Is it possible to get a debit card in the DR?

santiagotrav

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May 24, 2004
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Is it possible for a foreigner that will be staying in the DR for a couple of months to obtain a Visa or Mastercard debit card? This is possible in the United States, you can get them on the net or at a retail store. How about in the DR?
*I will use the card online at US web sites
 
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MrMike

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If you open a savings account at Banco Leon a Visa debit card is an option. Doesn't work for online purchases though, it's not good "anywhere Visa is accepted" but it will definitely get you around in the DR.
 

santiagotrav

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Actually I do need it for online purchases at US websites. I don't plan on using it in the DR. Any advice?

MrMike said:
If you open a savings account at Banco Leon a Visa debit card is an option. Doesn't work for online purchases though, it's not good "anywhere Visa is accepted" but it will definitely get you around in the DR.
 

MrMike

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The problem with online purchasing is the currency, which opens up a whole can of new problems.

Your best bet is to get a dual currency credit card, I think these are usually refferred to as "international" credit cards here. You will have 1 limit in pesos and another in dollars, the merchant will determine which to charge you.

If you are not a resident, this can be secured by a savings deposit account, but I don't have anymore details than that.

Alternatively, you could open a checking account in the states and use the debit card they give you, I have done that but it's been a long time.
 

Thebes

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Jun 18, 2004
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Would a Virtual Visa work?

santiagotrav said:
Actually I do need it for online purchases at US websites. I don't plan on using it in the DR. Any advice?

I know some people outside the US (not in the DR) who use epassporte.com and their Virtual Visa for this. You would need to fund it through another credit card or a wire transfer normally, but if you search around some third parties will fund epassporte accounts via other methods like Western Union as well. There is no actual card with this, I think, just a card number for use online. I have no business relationship with them and haven't used them myself.
 

Adrian Bye

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Epassporte is a good idea. They take 5%, but it will end up being a big time (and cost saver) compared to getting a DR credit card.