Money Exchange

We are going to the Dominican Republic in 3 days!! We have not changed our Canadian Dollars into U.S. Does anyone know if this is necessary? We were going to just use the ATM and withdraw Pesos. We have a bit of U.S. cash but figured since the Peso is ther currency we should just use it! Also are bank machines easy to find in Puerta Plata? We are staying at the Hacienda Resorts. Will it be hard to change our Canadian Dollars at a bank into U.S funds if needed?

Any ideas?

Thanks, Vickie

You will need 10$ US per person for the departure tax. There's no problem travelling with canadian money. As you pointed it you will pay in pesos. As for changing canadian for US in the D.R. they will charge you more over there than doing it in Canada. They will probably change it first in pesos and then in US. You will loose withdrawing pesos using ATM, better travel with canadian $ and exchange it for pesos over there. Sorry, I don't know if the bank machines are easy to find in P.P.

Does anyone know the exact exchange rate right now??

Try this:

http://www.oanda.com/converter/classic

Hi There! We stayed at the Haciendas and there is a money exchange beside the resort and the exchange rate is better at it then at the Haciendas Resorts! Just a quick tip! Have a great trip!

We just got back on Sunday. Cdn to pesos was 10/1. US was a little better than 15/1.

I never saw any bank machines, and if there were, I`m not sure if I would use them. Better off to take $Can. and cash in as you need. But take travellers cheques though, in case you lose them. There is a little better exchange for US$ but not if you have to convert to USS first from $Can. We got back last week after 2 fun weeeks, and had no problem with $Can funds. HOWEVER, JUST MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE $10 US in cash to get out of the country, or you will be staying there. They WILL NOT TAKE CANADIAN OR OTHER CURRENCY. Have fun,

Gage

Hello Vickie: The Hacienda Elizabeth and Hacienda Tropical both have a bank in the lobby. You'll need the $10 US departure tax for sure in US $. I think when I go this time, I"ll take a little bit of US$ then take most of it in Cdn. then exchange it into D.R. Pesos a little bit at a time. You cannot change it back before you leave, so just exchange what you'll need, a bit at a time. Thanks.

Can you use US$ or do you have to exchange your money into pesos? What are the advantages of using pesos?

US dollars will be accepted by many establishments, but you will get a better rate if you exchange these beforehand at an exchange house. You will also be able to avoid having to haggle over the rate and find someone who can authorize the cashier accepting dollars. The Peso is the legal currency. You will need US$ to pay for your departure tax and tourist card. And there may be some tourist excursions or activities where they will prefer being paid in US$.