Punta Cana runs on two currencies, and the exchange rate between them is wherever the seller says it is. Here's how not to pay for that.
Pesos or dollars#
| Use | Currency |
|---|---|
| Resort extras, spa, excursions priced in dollars | USD |
| Tips | USD small notes, or pesos |
| Restaurants in El Cortecito, Los Corales | Either; pesos is cheaper |
| Verón, Friusa, comedores, colmados, markets | Pesos |
| Guaguas, motoconchos | Pesos, small notes |
| Taxis | Agree the currency before you get in |
A dollar price in town is usually a peso price rounded up. Money and cash in the DR has the national picture.
Exchanging#
Banks and licensed cambios in Bávaro and Downtown Punta Cana: best. Resort front desk: convenient, poor. Airport: worst. Street changers: no.
ATMs#
Inside a bank branch or a mall, in daylight. Choose pesos, decline the machine's offer to convert to your home currency (that's a second bad rate), and expect a fee per withdrawal, so take out more, less often, and use the room safe.
Cards#
Resorts, bigger restaurants, Downtown, excursion companies: yes. Comedores, colmados, guaguas, beach vendors, small cambios: cash. Tell your bank you're travelling.
Tips#
Small US notes are the universal tipping currency at resorts: a dollar or two a drink, a few dollars a day for housekeeping, more for a driver or guide who did a full day. Tipping in the Dominican Republic has the amounts; common scams the tricks with change.
How much cash#
For an all-inclusive week, a modest stack of singles and fives for tips plus pesos for two or three off-resort dinners and rides. Punta Cana on a budget and what a trip costs for the frame.
Off the resort, in pesos#
The reason to have pesos is to go where dollars aren't taken: a plate of the day in Verón, a Presidente at a colmado, a guagua ride. Post your dates on Roavi Community and a Local Friend takes you there, and tells you what things actually cost.
Want to pay local prices? Go where locals go, with one of them.
Meet a Local FriendFrequently Asked Questions
What currency is used in Punta Cana?
The Dominican peso (DOP). US dollars are widely accepted in the tourist zone (resorts, excursions, tourist restaurants, taxis), usually at a rate that rounds against you. Euros and Canadian dollars are accepted in fewer places and at worse rates.Should I use pesos or dollars in Punta Cana?
Dollars for resort extras, excursions booked in dollars and tips. Pesos for anything off the resort: restaurants in El Cortecito and Verón, colmados, guaguas, markets, taxis you've agreed in pesos. Paying in pesos in town is cheaper and more welcome.Where should I exchange money in Punta Cana?
A bank or a licensed cambio in Bávaro or Downtown Punta Cana gives the best rate. The airport and resort front desks give the worst. Bank ATMs inside a bank or mall are safe and convenient; expect a withdrawal fee and choose to be charged in pesos, not your home currency.How much cash should I bring to Punta Cana?
For an all-inclusive week: a stack of small US notes for tips (a dollar or two a drink, a few dollars a day for housekeeping, more for drivers and guides) plus pesos for a couple of off-resort meals and rides. Cards cover the rest. Don't carry your whole budget; use the room safe.
