Punta Cana Currency: Your Guide to the Dominican Peso

Discover the ins and outs of navigating Punta Cana's currency, the Dominican Peso. Get expert tips and guidance on handling money for your trip.
A Bank Teller Counting Dominican Pesos
Contents

Are you planning a trip to the stunning Punta Cana? One crucial aspect to consider is Punta Cana’s currency.

This comprehensive guide equips you with all the necessary information to manage finances during your trip, from understanding the local currency to knowing the most recommended currencies for exchange.

Understanding the Local Currency of Punta Cana

Punta Cana, located in the Dominican Republic, uses the Dominican Peso as its official currency. Locals often call it “peso,” symbolized by the abbreviations DP $ or DOP $. 

Dominican Peso, the official currency of the Dominican Republic it's used in Punta Cana.

The Dominican Peso banknotes come in 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, and 2000 denominations, and coins are available in 1, 5, 10, and 25 Dominican Pesos denominations.

Dollar versus Euro: Choosing the Right Currency

You can use the US dollar and the euro in most Punta Cana establishments. However, using the euro can complicate currency exchange. Despite the euro’s different value, many locals equate it to the dollar. 

Credit cards are an alternative, but it’s essential always to have cash, as some businesses do not accept card payments. Furthermore, ATMs in the region only dispense local currency and dollars, not euros. Therefore, we generally recommend bringing US dollars.

Navigating Costs in Punta Cana

Understanding the costs of various regional services can make financial planning easier.

Transportation Costs

The Dominican Republic offers numerous urban public transport options, such as taxis, planes, buses, Motochochos, and ferries.

If you are over 18 and possess a driving license, you can rent a car for approximately 60 dollars. If driving isn’t an option, the bus is a cost-effective mode of transport, costing about one dollar.

For short distances, you can hire a motorcycle taxi for around 2 dollars, while a taxi ride from the airport to downtown Santo Domingo costs between 44 and 50 dollars.

Dining Costs

Many restaurants, bars, and food establishments accept dollars, but using local currency is advisable if you venture away from tourist areas. Here, you can savor authentic dishes that reflect the region’s identity. The most popular dish in the Dominican Republic, sancocho, costs around 4 dollars. Other dining costs include:

  • A hamburger for about 6 dollars.
  • A beer in a bar for approximately 4 dollars.
  • A coffee for about 3 dollars.

Depending on the menu and establishment type, you can expect to pay between 18 and 20 dollars for a restaurant meal.

Entertainment Costs

Punta Cana offers many affordable entertainment options for travelers. For instance, a cinema ticket can cost about 5 dollars, while museum entry fees are around 3 dollars. Some tourist attractions in the region provide free and open access.

Currency Usage Tips in Punta Cana

When dealing with currency in Punta Cana, knowing whether prices vary for foreigners is essential. Some visitors continue to use dollars or euros. However, despite the euro’s different values, these currencies receive similar quotes.

Opting for the Right Currency

For better exchange rates, it’s best to bring American dollars. You can visit a currency exchange outlet to convert your dollars into Dominican Pesos for more accessible purchases and service access.

Currency Exchange Services at Hotels

If visiting a local currency exchange outlet seems challenging, hotels in Punta Cana offer a convenient solution. They provide currency exchange services on their premises, making converting your money into Dominican Pesos easy.

ATM Facilities at Hotels

Hotels in Punta Cana house ATMs where you can withdraw cash in the local currency anytime. This way, even within the comfort of your hotel, you can manage your finances effectively and ensure a smooth, hassle-free vacation in Punta Cana.

Conclusion: Preparing for Your Trip

By understanding the currency situation in Punta Cana, you can make your trip more enjoyable and stress-free. So, prepare accordingly, and enjoy your vacation to the fullest!

Frequently Asked Questions About Currency in Punta Cana

What’s the optimal currency to carry in Punta Cana?

The Dominican Peso offers a more favorable exchange rate, although American dollars are often preferred.

How much money should I carry to the Dominican Republic?

The amount you should carry largely depends on your planned activities. For instance, a movie ticket is priced at around 250 DOP, while a drink at a nightclub may cost approximately 450 DOP.

Do taxis in Punta Cana accept credit cards?

Cash is generally the preferred payment method, although some taxis are equipped to accept card payments.

Is the Dominican Peso identical to the Mexican Peso?

No, the Dominican Peso (DOP) and the Mexican Peso (MXN) are distinct. All monetary transactions in the Dominican Republic must be conducted in the Dominican Peso, the legal tender.

What currency is in circulation in Punta Cana?

The Dominican Peso, often referred to as “peso” by locals, is the official currency of Punta Cana, which is in the Dominican Republic. The currency uses the abbreviations DP $ or DOP $ as symbols.

Where can I exchange currency in Punta Cana?

Dominican Pesos can be obtained from a currency exchange outlet. However, if this isn’t possible, hotels in Punta Cana provide currency exchange services and have ATMs for cash withdrawals in the local currency.

