  Migration Department  in Santo Domingo for visa extension requests. Failure to request an extension will result in a fine at the airport upon departure. The fines range from approximately $55 USD for one month to as high as $1,555 USD for overstays of 10 years or more.

All passengers are required to fill out an  E-Ticket  or paper form when entering or exiting the Dominican Republic. If using E-Ticket, a new form is required for each entry and exit and the code generated upon form completion can be presented at the airport on a digital device.

Visitors must have a ticket entering and leaving the country, the financial means to pay for their stay, and an address in the Dominican Republic where they will be staying.

Exit Requirements for Children:  Minors (children under 18) who are citizens (including dual citizens) or legal residents of the Dominican Republic, if not accompanied by both parents or legal guardian(s), are required to present official proof of parental consent to travel. Please see the Dominican  Migration Department's  website for detailed instructions on the required documents.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions:  Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic has restrictions on granting residency to people with HIV/AIDS. Please verify information with the Dominican Republic’s  Migration Department  before you travel.

Yellow Fever Vaccine:  Proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travelers entering the Dominican Republic from Brazil. Similar requirements may apply to those traveling from other  countries with yellow fever risk .

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction ,  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Crime:  Crime is a threat throughout the Dominican Republic. Tourist destinations are generally more policed than metropolitan areas.

• If robbed, hand over your personal belongings without resisting.
• Do not carry or wear valuable items that will attract attention.
• Be wary of strangers.
• Travel with a partner or group if possible.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI   pages for information.

Dating App Robberies:  Several U.S. citizen travelers in the Dominican Republic have reported that they were robbed by people they met through popular online dating applications. If meeting with strangers, you should strongly consider meeting only in public places and avoiding isolated locations where crimes are most likely to occur.

Demonstrations:  Avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution if you are in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.

Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local tourist police (POLITUR) at 809-222-2026 or  911  and contact the U.S. Embassy at 809-567-7775. 911 is operational throughout the country apart from some areas located near the Haitian border. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care.
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion.
• Provide a list of local attorneys.
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact POLITUR (809-222-2026), the  National Police ( 809-682-2151), and the U.S. Embassy for assistance.

Sexual Assault:  Rape and sexual assault has been reported throughout the Dominican Republic, including at major resorts and hotels.

Notes for your safety:

• U.S. citizens have been targeted with date rape drugs.
• Sexual assault victims in the Dominican Republic should not expect the totality of assistance offered in the United States. Rape kits are often not available until the following morning and must be administered by Dominican authorities.
• Victims often have to request medication to avoid transmission of STDs and reduce the chances of pregnancy.
• Prosecution of a rape case moves forward very slowly. Dominican law may require the victim to return to the Dominican Republic at some stages of the judicial process.
• Security outside of the resort area, including beach areas, is unpredictable, especially at night.

Best Practices:

• Contact the police/hotel management if resort staff demonstrate unwanted attention.
• Victims of sexual/other assault should contact the police and the Embassy. Insist that hotel management take immediate action by contacting the police.
• In a resort, avoid secluded places. Always be accompanied by someone you know, even going to the restroom.
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages alone or with new acquaintances. Do not leave drinks unattended.  Know your limits and help your friends/travelling companions to remain safe.
• Shout for help immediately if threatened or made uncomfortable.
• Report suspicious activity, including excessive friendliness by hotel employees, to hotel management, the U.S. Embassy, and local police.
• Do not swim alone due to life-threatening undertows.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities may not commonly occur in all parts of the country. Hazardous areas and activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in or near major cities or major tourist zones. First responders may be unable to access areas outside of major cities or major tourist zones. The ability to provide urgent medical treatment may be limited. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in the Dominican Republic are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage and  general information on legal assistance  for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, their possession they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in the Dominican Republic.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in the Dominican Republic prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, but the law is not enforced consistently. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. Accessible facilities, information, communication/access to services and ease of movement is limited in most parts of the country. Large resorts and Santo Domingo may have some generally accessible infrastructure, but travelers should not expect the level available in the United States.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Disaster Preparedness:  Register with the Embassy on or before your arrival through our  travel registration website . In the event of a natural disaster or emergency, this will keep you informed. Additional information on  natural disasters and disaster preparedness  can be found on our website. Real Estate:  Property rights are irregularly enforced, and investors often encounter problems in receiving clear title to land. Consult a reputable attorney before signing documents or closing on any real estate transactions. Real estate investments by U.S. citizens have been subject to legal and physical takeover attempts. Absentee landlords and absentee owners of undeveloped land are particularly vulnerable. Consider purchasing title insurance. Scams:  Scammers often target elderly people by pretending to be a law enforcement official, an attorney, or a U.S. Embassy official, claiming that a loved one has been arrested overseas. The caller instructs the victim to wire money. Scammers sometimes impersonate family members, such as a scared grandchild. Contact the U.S. Embassy before wiring money to the Dominican Republic. When in doubt, try to contact your loved one directly.

For emergency services in the Dominican Republic, dial 911 or 809-202-2026 .

Ambulance services:

• The training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.
• Ambulances are not present or reliable in most areas of the country. They are more reliable and available in Santo Domingo, Santiago, Punta Cana, and Puerto Plata.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.  Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the  Ministry for Public Health  to ensure the medication is legal in the Dominican Republic.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a  list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities in general:

• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors require payment “up front” prior to service or admission.
• Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient.
• Be aware that some hotels, resorts, etc. have exclusive agreements with medical providers, which have costs associated and may limit your choices in seeking emergency medical attention.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery. 

If you are considering travel to the Dominican Republic for cosmetic surgery, be mindful of the following:

• Have a medical evaluation from a U.S. doctor to determine if you are a good candidate for surgery.
• Before travel, carefully research the doctor (e.g. qualifications, experience performing the surgery, complication rate) and credentials of the recovery facility you plan to use.
• Share all health information (e.g. medical conditions, medications, allergies) with your doctor before your surgery.
• Obtain international travel insurance that covers medical evacuation back to the United States and repatriation of remains. For more information, see:  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/insurance . 
• See a travel medicine professional in the United States at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to discuss healthy travel and to learn about specific risks related to your surgery and travel. For more information on the risks of medical tourism, see:  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/medical-tourism .
• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in the Dominican Republic. 

Tap Water:  Tap water is unsafe to drink. Bottled water and beverages are considered safe. Please note that many restaurants use tap water for ice.

Adventure Travel

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .

General Health

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Tuberculosis
• Chikungunya

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Resources for Travelers  regarding specific issues in the  Dominican Republic .

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Driving conditions vary across the country. Drive defensively and with extreme caution.

Consider hiring a professional driver instead of driving yourself. You can hire licensed drivers who are familiar with local roads through local car rental agencies. In case of accidents, normally only the driver will be taken into custody. In 2019 six people died per day due to traffic accidents in the Dominican Republic.

Frequent hazards include:

• other drivers not using headlights and/or taillights after dark
• animals in the road
• missing manhole covers and large potholes
• uneven road surfaces
• scooters and motorcycles driving erratically and splitting lanes
• driving on sidewalks or against traffic
• intersections without stop signs
• unregulated and congested traffic patterns
• speeding or the running of stoplights
• heavy urban traffic

Traffic Laws:  Traffic laws are not enforced consistently. After an accident causing serious injury or death, authorities will often take the driver into custody, even if the driver is insured and appears to have not been at fault. Detentions frequently last until a judicial decision has been reached or until a waiver has been signed by the injured party.

Seat belts, and helmets for motorcyclists, are required by law. Violators may be fined. There are no child car seat laws. Police stop drivers using cell phones without a hands-free device.

Public Transportation:  Public transportation includes a metro and public bus system as well as shared bus or van taxis known as “guaguas” (converted vans or microbuses, often without doors). Guaguas run regular routes within urban areas and between towns in the countryside. Public buses and guaguas operating in the capital do not meet U.S. safety standards. Avoid unregulated taxis, which also often lack basic safety features. Use a reputable taxi service, either one recommended by your hotel or a well-known, vetted company. Rideshare services such as Uber are available in many parts of the country. Private bus lines travel between large cities and to popular tourist destinations. 

See our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism and INTRANT (Instituto Nacional de Transito y Transporte Terrestre) the national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the Dominican Republic’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s website.   FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  The U.S. Coast Guard has concerns about the security practices in the ports of the Dominican Republic. Until those concerns can be addressed, the Coast Guard advises that Mariners and passengers on commercial vessels traveling through the ports of the Dominican Republic should exercise caution.

Mariners planning travel to the Dominican Republic should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") and Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  Dominican Republic . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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How To Purchase A Tourist Card For The Dominican Republic

Published: November 7, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Tildy Arthur

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Tips

Introduction

Welcome to the beautiful Dominican Republic! Whether you are planning a vacation, business trip, or a visit to see family and friends, there are a few essential things you need to know before entering the country. One of these requirements is obtaining a tourist card, which allows you to stay in the Dominican Republic for a specified period of time.

A tourist card, also known as a tourist visa, is an official document issued by the Dominican government that grants visitors permission to enter and stay in the country for up to 30 days. It is a mandatory requirement for most travelers, with a few exceptions such as citizens of visa-exempt countries or those with a valid visa for the Dominican Republic.

Obtaining a tourist card is a straightforward process, and this article will guide you through the different steps involved in acquiring one. Whether you choose to purchase it online before your trip or upon arrival at the airport, we will provide you with all the necessary information to make the process as smooth as possible.

So, if you’re ready to embark on your Dominican adventure, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of purchasing a tourist card!

Step 1: Determine if you need a tourist card

The first step in purchasing a tourist card for the Dominican Republic is to determine if you actually need one. As mentioned earlier, there are a few exceptions to the requirement of obtaining a tourist card.

Citizens of some countries are exempt from needing a tourist card for stays of up to 30 days. These countries include Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Israel, Japan, Peru, South Korea, and Uruguay. Citizens of these countries can enter the Dominican Republic without a tourist card and are allowed to stay for up to 30 days under a visa exemption agreement.

However, it is essential to check the latest travel advisories and regulations before your trip, as visa policies can change. Always verify with the Dominican Republic embassy or consulate in your home country to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding entry requirements.

If you are not a citizen of a visa-exempt country, or if you plan to stay in the Dominican Republic for longer than 30 days, you will need to obtain a tourist card before you arrive.

Now that you’ve determined whether or not you need a tourist card, let’s move on to the next step: deciding on the type of tourist card you require.

Step 2: Decide on the type of tourist card

Once you have established that you need a tourist card for your trip to the Dominican Republic, the next step is to decide on the type of tourist card that is suitable for your stay. There are two main options: the Tourist Card and the Tourist Card Plus.

The standard Tourist Card is valid for stays of up to 30 days and costs $10 USD. This is the most common option for travelers who plan to stay within the regular 30-day tourist visa period. The Tourist Card can be purchased online or at the airport upon arrival.

On the other hand, if you plan to stay in the Dominican Republic for longer than 30 days, you will need to opt for the Tourist Card Plus. This option allows for an extended stay of up to 60 days and costs $20 USD. Similar to the regular Tourist Card, the Tourist Card Plus can be obtained online or at the airport.

It’s important to consider the duration of your stay and choose the appropriate tourist card type accordingly. If you are unsure about the length of your stay, it is advisable to opt for the Tourist Card Plus to avoid any complications or the need for an extension later on.

Now that you’ve decided on the type of tourist card you need, let’s move on to the next step: purchasing the tourist card online.

Step 3: Purchase the tourist card online

Purchasing the tourist card online is a convenient and efficient option, allowing you to complete the process before your trip and save time upon arrival in the Dominican Republic.

To purchase the tourist card online, you can visit the official website of the Dominican Republic’s immigration authorities or use a trusted third-party service. These online platforms provide a straightforward application process and secure payment options.

