Travel money
Travelling to the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana): pesos or US dollars?
1 min read
More than a million Canadians a year
The Dominican Republic welcomed about 1.14 million Canadian travellers in 2025, more than 900,000 of them in Punta Cana, according to arrival data compiled by Tourism Analytics. Statistics Canada ranks it Canadians' third overseas destination in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Pesos or US dollars?
The official currency is the Dominican peso (DOP). In tourist areas, many prices are also shown in US dollars, and both currencies circulate.
Situation | Our advice |
|---|---|
Tips (porters, housekeeping, servers) | US dollars in $1 and $5 bills, or pesos |
Taxis, local excursions | Ask the price and the currency before you go |
Markets, shops outside the resort | Pesos |
Big hotel expenses | Credit card, paid in the local currency |
Canadian dollars can be exchanged at some airports and local exchange offices, according to the travel advice, but they're rarely accepted directly in shops.
Money-related entry formalities
Tourist card: if you arrive by air, its cost is included in your ticket.
E-ticket: you must complete the electronic entry/exit form before boarding, for every trip. It doesn't replace the tourist card.
ATMs
Use ATMs in public places or inside a bank or business, and decline conversion to Canadian dollars if it's offered (why?).
How much for an all-inclusive?
Even all-inclusive, plan money for tips, excursions and shopping. Work out a daily amount, multiply by the length of your stay and add a reserve: our method for working out your travel money walks you through it.
Getting your pesos and US dollars
We carry Dominican pesos and US dollars at our Saint-Laurent, Laval and Brossard branches. Ask for small bills for tips. Reserve online and check today's rates.
Frequently asked questions
Are US dollars really useful in Punta Cana?
Yes, especially for tips and some excursions. For local shops, pesos are still the better deal.
Can I pay by card?
At hotels and tourist businesses, usually yes. Keep cash for everything else.
About the author
ClickExchange
ClickExchange team
