For tips and trinkets i would say $400 tops. Unless you like tossing crazy tips around and buying overpriced cigars and t-shirts. Have not been to an AI in years but when i did go i usually tipped $5 when i forgot to get my name on the list for a seated dinner and $5 to the server. So that was $70. Gave each maid $10 on the 2nd day when i was sure they would be the every day cleaners. Now up to $90. Spent around $40 in the store there for stuff i forgot or needed ( expensive place ). Up to $130.
Had a car so the rest went to gas, drinks on Sosua beach 3 days and 3 lunches. Some t-shirts from beach vendors. For this pesos are suggested. Exchange rate is on average 33 to 1USD on the street and a bit more if you know where to look. As for the vendors, watch out. Most i pay now for a t-shirt is 240 pesos for a Presidente t-shirt or the equivalent of $7USD. Do not buy cigars anywhere unless they are in a humidor.
There are hundreds of posts on going to AI's and how to save a buck if you want to do the research. Remember, it is the job of almost anyone you meet ( tour operators, vendors, timeshare salesman, taxis, ect... ) to separate you from your money. I usually bring as much as i want to spend and hit an ATM if i over spend. Also paying for everything on a credit card can run up the cost with fees on certain cards. Currency conversion fees and others. Check with your credit card company so you know what the fees are ahead of time. Bring a backup credit card and inform the CC company that you will be using the card in the Dominican Republic for these specific dates only.
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