Here’s how to purchase the tourist card online:

• Visit the official website or a reputable third-party platform offering tourist card services.
• Locate the section for purchasing the tourist card or visa.
• Fill out the required information, such as your personal details, passport information, and travel dates.
• Review the information you provided to ensure its accuracy.
• Proceed to the secure payment gateway to pay the tourist card fee. Accepted payment methods typically include credit or debit cards.
• Once the payment is successful, you will receive a confirmation email with your tourist card. Print a copy of the tourist card or save it on your mobile device to present upon arrival in the Dominican Republic.

It is advisable to complete the online purchase of the tourist card well in advance of your travel date to avoid any last-minute complications. Ensure that you have a stable internet connection and all the necessary documents and information at hand when filling out the online application.

Now that you’ve successfully purchased the tourist card online, let’s move on to the next step: purchasing the tourist card at the airport.

Step 4: Purchase the tourist card at the airport

If you prefer not to purchase the tourist card online or have missed the opportunity to do so, don’t worry! You can still obtain the tourist card upon arrival at the airport in the Dominican Republic.

The process of purchasing the tourist card at the airport is straightforward and can be completed before or after going through immigration. Here’s what you need to do:

• Upon arrival at the airport, locate the area designated for tourist card purchase. This area is usually located near the immigration counters or in a separate booth.
• Take a queue ticket if required and wait for your turn.
• Once it’s your turn, approach the counter and inform the officer that you need to purchase a tourist card.
• Provide the necessary information, such as your personal details, passport information, and travel dates, as requested by the officer.
• Pay the tourist card fee, which is typically $10 USD for the standard Tourist Card or $20 USD for the Tourist Card Plus. Cash payment in USD is usually accepted, but it’s advisable to carry smaller denominations to avoid any issues.
• Upon payment, the officer will provide you with the tourist card. Make sure to keep it in a safe place, as you will need to present it upon departure from the Dominican Republic.

It’s important to note that there may be multiple counters available for purchasing the tourist card, so if one counter has a long queue, you can check if there are other counters that might have shorter wait times.

Now that you’ve successfully purchased the tourist card at the airport, let’s move on to the next step: filling out the tourist card form.

Step 5: Fill out the tourist card form

Once you have obtained the tourist card, whether it was purchased online or at the airport, the next step is to fill out the tourist card form. This form contains important information that the Dominican Republic immigration authorities require for entry and exit purposes.

Here’s what you need to do to fill out the tourist card form:

• Take out your passport and the tourist card.
• Locate the designated section on the tourist card form for filling in your personal information.
• Provide accurate and complete information, such as your full name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, and gender.
• Fill in the details regarding your travel dates and the purpose of your visit to the Dominican Republic.
• Review the form to ensure that all the information you provided is accurate and matches the details on your passport.
• Sign and date the form at the designated space.

It is essential to take your time and double-check the information you provide on the tourist card form to avoid any errors or discrepancies. Any inaccuracies may cause delays or complications during the immigration process.

Once you have filled out the tourist card form, keep it with your passport in a safe place. You will need to present it to the immigration officer upon arrival in the Dominican Republic and upon departure from the country.

Now that you’ve successfully filled out the tourist card form, let’s move on to the next step: paying the tourist card fee.

Step 6: Pay the tourist card fee

After obtaining the tourist card and filling out the necessary form, the next step is to pay the tourist card fee. The fee for the tourist card depends on the type of card you have obtained.

If you purchased the tourist card online, you would have already paid the fee during the online application process. You can simply present your payment confirmation at the airport, and there will be no additional payment required.

However, if you are purchasing the tourist card at the airport, you will need to pay the fee directly at the designated counter. The fee for the standard Tourist Card is usually $10 USD, while the Tourist Card Plus costs $20 USD.

It’s important to note that payment for the tourist card at the airport is typically done in cash, and US dollars are widely accepted. It’s advisable to carry smaller denominations to facilitate the payment process.

Upon payment of the tourist card fee, you will receive a receipt or confirmation from the officer. Keep this receipt in a safe place along with your tourist card and passport, as you may be required to present it during your stay or upon departure.

Now that you’ve paid the tourist card fee, let’s move on to the final step: receiving your tourist card.

Step 7: Receive your tourist card

After completing the payment process, you will receive your tourist card, which grants you permission to stay in the Dominican Republic for the designated period.

If you purchased the tourist card online, you would have received a confirmation email with your tourist card attached. Make sure to print a copy of the tourist card or save it on your mobile device. You will need to present this document along with your passport at the immigration counter upon arrival in the Dominican Republic.

If you obtained the tourist card at the airport, the immigration officer will hand it to you after you have completed the necessary paperwork and paid the fee. Ensure that you keep your tourist card in a secure and easily accessible place, as you will be required to present it during your stay in the country.

The tourist card is an important document that serves as proof of your legal entry into the Dominican Republic. It should be kept safe throughout your stay and handed over to immigration authorities when departing from the country.

It’s important to remember that the tourist card is only valid for the specified duration stated on the card. If you wish to extend your stay beyond the allowed period, you will need to contact the Dominican Republic’s immigration authorities for further information and possibly obtain a visa extension.

Congratulations! You have successfully obtained your tourist card for the Dominican Republic. Now you can relax and enjoy your time exploring the beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality of this Caribbean paradise.

Should you need any further assistance or have any questions during your trip, don’t hesitate to reach out to the local authorities or your nearest embassy or consulate.

Have a wonderful and memorable time in the Dominican Republic!

Obtaining a tourist card for your trip to the Dominican Republic is a simple and necessary process that allows you to legally enter and stay in the country for a specified period. Whether you choose to purchase the tourist card online or at the airport, following the steps outlined in this guide will ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Remember to determine if you need a tourist card based on your nationality and the duration of your stay. Deciding on the type of tourist card, whether the standard Tourist Card or the Tourist Card Plus, is crucial to ensure compliance with the visa requirements.

Purchasing the tourist card online offers convenience, allowing you to complete the process before your trip and save time upon arrival. If you prefer to purchase the card at the airport, make sure to have the necessary cash on hand and be prepared to fill out the tourist card form.

Once you have paid the tourist card fee, you will receive the card that grants you permission to stay in the Dominican Republic. Keep it with your passport and present it as required by immigration authorities. Remember, the tourist card is valid only for the specified duration, so plan your trip accordingly to avoid any complications.

Now that you have the knowledge and guidance on how to purchase a tourist card for the Dominican Republic, you can confidently embark on your journey to this captivating destination. Enjoy the breathtaking beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality that the Dominican Republic has to offer!

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

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.

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Can You Use Credit Cards in the Dominican Republic? A Quick Guide

By: Author Lena Linh

Posted on Published: July 18, 2023  - Last updated: September 14, 2023

Setting your sights on the tropical retreat of the Dominican Republic?

Wondering, “Can you use credit cards in the Dominican Republic?”

The answer is a reassuring yes.

In the main cities and popular tourist hotspots, your plastic friend is warmly welcomed.

It makes soaking up all the splendor this Caribbean jewel has to offer a breeze.

But, don’t forget to tuck a bit of cash in your pocket for those smaller purchases at charming local shops, as not all accept cards.

With a pinch of prep, you’ll be ready for a relaxed, fuss-free vacation.

More time for laughter, love, and those unforgettable family moments, right?

Key Takeaways

• Credit cards are generally accepted in the Dominican Republic, especially in tourist areas.
• It’s still wise to carry some cash for small purchases or businesses that only accept cash.
• Ensure you’re aware of any foreign transaction fees or surcharges when using your credit card.

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Can You Use Credit Cards in Dominican Republic: Overview

In tourist hotspots and at well-known establishments, it’s common for your credit card to be accepted without issue.

But it’s important to keep in mind that not every merchant will accept cards, so having some cash on hand is always a smart move.

If you’re staying at a popular all-inclusive resort, you may find that you don’t even need cash, as most resorts accept debit or credit cards as payment.

Now, you might be curious about which types of credit cards you can use during your vacation.

Well, your trusty Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards are widely accepted in the Dominican Republic.

And that means you don’t need to worry about signing up for a new card just for your trip.

It’s a good idea to inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any sudden blocks on your card due to suspicious international activity.

This way, you ensure that your credit card remains an efficient payment method throughout your family vacation.

Keep in mind that while using credit cards is convenient, it’s always beneficial to have some Dominican pesos handy for small merchants or street purchases.

Don’t shy away from experiencing the local culture and cuisine, even if it means stepping out of your credit card comfort zone.

After all, travel is about immersing yourself in new experiences, right?

Popular Credit Cards in the Dominican Republic

Visa and mastercard.

You’ll be pleased to know that Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout the country.

Feel free to bring these cards along, as you’ll have no trouble using them at various merchants, restaurants, and hotels.

Remember to inform your card provider about your travel plans to avoid any unexpected surprises.

American Express

While not as popular as Visa and Mastercard, American Express is still accepted at major establishments in the Dominican Republic.

If this is your go-to card, you won’t be completely out of luck when you’re out and about.

Just be aware that smaller, local businesses might not accept it, meaning it’s a good idea to keep some cash handy for those moments.

Discover Card

If you’re a Discover Card holder, don’t worry – you’ll also find places where your card is accepted.

However, this card type might be less prevalent compared to the others, so it’s advisable to double-check with your accommodations, travel agencies, or tour operators beforehand to ensure a smooth experience for your family.

Always keep an eye on your card’s foreign fee when using it abroad, as this can affect your overall expenses.

Using your credit card can help get the best exchange rate, but it’s crucial that you’re aware of any additional fees.

Debit Cards and ATMs

ATM Availability

In the Dominican Republic, most main tourist areas and cities have ATMs available where you can use your debit card with ease.

Visa and Mastercard are equally accepted by ATMs in the country, making it hassle-free for you and your family to access cash when necessary.

Just remember, less expensive accommodations, tourist sites, and restaurants may only accept cash, so it’s important to have enough on hand.

Before you jet off to the Dominican Republic, it’s a good idea to be aware of the potential fees associated with using ATMs there.

If you’re using a foreign debit card, you may encounter fees from your home bank and the local bank for withdrawals.

To avoid hefty fees, try to withdraw large amounts at once instead of smaller, frequent transactions.

However, always be cautious with carrying cash and split it in different places for safety.

While using ATMs, keep in mind that ATM fraud is not uncommon in the Dominican Republic.

Ensure you protect your PIN and use secure ATMs, preferably within banks or reputable establishments.

It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Currency and Exchange Rates

Dominican pesos.

Did you know that the official currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso (DOP)?

When traveling with your family to this beautiful country, it’s essential to get familiar with their currency system.

The Dominican Peso comes in various denominations – both in paper bills and coins.

In paper bills, you may encounter 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, and 2000 DOP notes.

Coins, on the other hand, come in 1, 5, 10, and 25 DOP denominations.

Now you might be wondering: can you use US dollars in the Dominican Republic?

The short answer is yes, but it’s a bit more nuanced than that.

US dollars are accepted in many tourist areas and resorts.

But keep in mind, not all establishments may accept it, and those that do might not give you the best exchange rates.

It’s still advisable to keep some Dominican Pesos handy for a smoother experience.

You can, however, carry US dollars for emergencies or in case you run out of Dominican Pesos.

Currency Conversion

When it comes to currency conversion, just remember that exchange rates might fluctuate before or during your trip.

Your best bet for converting currency is to use ATMs from major banks such as Banco Popular, Scotiabank, Banco Progreso, or Banco BHD, as they offer the most competitive rates.

You can find these ATMs at airports, resorts, shopping malls, and supermarkets.

Make sure to double-check the current rates before you travel.

Foreign Transaction Fees and Surcharges

When traveling to the Dominican Republic with your family, it’s important to understand how using your credit card might incur additional fees.

Let’s dive into bank policies, and how you can reduce foreign transaction fees for a stress-free vacation.

