Is your bill damaged? Central and commercial banks can exchange it
A torn, worn, wet, or even partially burned banknote does not automatically lose its monetary value. In the Dominican Republic, the Central Bank (BCRD) and entities within the national financial system have clear regulations for the exchange and withdrawal of damaged banknotes and coins.
For a bank to accept a damaged banknote and give you a new one (or credit the value to your account), the banknote must meet certain minimum criteria of authenticity and integrity.
Cases in which the bank DOES accept a damaged banknote
Banknotes deteriorated by use or time (old or worn): Banknotes that show extreme creasing, discoloration, loss of firmness in the paper or wear from continuous circulation are still valid and must be withdrawn from the market by banks for replacement.
Fragmented or torn banknotes (more than 50% of the piece): If the banknote is torn or missing a piece, as a general rule more than 50% of the original surface must remain. It is essential that at least one of its two serial numbers remains intact to verify its authenticity.
Banknotes taped together: If the banknote is torn into two or more parts but the pieces correspond to the same piece and are joined with transparent tape, the bank accepts it without penalty.
Damage from fire or heat (partially burned): If a banknote has suffered damage from fire or exposure to heat, the bank will accept it provided that the preserved structure is identifiable, it retains more than half of the original paper and the main security features can be validated.
Stained, wet or painted banknotes: Banknotes that have been accidentally washed, wet or have ballpoint pen writing and light stains retain their value, unless the stain prevents verification of their authenticity.
When will they NOT accept your ticket?
Less than 50% of the piece: If the banknote is missing half or more of its original size, it is not eligible for direct exchange at the counter.
No visible serial numbers: If deterioration from fire, chemicals or breakage completely removed both serial numbers and security threads.
Reconstructed pieces from different banknotes: If you try to glue two halves that belong to different banknotes (with different serial numbers).
Banknotes stained by security inks (anti-theft): Banknotes stained with pink, green or purple ink from security devices of ATMs or armored trucks are not exchangeable at the commercial counter, as they are usually the product of theft or illicit manipulation.
Where to make the change?
Commercial Banks: For simple cases (minor tears, old, worn or tape-covered banknotes), you can go to the window of any commercial bank or savings and loan association.
Central Bank of the Dominican Republic: For more complex cases, such as severely burned, mutilated or chemically damaged banknotes, the piece must be presented directly to the Central Bank (or processed through a commercial bank to the BCRD) for a technical evaluation by the corresponding department.
