Commercial banks were paying RD$15.72-RD$15.75, to the dollar up 15 centavos from the RD$15.60 level prior to the announcement of the increase in the exchange rate commission. The exchange rate commission is charged to those purchasing dollars in the banking system. News reports say that dollars are being sold in the system for about RD$16.85, including the exchange commission. The government also announced that the Customs House will be charging the difference to those importers that cannot present proof they have paid the exchange rate commission for imported goods. One businessman said that importers would get around the measure by declaring lower values for the imported goods.