Bank Policies

Before embarking on your adventure, check your bank’s policies regarding foreign transaction fees.

These fees are charged by credit card issuers or banks for transactions made in a country outside of the U.S. and can vary depending on the credit card or bank involved.

Sometimes, these fees can be as high as 3%.

Additionally, the Dominican Republic has a tax called ITBIS that may be added to bills when you use a credit card.

Your bank may also charge you a service fee for each international transaction, which increases the overall cost.

Reducing Fees

Nobody wants to pay more than they have to, right?

Here’s the good news: you can take a few steps to reduce or even avoid foreign transaction fees while in the Dominican Republic.

• Consider using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.

Many cards on the market come with this perk – it’s worth researching before your trip.

• When making purchases, pay attention to the total cost in your home currency to get a better idea of the real exchange rate after transaction fees and currency exchange rate fees.
• Limit the number of transactions you make with your credit card to minimize these fees.

Perhaps use cash for small purchases, so you save your credit card for bigger expenses.

Tips for Using Credit Cards

Safety and identification.

When using credit cards in the Dominican Republic, safety should be a top priority.

You’re likely to find ATMs in most banks and grocery stores, often accompanied by an armed guard for your protection.

However, it’s important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.

It’s also a good idea to carry some form of identification with you, as some establishments may ask for it when using a credit card.

Small Denominations and Tipping

Although large hotels, shops, and restaurants in the Dominican Republic’s major cities and tourist resorts accept credit cards, it’s wise to have some Dominican pesos on hand, particularly in smaller denominations.

You may encounter some difficulties when using your card in remote areas, and having cash ensures you’re prepared for any situation.

Tipping is customary in the Dominican Republic, especially for families visiting popular sights and engaging in tourist activities.

Prepare to tip guides, drivers, and other service personnel.

Keep some low denomination banknotes handy for tipping purposes, as it’s typically not possible to add a tip on a credit card transaction.

Cash Vs. Credit Cards

Convenience

When traveling to the Dominican Republic, you’re likely to wonder whether cash or credit cards are more convenient.

Credit cards are widely accepted across the country, especially in main tourist areas and cities.

If you’re planning to stay within the major hubs, there won’t be a problem using your credit cards just like back home.

However, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand, just in case.

Some local shops and smaller establishments might only accept cash in Pesos.

And remember, tipping is expected, so keep some USD or local currency handy for that.

Carrying cash can sometimes feel a little daunting, particularly when you’re in an unfamiliar place.

Credit cards can offer a sense of security due to their ability to be easily canceled and replaced if lost or stolen.

But don’t let this stop you from using cash when it’s necessary or more convenient.

Just be sure to practice common-sense safety precautions.

Tourist Areas & Activities Accepting Credit Cards

Resorts and restaurants.

Most of the best family resorts in the Dominican Republic gladly accept your credit cards.

This means you can book a luxurious stay and dine at the best restaurants in the Dominican Republic without worrying about carrying too much cash.

However, it’s always a good idea to have some local currency on hand for smaller purchases, in case a particular establishment does not accept cards.

Also, make sure to inform your credit card company about your travel plans to avoid any potential security issues.

Tours and Excursions

Exploring the breathtaking sights of the Dominican Republic is a must-do while you’re there.

If you’re a fan of tours and excursions, you’ll be pleased to know that many of these activities accept credit cards, especially in tourist areas like Punta Cana.

This makes it easy for you to enjoy snorkeling, ziplining, or a city tour without worrying about cash payments.

On my last trip to the Dominican Republic, I was quite relieved to be able to use my credit card for various excursions.

It definitely made the trip less stressful, as I didn’t have to constantly carry cash or exchange currency.

Plus, knowing that the card transaction was secure made the whole experience even better.

Parting Words

So, can you use credit cards in the Dominican Republic?

Absolutely.

It’s essential for families planning a trip to this beautiful country to know that most major credit cards are accepted.

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted across tourist areas and cities, with some larger establishments even accepting American Express.

With this in mind, it’s important to always have some cash handy for smaller merchants or street food vendors.

Keeping a mix of payment options ensures a smooth and stress-free vacation.

Remember, while exploring the Dominican Republic’s stunning sights and flavors, having a little flexibility in your wallet goes a long way.

In any case, it’s always a smart move to notify your bank about your travel plans to avoid any hiccups during your trip.

So go ahead, plan that dream vacation, and rest assured knowing your credit card will be there to back you up.

Related: What is the Currency in the Dominican Republic

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use credit cards in the dominican republic.

Yes, it is generally safe to use credit cards in the Dominican Republic. Just be cautious when sharing your card information and use ATMs in secure locations. Visa or Mastercard are widely accepted, and some larger establishments accept American Express cards as well.

What Is The Best Way To Use Money In The Dominican Republic?

The best way to use money in the Dominican Republic is to have a mix of local currency (Dominican pesos), US dollars, and your credit or debit cards. This combination provides flexibility for different situations, such as shopping at local markets, dining at restaurants, and exploring tourist attractions.

Should You Bring Cash To The Dominican Republic?

Yes, it’s a good idea to bring some cash to the Dominican Republic, as some small businesses, street vendors, and transportation services may not accept credit or debit cards. Having cash on hand can be helpful, especially when visiting rural areas or markets.

Can You Use A US Debit Card In The Dominican Republic?

Yes, you can use your US debit card in the Dominican Republic. Keep in mind that depending on your bank, there may be transaction fees and currency conversion charges when using your card for payments and withdrawals. It’s a good idea to notify your bank before your trip to avoid potential issues with your transactions.

Are There Atms Available In The Dominican Republic?

Yes, ATMs are available in the Dominican Republic, especially in cities and tourist areas. However, be cautious when using an ATM, and only use machines located in well-lit, secure areas to minimize risks.

What Kind Of Currency Should I Prepare For A Trip To The Dominican Republic?

The Dominican Republic uses the Dominican peso (DOP), though many establishments in tourist areas also accept US dollars. To prepare for your trip, it’s best to have a mix of Dominican pesos and US dollars, along with your credit and debit cards. This will ensure you’re ready for any situation while exploring this beautiful country.

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2 Best Travel Cards for Dominican Republic

Getting an international travel card before you travel to Dominican Republic can make it cheaper and more convenient when you spend in Dominican Peso. You'll be able to easily top up your card in GBP before you leave United Kingdom, to convert seamlessly to DOP for secure and flexible spending and withdrawals.

This guide walks through our picks of the best travel cards available for anyone from United Kingdom heading to Dominican Republic, like Wise or Revolut. We'll walk through a head to head comparison, and a detailed look at their features, benefits and drawbacks.

2 best travel money cards for Dominican Republic:

Let's kick off our roundup of the best travel cards for Dominican Republic with a head to head comparison on important features. Here's an overview of the providers we've picked to look at, for customers looking for ways to spend conveniently overseas when travelling from United Kingdom:

Each of the international travel cards we’ve picked out have their own features and fees, which may mean they suit different customer needs. Keep reading to learn more about the features, advantages and disadvantages of each - plus a look at how to order the travel card of your choice before you head off to Dominican Republic.

Wise travel card

Open a Wise account online or in the Wise app, to order a Wise travel card you can use for convenient spending and withdrawals in Dominican Republic. Wise accounts can hold 40+ currencies, so you can top up in GBP easily from your bank or using your card. Whenever you travel, to Dominican Republic or beyond, you’ll have the option to convert to the currency you need in advance if it’s supported for holding a balance, or simply let the card do the conversion at the point of payment.

With the Wise money card you’ll get the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees whenever you spend in DOP, plus some free ATM withdrawals every month - perfect if you’re looking for easy ways to arrange your travel cash.

Wise features

Wise travel card pros and cons.

• Hold and exchange 40+ currencies with the mid-market rate
• Spend seamlessly in DOP when you travel
• Some free ATM withdrawals every month, for those times only cash will do
• Ways to receive payments to your Wise account conveniently
• Manage your account and card from your phone
• 7 GBP delivery fee for your first card
• ATM fees apply once you've exhausted your monthly free withdrawals
• Physical cards may take 2 - 6 days to arrive (you can use your virtual card right away)

How to apply for a Wise card

Here’s how to apply for a Wise account and order a Wise  travel card in United Kingdom:

Open the Wise app or desktop site

Select Register and confirm you want to open a personal account

Register with your email, Facebook, Apple or Google ID

Upload your ID document to complete the verification step

Tap the Cards tab to order your card

Pay the one time 7 GBP fee, confirm your mailing address, and your card will be on the way, and should arrive in 2 - 6 days

Revolut travel card

Choose a Revolut account, from the Standard plan which has no monthly fee, to higher tier options which have monthly charges but unlock extra features and benefits. All accounts come with a smart Revolut card you can use in Dominican Republic, with some no fee ATM withdrawals and currency conversion monthly, depending on the plan you pick. Use your Revolut account to hold and exchange 30+ currencies, and get extras like account options for under 18s, budgeting tools and more.

Revolut features

Revolut travel card pros and cons.

• Pick the Revolut account plan that suits your spending needs
• Hold and exchange 30+ currencies, and spend in 150 countries
• Accounts come with different card types, depending on which you select
• All accounts have some no fee currency exchange and some no fee ATM withdrawals monthly
• Some account tiers have travel perks like complimentary or discounted lounge access
• You need to upgrade to an account with a monthly fee to get all account features
• Delivery fees may apply for your travel card
• Fair usage limits apply once you exhaust your currency conversion and ATM no fee allowances
• Out of hours currency conversion has additional fees

How to apply for a Revolut card

Set up your Revolut account before you leave United Kingdom and order your travel card. Here’s how:

Download and open the Revolut app

Register by adding your personal and contact information

Follow the prompts to confirm your address and order your card

Pay any required delivery fee - costs depend on your account type

What is a travel money card?

A travel money card is a card you can use for secure and convenient payments and withdrawals overseas.

You can use a travel money card to tap and pay in stores and restaurants, with a wallet like Apple Pay, or to make ATM withdrawals so you'll always have a bit of cash in your pocket when you travel.

Although there are lots of different travel money cards on the market, all of which are unique, one similarity you'll spot is that the features and fees have always been optimised for international use. That might mean you get a better exchange rate compared to using your normal card overseas, or that you run into fewer fees for common international transactions like ATM withdrawals.

Travel money cards may also offer distinct benefits when it comes to security. If your travel card is separate to your Pound Sterling primary account, this means they're not linked and offers a more secure option for travelling abroad.

Travel money vs prepaid card vs travel credit card

It's helpful to know that you'll be able to pick from several different types of travel cards, depending on your priorities and preferences. Travel cards commonly include:

• Travel debit cards
• Travel prepaid cards
• Travel credit cards

They all have distinct benefits when you head off to Dominican Republic or elsewhere in the world, but they do work a bit differently.

Travel debit and prepaid cards are usually linked to an online account, and may come from specialist digital providers - like the Wise card. These cards are usually flexible and cheap to use. You'll be able to manage your account and card through an app, although you can also often add money in person by visiting a branch - we've picked out the Post Office and the Travelex travel card as popular prepaid cards with a branch network in United Kingdom, for example.

Travel credit cards are different and may suit different customer needs. As with any other credit card, you may need to pay an annual fee or interest and penalties depending on how you manage your account - but you could also earn extra rewards when spending in a foreign currency, or travel benefits like free insurance for example. Generally using a travel credit card can be more expensive compared to a debit or prepaid card - but it does let you spread out the costs of your travel across several months if you'd like to and don't mind paying interest to do so.

What is a prepaid travel money card best for?

