My flight doesn't get in until Friday night so should I just wait til Saturday to get my pesos? I plan in eating after my long flight, but I don't know about walking around looking for a casa cambia or bank by myself at night, especially since I don't speak the native language.
- Thread starter joselowe
- Start date
Should I get pasos?
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If you have a debit card and do not give out the PIN number it is impossible to make 'false buys' - this is just how the system is designed. There is no credit on a debit card. The seller must be able to have direct access to deduct the money from your account and that can only be done through authorisation with the PIN number
For credit card it is another matter
You're going to have an ulcer before you even get here. Travel much? Do this:
Take a taxi to your hotel. Negotiate the price with the taxi driver before you get in - pay in USD. At the hotel, change $50 into pesos and then ask where they recommend you can grab a bite to eat. Eat, go to bed. The next day find a bank and go change some more money.
If you fly into Santo Domingo this is what I always do and so far have not been cleaned out/scammed etc.
You collect your luggage and pass customs. Then you are funneled along the corridors to the exit proper. After you pass the doors to the arrivals hall you turn right towards the wall of the arrivals hall. There are ATMs here that are usually in operation (day or night) and you can use with any debit card that has Cirrus or Visa capability.
Prior to leaving for the DR inform your bank of your travel plans to make sure the transaction is not denied on their side. You will get a good rate and might incur a small charge, which in the long run won't be an issue. Take out RD$ 5,000 to minimise the impact of the charges.
Pay the taxi in US.... use the airport ATM's.... not the exchange counter
Warn your bank of your travels..... done !
easy
Warn your bank of your travels..... done !
easy
You can get RD Pesos @ a casa de cambio, there is an Rx open until like 8pm that offers a favorable tasa right across from El Duque, you can also get a great rate @ one or two places on el conde, PM BIGBIRD, he is local and will direct you how to get Pesos for Besos, unless you wave around your cash, or act drunk, you will be safe.
I thought we were going to Samana early in the AM and were not tripping in to SD.
as the world turns !!
as the world turns !!
Jose,
As some of the more recent posters have stated, it's pretty painless:
1) the day before your trip, call your bank and tell them you'll be traveling to the DR
2) when you clear customs, follow the crowds to the arrivals area. You'll go down a short escalator, then look to your right. You'll see a number of ATMs there. All offer decent exchange rates.
3) when you get into town, ask your hotel for the nearest good cambio.
4) relax, be safe and have fun!
If you are looking to reduce your transaction fees, use a Bank of America card at a Scotia Bank ATM, no transaction fees.
If you're really worried about fraud (to the extent such worrying will impact your trip), then open a separate account that is unlinked to your other accounts, and use that card only. Takes maybe 15 minutes at your local branch over your lunch break.
As some of the more recent posters have stated, it's pretty painless:
1) the day before your trip, call your bank and tell them you'll be traveling to the DR
2) when you clear customs, follow the crowds to the arrivals area. You'll go down a short escalator, then look to your right. You'll see a number of ATMs there. All offer decent exchange rates.
3) when you get into town, ask your hotel for the nearest good cambio.
4) relax, be safe and have fun!
If you are looking to reduce your transaction fees, use a Bank of America card at a Scotia Bank ATM, no transaction fees.
If you're really worried about fraud (to the extent such worrying will impact your trip), then open a separate account that is unlinked to your other accounts, and use that card only. Takes maybe 15 minutes at your local branch over your lunch break.
Finally you understand! Keep it simple. Some of the regulars here were giving advice as if you were going to live him instead of being here for 3 days! Keep it simple and have a blast!
You're welcome, have fun, and be sure to come back and tell us about your trip later.
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