What currency do casinos in Punta Cana accept?

Most casinos in Punta Cana accept both Dominican Pesos and American dollars.

What’s the symbol for Punta Cana currency?

The symbol for the Dominican Peso is DP $ or DOP $.

What type of currency is required when traveling from the United States to Punta Cana?

While American dollars are widely accepted, the Dominican Peso offers a more favorable exchange rate.

Pre-book Your Punta Cana Adventures & Tours

Plan your Punta Cana adventure with us. We offer direct pick-ups from your resort. Secure your spot today!
Tour to Saona Island from Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Saona Island Day Trip From Punta Cana with Lunch and Open Bar Included

Enjoy a full-day tour to the beautiful Saona Island (Isla Saona)! Relax on the pristine beaches, swim in...
ATV Quad Adventure from Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

ATV Quad Adventure from Punta Cana (shared)

Explore the Dominican Republic in a way that's not usually possible. This guided ATV tour lets you go...
Scape Park and Dune Buggies Combo
Book Now, Pay Later

2 Day Combo: Scape Park & Dune Buggy Tour

Enjoy many incredible activities at Scape Park, a natural theme park with a variety of attractions including, Hoyo...
Saona Natural Pool
Book Now, Pay Later

2 Day Combo: Saona Island & ATV Off-Road Buggy

Take two of the most popular tours in Punta Cana in one multi-day package....
Dolphin Encounter in Punta Cana Adventures
Book Now, Pay Later

Dolphin Encounter in Punta Cana

When traveling to Punta Cana, the ideal thing to do is the Dolphin Encounter Program because it was...
Pirate Ship Experience in Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Caribbean Pirates Show & Snorkeling Punta Cana

Ahoy, Mateys! Embark on an exciting and unique three-hour-long adventure that involves pirates, sharks, stingrays, and of course,...
Beach Horseback Riding from Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Punta Cana Beach Horseback Riding tour

Imagine horseback riding through the white sandy beaches of Punta Cana along with your significant other, or even...
The best things to do in punta cana. The ATV ride
Book Now, Pay Later

Four Wheeler ATV tour in Punta Cana (Shared)

Ride a four-wheeler deep in the countryside in Punta Cana to sample the area’s local produce, coffee, cocoa,...
Dune Buggy and Parasailing Combo
Book Now, Pay Later

Dune Buggy and Parasailing Multi-day in Punta Cana

Save money and have more fun with our Dune Buggy Punta Cana and Parasailing Punta Cana Combo!...
Full-Day Santo Domingo City Tour from Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Full-Day Santo Domingo City Tour from Punta Cana

Visit the oldest city in the Americas! Come and join us to experience walking through where the history...
Monkeyland and Zip Line tour from Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Zip Line & Monkeyland Adventure

Monkeyland and Zip Line tour. Includes our Zip Lines, a visit to the Coconut House, and a full...
Playa Rincon tour from Punta Cana or Bayahibe
Book Now, Pay Later

Playa Rincon, Samana, and Cayo Levantado Day Trip from Punta Cana

Experience the beauty of Playa Rincon on a day trip from Punta Cana. Relax with a traditional Dominican...
Zip Lines Adventure in Punta Cana
Book Now, Pay Later

Punta Cana Zip Line Adventure: 12 Lines, 18 Platforms, Rivers & Mountains

This excursion consists of 18 platforms and 12 Zip Lines including the 2 longest lines in the Dominican...
All Terrain Eco ATV tour by Punta Cana Adventures
Book Now, Pay Later

Honda UTV Off-Road Tour from Punta Cana (Shared)

A powerful UTV buggy, which will drive you and your family easily and safely through the natural landscapes...
Scape Park Full Admission & Cliff Hangers Experience
Book Now, Pay Later

Scape Park Full Admission & Cliff Hangers Experience

Enjoy many incredible activities at Scape Park, a natural theme park with a variety of attractions including, Hoyo...

Latest posts

Cabeza de Toro
Discover Cabeza de Toro in Punta Cana

Nestled along the Dominican Republic’s eastern coastline, Cabeza de Toro Punta Cana beckons visitors with its pristine shores, crystal-clear waters, and an air of serenity

Cabeza de Toro
Discover Cabeza de Toro in Punta Cana

Nestled along the Dominican Republic’s eastern coastline, Cabeza de Toro Punta Cana beckons visitors with its pristine shores, crystal-clear waters, and an air of serenity

Coming to Punta Cana?

Schedule your Excursions &
Tours before arriving.

Our activities include roundtrip transportation from every Punta Cana resort!
ATV Tour from Punta Cana

Coming to Punta Cana?

Did you know you can plan and schedule your activities before arriving? Doing so will save you time & money!

Enter your email below & we’ll show you how:

Buggy ATV Beach
SPECIAL OFFER

get 7% Off OUR TOURS

We promise not to spam you.

Discount Activated

Enter code:

SEVENOFF

at checkout.

Applicable on bookings over $99. Conditions apply.