Dominican Republic Peso
The Dominican Republic uses the Dominican peso as its currency, known as the peso oro. It is symbolised by the $ symbol and if it is to be differentiated from other pesos or dollars, it is written as RD$. On the international markets, it is recognised by the letters DOP.
Each peso is further divided into 100 centavos, which to some extent is theoretical because it is only issued in the form of dollars. Coins are issued in the form of $1, $5, $10 and $25 as well as notes $50, $100, $200, $500, $1000 and $2000.
The currency is issued by the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (Banco Central de la Republica Dominicana).
History of the Domincan Republic Peso
The peso has been in use in the Dominican Republic since 1844. It was first introduced as a replacement for the Haitian gourde and was further divided into 8 reales. However, decimalised in 1877 when the centavos was introduced. In 1891 a second currency was introduced, but the peso continued to circulate, then in 1905, the peso was replaced by the US dollar until 1937, when the peso was re-introduced and circulated alongside the dollar, until the dollar was withdrawn in 1947.
Since then the peso oro has been the currency in use but the US dollar is actually retained as a reserve currency. However, both euros and US dollars can be used in any private transactions, when and if both parties are happy to do this. However, this is mainly limited to tourist areas, when the dollar or euro can be used in preference to the peso.
Getting Hold of Pesos Oro
The Dominican Republic is a relatively well established tourist resort and as such it is very easy to acquire pesos in Santo Domingo, but not in the more rural areas.
Due to the fact that the Dominican Republic tends to be an all inclusive resort, where people have all their food and most of their drinks included, there has not historically been a great need for cash, but people have still needed to get money out to buy souvenirs or go to the casino etc. So the network of ATMs is quite extensive, but only in Santo Domingo and the resort areas.
Credit and debit cards can also be used in the major hotels and in restaurants etc.
However, if you want to take cash in with you, then you should take either euros or preferably US dollars, since they can be most easily exchanged.
If you want to take traveller's cheques then make sure that you take them in the form of US dollars, or failing that in euros, but not in British sterling, which will be less easy to change.
Safety Issues
The Dominican Republic is not an extremely unsafe place to visit, but it is not without crime. It did experience a significant amount of muggings, as well as violent crimes in recent years, but since then it has established the Tourist Police, which are known by the name of Polit Tour. Their role is simply to protect tourists from any threat. If you do have any problems when in the Dominican Republic, then make sure that you contact an officer from the Polit Tour, as opposed to the standard police. The Polit Tour will be much more responsive and they are reputedly less corrupt than the standard police.
In the expensive tourist resort areas, there is generally very little crime. However, if you do stray outside of the resorts, then you should be aware that it can be quite unsafe, particularly at night and muggings are still quite common. If you do want to venture into the local area of an evening, then you are better off using a taxi, since this can get you 'door to door' and is much safer than walking at night. Remember that many of the streets will not be lit and it is quite a scary experience, even if you have been clever enough to bring a torch.
Travellers are also advised that when you are out at night, you should try and make sure that you do not have many valuables with you and try not to carry too much cash. Rings or ostentatious jewellery should be removed, so that you do not face the risk of mugging.
However, the risk of serious violent crime, where you will be attacked is minimal, certainly in the tourist areas and there is also a very low risk of terrorism.
Travellers should be aware that this is quite a poor country and people may regard all travellers as wealthy, hence why muggings happen. Overall though the people are really laid back and friendly and they also welcome tourist, because they realise that without tourists, the country would be in quite a bad way. So the vast majority of the people that you meet will simply be friendly and helpful!
Finally, in order to stay safe, do not drink the local water, you should always stick to bottled water. Dehydration can be a real problem in the very hot climate, but no matter how thirsty you are, make sure that you stick to bottled water.
