cheekyfairy,

Where about in the Dominican are you staying.?

Puerta plata gran ventana

No problems when we visited, but i would take plenty of 1 dollar notes for tipping, i took 250 for tipping purposes only when we stayed for 3 weeks.

cheekyfairy,

We are frequent visitors to the North Coast so you will need $US10 per person for your Tourist Card for entry and $US20 per person for your Departure Tax then take pesos for your spending money and tips, then you can use your credit card for payment of any trips you do.
Word of warning phone your bank and tell them your dates that you will be in the DR so the bank does not block your card for fraudulent use.
M&S has the best rates for exchange of your £££ to pesos.

Angie.

I would second the advise to tell your bank where you will be to prevent them putting a stop on your card.

Also be aware that if you use a credit card to pay for excursions, you will pay a surcharge imposed by the trip operator. I cannot remember what it was as we now always take enough dollars to pay for what we want. In our last few visits to the Dom Rep we have not even bothered to change money into pesos as $$$s are welcome.

Make sure you have plenty of small bills to use for tips as another poster has already said.

Hi Cheeky Fairy

I stayed in the Gran Ventana a few years ago, and the Hotel was lovely and staff couldn't be more helpful. I did take a credit charge and used for a couple of trips, there was a surcharge, but again can't remember how much. I agree with others take dollar bills for tipping, in first instance with the porter who will take the baggage up to your room and meet you there.

Have a brilliant trip, I loved it.

thanks for the advice all we can't wait!