How much is the Dominican peso worth?
The national currency of the Dominican Republic is the peso (RD$). You may consult the website www.xe.com for the present exchange rate. The present rate of exchange as of July 31st 2008 is approximately 1 Dollar = 34.40 dominican pesos. The rates fluctuate daily, so check the rate again before your departure for the most accurate information.

ISA recommends that you arrive in the Dominican Republic with Dominican Pesos already on you. Even if it´s just a little bit (US$20-30), you can exchange US Dollars at a bank, at an American Express branch, or at an airport in the US (just beware of unfavorable exchange rates, especially at an airport!).

ATM machines are plentiful in the Dominican Republic and using your ATM card will generally give you the best exchange rate available! However, check with your bank to find out how much you will be charged each time you make a withdrawal. It can be up to $5! At times, ATM machines are out of service, so please bring some cash with you!

How much am I going to spend?
The amount that you will spend each week in Santiago really depends on your own personal spending habits. Depending on whether you normally spend more money on shopping, entertainment, or travel, the amount you spend can range from US$30-$100+ a week. Obviously, if you are looking to keep this figure down, make sure and eat all meals with your host family and try to find things to do in and around Santiago rather than traveling each weekend. Again, keep in mind this is a rough figure and that some students spend less and others more. Many students highly recommend creating a budget for yourself before you get there or soon after you have arrived so that you do not overspend.

What will I spend money on?
This is an individual issue for each student (and their parents!). Your greatest expenses will come from travel*, shopping, gym memberships, movies, and going out. Remember that three meals a day with your host family in Santiago are included. During the weekends when you have excursions, you will have to pay for lunch and dinner each day. It is easy to spend more money than you would like to because you are not accustomed to using pesos, so be careful and don’t forget to budget your spending.

*Individual travel expenses:
The options for travel and adventure are innumerable! Aside from planned excursions, students in the semester programs will have plenty of time on weekends to plan their own trips and adventures. There are activities such as hiking, scuba diving and windsurfing that are lots of fun. Depending on your style of travel (1st-class planes or 2nd-class buses) and accommodations (youth hostels, pensions, cheap or luxury hotels), you can easily spend $70-$200 per weekend. ISA may also provide some optional excursions. These excursions are organized by the resident directors, and include hotel accommodations (if necessary) and transportation. You will also be accompanied by a resident director.