Let's take a look at the advantages of using a prepaid travel money card for travellers going to Dominican Republic. While each travel card is a little different, you'll usually find some or all of the following benefits:

• Hold and exchange foreign currencies - allowing you to lock in exchange rates and set a travel budget before you leave
• Convenient for spending in person and through mobile wallets like Apple Pay, as well as for cash withdrawals
• You may find you get a better exchange rate compared to your bank - and you'll usually be able to avoid any foreign transaction fee, too
• Travel cards can be more secure. If they are not linked to your everyday GBP account, they can be a safer option. Additionally, because you can make ATM withdrawals when needed, you can avoid carrying too much cash at once

Overall, travel cards offer flexible and low cost ways to avoid bank foreign transaction and international ATM fees, while accessing decent exchange rates.

How to choose the best travel card for Dominican Republic

We've picked out 2 great travel cards available in United Kingdom - but there are also more options available, which can make choosing a daunting task. Some things to consider when picking a travel card for Dominican Republic include:

• What exchange rates does the card use? Choosing one with the mid-market rate or as close as possible to it is usually a smart plan
• What fees are unavoidable? For example, ATM charges or top up fees for your preferred top up methods
• Does the card support a good range of currencies? Getting a card which allows you to hold and spend in DOP can give you the most flexibility, but it's also a good idea to pick a card with lots of currency options, so you can use it again in future, too
• Are there any other charges? Check in particular for foreign transaction fees, local ATM withdrawal fees, inactivity fees and account close fees

Ultimately the right card for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a low cost card with the mid-market rate, which you can use in 150+ countries, the Wise card may be a good fit. If you'd prefer to pay a monthly fee to get higher no-fee transaction limits, take a look at Revolut. And if you need to get a card in a hurry, check out a travel card from a provider with a physical branch network, like the Post Office card or the Travelex travel money card.

What makes a good travel card for Dominican Republic

The best travel debit card for Dominican Republic really depends on your personal preferences and how you like to manage your money.

Overall, it pays to look for a card which lets you minimise fees and access favourable exchange rates - ideally the mid-market rate. While currency exchange rates do change all the time, the mid-market rate is a good benchmark to use as it's the one available to banks when trading on wholesale markets. Getting this rate, with transparent conversion fees, makes it easier to compare costs and see exactly what you're paying when you spend in DOP.

Other features and benefits to look out for include low ATM withdrawal fees, complimentary travel insurance, airport lounge access or emergency cash if your card is stolen. It's also important to look into the security features of any travel card you might pick for Dominican Republic. Look for a card which uses 2 factor authentication when accessing the account app, which allows you to set instant transaction notifications, and which has easy ways to freeze, unfreeze and cancel your card with your phone.

For Dominican Republic in particular, choosing a card which offers contactless payments and which is compatible with mobile wallets like Apple Pay could be a good plan. Card payments are extremely popular in Dominican Republic - so having a card which lets you tap and pay easily can speed things up and make it more convenient during your trip.

Ways to pay in Dominican Republic

Cash and card payments - including contactless, mobile wallet, debit, credit and prepaid card payments - are the most popular ways to pay globally.

In Dominican Republic, both card payments and cash payments are common. You'll be able to make Chip and PIN or contactless payments or use your favourite mobile wallet like Apple Pay to tap and pay on the go, but it's still worth having a little cash on you just in case - and for the odd situations where cash is more convenient, such as when tipping or buying a small item in a market.

Which countries use DOP?

You'll find that DOP can only be used in Dominican Republic. If you don't travel to Dominican Republic frequently it's worth thinking carefully about how much to exchange so you're not left with extra foreign currency after your trip.

What should you be aware of when travelling to Dominican Republic

You're sure to have a great time in Dominican Republic - but whenever you're travelling abroad it's worth putting in a little advance thought to make sure everything is organised and your trip goes smoothly. Here are a few things to think about:

1. Double check the latest entry requirements and visas - rules can change abruptly, so even if you're been to Dominican Republic before it's worth looking up the most recent entry requirements so you don't have any hassle on the border

2. Plan your currency exchange and payment methods - you can change GBP to DOP before you travel to Dominican Republic if you'd like to, but as card payments are common, and ATMs widely available, you can actually leave it until you arrive to get everything sorted as long as you have a travel money card. Top up your travel money card in GBP and either exchange to DOP in advance or at the point of payment, and make ATM withdrawals whenever you need cash. Bear in mind that currency exchange at the airport will be expensive - so hold on until you reach Dominican Republic to make an ATM withdrawal in DOP if you can.

3. Get clued up on any health or safety concerns - get travel insurance before you leave United Kingdom so you have peace of mind. It's also worth reading up on any common scams or issues experienced by tourists. These tend to change over time, but may include things like rip off taxis or tour agents which don't offer fair prices or adequate services.

How does a Dominican Peso card work?

Getting a Dominican Peso card can make managing your money easier when you travel to Dominican Republic.

Your Dominican Peso card will be linked to a digital account you can manage from your phone, so you'll always be able to see your balance, get transaction notifications and manage your card no matter where you are. Just add money to your account in pounds, and - depending on your preferences and the specific card you pick - you can either convert your balance to Dominican Peso instantly, or just let the card do the conversion when you spend or make a withdrawal.

If your card gives you the option to hold a Dominican Peso balance, there's not normally any extra fee to spend the Dominican Peso you have in your account when you're in Dominican Republic.

Can I withdraw Dominican Peso currency with my card in Dominican Republic?

With some cards, you'll be able to add money to your card in Pound Sterling, and then convert to Dominican Peso instantly online or in your card's app.

Once you have a balance in Dominican Peso you can spend with your card with no extra fees - just tap and pay as you would at home. You'll also be able to make cash withdrawals whenever you need to, with no extra conversion fee to pay. Your card - or the ATM operator - may charge a withdrawal fee, but this can still be a cheap, secure and convenient option for getting cash when you need it.

With other cards, you can't hold a balance in Dominican Peso on your card - but you can leave your money in Pound Sterling and let the card convert your money for you when you spend and withdraw.

Some fees may apply here - including currency conversion or foreign transaction charges - so do compare a few different cards before you sign up, to make sure you're picking the one which best suits your specific spending needs.

Bear in mind though, that not all cards support all currencies - and the range of currencies available with any given card can change from time to time. If your card doesn't let you hold a balance in Dominican Peso you might find that fees apply when you spend in Dominican Republic, so it's well worth double checking your card's terms and conditions - and comparing the options available from other providers - before you travel, just in case.

Why should I get a Dominican Peso card?

Getting a Dominican Peso card means you can spend like a local when you're in Dominican Republic. You'll be able to check your Dominican Peso balance at a glance, add and convert money on the move, and use your card for secure spending and withdrawals whenever you need to. Best of all, Dominican Peso cards from popular providers often offer good exchange rates and low, transparent fees, which can mean your money goes further when you're on a trip abroad.

Conclusion - Best travel cards for Dominican Republic

Ultimately the best travel card for your trip to Dominican Republic will depend on how you like to manage your money. Use this guide to get some insights into the most popular options out there, and to decide which may suit your specific needs.

FAQ - best travel cards for Dominican Republic

When you use a travel money card you may find there’s an ATM withdrawal fee from your card issuer, and there may also be a cost applied by the ATM operator. Some of our travel cards - like Wise - have some no fee ATM withdrawals every month, which can help keep down costs.

Travel money cards may be debit, prepaid or credit cards. Which is best for you will depend on your personal preferences. Debit and prepaid cards are usually pretty cheap and secure to spend with, while credit cards may have higher fees but often come with extra perks like free travel insurance and extra reward points.

There’s no single best prepaid card for international use. Look out for one which supports a large range of currencies, with good exchange rates and low fees. This guide can help you compare some popular options, including Wise and Revolut.

Yes, you can use your local debit card when you’re overseas. However, it’s common to find extra fees apply when spending in foreign currencies with a regular debit card. These can include foreign transaction fees and international ATM charges.

Usually having a selection of ways to pay - including a travel card, your credit or debit card, and some cash - is the best bet. That means that no matter what happens, you have an alternative payment method you can use conveniently.

Yes. Most travel debit cards have options to make ATM withdrawals. Check the fees that apply as card charges do vary a lot. Some cards have local and international fees on all withdrawals, while others let you make some no fee withdrawals monthly before a fee kicks in.

Both Visa and Mastercard are globally accepted. Look out for the logo on ATMs and payment terminals in Dominican Republic.

The cards you see on this page are ordered as follows:

For card providers that publish their exchange rates on their website, we used their GBP / DOP rate to calculate how much Dominican Peso you would receive when exchanging / spending £3,000 GBP. The card provider offering the most DOP is displayed at the top, the next highest below that, and so on.

The rates were collected at 09:36:26 GMT on 25 May 2024.

Below this we display card providers for which we could not verify their exchange rates. These are displayed in alphabetical order.

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The Best Credit Cards for Caribbean Travel

If a Caribbean vacation rates as a dream, the fantasy is to get the trip paid for by someone else. And one way to do that is by signing up for a credit card where you earn points that can be used to defer the cost of travel.

Airfare and lodging are typically the two biggest expenses for Caribbean travelers, so choosing a credit card that rewards purchases with points that can be used for flights or hotel stays is your best bet for underwriting your next tropical trip. Some of these cards are specific to certain airlines or hotel chains, while others deliver reward points that can be used generally to book travel on the airline or at the hotel of your choice.

Here are our picks for the top rewards credit cards for Caribbean travel:

American Airlines AAdvantage Mastercard

American Airlines has more flights to the Caribbean and Latin American of any airline, with more than 800 weekly flights to 35 Caribbean destinations plus Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Holders of the Citi bank issued American Airlines AAdvantage Mastercard thus have the most choices for redeeming rewards points for an island getaway. The Advantage Mastercard comes in four versions — the entry-level MileUp Mastercard, the Platinum Select Mastercard, the Executive Mastercard, and the CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard. Introductory miles bonuses range from 10,000 to 65,000 points, depending on the card selected; useful perks include priority boarding and — for the Executive Mastercard — entry into American Airlines Admirals Club airport lounges. However, Caribbean-bound travelers should note that the free checked bags offered on the Platinum, Executive, and CitiBusiness cards are for domestic flights only, so you’ll still pay to check bags to the Caribbean.

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles American Express Card

Delta flies to 13 Caribbean destinations plus Mexico, Bermuda and Costa Rica: the airline’s regional routes include popular destinations like Punta Cana and Montego Bay as well as less-traveled cities like Port au Prince, Haiti, and Havana, Cuba. If you’re a traveler used to paying off your credit card balance in full each month, the SkyMiles Amex Card may be a good choice: the card comes in Gold, Platinum, and Reserve versions, with introductory bonus mile offers of 40,000 to 50,000 miles. All offer priority boarding, and first checked bag fee waivers; the Platinum and Reserve cards have higher fees but include reimbursement for TSA Global Entry membership, airport lounge access, and a free annual companion travel certificate.

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Visa

Southwest Airlines brings its low-fare model and Rapid Rewards program to eight Caribbean destinations — Aruba, Grand Cayman, Havana, Montego Bay, Nassau, Punta Cana, Providenciales, and San Juan — and the Mexican Caribbean. The airline’s Rapid Rewards Visa, issued by Chase, has a 60,000-point introductory offer, plus a promo code that can be used to take 30 percent off an upcoming flight. Top perks include priority boarding and the ability to earn points toward a companion pass. The card comes in Plus, Premier, and Priority versions.

JetBlue Mastercard

JetBlue Airways flies to more than two dozen destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America, including some unexpected places like Guadeloupe and Guyana. The Barclays Bank issued JetBlue Mastercard comes in a base version with no annual fee and 10,000 introductory points and a Plus version with a $99 annual fee with 60,000 bonus points. The latter includes free first checked bags, a $100 statement credit when booking a JetBlue Vacations package, and 5,000 bonus points each year.

United Airlines Explorer Card

United Airlines includes more than 20 “ beach destinations ” in the Caribbean, Mexico’s Riviera Maya, and Latin America on its route map, and travelers can use points earned on the Explorer card to visit any of them. The Chase Visa Signature card entices new users with 50,000 introductory bonus miles plus perks like two United Club passes each year, free first checked bags, priority boarding, and up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS fee credits.