Using Pesos Oro
Due to the fact that the Dominican Republic was one of the first tourist destinations to almost establish itself as an 'all inclusive' area, not specifically for the independent traveller, it is not a particularly cheap destination for travellers who are not 'all inclusive'. Many of the food stuffs have to be imported, which has a significant impact on the prices. So these two factors make it a more expensive option than you may initially think, especially since as a country it is so poor. However, the locals need to make money somehow and it is easier to make money from independent travellers, than it is from people who have come on an all inclusive package.
If you are travelling independently, then you will find that hotels all levy quite substantial taxes on hotel rooms. Taxes are in the region of 23%, so when you are trying to book a room, make sure that you know whether or not the tax is included. If it is not, then the bill will be almost a quarter more than you had anticipated.
Hotels tend to be only available in the more expensive range. Basic hotels do exist, but they are not particularly salubrious and not particularly pleasant, but if you want to do the Dominican Republic 'on the cheap' and do not mind roughing it, then you will find that these offer a better option than the very expensive hotels.
When eating out you will also find restaurants will charge an additional 8% for VAT as well as a 10% charge for services, so if money is tight, just be aware of this before you order! It is usually customary to tip around 10% so you should add up these costs when you are thinking of eating out.
Its dependence on tourism means that there is a range of food outlets in the capital, from the ubiquitous Pizza Hut and McDonald's to very exclusive, luxury restaurants, many of which can be found in the high end hotels. So whatever you want to eat, you are pretty sure to be able to find it. Eating opportunities are much more restricted in the countryside.
The costs of drinks as well as means is much more expensive in the tourist areas, but be aware that if you go to rural or non-tourist areas, particularly any outside of Santo Domingo, then you will find that most people are only able to speak Spanish, in their own Dominican style, which may be hard for Spanish speakers from Europe to understand. English is not widely spoken or indeed understood outside the main tourist areas or Santa Domingo. So the prices may be cheaper, but communication is much more difficult.
If shopping is an important part of a holiday, then you will find that there are plenty of opportunities for some retail therapy, mainly due to the fact that tourists have driven demand up, so the local economy has provided facilities. There are a lot of jewellery stalls, handicraft items and souvenirs to be found, particularly in the resorts.
Clothes, often based on designer fashions (and sometimes purporting to be genuine, although in fact, they are not) are quite good value and well made. Often you will be able to haggle over a price, but there is some confusion about haggling, since not all vendors will haggle. Many think that it is perfectly acceptable, whereas others regard it as somewhat cheeky, given that the country is quite poor, so be sensitive about haggling or asking for a discount. Sometimes if you offer to pay using US dollars you may be bale to get a better price than if you pay in pesos. Haggling, as a general rule is common in Santa Domingo and the tourist areas, but less practised in the non tourist/city locations.
There are plenty of activities, from water sports to going to the casino and travellers to the Dominican Republic will never be stuck for something to do, there is always something happening. Although, if you simply want to lie back, read a book and chill over a beer, then this is also an ideal location for a beach holiday, where you do very little. The choice is up to you.
Overview
The Dominican Republic is a tourist destination and as such has all the infrastructure and facilities that you would expect to find in a country that is heavily dependent on tourists. However, if you are more interested in independent travel, then this country still has a lot to offer and due to the fact that in the non-tourist areas, there are less facilities, it can be quite an adventure to see just how people live and survive, in such a relatively poor country.
So with something for everyone, the Dominican Republic has the ability to offer people the chance of a lazy touristy beach holiday, an action packed package holiday or quite an adventure as an independent traveller and if you want sheer variety, then it is possible to combine all three, to get the best of all worlds!
I know a little about the Dominican Republic because some friends of mine went there on holiday a while back. They certainly seemed to like it although I think it would be a bit hot for me. I would certainly have to pick my time to visit very carefully.
I was a bit concerned to read about the muggings but then I suppose any area with lots of tourists is going to be susceptible to this to a certain extent. Some people will always stand out in a crowd, and those people will be the ones to be picked on. I like to think I would be a bit more careful and less showy, but then maybe I would still stand out in certain situations.
— JamieK · May 25, 09:28 PM · #