Stopped at CL last month. There is a currency exchange there. Not sure if they took travellers cheques however as I never needed to use it.

There are cash machines in Samana. This is obviously on the mainland, about 15 minutes drive from the dock. Again, can't comment on these as never left the island :)

My advice is to take cash. I only took US dollars. The $US is welcomed everywhere - it's hard currency. The local currency aint worth a lot....

I tipped a couple of $US a night at the buffer and $5 - $10 at the a la carte restarants. Not everyone tips, but the service is excellent and it should be rewarded.

So, try to take small denomination notes with you.

If you plan on doing trips with first choice then i believe you can pay by credit card (you'll get a better rate on these than currency anyway).

thanks ever so much for that.

i am assuming then that i would not be able to draw money off my debit card at the bureau de change??