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott has more than 80 hotels in the Caribbean , ranging from basic brands like Courtyard to five star luxury Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis resorts. Unique properties are grouped under the Autograph collection, while Marriott increasingly offers stays at all-inclusive brands like Royalton. Marriott’s Bonvoy credit cards come in four versions — two Visa cards and two American Express cards. The Bold Visa is the no annual fee card and comes with 30,000 introductory points, while the Boundless Visa has a $95 annual fee but includes three free nights as an introductory offer. The Amex cards have higher fees but bigger signup bonuses and include Marriott elite-level status.

The World of Hyatt includes dozens of Caribbean, Latin America, and Riviera Maya properties , from Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara all-inclusive resorts to distinctive resorts like The Reef by Cuisinart in Anguilla. The Chase Hyatt Visa card offers 30,000 bonus points to new members plus an opportunity to earn another 30,000, a free night each year, and the ability to earn a second free night based on how much you charge in a year.

Hilton Honors

Hilton’s Caribbean portfolio includes 30-plus hotels, from business (and budget) friendly Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, and Homewood Suites properties and downtown hotels to luxury resorts like the Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa. With the Hilton Honors American Express, users can earn up to 70,000 bonus points on the no-annual-fee level credit card to use on resort stays plus a free night certificate. The Hilton Amex card also is available in Surpass ($95 annual fee) and Aspire (4450 annual fee) versions with more bonus points and other perks.

Capital One Venture Card

Want a travel rewards credit card that’s not affiliated with a particular hotel chain or airline? The Capital One Venture Card is consistently rated as one of the best credit cards for earning points toward travel. The card has a $395 annual fee but gives $300 of that back in the form of statement credits for travel-related expenses, and perks include 75,000 introductory bonus miles, 10,000 anniversary miles, and $100 toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

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Currency in Punta Cana – Everything You Need to Know Before Your Next Vacation

by Alissa | Aug 8, 2022 | Blog , Punta Cana Tips

I bet you’re already counting down the days until your trip to Punta Cana. Whether it’s for your wedding week, a family vacation, or a solo trip, there are a few things that you’ll want to know before you go – especially when it comes to currency in Punta Cana. 

Do you need to bring cash? Can you pay with a credit card? What’s the ATM situation like? How much should you tip? These are all things I’ll cover in this guide. So stick around as we explore all things currency in Punta Cana.

What Currency Should I Take to Punta Cana?

Let’s keep it simple: US Dollars are widely accepted in Punta Cana ~ and preferred ~ so you’ll want to bring USD with you on your trip. But forget the quarters and dimes at home as US coins won’t be accepted in the DR.

Around the resort, prices at the spa, gift shop, etc. will usually be listed in USD, and you’ll want to tip in USD, too. Most excursions will charge in dollars – as well as your photo sessions and wedding services .

You’ll also want to bring plenty of small bills for tips. One-dollar bills are ideal. But two-dollar bills are good luck 😉

So what about Dominican Pesos? 

Yes… The official currency in the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso (DOP). If you’re planning on going off the resort and exploring the town (which I highly recommend!), then you’ll probably want to exchange your USD to DOP.

Everywhere you go will accept USD, but you’ll usually get a better rate if you’re paying in DOP.

Where Can You Exchange Currency in Punta Cana?

Don’t exchange money at the airport or at your resort. They offer the worst exchange rates. Instead, find a casa de cambio (money exchange house) or a bank instead. They’ll offer the best rates.

Just be aware that when exchanging at a bank, you will need to show your passport – so make sure you don’t forget it back in your hotel room.

ATMs in Punta Cana

Please, please, please, do not rely solely on the ATMs in Punta Cana to take out cash for your vacation. First of all, you can only take out Dominican Pesos. You can’t take out USD or any other currency. Secondly, the ATMs in Punta Cana are not very reliable. They’re usually out of service or out of cash completely. And while they are starting to put more ATMs in the resorts and tourist areas, they’re still not readily available.

Not to mention:

ATM fees are really high in the DR! Most ATMs will charge between $10-$20 just to make a transaction. Some fees are even higher. They may even take a percentage of the amount you’re taking out. Your bank may also charge an international fee for using a foreign ATM.

Also, be advised that the ATMs in the Dominican Republic have a daily withdrawal limit of 10,000 DOP (roughly $180).

Do Credit Cards Work in Punta Cana?

The simple answer is yes. Credit cards are accepted at most places in Punta Cana – but not all. Most of the larger restaurants , bars, and grocery stores will accept credit cards. Some smaller convenience stores are starting to accept cards as well, but it can be hit or miss.

There are still many services that do not accept credit cards so it’s best to bring some cash on your trip.

For example:

Taxis, fruit stands, souvenir shops, and vendors on the beach do not usually accept credit cards. Neither do some of the smaller restaurants and food trucks. 

Some restaurants and bars will charge more if you pay with a card (or will give you a discount if you pay in cash). And your bank may charge an international transaction fee each time you swipe your card. 

If you are going to pay with a card on your trip, here are a few tips:

• Let your bank/credit card company know that you’re traveling to the Dominican Republic before you go. That way they don’t block the payment or freeze your card when they see a foreign transaction. 
• Be sure to check what the fees are for using your card internationally. In most cases, credit cards have lower fees than debit cards, and credit cards have better security features.
•  It’s best to bring a Visa or Mastercard as other brands aren’t as widely accepted.
• When making purchases, you’ll likely be given the option to pay in DOP or in your local currency. Usually, you’ll get a better exchange rate if you choose DOP.

Now let’s take a moment to talk about excursions specifically.

Paying for Excursions

Of course, you want to book the best excursions during your trip! You’ve got to have some fun! But you may be wondering how you pay for them.

Can you pay for excursions with a credit card?

In most cases, yes, you can. But…. it totally depends on the vendor. Some vendors will give you a discount if you pay in cash. Some vendors only accept cash.

Even if you are able to purchase the excursion with a card, you’ll want to bring cash with you on the actual day of the excursion . That way, you can purchase souvenirs like rum, coffee, cigars, and fresh-pressed coconut oil. You can also order a beer or a piña colada on the beach. Or give a tip to your awesome tour guide. Whatever the case, it’s always good to have a couple bucks just in case you want to buy something.

Now beware: 

You’ll usually get the best price if you purchase excursions from vendors on the beach. You can put your bartering skills to use and haggle the price as low as possible. But when you’re making the payment, get a receipt and confirm all the details. Get the vendor’s name and contact info. Confirm pickup time and location. Get as much info as you possibly can. Make sure they’re reputable! 

Unfortunately, there are some scammers in this world. In this case, they’ll sell you an excursion and then never pick you up. Basically, they’ll take your money, and you’ll never see them again. So be extra cautious and use common sense throughout your trip. Trust me, I’m not telling you this to scare you. I just want you to be prepared and avoid making this mistake. It doesn’t happen often – but it can happen.

Tipping at Resorts in Punta Cana

This can be a tricky topic as everyone has different ideas on when to tip and how much is customary. Plus, this is kind of a hidden expense that most people aren’t fully prepared for – especially when it comes to tipping at all-inclusive resorts. So let’s start there. 

Here’s a quick guide to show you how much you should be tipping each person at your resort.

• Bellboy: Tip $2-$3
• Bartender: Tip $1-$2 every couple of drinks, especially if you’re ordering complicated cocktails.
• Servers for breakfast and lunch: Usually you’ll have these meals at the buffet, and the servers are only responsible for bringing drinks and silverware, so you can tip $1-$3 every couple of meals.
• Dinner service: If you’re eating at the buffet, you can follow the rule above. If you’re eating at an a la carte restaurant, you’ll want to tip $5-$10 depending on the level of service you receive and the number of people in your party.
• Room service: If this service is included at your resort, you’ll want to tip $2-$3 for each order. If it’s not included, a 10% tip is recommended.
• Concierge: If you have a private concierge, they’re usually working around the clock, every day and every night, to make sure you have everything you need throughout your trip. You’ll want to tip based on the level of service you receive. Usually, around $5 per request is considered normal. And I recommend tipping as a lump sum at the end of your stay.
• Maid service: This is optional, but I recommend tipping on the first day of your trip. Then you’ll usually get better service throughout your stay – and a fully restocked minibar, too. If they do an outstanding job, you can also tip them again at the end of your stay. 

A Few Extra Notes on This:

While tipping is definitely appreciated, it is not required. You will likely get better service if you offer small tips throughout your trip, but try to avoid over-tipping as it can actually cause more harm than good.

Keeping that in mind, be sure to bring small bills with you. It’s very difficult to get change at the resort!

Tipping Off the Resort 

When you’re venturing off the resort, it can be confusing to guess how much you’re supposed to tip. Whether you’re checking out a local bar or restaurant, getting pampered at the spa, or even doing some grocery shopping, you’ll want to know how much money to bring. You may even be confused when your bill arrives and has some extra charges on there that weren’t listed on the menu.

So let’s talk about it:

First, let’s start with bars and restaurants as this is probably where you’ll head to first.

You’ll want to look over the menu when you arrive to see if the tax (ITBIS) is included in the prices listed or not. Usually, they’re not included. ITBIS is going to be 18% added onto your bill. Some places will also include a legal tip that is 10%. I will mention that most of the time, this 10% doesn’t actually go to your server so it’s nice to tip a few extra dollars if you can. 

If a legal tip isn’t included on the bill, you can tip 10-15% for your food and drinks.

Next, let’s talk about spa services .

If you’re getting a massage, getting your hair and makeup done, or getting a mani/pedi, the tip really depends on the service you receive. Assuming that they really did an excellent job, you can tip 10-15%. If it was just okay, tip 5%. 

Finally, let’s take a minute to mention the grocery store baggers. You should give a small tip to the boys who bag your groceries. You can tip your small coins here if you have pesos – or tip $1-$2 if they help you to your car.

Getting Around Punta Cana

Let’s take a minute to talk about taxis, hotel transfers, and Uber. Unfortunately getting around Punta Cana is pretty expensive despite it being a relatively small place.

A taxi to and from the airport can range from $20-$150 depending on your resort location and the number of people in your group. If you are a larger group, it usually is best to book an airport transfer before your trip. You can book directly with your resort or with Renny Travel .

When getting around Punta Cana, you can use taxis or Uber. They’re both safe options. A typical Uber ride within Bavaro will cost around $10-$15. If you’re traveling from Cap Cana or Uvero Alto, the distances are further so you can expect to spend $20-$30+ to move around. It always changes depending on the distance, time of day, and the number of available drivers.

Note: Uber XL and Uber SUV don’t exist in Punta Cana yet so if you have a large group, you’ll need to take a taxi or request multiple Uber drivers to accommodate your group.

Final Thoughts on Currency in Punta Cana

Well, there you have it. That’s pretty much everything I know about the currency in Punta Cana. I hope these tips have been helpful! Hopefully, you’ll also feel a little more prepared for your upcoming trip. Try not to stress too much about money. You’re on vacation, after all. And no matter what, I know you’re going to have an amazing time in Punta Cana!

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How to book a trip to the Dominican Republic using points and miles

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

At TPG, we paused traveling to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Local and federal governments around the globe are now debating the appropriate levels of isolation and distancing. Before booking that next trip, we recommend you talk to your doctor, follow health officials' guidance and research local travel restrictions . TPG is continuing to publish deals, reviews and general travel news to inform and prepare you for that trip, whether it is next month or next year.

The Dominican Republic is a popular tourist destination for U.S. travelers, served by its two largest airports Punta Cana (PUJ) and Santo Domingo (SDQ), with each destination offering something different.

The island reopened for international visitors on July 1. As we previously reported , half of the country's hotels would reopen in July, with the remaining properties expected to reopen in November.

