Money
Currency
Dominican Republic Peso (peso) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of peso2000, 1000, 500, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of peso1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos.
Currency exchange
The peso is not available outside the Dominican Republic. Currencies of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, UK, USA and Venezuela may be converted into local currency. At departure, up to 30 per cent of the exchanged currency can be reconverted into US Dollars at any bank, provided original receipts are shown. All exchange must be done through official dealers such as banks and hotels approved by the Central Bank.
Credit & debit cards
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travellers cheques
Travellers cheques are accepted by some banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Dominican Peso against Sterling and the US Dollar:
| Date | May '04 | Aug '04 | Nov '04 | Feb '05 | | 1.00= | 80.91 | 72.77 | 53.02 | 54.27 | | $1.00= | 45.30 | 39.50 | 28.00 | 28.74 |
Currency restrictions
The import and export of local currency is prohibited; the import of foreign banknotes is allowed provided they are declared on arrival. Foreign currencies up to the amount imported and declared may also be exported. The import and export of travellers cheques is unlimited.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1800.
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