Jazmin Li
If you're travelling to Punta Cana, you'll need to know the local currency. The official currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso, though US dollars are widely accepted. Punta Cana International Airport has currency exchange services, but they are not recommended due to poor exchange rates and high markups. ATMs are available at the airport and throughout Punta Cana, but they can be unreliable. It is best to exchange money at a bank during business hours or at a currency exchange office in the city centre, which typically offer better rates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency exchange at Punta Cana airport | Available |
| Recommended | No |
| Reasons | Poor exchange rates, high markup on official rate, long queues at the airport |
| Alternative options | Currency exchange offices in Punta Cana city center (Bavaro), Santo Domingo and other cities, hotels, resorts, and ATMs |
| Official currency of Punta Cana | Dominican Peso (DOP) |
| Other accepted currencies | US Dollars, Euros |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Punta Cana Airport has currency exchange services
Punta Cana International Airport does have currency exchange services. However, sources suggest that the exchange rates for US dollars to Dominican pesos are not favourable, with a 5-10% markup on the official rate, or even 15% in some cases. Therefore, it is recommended to exchange money at a later point during your trip, either at a bank or an exchange office in Punta Cana or elsewhere in the Dominican Republic.
If you are travelling from another country, it is a good idea to arrive with some Dominican pesos to cover arrival fees at the airport. It is also worth noting that US dollars are widely accepted in Punta Cana, even by small vendors and shops, so exchanging currency may not be necessary. However, exchanging dollars or euros for pesos will get you a better exchange rate.
ATMs can be found in Punta Cana, particularly around Santo Domingo and tourist resort cities such as Punta Cana, La Romana, and Puerto Plata. However, they can be unreliable, and it is best not to rely on them as your only source of cash. Banks are generally open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, but there are also banks at shopping centres and supermarkets with longer hours. In airport terminals, 24-hour banks are available to serve travellers.
Hotels in Punta Cana often offer currency exchange services, but these typically have a similar markup to the airport exchange rate. Therefore, if you want to exchange a large amount of money, it is better to do so at a bank or exchange office, where you will get a better rate.
Leftover Pasta: Airport Security Clearance?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The exchange rate is often better elsewhere
The Punta Cana International Airport does have currency exchange desks in the terminal. However, while convenient, the airport exchange rates are often poor and come with high transaction fees.
It is recommended to exchange your money at a currency exchange office in Punta Cana's city centre, called Bavaro. Here, you will find better exchange rates and lower fees. You can also exchange your money at a bank, such as Banreservas, which offers a good exchange rate.
If you are staying in an all-inclusive resort, you may find currency exchange services at the reception area. However, these exchange rates are also often poor, with a markup of around 5-10%.
To get the best exchange rate, it is advisable to exchange larger amounts of money, as smaller amounts tend to have higher commissions. Additionally, consider using digital alternatives, such as Wise, which can save you time and money.
Overall, while the Punta Cana airport does offer currency exchange services, you will likely find better exchange rates and lower fees elsewhere.
Traveling through Doha Airport: COVID-19 Transit Rules
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It's a good idea to arrive with some Dominican pesos
The official currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso. While US dollars are accepted in many places, especially in tourist areas, it is a good idea to carry some local currency.
The Punta Cana International Airport does have currency exchange services, but the exchange rates for US dollars to Dominican pesos are usually unfavourable. You can expect to pay a markup of 5-10% (sometimes 15%) on the official rate, which means you will get somewhere between 47 and 50 pesos for 1 US dollar, instead of the actual exchange rate of 55 pesos for 1 US dollar. Therefore, it is advisable to arrive with some Dominican pesos.
Having local currency on hand is convenient for immediate expenses such as taxis and tips, and you can avoid potentially long airport lines for exchanging currency upon arrival. Exchanging currency before your trip can also help you secure better exchange rates and reduce stress when you land. It is a good idea to calculate exchange rates beforehand to know how far your money will go. For instance, as of 2021, the exchange rate for the Dominican peso with the euro was around €1 = 52 Dominican pesos.