To stop the spread of coronavirus , all passengers will have their temperature checked on arrival, must abide by social distancing and wear face masks, according to the Ministry of Tourism .

With dozens of nonstop flights to and from the Dominican Republic and several hotels to spend your points, your next vacation is within reach.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

You have tons of options for getting to Punta Cana or Santo Domingo cheaply, as all three major U.S. airlines fly to the country. Fares start at around $330 for flights out of New York (JFK) or Newark (EWR), but you can find cheaper flights if you're flying out of a Florida hub like Miami (MIA). JetBlue and Spirit also fly to the Dominican Republic, but you'll pay to pay to pick your seat and bring a bag if you're flying the latter.

Cheapest Oneworld awards to the Dominican Republic

You can use British Airways Avios on American Airlines flights if you live in the southeastern part of the U.S. to score a great deal to D.R. A one-way flight to Punta Cana from Miami (MIA) will cost you 9,000 Avios plus $47 for economy and 16,500 Avios for business class.

If you're short on Avios, Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards points transfer at a 1:1 ratio. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio, though you'll also get a 5,000-Avios bonus for every 60,000 Marriott points you transfer.

You can also take advantage of the AAdvantage award chart and snag a MileSAAver off-peak ticket for 12,500 miles each way in economy class if you're traveling between Sept. 9 – Nov. 18 or Apr. 21 – May 20.

One of the easiest ways to earn them is through sign-up bonuses and everyday spending on co-branded credit cards if you're low on AAdvantage miles. Citi and Barclays currently issue six credit cards with different welcome bonuses and point-earning abilities.

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. Earn 2x AAdvantage miles on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 mile elsewhere. ($450 annual fee)
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Earn 2x AAdvantage miles on gas station, restaurant, and eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 mile elsewhere. ($99 annual fee waived for the first 12 months)
• CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®: Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first four months of account opening. ($99 annual fee, waived for the first 12 months)
• American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card: Earn 10,000 bonus miles and a $50 statement credit after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. Earn 2x AAdvantage miles on grocery store and eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 mile elsewhere. (No annual fee)
• Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after making your first purchase in the first 90 days and paying the $99 annual fee. Earn 2x AAdvantage miles on American Airlines purchases and 1 mile elsewhere.
• Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator® Business Mastercard®: Earn up to 75,000 miles: Earn 65,000 miles after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days and earn another 10,000 miles when a purchase is made on an employee card. Earn 2x AAdvantage miles on office supply, telecom, car rental and American Airlines purchases, and 1 mile elsewhere. ($95 annual fee)

The information for the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select, CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select, Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Red, and Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Business card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Cheapest Star Alliance awards to the Dominican Republic

If you're in the U.S., you should definitely consider using Turkish Miles & Smiles to get to the Dominican Republic. Awards start at just 10,000 miles each way in economy or 15,000 in business class. You can transfer Citi ThankYou points to Turkish at a 1:1 ratio using the Citi Prestige® Card and Citi Premier® Card.

The information for the Citi Prestige and Citi Premier® Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

United no longer publishes an award chart , but it's easy to find cheap tickets to the island. For instance, I'm seeing one-way flights from Newark (EWR) to Punta Cana (PUJ) for just 17,500 miles one-way plus $5.60 in taxes in December.

If you're low on miles, United is a 1:1 transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards and a 3:1 transfer partner to Marriott Bonvoy .

If you're starting from scratch or looking to save up for an expensive award, you'll want to consider signing up for a United credit card . You'll have your choice between entry-level and premium cards and personal and business options:

• United Club Infinite Card: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• United Explorer Card: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open. account is open. The first year's annual fee is waived, and it's $95 per year after that.
• United Business Card: Earn up to 150,000 bonus miles. Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open. Plus, earn an additional 75,000 miles after you spend $20,000 total on purchases in the first six months your account is open.

Cheapest SkyTeam awards to Puerto Rico

Flying Blue now offers a pricing calculator , which will let you know the minimum number of miles needed for an award. For instance, a one-way ticket from Delta Air Lines' Atlanta (ATL) hub to Punta Cana (PUJ) starts at 16,500 FlyingBlue miles one-way in economy.

The best way to earn Flying Blue miles is by using a transferrable points card. You can transfer points to Flying Blue from American Express Membership Rewards , Capital One miles , Citi ThankYou , Chase Ultimate Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy . Amex, Citi, Capital One and Chase transfer at a 1:1 ratio and Marriott transfers at a 3:1 ratio.

Delta usually has cheap flights from its Atlanta hub. If you're low on Delta SkyMiles, there are several Amex-branded cards for you to choose from:

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Best for casual Delta travelers
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Best for mid-tier Delta flyers
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Best for Sky Club access
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card: Best for small business with infrequent Delta flights
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card: Best for mid-tier Delta business owners
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Best for high-spending companies

Finally, you can also transfer American Express Membership Rewards points directly to Delta at a 1:1 ratio. This allows you to convert points earned on cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express or the American Express® Gold Card into SkyMiles. There are other Amex transfer partners that could offer better value for your Membership Rewards points . But under the right circumstances, this could be a great way to boost your Delta account balance.

There are many points hotels in the Dominican Republic, including Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, IHG, and even Choice Hotels. I'll walk through some of the many hotels on the island so you can get a sense of what's the best deal for your points. For more about earning hotel points, check out our guide to the best hotel credit cards .

Choice Hotels

There are a whopping 13 Choice Hotels in the Dominican Republic, including luxury Secrets, Ascend and Breathless properties. Rates start at 10,000 Choice Privileges points per night in November. Choice Privileges is the loyalty program for Choice Hotels. You can transfer Amex Membership Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio to Choice .

Related: Best hotel credit cards

You have a range of options in the Dominican Republic, from Homewood Suites by Hilton Santo Domingo , Embassy Suites by Hilton Santo Domingo , Hampton by Hilton Santo Domingo Airport , Hilton La Romana , which has separate adult and family-friendly sections.

These properties start at 28,000 points per night in November. Remember, Membership Rewards transfer to Hilton at a 1:2 ratio, though sometimes Amex runs targeted transfer bonuses.

If you're still short on points, here are some of the best Hilton cards you should consider adding to your wallet (terms apply):

• Hilton Honors American Express Card: Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 in purchases on the card in the first three months of card membership.
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the card in the first three months of card membership.
• The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the card in the first three months of card membership.
• The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Earn 150,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.

If you have Hilton Honors elite status, included with all of the above cards, you'll get the fifth night free on award stays of five consecutive nights or longer.

The information for the Hilton Aspire card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

There are five World of Hyatt properties in the Dominican Republic, all of which are resorts. Each resort hovers between 20,000-25,000 Hyatt points a night. The Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana is a family-friendly resort with infinity pools and a dozen restaurants and bars on-site.

Its sister property, the Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana , is adults-only and features over two dozen unique restaurants and bars, including a swim-up bar.

World of Hyatt points aren't the easiest to earn, but credit cards like the World of Hyatt Credit Card ($95 annual fee) can get you to your next redemption. The World of Hyatt card offers up to 60,000 bonus points. You'll earn 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 more Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spend on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening.

You can also transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. If you're short on Ultimate Rewards, you can stock up by applying for a Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve or Ink Business Preferred Credit Card. Just keep the Chase 5/24 rule in mind.

If you have IHG Rewards points, your best option is InterContinental Hotels Real Santo Domingo , which starts at 32,500 points a night in November. Otherwise, the Crowne Plaza Santo Domingo and Holiday Inn Santo Domingo start at 12,500 and 20,000 points per night, respectively. Keep in mind that IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card cardholders can get a fourth award night free when booking consecutively.

There are two primary ways to earn IHG Rewards points through credit cards. Specifically, you can earn using a cobranded IHG card or you can transfer Ultimate Rewards points earned from a Chase Ultimate Rewards card .

You have seven Marriott Bonvoy hotels to choose from in the Dominican Republic. They range from lower Category 3 hotels like Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village to Category 6 Westin Puntacana Resort & Club . The new Ocean Club Costa Norte , a Category 8 resort, will open in October.

You can transfer both American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott at a 1:1 ratio. If you're still short, there are several solid card choices you may want to consider:

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card: Earn 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new card to make $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership.
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Earn 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new card to make $5,000 in eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership.
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card: Earn three free nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first three months from account opening.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card: Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in your first three months from account opening.

Remember, you'll get the fifth night free on all award stays.

Activities 

If you have a ton of points saved up, you can use Chase's Things to Do" portal to search for activities in DR. This might not be the best use of your points, however.

If you already have some Chase Ultimate Rewards points earned via the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, for instance, they are only worth 1 to 1.25 cents each toward travel.

Ground transportation

Rideshare services like Uber are plentiful in the Dominican Republic, but if you want to take a day trip away from your resort, you'll likely want to rent a car.

There are two ways you can use your points to rent a car. The first is to pay with a card like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Discover it Miles . These cards allow you to redeem miles for any travel purchase, including car rentals.

The other way is to redeem rewards directly for rental car reservations. For instance, programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards offer these options.

For example, when you book through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, you can pay with points and still receive primary car rental insurance by paying with the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. The Sapphire Preferred allows you to redeem each point at 1.25 cents each, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a higher redemption of 1.5 cents each.

Reserving a rental car through the Ultimate Rewards portal is similar to both flights and hotels.

• From the main landing page, navigate to the 'cars' header and type in your itinerary.
• Hit search and the results page will pop up.
• All you need to do is enter your pick up and drop off location, date and time. You'll then be able to pick your preferred car and sort by how many points you need to redeem.

When you redeem points directly for a rental car, you're not paying for your rental with your credit card. So you usually won't be covered by your credit card's auto rental insurance policy (with the exceptions mentioned above).

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply

Bottom line

If you're looking for warm weather and great food without wiping out your points balance, the Dominican Republic should be on your list. It's pretty cheap to fly there on points and miles and you'll find mid-tier and luxury hotels perfect for solo, group or family travel.

Because you're saving money by using points, it means you have more cash in your wallet for experiences, such as experiencing the Dominican Republic's excellent food scene.

Using a credit card in the Dominican Republic

• Loans & credit cards
• Building credit

In this guide

Which credit cards are accepted in Dominican Republic?

Cash in the dominican republic, cash machines in the dominican republic, can i use chip and pin card in the dominican republic, potential credit card fees in the dominican republic, is it safe to use my credit card in the dominican republic, how to prepare before travelling to dominican republic, compare cards with fee-free currency conversion in the dominican republic.

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Frequently asked questions

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Using your card abroad

Among the most geographically diverse countries in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic relies considerably on tourism. Despite this, using a credit card in the Dominican Republic might present some roadblocks, and cash remains king in the everyday functioning of the country’s economy.

You’ll be able to use your credit cards in large hotels, shops, and restaurants across more populated cities such as Santiago de los Caballeros and Santo Domingo Oeste as well as around popular tourist resorts. You may have problems using your card when you travel to remote areas of the country.

Credit cards are widely accepted across the Dominican Republic in main tourists areas and cities. If a business accepts credit cards, you should be able to use a Visa or Mastercard branded card without problems. Some large hotels and shops accept American Express cards.

Be aware that some (but not all) businesses add a surcharge for purchases on a credit card (around 16%). This is due to a federal sales tax policy on credit card transactions, so it means merchants may add the cost directly to your bill.

It’s worth being aware that the Dominican Republican businesses require big tips – expect most restaurants to add around 28% to every bill (ITBIS of 18% and an automatic 10% service charge).

Cash is still widely accepted across the island. The island’s currency is the Dominican peso (RD$), although US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and tourist areas.

Don’t be surprised if you come by hotels and businesses that quote prices only in US dollars because tourists are their primary source of revenue. However, the exchange rate you get can leave considerable room for improvement. Consider travelling with US dollars in cash broken up in small denominations such as $1 and $5 as you’ll find it convenient when making small purchases and tipping.

