Can You Use US Dollars in the Dominican Republic?

Can you use US dollars in the Dominican Republic?

Yes, US dollars are widely accepted in the Dominican Republic, particularly in resorts, tourist areas, hotels, and tour operations, where prices are sometimes quoted in dollars. That said, the official currency is the Dominican peso (DOP), and away from the tourist bubble, in local shops, small restaurants, markets, and taxis, pesos are preferred and get you better value. You will often receive change in pesos even when you pay in dollars. Cards are accepted in cities and resorts. The best approach is to carry some pesos for local spending, use dollars where convenient in tourist zones, and withdraw pesos from an ATM for fair rates on daily purchases.

Do you tip in the Dominican Republic?

Tipping in the Dominican Republic has a built-in layer to watch for. Restaurants typically add a 10 percent service charge, known as the ley or law tip, along with an 18 percent tax, so check your bill; the 10 percent service charge is the base tip. It is customary to leave an additional 5 to 10 percent in cash for good service, since the service charge does not always reach the staff directly. Tip hotel housekeeping, porters, and drivers a dollar or two. At all-inclusive resorts, small tips for bartenders and servers are appreciated even though meals are included. Because US dollars are accepted, tipping in dollars is easy and common.

What power adapter do you need for the Dominican Republic?

You do not need a plug adapter or voltage converter if you are coming from the United States, because the Dominican Republic uses the same electrical system. Outlets are Type A and Type B, the standard US flat-prong plugs, on 120 volts, so your American devices, chargers, and appliances work as they do at home. Visitors from Europe, the UK, Australia, and elsewhere will need a plug adapter for Type A and B outlets and should confirm their devices accept 120-volt input, though most phone and laptop chargers are dual voltage and adjust automatically. Note that power outages can occur, so a portable charger is handy.

Can you drink the tap water in the Dominican Republic?

No, tap water in the Dominican Republic is not recommended for drinking. The water is not treated to a standard that is reliably safe for visitors, so you should stick to bottled or purified water for drinking and for brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach. Bottled water is cheap and widely available, and resorts typically provide purified water. Also avoid ice unless you know it is made from purified water, and be cautious with raw fruits and vegetables washed in tap water. Using bottled or purified water is the simple precaution that helps you avoid the stomach troubles unfamiliar tap water can cause.