If you are unable to exchange currency before your trip, there are other options to obtain Dominican pesos apart from the airport. You can find exchange offices in many places in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic, especially in the main urban centres like Santo Domingo. Many hotels also offer currency exchange services, although the exchange rates are often as unfavourable as those at the airport. ATMs at resorts will give you Dominican pesos, and several major US banks participate in international ATM networks that offer reduced or zero fees at partner locations worldwide.
Schengen Visa: Airport Availability and Requirements
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$7.95
You can exchange money at banks, ATMs, and hotels
If you're looking to exchange money at Punta Cana Airport, you may want to reconsider. The exchange rate at the airport is often poor compared to other options, and you may be better off exchanging your money at a bank, ATM, or hotel, or even before you arrive in Punta Cana.
Banks
When exchanging money at a bank in Punta Cana, you'll want to consider a couple of things. Firstly, some banks require you to have a local bank account to exchange currencies, and secondly, you may have to wait in line for some time. However, banks often offer very competitive exchange rates, and you can find many of them in Punta Cana Village, Downtown Mall Bavaro, or the Friusa area.
ATMs
Using an ATM in Punta Cana is a convenient way to get the local currency, Dominican Pesos. Before you go, check with your bank to see if they have partnerships with any Dominican banks to avoid unwanted fees. Also, ensure you inform your bank that you'll be travelling to avoid any issues with your card being blocked. When using an ATM, choose to be charged in the local currency to get a fairer rate and avoid unnecessary fees.
Hotels
Exchanging money at a hotel in Punta Cana, especially at an all-inclusive resort, is generally not recommended due to poor exchange rates and high markups, often around 5-10%. However, if you're staying at a hotel, it may be more convenient and safer to exchange money there, especially if you have to travel far to reach a bank or ATM.
Other Options
If you don't want to use an ATM or exchange money at a bank or hotel, you can use a money exchange office, often offering better rates than hotels and airports. You can also consider exchanging some money before you arrive in Punta Cana, either at your local bank or through a digital service, to take advantage of better rates and avoid the hassle of exchanging money while on your trip.
Keep Your Cap On: Airport Security and Baseball Caps
You may want to see also
Explore related products
US dollars are widely accepted in Punta Cana
US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted in Punta Cana, even in smaller shops and by street vendors. In fact, in tourist areas, all shops and restaurants accept US dollars, and many prices are listed in USD for convenience. However, it is worth noting that you will usually get a better exchange rate if you pay in the local currency, Dominican Pesos (DOP).
It is not recommended to rely on ATMs in Punta Cana to take out cash, as they are unreliable and often out of service or cash. They also only dispense Dominican Pesos, and you will be charged high fees for using them.
If you need to exchange money, it is best to avoid the airport, as the exchange rates are typically very poor. Instead, you could try a casa de cambio (money exchange house), a bank, or an official exchange office, all of which will offer better rates. However, be aware that when exchanging money at a bank, you will need to show your passport.
It is also worth noting that credit cards are widely accepted in most tourist establishments, but it is still a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases and tips.
Buying Weed at Jamaican Airports: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Punta Cana International Airport has several currency exchange services, including Globo Cambio, which is open all year from 10:00 to 22:00. However, the exchange rates for US dollars to Dominican pesos are often poor, with a 5-10% markup on the official rate.
The official currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso, written as RD$. Coins of 1, 5, 10 and 25 Dominican pesos are currently in circulation, and banknotes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000.
Yes, there are many exchange offices in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic. The main urban centres, such as Santo Domingo, have several of these scattered around the city centre. You can also exchange money at most hotels, and at banks in shopping centres and supermarkets.
While the airport is a convenient place to exchange money when you arrive, you will typically get a better exchange rate at a money exchange office in the city. ATMs are also available in Punta Cana, but they can be unreliable, and it is not recommended to travel with large sums of cash.
![Airport Terminal Pack [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71tMG0fiDyL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
