Poor exchange rates when paying or changing money in Dominican Republic: how to avoid it

How it works

A purchase paid in dollars or euros may use an unfavorable exchange rate. Airport and harbor exchanges also offer poor rates. A poor rate alone does not prove fraud, but it can make your purchase or exchange more expensive.

Warning signs

The seller quotes a foreign-currency total without explaining the rate.
You cannot see how many pesos you will receive.

How to avoid it

Ask for the peso price and conversion rate before paying.
Compare the full amount before accepting an exchange.
Change only what you need at an airport or harbor.
Consider withdrawing pesos from an ATM, allowing for fees.

If it happens to you

Ask for a receipt and an explanation of the calculation. Raise any difference from the agreed amount immediately.

Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or confront an aggressive group.
If you are threatened, injured or in immediate danger, call 911.
Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about unauthorized payments. Secure any accounts on a stolen phone.
Save receipts, messages, booking details and a short account of what happened. Record the time and place.
Report the incident to tourist police or police. Request a report or reference number for insurance.
Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate.

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

Questions

What is the poor exchange rates when paying or changing money scam in Dominican Republic?

A purchase paid in dollars or euros may use an unfavorable exchange rate. Airport and harbor exchanges also offer poor rates. A poor rate alone does not prove fraud, but it can make your purchase or exchange more expensive.

How can I spot it early?

The seller quotes a foreign-currency total without explaining the rate. You cannot see how many pesos you will receive.

How do I avoid poor exchange rates when paying or changing money in Dominican Republic?

Ask for the peso price and conversion rate before paying. Compare the full amount before accepting an exchange. Change only what you need at an airport or harbor. Consider withdrawing pesos from an ATM, allowing for fees.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Ask for a receipt and an explanation of the calculation. Raise any difference from the agreed amount immediately.

Where in Dominican Republic does this happen?

Merchants accepting foreign currency, airports and harbors.

How common is this scam in Dominican Republic?

Occasional. The Dominican Republic is generally safe, but visitors can face persistent touts, inflated shopping prices and pressure over taxi choices. Other risks include people posing as resort staff, demands for protection money, motorcycle bag snatching and theft from accommodation.

Who can I report it to?

Tourist police / Politur: contact this agency if you encounter problems. Ask your hotel or a staffed business to help you reach it. National Police in Santo Domingo: the station is at Av. Leopoldo Navarro #402. The central line is +1 809-682-2151. Police in Punta Cana and Bavaro: call +1 809 686-8227. Stations are next to the Sitrabapu bus terminal in Bavaro and at Galerias Punta Cana near the airport. Card issuer: use your banking app or a verified contact number to freeze the card and report unauthorized charges. Accommodation management: report room theft or someone claiming to be a hotel employee. Ask management to preserve relevant records. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help replacing a stolen passport. Travel insurer: contact the claims service and provide receipts, evidence and any police report.

What number do I call in an emergency in Dominican Republic?

Emergency assistance: 911.