how much money should I convert?

Some thoughts please on best places to convert US dollars to Pesos? When I went to Europe there were places like Thomas Cook money exchange booths in Atlanta airport to convert money. Does Miami have such a service and is it a good idea to exchange it before going over, or once I'm in DR? I've would like to convert most of what I'm taking down into pesos and I need to know if the SDQ airport can accommidate exchange of more than several hundred US dollars at one time. I have also heard that the money exchange places in the SDQ airport often run out as do the ATM machines in Boca Chica?

Thanks Paul

You do not need to convert any money to Dominican pesos before you arrive. At the airport, convert a small amount such as US$200 or less in order to get money for a couple meals, perhaps some beverages, and taxi fare, plus some to spare. Within the next day or two, it is unlikely you will not be able to locate a cash exchange or bank that will give you at least as good of a rate as the airport cash exchange (cambio). At worst, your hotel will probably exchange dollars into pesos but check on the exchange rate first.

Cash exchange houses are everywhere in certain tourist areas but can be very difficult to find in gated tourist complexes or non-tourist specific cities such as Santo Domingo unless you know where to look. For example, they are every block in Boca Chica, Sosua, Cabarete, but inside of Santo Domingo, even many banks won't exchange dollars into pesos.

Do not change money on the street with guys that are just hanging out to exchange money, usually holding wads of cash in their hands. You may receive conterfiet money, which is rampant in the Dominican Republic, or you may become a victim of their slight of hand. It is also illegal and you could be arrested.

Jim Hinsch JimHinsch@CSI.COM

Thank you Jim for the information. I will be in Boca Chica and you said that there are cash exchange houses on almost every block. Are they called a certain name or how will recongnize these? Also are these exchange houses open on Saturday and Sunday? Paul

You will see the signes of "Money exchange" and or price listings for the rates of most currencies

Tom

Look for the word "Cambio", but most include the word in 4 or more languages. Some of the more popular places are Codetel, Tricom (2 locations on main strip), Turitel (middle of main strip), but the one I use is located below the new condominiums built against the Don Juan Hotel property between the taxi stand and Ronnie's Beach Bar.

Jim Hinsch JimHinsch@CSI.COM

Most cash exchanges are open weekends. Turitel is open until about 11pm most days, the others close around 8pm. Most places that have call centers are also cash exchanges. Then of course, there is Banco Popular near the Don Juan Hotel, but you will not get as good of a rate and their hours are limited.

Jim Hinsch JimHinsch@CSI.COM