Almost all hotels in the country list their prices in US dollars, and you’ll find that most shops, restaurants, and cab drivers accept Dominican pesos as well as US dollars. Since businesses have to pay their banks fees for every transaction, some businesses encourage customers to pay in cash. This may work in your favour as making payments in cash gives you the opportunity to bargain just about everywhere.

Avoid moneychangers, who may approach you in the city centres. They can be aggressive and give unfavourable rates. Find a great deal on your travel money for the Dominican Republic

Cash machines are easy to find in Santo Domingo and around tourist resorts in towns such as Punta Cana, La Romana, and Puerto Plata. Most banks in the Dominican Republic are members of the Cirrus, PLUS, and Maestro networks, so you’ll be able to use your UK credit and debit cards. If you plan to travel to remote areas, carry adequate cash because cash machines can be hard or near impossible to find.

Most cash machines tend to be located in a small booth on the street, rather than in a bank branch. It’s important to know that cash machines in the Dominican Republic usually have low daily withdrawal limits of between 2,000 to 10,000 pesos.

Several businesses in the Dominican Republic have moved to using chip and PIN card readers. If a clerk is unsure about what to do with your card, suggest pressing the Enter button if it requests a PIN.

If you have a magstripe card, you should be able to still use it because chip card readers come with the capability to process both types of cards. Besides, your chip card comes with a magstripe, so you can use it at older terminals as well. Several businesses follow extra precautions to avoid fraudulent transactions. For instance, you may need to show some form of identification and you might need to sign a receipt even if you’ve entered your PIN.

Alternatively, you can use your chip-and-signature card in the Dominican Republic. If the person handling the card reader does not know how to use your card, mention that hitting the ‘enter’ button when the machine asks for the PIN generally processes the payment. Once the payment goes through, you’ll need to sign a receipt.

If you travel often – whether to the Dominican Republic or elsewhere – consider applying for a travel credit card that comes with no foreign transaction fees .

Most UK credit cards come with overseas transaction fees that you need to pay every time you use your card outside of the country. Transactions made outside of the UK can also attract currency conversion fees.

Foreign transaction fees

British credit card issuers typically charge a fee equivalent to 1% to 3% of your transaction, so carefully review your card’s fine print to avoid statement surprises. Some cards designed for travel come with no foreign transaction fees, so this could be a good time to switch.

Learn more about cards designed for overseas spending

Currency conversion fees

If a retailer offers to bill your credit card in Sterling, dynamic currency conversion comes into play. While this might sound like a good deal, you’ll actually end up getting a less-than-favourable exchange rate, and you might also end up paying currency conversion fees. Whenever you’re presented with an option, choose to pay in pesos.

Cash advance fees

Using your credit card to withdraw money from a cash machine may not make sense unless it’s a bona fide emergency. Each time you withdraw funds from an ATM, you’re likely to pay a cash advance fee. Your APR for cash advances is typically higher than your purchase APR, and you’ll often get no grace period on interest — instead, you start paying interest immediately. Again, some cards designed for overseas spending will waive this fee.

What is a cash advance fee?

You need to be extra careful when using your credit or debit card in the Dominican Republic. Several travellers prefer using cash over cards only because of this aspect.

• Keep your PIN protected. Enter the PIN on your own and don’t hand your card to a clerk or a waiter where it leaves your sight. When you enter the PIN, use one hand to shield it from prying eyes and concealed cameras.
• Select cash machines carefully. Stick to using ATMs found in banks and shopping complexes. Avoid ones in deserted areas completely.
• Watch out for card skimmers. Instances of credit card cloning are common in the Dominican Republic, so exercise caution when using cash machines. If you feel the card slot or the keypad is faulty, cancel your transaction and look for another ATM.

Tips on keeping safe in general

Crime levels in the Dominican Republic are high, with instances of pickpocketing, bag snatching and violence fairly common. There have been several reports of tourists being robbed at gunpoint in Santo Domingo’s residential areas, even during daytime. Remain extra vigilant if you’re in a remote area, especially after dark. Don’t leave your wallet, bag, or any other possession unattended in a restaurant or a bar.

Follow a few simple measures so you can use your credit cards in the Dominican Republic when possible.

• Use cards with no foreign transaction fees. If you don’t have a card that comes with no foreign transaction fees , consider getting one before you leave.
• Think Visa or Mastercard. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards in the Dominican Republic. You may find some takers for your American Express card, but it won’t be as widely accepted.
• Inform your card provider. If your card provider detects an unusual transaction, such as an unexpected overseas transaction from the Dominican Republic, it’ll have good reason to temporarily block your card on account of suspicious activity. This situation is easy to avoid by informing your card provider of your travel plans before you depart.
• Know which numbers to call. You may end up losing or misplacing your cards, in which case you’ll need to make phone calls to cancel them and request for replacements. Keep the required numbers at hand at all times.
• Identify your source of cash. You can use your debit card to withdraw money from a cash machine or convert UK sterling at any number of banks or a currency exchange office, locally referred to as a casas de cambio. Research a few near your hotel for easy cash when you need it. While several resorts and hotels let you exchange cash, they usually offer poor exchange rates.

Answer these simple questions and you’ll avoid the most commonly associated problems with using credit cards in the Dominican Republic.

• Which cards will I take? Visa and Mastercard branded cards are the obvious choices. An American Express card might serve your purpose in a few places. Ideally, carry at least two cards.
• Does my card provider know? If you don’t want to deal with a temporarily suspended card, let you bank know you’ll be travelling overseas.
• How will I get cash? You’ll need cash in different circumstances, so make sure you know where you’ll get it from before you leave. Consider carrying some US dollars, given the currency’s widespread acceptance.
• What fees? Make sure you’re aware of any fees or charges that may apply when you’re away. One of your credit cards may have better foreign rates than another, so it’s worth trying to use that more often.

After you’ve taken the required measures, there’s no reason why you can’t handle your monetary dealing in the Dominican Republic without problems.

How to use a credit card in …

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What is the sterling to Dominican peso exchange rate?

How do i send money to the dominican republic, does the dominican republic have any restrictions on how much money i can carry in and out of the country.

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Emily Herring

Emily Herring is a Publisher at Finder specialising in credit-based products including credit cards and business and personal loans. Emily has recently joined the Investments team. She has a Masters in Creative Writing & Publishing and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Media. See full bio

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Dominican Republic travel advice

Latest updates: Health – Travel health notice for Oropouche virus disease added

Last updated: September 16, 2024 14:15 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, dominican republic - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime.

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Border closure with Haiti

The Embassy of Canada in Santo Domingo cannot help you enter the Dominican Republic from Haiti.

Crime occurs in the Dominican Republic, including violent crime, especially in major cities. However, most incidents are opportunistic crime which is the most significant threat for tourists.

Petty crime

Petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching, occurs throughout the country. Tourists are common targets for theft. Crime tends to rise during holiday periods.

Incidents occur:

• at airports
• at bus stations
• on public transportation

Theft also occurs from all-inclusive hotel rooms and from hotel room safes, as well as from cars, particularly rentals.

Drive-by robberies, where thieves on motorcycles, scooters or bicycles grab bags and other valuables from pedestrians, occur frequently. Thieves may even reach into vehicles, including taxis, stopped at red lights to steal belongings.

Theft of items from checked baggage at airports has been reported. These thefts have taken place most frequently when travellers are departing. Money and personal items have also been stolen from carry-on luggage while travellers are going through security checks. All bags are routinely X-rayed upon arrival and departure.

• Be wary of individuals who ask for directions or who try to be too helpful
• Watch out for hustlers selling various wares, particularly in Santo Domingo
• Stay at hotels or resorts with good security
• Be wary of anyone who tries to enter your room
• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Avoid carrying your bag slung over your shoulder
• Carry only small amounts of money and avoid showing signs of affluence
• Keep electronic devices like cellphones, tablets, laptops and cameras out of sight
• Keep car doors locked, windows up and your belongings out of sight
• Don’t pack valuables in your checked luggage
• Verify that your luggage has not been tampered with before you check in at the airport

Violent crime against foreigners, including assault, occasionally occurs. Incidents take place mainly in large cities, at night or early morning. Some have been targeted in armed robberies when travelling to the Las Américas International Airport, sometimes in taxis.

• Arrange your arrival to and departure from the Dominican Republic in daylight hours
• Use the taxi service authorized by the airport
• Avoid unmarked taxis, especially in Santo Domingo
• Keep car doors locked and windows up, especially at a traffic light
• Avoid walking alone in unpopulated areas and unpatrolled beaches after dark
• If threatened by robbers, don’t resist

Security forces are understaffed and underequipped. The police are often unable to respond in a timely manner to calls for assistance.

Criminals impersonating police officers will stop vehicles and ask foreign drivers for payment of fines for made-up offences.

Regulations require police to wear a nametag with their last name. You have the right to ask police for identification.

If Dominican police stop you for a traffic violation:

• request a traffic ticket
• don’t pay the ticket on the spot

Rogue lawyers

Rogue lawyers are a problem in tourist areas, particularly in Punta Cana.

These lawyers stand near the tourist police (CESTUR) station and try to recruit desperate foreigners, brought to the station for detention purposes, as clients. Then, they try to extort excessive amounts of money from them by offering legal representation or assistance getting out of jail.

Credit card and ATM fraud and cloning are significant concerns. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Incidents of assault, rape and sexual aggression against foreigners have occurred, including at beach resorts. In some cases, hotel employees have been implicated.

• Exercise caution when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances
• Be wary of rides or other invitations
• Avoid taking public transportation or walking alone at night

If you are a victim of a sexual assault or other crime, you should report it immediately to the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy.

You should also file a report with Dominican authorities. No criminal investigation is possible without a formal complaint to Dominican authorities before departing the country.

Advice for women travellers

Demonstrations and strikes

Demonstrations take place from time to time throughout the country, particularly in Santo Domingo.

Demonstrations have largely been peaceful and have not affected tourist areas, although local travel outside resorts could be affected.

Labour strikes occur frequently in the town of Higuey, near Punta Cana, and may affect hotel service.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Power outages

The power infrastructure is unreliable and lacks maintenance. Power outages are frequent although they mainly occur in poor neighbourhoods of major urban areas.

Recreational activities

Sporting and aquatic equipment may not meet Canadian safety standards.

If engaging in recreational activities:

• ensure that equipment is safe and in good condition
• ensure helmets and life jackets are available
• before undertaking extreme or eco-tourism activities, ensure that businesses offering excursions follow proper safety measures
• avoid excursions that are not offered by tour operators
• avoid participating in any water activities when you are under the influence of alcohol or other substances
• check that your travel insurance covers accidents related to recreational activities

Water safety

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities.

Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.

Water safety abroad

Road safety

The Dominican Republic has one of the highest road accident rates in the world.

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country. Although major highways connecting cities and tourist areas are generally in good condition, most secondary roads, are poorly maintained and poorly lit. Marked lanes are lacking. There are vehicles travelling in the wrong direction. Traffic is congested due to the significant number of trucks and motorcycles. Pedestrians don’t have the right of way, even at traffic lights.

Drivers don’t respect traffic laws. They often drive at excessive speeds, and are extremely aggressive and reckless. Drinking and driving is prevalent. Many vehicles are in poor condition and don’t have working headlights or mirrors.

Military and police road blocks are common, especially in areas near the Haitian border.

• Don’t drive after dark
• Be especially cautious if you need to drive during holiday periods, such as Christmas or Easter
• Take extra care when walking, particularly in Santo Domingo

The number of moped and scooter accidents involving tourists is increasing.

If renting a scooter or moped:

• be vigilant while driving
• avoid renting from operators who don’t provide a helmet with the rental
• avoid driving on roads in disrepair

Border with Haiti

The security environment is highly unpredictable in the border areas between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, particularly in Dajabón, with regular disturbances and incidents which can lead to violence. Emergency services are often not available near the border. 

