carrying cash around and related

bogdan · #1 02-01-2006, 11:02 AM

Hello again. For relatively clear reasons, I suspect that it is not a good idea to go on holidays to the DR with a wad of USD cash, although cash may be the easiest way to do transactions. An alternative seems to be using ATMs: does anyone know whether there is any in Las Galeras? Samana? Cabarete? Also, is it better to get the cash from the ATM, or exchange it (in Santo Domingo, in particular, where there must be plenty of exchange options). Finally, for a taxi ride from Santo Domingo airport to the city, does one need local currency? How about the main bus companies (e.g., Caribe Tours)?
Thank you very much.

Rocky · #2 02-01-2006, 11:10 AM

US Traveler's Cheques are a good safe option.
You can take a Taxi from SDQ to the Caribe Tour bus station, then onto the North coast from there.

shadInToronto · #3 02-01-2006, 11:10 AM

I usually take both cash and traveler's cheques and found traveler's cheques to be best but, the only drawback is you'll need your passport to change into Pesos. Exchange is the same for both. Many ATMs in POP.

Bon voyage.

rellosk · #4 02-01-2006, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadInToronto

I usually take both cash and traveller's cheques and found traveller's cheques to be best but, the only drawback is you'll need your passport to change into Pesos. Exchange is the same for both.

Not always, there are some places that charge a fee for exchanging travelers checks.

SweetSue · #5 02-01-2006, 11:15 AM

I used the atm at the coral marinia resort and I had no problems. the exchange was good.

rellosk · #6 02-01-2006, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bogdan

Finally, for a taxi ride from Santo Domingo airport to the city, does one need local currency?

You can use US dollars for the taxis. But sometimes (depending on the conversions rate), you might do better by having pesos.

shadInToronto · #7 02-01-2006, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rellosk

Not always, there are some places that charge a fee for exchanging travelers checks.

I usuall exchange at Ruska and Banco without paying anything ... Ruska is close to Sam's in POP so, whenever I visited Joanne I would stop in at Ruska.

KateP · #8 02-01-2006, 11:53 AM

Also, if you have a safety deposit box at your hotel, you can take some cash down and only keep what you need on you during your stay. Whatever you feel more comfortable with!

chuckuindy · #9 02-01-2006, 01:06 PM

The same applies in the DR. Dominicans carry Pesos in their pockets.

I get my funds using ATM machines and can draw up to $10,000 per card at one time. I get a great rate from my bank and never have problems finding a ATM machine.

The only cautions you should use are to be aware of those around you at the machine. If it does not look safe to you go elsewhere. I learned the hard way and am still in pain.

Chuckuindy

Tamborista · #10 02-01-2006, 01:08 PM

US denominated traveler's Cheques are the way to go.
I have established relationships at several cambio's and only presented my Xerox'ed passport once. I also received the same Tasa as cash.
No need to have much cash in this country, even in the safe. The ATM's work well and are not eating too many cards these days.