T-Mobile/Orange mobile card/calling card in the DR
If you come from Holland and use a "T-Mobile" card with international access you might be out of luck, it seems like it does not work (well at least not in puerto plata or in punta cana).
However if you have an "Orange" card, then it should work. This network pops up in the network search everywhere and it's available in europe too.
Alternative buy a 100 peso calling card and use it instead.
Note if you call holland the procedure for a calling card is:
[311]
{tone}
[Calling card secret code]
{some jabadabadoo in spanish on how much the account is}
[011] = to indicate that it is not the DR or the States
[31] = Holland
[123456789] = number without the [0] Else it will not work.
ATM machines cash from the wall and daily limits
Try to take several bank cards/credit cards with you to the DR (or whatever country you go. It will help a lot if you need more money than the skimpy 5000 pesos you get from the atm machine at a time. This amount varies by the way depending what they have in stock. So if you need it on the last day you could be in a surprise.
Tip 1: You can do another withdrawal on the same ATM, I could untill the limit of 15K.
Tip 2: It is possible to withdraw some extra with the same card from another ATM at the same day, but seems limited.
Tip 3: Make sure you have several cards at hand to raise your withdrawal limits. This is cheaper than having to go back with a taxi with another card.
Tip 4: Never ever trust on one Credit Card or one Bank Card, make sure you have at least 2 from both and from different banks/companies.
Tip 5: Especially for Europeans, use the ATM, Changing from Euro to Dollar to Peso, will need a heck of a good rate to cope with the unwanted double charges. And keep in mind that a credit card is not ment for cash withdrawal, you will get a nice extra charge for that too.
Tip 6: Allthough allmost everything can be done in USD, it is advisable (cheaper) to get at least 5k peso as soon as you are in the country, the cabby will now a working ATM.
Tip 7: If you plan to come back smuggle (its not allowed) some cash out for the next time, it is convenient on the airport when you return and need some tips.
Tip 8: If you buy dollars in Holland from GWK you will get a voucer for returning the dollars to a period to the same rate and without fee! With the dollar tapdancing around in respect to the euro this can be very handy.
Tip 9: Make sure you can stash the cash safe and do not walk in sight with a pocket book of cash. People overhere seem to make approx 2-3usd/100pesos a day!
For the dutchies, an ATM is a "pinautomaat or flappentap" and for the belgiums no an ATM is not a vibrator (pinnen=having sex). ;-))
Codetel/Verizon cards info
[QUOTE=Skittels]I
Note if you call holland the procedure for a calling card is:
[311]
{tone}
[Calling card secret code]
{some jabadabadoo in spanish on how much the account is}
[/QUOTE]
If you dial 611 not 311 the jabdabadoo as you call it is in English. It says that on the card as well.
DR: pros vs India/Cuba/Thailand
Hey,
So I have been to thailand once, never to India or Cuba or the DR.
I have an opportunity to spend 4-6 weeks in any of those areas in about a year and half.
I thought maybe I should save the DR and/or Cuba when I can only take a short trip (week or so) since by being base in Thailand I can hit Cambo, Laos and even India or vietnam.
Can anyone make a good case for changing my eval? Prices? Quality? Extras? Entertainment?
Please forgive my ignorance...I appreciate your comments.