Dominican Republic in cash.
The resorts take dollars; the real island lives in pesos — paying local costs less and earns smiles. Outside the compounds, cash is king.
Helvetica Exchange prepares your DOP travel envelope at Rue Pierre-Fatio 19, 1204 Geneva (Rive district) — the posted rate, no separate commission, Monday–Friday 08:30–18:30 and Saturday 09:00–17:00. Reserve and your rate is held for 3 hours during opening hours; ID from the LBA thresholds.
The cities, chosen.
Punta Cana
Thirty kilometres of coconut palms — all-inclusive as an art form.
Saona island excursion — Catamaran, natural pools with starfish, lobster on the beach.
Santo Domingo
The New World's first city — primatial cathedral and the streets of Columbus.
The Colonial Zone — The Alcázar de Colón and flowering 16th-century balconies.
Samaná
The wild peninsula — humpback whales in winter, El Limón falls all year.
Whales (Jan–Mar) — The giants come to calve in the bay.
El Limón waterfall — By horse then on foot to the emerald pool.
Getting around.
Hotel-organised excursions reach Saona and the waterfalls; guaguas (local minibuses) cost pennies between towns. Roads are decent; the driving… creative.
Cash & banknotes.
Pesos for everything beyond the resort: the same lunch costs 30% less in local money. Budget RD$3'500 a day travelling simply, RD$6'500 in comfort — lobster with your feet in the sand from RD$1'000.
| Rate reservation | held 3 hours, during opening hours |
| Counter hours | Mon–Fri 08:30–18:30 · Sat 09:00–17:00 |
| Commission | none — the margin lives in the posted rate |
Before you go.
Pesos or dollars in the DR?
Pesos for everything outside the resort — the same lunch costs 30% less paid locally.
Daily budget beyond all-inclusive?
RD$3'500 travelling simply, RD$6'500 in comfort — beach lobster from RD$1'000.
Indicative amounts — rate reservable for 3 hours · Rue Pierre-Fatio 19, Geneva · Guide complet en français