The Dominican Republic received over 6 million tourists last year. Many of the visitors to the Caribbean nation arrive from the United States.
And yet, up to 40 million Americans say that they can’t afford to go on vacation this year. You may be surprised by what you can afford.
Are you asking yourself – how much money should I bring to the Dominican Republic for my vacation?
We’ll answer these questions and many more FAQs below. Let’s get started!
1. What Currency Does the Dominican Republic Use?
The official currency of the Dominican Republic is called the Dominican Peso. This is commonly abbreviated as RD$.
You can find denominations of RD$20, RD$50, RD$50, RD$100, RD$200, RD$500, RD$1,000 and RD$2,000. You can also get coins of RD$1, RD$5, RD$10 and RD$25.
2. How Much Is a Dollar in the Dominican Republic?
The conversion rate for RD$ into US$ is around RD$50 into US$1. Therefore, if an item costs up to RD$500 it is around US$5.
3. What Is the Best Currency to take to the Dominican Republic?
You should take Dominican Peso with you on your vacation.
However, since the country has a lot of international tourism, many places also accept US dollars.
You can often even pay in other major currencies, such as Euros.
4. ATMs and Credit Cards?
You shouldn’t worry about taking too much money with you from home.
You can also withdraw cash at the ATMs. ATMs are common across the country, especially in the tourist spots.
It is also common to be able to pay with credit cards or debit cards. Hotels and restaurants almost always accept card payments.
5. How Much Does Transport Cost?
You need to decide how you’re going to travel around the country during your vacation. There are many options depending on your budget and travel needs.
You could rent a car for a day. This could cost approximately RD$3,000. Vehicle rental companies operating in the Dominican Republic include Hertz, Avis, and Alamo.
If you’re driving, you need to know that gas costs approximately RD$50 per liter. Remember, gas stations often close around six o’clock in the evening.
You can also travel around the city with a bus, which costs up to RD$50 per journey. This can make travel extremely affordable.
If you want to hire a taxi during your vacation, this can also be quite affordable. From the International Airport to Santo Domingo, it can cost around RD$2,200.
6. How Much Does it Cost to Eat and Drink?
Americans spend an average of $33 per day on food while on vacation.
The prices of drinks and food in restaurants and cafes are on average cheaper than the United States.
There are always a wide variety of cuisines available. This also includes the local cuisine, which you need to sample for yourself.
Ensure that you order the national dish called sancocho. It is made with beef, potatoes, and cassava. It can cost as little as RD$200.
Remember to try the local rum before you leave the Dominican Republic. You’ll also find delicious milkshakes here.
You can normally eat in a restaurant for under RD$1,000 per person. However, many casual places offer a cheaper menu.
For a local beer, you can expect to pay under RD$200. While a cup of coffee will cost around RD$125.
7. How Much Does Accommodation Cost?
You can find accommodation in the Dominican Republic for any price and size. There are luxury five-star hotels and budget-friendly rentals.
You can get a double bedroom in an average hotel for approximately RD$4,000.
8. How Much Do Leisure Activities Cost?
Many tourists spend most of their time relaxing on the sun-soaked beaches. However, there are also many activities to enjoy in your free time.
You can go to the movies for around RD$250 per ticket. There are many cinemas which show English language movies in the country.
You could also visit a museum, for example, the Museo de Arte Moderno. Admission is normally around RD$150.
9. Is Tipping the Custom?
It is also important to be aware of the tipping culture in the Dominican Republic. You may be surprised when you receive the check at restaurants.
Many restaurants add 28 percent (18% tax and 10% service charge). This isn’t always made clear before you order.
Even though the 10% service charge is usually included in restaurants and hotels, you can also add a couple of US dollars for the staff.
When you travel by taxi, the taxi driver may expect you to round up or give an extra dollar or two.
If you hire a tour guide, you should also make sure you generously tip them after the tour. Many guides don’t receive a regular salary and depend on tips.
10. How Much Money Should I bring to the Dominican Republic?
The total budget of your vacation in the Dominican Republic should be around RD$6,000 per person per day.
However, you don’t have to take this amount in cash. You can regularly pay with a credit card and withdraw money at ATMs.
Therefore, it is recommended to take around 200 to 300 dollars per person for your vacation. Most of the time you can pay with a credit card.
Book Your Next Vacation to the Dominican Republic
How can you decide whether to travel somewhere on vacation without knowing how much everything costs before you board the plane?
If you’re wondering – “how much money should I bring to the Dominican Republic?” then you’ve got your answer here.
If you’re searching for a beach vacation for your next breakaway, then check out our blog post on the best beaches around the world.
Well written however still lost in currency
I am thinking about taking a 5 day vacation to the Dominican republic, what are some names of the local hotels?
Thanks!