Your next destination is the Punta Cana region in the Dominican Republic. You have everything organized to enjoy an amazing vacation, but you forget a small detail: what is the currency used in Punta Cana? Can you exchange money in the country? Are euros or dollars used?
In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the currency in Punta Cana, its different denominations in coins and banknotes, and which currency is the most recommended for exchanging money without problems.
What currency is used in Punta Cana?
Since it is part of the Dominican Republic, the currency in Punta Cana is the Dominican peso or “peso,” as locals call it. It is represented by the abbreviations DP$ or DOP$, and currently the following denominations are in circulation: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, and 2000 Dominican peso banknotes, as well as 1, 5, 10, and 25 peso coins.
Dollar vs Euro: which currency is more recommended?
In some establishments, both the dollar and the euro are accepted without problems. However, you should know that the euro has disadvantages when it comes to exchange rates. Although the euro has a different value, locals often exchange it at the same rate as the dollar.
A good alternative is to use credit cards. However, it is always necessary to carry cash in case some businesses do not accept card payments. ATMs only dispense local currency and dollars, never euros, so we recommend bringing US dollars.
How much do some services cost in Punta Cana?
Now that you know the recommended currency for Punta Cana is the Dominican peso and the US dollar, we will provide information about the prices of some services available in the region.
The prices you will see in the list are approximate, as they may vary depending on fluctuations in the dollar and other financial factors. Still, this can serve as a guide to help you convert Punta Cana currency more easily.
Urban transportation
One of the advantages of traveling to the Dominican Republic is that it offers a wide variety of public transportation options such as taxis, airplanes, buses, and ferries. You can also rent a car if you have a driver’s license and are over 21 years old, with prices around 60 dollars.
If that is not your case, the most recommended means of transportation to get around the city is the bus, which costs approximately one dollar. If you choose a first-class bus, it will cost around 7 dollars.
You can also take a motorcycle taxi, whose price does not exceed 2 dollars. And if you take a taxi from the airport to downtown Santo Domingo, the cost is about 44 euros or approximately 50 US dollars.
Food and dining
Many restaurants, bars, and food establishments accept dollars, but it is always better to use the local currency in Punta Cana if you decide to move away from tourist areas. In these places, you will find a wide variety of traditional dishes that reflect the identity of the region.
The most popular dish in the Dominican Republic is sancocho, which costs no more than about 4 dollars. Restaurants offer it for around 200 Dominican pesos and it is made with beef, cassava, potatoes, and plantains.
If you choose to eat at a burger place, it will cost around 6 dollars; having a beer at a bar costs about 4 dollars; and a coffee around 3 dollars. The price of a menu in restaurants can range between 18 and 20 dollars, depending on the type of restaurant and menu.
Leisure and entertainment
One of the advantages of Punta Cana currency exchange in terms of entertainment is that it is quite affordable for travelers. A movie ticket can cost around 5 dollars, while entrance to a museum costs about 3 dollars, although some tourist attractions in the region are free.
If you prefer not to leave your hotel in Punta Cana, you can enjoy the entertainment services available at Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino. Additionally, enjoying the beach and creating unforgettable moments around the city has no price.
If you prefer not to leave your hotel in Punta Cana, you can enjoy the entertainment services available at Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino. Additionally, enjoying the beach and creating unforgettable moments around the city has no price.
Tips for using money in Punta Cana
When managing currency exchange in Punta Cana, there is always the question of whether prices are higher or lower for foreigners. Many people choose to continue using dollars or euros, but as mentioned earlier, both currencies are often exchanged at the same rate, even though the euro has a different value.
The most advisable option is to travel to the Dominican Republic with US dollars due to exchange rates. It will also be easier for you to go to a currency exchange office and obtain the local currency in Punta Cana, the Dominican peso, to make purchases or access services more easily.
If you cannot exchange currency in advance, at Lopesan accommodations in Playa Bávaro—Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino, Lopesan Caoba Lagoon, Lopesan Splash Cove, and Lopesan Serenity Bay—you will have access to currency exchange services and ATMs, making it easier to withdraw cash and pay in restaurants, shops, or during excursions.
