Last Updated on June 28, 2023
The Dominican Republic is a well-liked vacation spot renowned for its stunning beaches, pleasant climate, and varied culture. It is situated on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. The Tano natives and European colonizers left their marks on the nation’s rich history. The country is renowned for its music, cuisine, visual arts, and culture. Additionally, the government provides various activities, such as hiking, skiing, surfing, scuba diving, and paragliding. The nation is a well-liked location for deep-sea fishing and water sports due to its warm climate and Caribbean location.
But it’s crucial to highlight some security issues that visitors should be informed of, such as theft and crime, especially in the bigger cities. It’s also crucial to read travel warnings before visiting because infrastructure and services may differ in some locations. Here are five payment hacks to help your stay in the Dominican Republic.
Plastic Is the Way to Go
Credit cards are readily accepted in the Dominican Republic’s major cities and tourist destinations. Everywhere credit cards are accepted, Visa or Mastercard cards are as well. Some more prominent hotels, like Iberostar’s Dominican Republic all-inclusive resorts and shopping centers, also accept American Express cards. It is also important to remember that not every business has chip-and-pin terminals, so it might be wise to carry a card with a magnetic strip.
Plastic is a safer option if you intend to partake in Dominican nightlife because you’ll mingle with people in a crowded environment. It is therefore advisable to only travel with a bit of cash. In most cases, leveraging your card at a point of sale is free.
Make Your Stop at the ATMs
For cash withdrawals, use ATMs. You will typically get a better exchange rate and find that this is frequently more inexpensive than using a currency exchange booth. For safety purposes, avoid using ATMs situated outside banks or in remote areas.
Navigating Through Haggling and Tipping
Almost everywhere, except for supermarkets and banks, expects to haggle. From buying cool luggage (as long as you aren’t purchasing it online) to booking a cab to local street food, you would have to haggle over the price. Locals advise learning the basics of Spanish, carrying pesos rather than US dollars, taking small change (as well as coins), being approachable and courteous, and beginning with roughly half of the initial price a vendor presents you before negotiating toward a fair compromise.
Learn About the Currency Exchange Rate
The Dominican peso (DOP) is the country’s official exchange unit. Banks, money exchange offices, and hotels all offer currency exchange services, but you should be aware that exchange rates can fluctuate. Before you travel, check the currency exchange rate and attempt to exchange your money before you arrive in the Dominican Republic. This will enable you to plan your spending more and compare prices to get the best deal.
VATs and Others
When buying, be mindful of value-added taxes (VAT). Most goods and services in the DR are subject to a 16% VAT, so the prices you pay will be higher than you are used to. Maintain a watchful eye on your possessions to avoid theft and be conscious of the regional laws and customs when paying for goods and services. Remember to regularly monitor your account and compare your receipts to your statement to ensure accuracy.
In Conclusion
In 2017, Punta Cana welcomed 4.35 million foreign visitors, which will rise to 4.94 million by 2025. Even if you intend to use your credit or debit card, it is generally advisable to carry some cash because some retailers and small local businesses only take money, and you could find yourself in an occurrence where you cannot pay.