Is it best to take US dollars to Dominican Republic?
The currency in the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso (DOP). That being said, US Dollars are widely accepted and actually preferred over the peso. Taxis, excursion vendors, and restaurants will all accept USD and usually have the same rate as the bank.
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Preferred tipping currency
If you have Dominican pesos feel free to tip using it however it is uncommon to tip more than 250 Pesos (5 Dollars).
It's always a good idea to carry around some cash for small expenses, like cab rides, or for that rare occasion when a restaurant or small shop doesn't take plastic, which can happen if you're dining at a neighborhood joint or buying from a small vendor. U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere.
Whether in the U.S. or at your destination, avoid airport kiosks or other exchange houses if you can. Those should only be used as a last resort, because they typically offer poor exchange rates and high fees, so you'll get less currency for your money.
In regards to how much to tip, it will be at your discretion, but if it helps, in the Caribbean it is common to leave a 15% to 25% tip for exceptional service. However, all gratuities are well received, from $1 per service to $20 or more at the end of your stay.
Buy currency before you travel.When you are traveling to another country, you can exchange some of your money before you leave home. Doing so gives you time to shop around for the best rate. Plus, when you arrive, you won't have to immediately find a bank or currency exchange.
USD$1 will buy you roughly RD$39 Dominican Pesos. A bottled water goes for around RD$10 Pesos (around a Quater of a dollar), in punta cana maybe around 20-25 pesos in the streets. You could have a decent meal for anywhere between 5-15 US bucks. So it depends on your plans.