If you choose to travel near the border with Haiti:

• exercise caution at all times
• avoid travelling at night
• monitor local media to stay informed of the current situation
• follow instructions from local authorities and security forces.

Public transportation

Private companies operate reliable buses between cities.

Avoid public buses and gua-guas – microbuses – which often don’t have doors.

Taxis are not metered. Upon arrival to the Dominican Republic, use the taxi service authorized by the airport.

During your stay:

• use hotel taxis or ride-hailing apps which are generally safe
• avoid unmarked taxis
• avoid using or renting motorcycle taxis (motoconchos)
• avoid route taxis (gua-guas or carros publicos)
• negotiate the fare prior to departure

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the authorities of the Dominican Republic. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

From June 1 to November 30, 2024, Canadians can enter the Dominican Republic for tourism purposes with a passport valid for their entire stay. If you are travelling for other purposes, you are required to have a passport valid for a minimum of six months after the date of arrival in the Dominican Republic.

Entry requirements – Government of Dominican Republic

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after the date of your arrival in the Dominican Republic.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for up to 30 days Work visa: required Student visa: required Residence visa: required

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket.

Electronic ticket for entry and exit

You must complete an electronic form to enter and exit the country in order to share information about your health and your stay with local authorities.

You must fill this form before boarding your flight to the Dominican Republic. This electronic form doesn’t replace the Tourist card.

Electronic ticket for entry and exit – Government of the Dominican Republic

Tourist card

As a tourist, you must obtain a tourist card to enter the Dominican Republic. It is included in all air tickets issued outside the country.

If you enter the Dominican Republic by land or sea, you can obtain the card from the General Directorate of Internal Taxes at your point of entry. It is valid for one year from the issuance date and it can be used for a 30-day stay period.

If you overstay the duration of your tourist card, local authorities could deny you entry, on your next trip, if you don’t have the proper visa, even if you paid a fine when leaving the country.

Dominican tourist card  – Directorate general of internal taxes (in Spanish)

Stay extension

You can apply for a stay extension for a period up to 120 days. You must request your stay extension to the Dominican Directorate General for Migration once you are in Dominican Republic, before your tourist card expires.

If you wish to stay in the Dominican Republic for more than 120 days, you must obtain a resident visa from the Dominican authorities in Canada prior to your departure.   

If you overstay the period for which you have been authorized to stay, you will have to pay fine to immigration authorities when leaving the country.  You may also need to apply for a visa the next time you wish to return to the Dominican Republic.

Local authorities could deny you entry in the country if you don’t have the proper visa.

Stay extension  - Dominican Directorate General for Migration

Identification

Immigration officials may conduct random ID checks.

You must carry photo identification and a copy of your entry stamp with you at all times.

• Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it’s lost or confiscated
• Cooperate with authorities if they question you

As a foreign national, you will be required to provide biometrics to enter the Dominican Republic. For instance, authorities will take your fingerprints and a photograph.

Drug screening

The Dominican Republic is actively working to fight drug trafficking.

You may be subjected to drug screening measures by authorities upon departure from the country. They may search your luggage and ask you to sign a form, in Spanish, stating that the search was performed within procedural requirements.

In some cases, they may ask you to undergo an X-ray.

• Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Dengue: Advice for travellers - 9 September, 2024
• Oropouche virus disease in the Americas - 16 September, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Yellow fever  is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito. Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if arriving from some states in Brazil, including travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport in those same states.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

• visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
• visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Salmonellosis is a common illness among travellers to this country. It can be spread through contaminated food or beverages, such as raw or undercooked poultry and eggs, as well as fruits or vegetables.

Practice safe food and water precautions . This includes only eating food that is properly cooked and still hot when served.

Pregnant women, children under 5 years of age, those over 60 years of age, and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill.

Most people recover on their own without medical treatment and from proper rehydration (drinking lots of fluids).

• Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Travellers with severe symptoms should consult a health care professional as soon as possible.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The level of risk may vary by:

The virus that causes chikungunya is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times.

Learn more:

Insect bite and pest prevention Chikungunya

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)   is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). 

High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.

Medical services and facilities

Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country. Good health care is generally available only in major cities.

Private hospitals and clinics are better equipped than public ones. However, there are reports of overcharging for medical services, variable pricing and unnecessary overnight hospital stays at private facilities.

Beware of aggressive sales tactics of in-house resort doctors, who are often contracted out by private hospitals and try to sell you on their facility.

If you go to the hospital:

• inquire about fees prior to undergoing treatment
• let the hospital administrators know if you feel you have been overcharged after a visit
• request assistance in English or French from the hospital’s guest services desk

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Medical tourism

Canadian citizens have had serious health complications following cosmetic or other elective surgeries abroad.

Before leaving for a medical travel:

• make sure you have done your research
• use reputable health-care providers only

Receiving medical care outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

In accordance with Dominican law, a person detained or arrested by the authorities may be held without charges for up to 48 hours before the case is presented to a judge.

Judicial processes may last several years during which accused individuals are normally detained. It could lead to very long prison sentences in harsh conditions.

Overview of the criminal law system in the Dominican Republic

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.

The island is used as a drug trafficking hub between South and North America.

The authorities are enforcing strict border controls. Should you be found transporting illegal substances, you will be taken into custody right away.

• Carry only your personal belongings, and don’t leave them unattended
• Don’t agree to carry packages that are not your own

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Reporting crime

Dominican law stipulates that victims of crime, including foreigners, are responsible for reporting incidents to police.

If you wish to pursue prosecution or seek compensation, you will have to retain Dominican legal counsel to file a formal complaint to the police and to pursue the case through the justice system.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in the Dominican Republic.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of the Dominican Republic, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and the Dominican Republic.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in the Dominican Republic, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Dominican court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in the Dominican Republic to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Investments

If you plan on buying property, or making other investments in the Dominican Republic, seek legal advice in Canada and in the Dominican Republic. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.

Many tourists have reported financial problems and complications involving time-share arrangements and other property investment activities.

Time-share representatives may be very persistent. They use pressure tactics and offer free tours, meals, gifts or alcoholic beverages. At the airport, they pose as tourist operators and try to force tourists to make property investments.

• Exercise caution whenever approached by time-share representatives
• Provide your credit card only if you are sure you want to make the purchase

Before purchasing a timeshare:

• gather as much information as possible
• review carefully the contract; anything not included in the contract will not be honoured
• ensure that constant vigilance of land will take place, as there have been several instances of disputed land occupation in the absence of the alleged owner
• keep copies of all correspondence

Legal representation

If you are arrested or detained in the Dominican Republic, you have the right to a lawyer, who can be present during any questioning and at any trial or hearing.

If you cannot afford a lawyer, the Dominican government can provide you with a public defender.

Marriages legally performed in the Dominican Republic are legally recognized in Canada.

If you wish to marry in the Dominican Republic, you should consult the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Canada for information on documents and procedures.

• Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada
• Marriage overseas factsheet

If you are involved in a road accident, you may be detained by police until the circumstances of the accident have been investigated.

You must carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

The currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso (DOP).

U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Canadian dollars are not.

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. You could face serious safety risks during a hurricane.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:

• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Severe storms outside Canada
• Large-scale emergencies outside Canada
• Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings – U.S. National Hurricane Center

Seismic activity

The Dominican Republic is located in an active seismic zone. Tremors occur from time to time.

Emergency operations centre  - Dominican Republic government (in Spanish)

Local services

In case of emergency, dial 911.

Tourist police

The tourist police (CESTUR) provide a security presence in tourist areas and first response assistance to tourists.

If in tourist areas, contact CESTUR: 1 809 200 3500

Road assistance

Free road assistance is offered on all major toll highways 24 hours a day.

Dial 1 829 688 1000.

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to the Dominican Republic, in Santo Domingo, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Tourist card for Punta Cana in 2024

Punta Cana Airport (PUJ)

Do I need a tourist card to go to the Dominican Republic?

The short answer is – no, you do not need to buy a tourist card for Punta Cana because you will pay for this buying your tickets to the Dominican Republic. It saves your time to get to the hotel or apartment as soon as possible and start relaxing and enjoying your time in this beautiful paradise.

At first glance, it seems that you need a touristic card to have access to all of this beauty. Honestly, there is no need for it if you want to have a flight to this country. You used to need to buy it a few years ago when crossing the border of the DR. It was a tourist tax or tourist visa and you used to get a receipt of purchase that you handed to a migration officer.

Nevertheless, if you are planning to enter the Dominican Republic by land or sea, you need to purchase a Tourist Cards at the points of sale of the General Directorate of Internal Taxes at the ports of entry at a value of US $ 10.00.

How much is the tourist card in the Dominican Republic?

In the 2018 year, you had to pay $10.00 if you arrived to the country by plane. For now, you need to pay $10.00 only if you are entering the Dominican Republic by land or sea. Similarly, these points provide the facility to make the payment of the Tourist Card in euros to passengers who do not have US dollars. For these cases, the cost of the card is € 10.00.

Is there a tourist tax in the Dominican Republic?

All tourist taxes are included in your ticket or when you are getting a VISA you will pay these taxes. At the airport, you do not need to pay anything like that. If you travel by land or sea, you will pay $10.00 for a touristic card.

Remember, you do not need to pay any extra fees if you are staying less than 30 days, but it depends on which country you are from. Tourist cards permit varying lengths of stay – 30, 60, or 90 days. For longer stays, one can visit the Migration Department in Santo Domingo and request an extension or pay the same fee at the airport when leaving the country. The purchase of the tourist card at the airport upon arrival was cancelled to reduce the time in the queues, to guarantee a speedy customs and migration control procedure and let tourists spend just a few minutes at the airport.

It is officially considered that the cost of this type of tourist visa is included in the cost of your flight. Besides, if you are a resident or citizen of the Dominican Republic you can reimburse $10 fee from the Tax Service since you are living here not for a vacation. Please, follow this link to get a refund .

How do I get a tourist visa to the Dominican Republic?

You do not need a visa if you live in one of these eight countries: Argentine, Chile, Ecuador, Israel, Japan, Peru, South Korea, Uruguay. If you are not from any country I mentioned above, you need to have a visa for a stay longer than 30 days in the DR. The best time to apply for your Dominican Republic visa is 1-2 months before your travel date. It is very important to have an invitation letter from somebody you know there (parents, friends and so on) to get the visa.

Our advice: before buying tickets, contact the embassy to check country restrictions and if you need to add more documents to your package entering the Dominican Republic. Please, use these links for that:

• The U.S. Department of State provides detailed Dominican Republic International Travel Information (you can find all passport requirements and travel advisories).
• The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism offers up-to-date information on travel to and within the country.

Personalized service in Punta Cana

The Dominican Republic is located in the same waters as Cuba and Puerto Rico and occupies two-thirds of the island that Haiti shares in the east. Across the green interior of the island, a mixture of caves, luxurious Victorian houses, and remnants of pirate traditions, in addition to 900 miles of coastline stretching around its outskirts. It is so exciting, isn’t it?

Before you board your flight to Santo Domingo, you will start to arouse the dreams of the Dominican Republic and you, as you imagine the crumbling cliff of Ciudad Colonial and the soft green spaces scattered around the world. Throughout the country, mountainous areas, coasts, coffee plantations, and fisheries, as well as a wonderful climate allow you to spend the best tourist holidays there.

When you look at the big map of the island, you will see so many provinces, islets and coastlines worth visiting and exploring. It will surprise you with so many wonders waiting for you on its beaches that give you privacy, happiness, and joy. Take a chance and book your vacation in the Dominican Republic!

We provide personalized service and organize everything from private apartments to excursions or transportation in Punta Cana. We welcome your questions and comments!

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Updated on: 2024-09-23 . Author: Anna Smetanina

Tags: Dominican Republic Punta Cana Tourist card

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