Money in the DR

Currency Converter: US Dollar, Dominican Peso, Euro

Quickly convert between US dollars, Dominican pesos and euros at today's reference rate - handy for planning your budget on vacation.

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Today's rate · updated August 21, 2026

What to pay with in the Dominican Republic

US dollars are accepted in tourist areas: hotels, excursions, tourist shops and restaurants. Pesos are needed at markets, in taxis and guaguas, and in colmados (corner stores) - small purchases are priced in pesos, and change for dollars often comes at a poor rate.

Visa and Mastercard work in supermarkets, larger restaurants and hotels. Outside tourist zones many places take no cards at all, so some cash is a must.

Peso banknotes

Banknotes in circulation: 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 pesos. Keep small bills (50-200) for taxis, tips and colmados - breaking a 1000 or 2000 note anywhere smaller than a supermarket is a challenge.

ATMs

Local banks charge roughly 200-300 pesos per withdrawal on top of your own bank's fee, and most machines limit a single withdrawal to about 10,000 pesos. Use ATMs inside bank branches (Banco Popular, Banreservas, BHD) or shopping malls rather than standalone street machines.

Where to exchange money

We show the interbank reference rate, updated once a day. Banks and exchange offices usually pay 1-2% less - that's a normal spread, not a scam.

Banks and casas de cambio offer the fairest rates; compare a couple of them before exchanging larger amounts.
The street rate is always slightly below the reference rate - a small spread is how exchangers earn, so don't let it worry you.
US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, but keep some pesos for markets, taxis and small purchases.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can I pay with US dollars everywhere?

In tourist areas - mostly yes: hotels, excursions and tourist restaurants take dollars. Markets, taxis and small shops expect pesos, and change for dollars is usually given at an unfavorable rate.

What is the exchange rate at the airport - should I exchange there?

Airport counters typically pay 3-5% below the bank rate. Exchange only what you need for the transfer and change the rest at a bank or casa de cambio in town.

How much cash do I need for a week?

With the hotel and excursions prepaid, 200-300 US dollars in cash per person usually covers taxis, markets, tips and small expenses for a week.

Are euros accepted?

Rarely. Some tourist businesses take euros, but at a worse rate than dollars. It's better to exchange euros for pesos at a bank or casa de cambio.

Is it safe to withdraw cash from ATMs?

Yes, if you use ATMs inside bank branches or shopping malls during the day: cover the keypad and put the cash away right at the machine. Avoid standalone street ATMs, especially at night.

Can I get by with just a card?

No. Cards work in supermarkets, hotels and larger restaurants, but taxis, markets, colmados and tips require cash pesos.