There have been a couple of threads on this in the past, but now that the deadline for replacing damaged bills at a bank has apparently passed, it is well worth emphasizing again.
A couple of close calls as examples. When my wife tried to pay the supermarket with an almost-new RD$500 bill, the fine-tooth-comb scrutiny by the cashier discovered a tiny tear in one corner, less than 1/4 long and virtually invisible unless you looked very carefully. The bill was rejected. Fortunately there was still a day left to exchange the money, so no loss but a lesson learned.
Yesterday after changing dollars I paid the Codetel bill. Among the bills given the Codetel cashier was a RD$100 on which she found a tiny ink smudge on the bank, similar to what might happen if you picked up a bill when you had an ink stain on your finger. The bill was rejected. Fortunately this happened soon enough after changing dollars so that I could take it back to the exchange bank for a replacement, but a lesson reinforced.
I think this policy of the government is going to create as many problems for the people as the short-lived adoption of daylight savings time. Especially since the paper used by the Dominican Treasury is so flimsy. Small tears after a little use are almost certain.
The only protection you have is to carefully inspect both the front and back of every bill you receive, no matter the source. Do not take for granted that any are really legal tender. Also, you can anticipate longer waits wherever you pay bills or for purchases as the cashier checks each bill given by a customer/client and then the customer/client does the same with the change.
I read in a recent dr1 news summary that an organization of businessmen had urged the government to again extend the period for exchanging damaged currency. If it doesn't, there are likely to be major complaints as people who have not been carefull discover that they have a considerable sum in bills that can't be spent.
A couple of close calls as examples. When my wife tried to pay the supermarket with an almost-new RD$500 bill, the fine-tooth-comb scrutiny by the cashier discovered a tiny tear in one corner, less than 1/4 long and virtually invisible unless you looked very carefully. The bill was rejected. Fortunately there was still a day left to exchange the money, so no loss but a lesson learned.
Yesterday after changing dollars I paid the Codetel bill. Among the bills given the Codetel cashier was a RD$100 on which she found a tiny ink smudge on the bank, similar to what might happen if you picked up a bill when you had an ink stain on your finger. The bill was rejected. Fortunately this happened soon enough after changing dollars so that I could take it back to the exchange bank for a replacement, but a lesson reinforced.
I think this policy of the government is going to create as many problems for the people as the short-lived adoption of daylight savings time. Especially since the paper used by the Dominican Treasury is so flimsy. Small tears after a little use are almost certain.
The only protection you have is to carefully inspect both the front and back of every bill you receive, no matter the source. Do not take for granted that any are really legal tender. Also, you can anticipate longer waits wherever you pay bills or for purchases as the cashier checks each bill given by a customer/client and then the customer/client does the same with the change.
I read in a recent dr1 news summary that an organization of businessmen had urged the government to again extend the period for exchanging damaged currency. If it doesn't, there are likely to be major complaints as people who have not been carefull discover that they have a considerable sum in bills that can't be spent.