Q.: Should I cash my Canadian dollars into US dollars?  A.: Yes, if you want to get the maximum exchange rate. You could lose around 10% if you don’t. The US dollar is currently trading at 30+ pesos = US$1. The Central Bank posts Monday to Friday the average of transaction rates used by authorized currency dealers (exchange houses and commercial banks). If your original currency is not the US dollar, you would be best off changing your currency into US$ cash or American Express traveler’s checks in US dollars before leaving home. Otherwise, you may be penalized with a loss of more than 15%. There are no service fees for exchanging money in the DR but you will simply get a poorer rate than if you changed money at home. If you have not had time to change your money abroad, you can do so in Dominican banks. Currencies of the United States, Canada and the European Union are exchanged by most banks and in most large hotels. The better rate for foreign exchange can be had at exchange houses rather than banks and hotels. Most other purchases can be made with credit cards or travel checks. There also is a large network of automatic teller machines in many bank branches and public places throughout the nation, especially in tourist destinations. You can withdraw money from your account at home or get a cash advance on your credit card, but remember, it will only be dispensed in Dominican pesos. Also remember that the money change facilities in most resort areas will not give you dollars for your travelers checks… only pesos. Therefore, bring some US cash with you. Most other purchases can be made with credit cards or travel checks. There also is a large network of automatic teller machines in many bank branches and public places throughout the nation, especially in tourist destinations. You can withdraw money from your account at home or get a cash advance on your credit card, but remember, it will only be dispensed in Dominican pesos.