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Going to Santa Domingo in a few weeks. Staying at the Mercure which, I understand, is on/near Conde. I do not like to carry a lot of cash with me. My questions:
1) Best recommended way to get about $100-$200 U.S. converted to DOP at the airport? Are there ATMs near the arrival area? Or are you stuck using a cambio?
2) Once I get to the hotel, are their ATM machines nearby? Or do I need to bring a fair amount of cash and exchange it at a nearby cambio?
Thanks,
Griz
Quote:
Originally Posted by grizgator
The large Casinos are nearby and they have ATMs and cambios.
BTW, after doing Medellion, you won't be happy here.
On the Conde the two best places to change your dollars are Frank's Exchange House and Pollo Rey which is a fast food place.Pollo Rey most often gives a little better rate than Frank's but often does'nt have the Pesos on hand.
At the airport you're going to get a much lower rate but if you must have pesos only change for what you absolutely need right away.You don't need pesos for the cab ride BTW.They take Dollars.They'll tell you it's $35.00 to the Conde but if you speak enough Spanish you can get it for $30.00.By the way don't grab a cab as soon as you exit the airport.Instead,as soon as you get out the airport door go left all the way down to the cab office.
If you can use an ATM, don't bother with the money changers, unless you want to exchange a lot of money.
You can get 10,000 a day from ATM's, which helps you control your spending too.
There are quite a few ATM's on the Conde, and in the airport, downstairs where you come out of customs/immigration.
Walk out the door, turn to your right, and they are straight ahead.
I agree ATMs are most convenient as I don't like traveling with large amounts of cash. My ATM card gets stolen, I report it. Cash gets stolen you are screwed.
Also on ATMs you can get more than 10k pesos. When it asks if you want another transaction say no. Remove your card and then reinsert and do a completely new transaction. I have taken out up to 30k pesos in one day or about a grand or so US.
Of course MRHappy is probably right that limiting yourself to 10k pesos per day is probably a good idea. I am talking about like when I need to pay rent etc I can take out more than 10k.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MrHappy
The Hilton casino will give you 32 pesos (as of mid-May) for one U.S. Dollar.
The Jaragua casino will give you only 30 pesos (as of mid-May) for one U.S. Dollar.
Using an ATM machine is convenient. But contact your bank before using one.
For example, I have a debit card with both Bank of America and Chase. If I use an ATM machine in the DR, I will need to pay a $3 fee along with a conversion fee of 3% of the amount that I am withdrawing.
Sorry if this is slightly off topic,
On the malecon, near the Jaragua towards the El Tropical ? Restaurant .. there are a couple street hustlers that claim the will give u a good rate. Too good to be true rates. DONT DO IT, they are all slight of hand scammers. They are so fast u will never see the short change, til you recount your $ again. Ive seen guys get hustled right in front of my eyes. they never saw it coming. There is always another one on a motorscooter nearby and he will fly by and wisk away the scammer dude friend of his before u know what hit u . Just an FYI.
The front desk at the Jaruagua gives pretty good rates,the Melia too and its SAFE as can be. Othewise ATM's or Banks are the way to go. the Boca Chica Cambios do have better rates than in S D for some reason, almost worth the day trip if youre gonna change a lot .
I never exchange at the airport, its always a ripoff.