General Info

[Tempoecorto]

The few times I have been with a non-cartel driver the worst that has happened has been a few sharp words or his passing a 200 peso "bribe"..

I thought they are unionized rather than a cartel. Did not all the London taxis recently go on strike in opposition to "Uber"? Now I would not like to compare London taxi drivers to anywhere else in the world. They indeed are phenomenal (except I dare say, somewhat to Japan) but even then, a trade group has a right to organize. Methinks.

[Manny51]

But the great thing with all DR taxis (good and bad) is that they charge per mile, not number of passengers. So you can sit four guys in for the same rate as one. If a cheap short trip I feel they are welcome to an extra tip for that.

Remember these guys have had to "buy" the right to serve those areas and with tourist numbers falling on the North Coast they can get a bit ratty if they are not covering their overheads.

If they are all charging by the mile, by I presume some kind of meter, then is that $40 fee what the meter generally comes to? Or is it a fixed price that the taxi mafia gauges you for? And how is it that the PP guys are better? If its all by the mile / meter, then there shouldn't be anyrip offs.

[Manny51]

As you know, Manny, I don't like taxi-drivers, especially the Costambar, airport, Sosua and AI private cabs. (Never had a problem with those working within Puerto Plata city though. They are very reasonable. It is the same old story. Those working the captive gringo or tourist market will try to gouge you).

Remember these guys have had to "buy" the right to serve those areas and with tourist numbers falling on the North Coast they can get a bit ratty if they are not covering their overheads.

So who is the guy collecting from the taxi drivers? And I presume that you are using the word "cartel" colloquially.

[Charles Pooter]

Do the mafia drivers allow you to put 3 guys in the cab to split the cost?

As you know, Manny, I don't like taxi-drivers, especially the Costambar, airport, Sosua and AI private cabs. (Never had a problem with those working within Puerto Plata city though. They are very reasonable. It is the same old story. Those working the captive gringo or tourist market will try to gouge you).

But the great thing with all DR taxis (good and bad) is that they charge per mile, not number of passengers. So you can sit four guys in for the same rate as one. If a cheap short trip I feel they are welcome to an extra tip for that.

Can someone elaborate on this "taxi mafia?" Is that just a term for collusion that the drivers agreed upon? Or could they eventually go and beat up someone that I hire as a private driver?

It has been known. More likely to damage their vehicle though. The few times I have been with a non-cartel driver the worst that has happened has been a few sharp words or his passing a 200 peso "bribe".

Remember these guys have had to "buy" the right to serve those areas and with tourist numbers falling on the North Coast they can get a bit ratty if they are not covering their overheads.

[Charles Pooter]

A taxi from blackbeards {to Sosua} will cost $1,700 pesos I believe.

If you want to save money and don't have a lot of baggage, you could get a taxi (350 pesos?) just to the Parada de Sosua and catch a publico to Sosua. 100 pesos for the front seat to yourself and 50 peso tip to put a large travel bag, if you have one, in the trunk. Getting out in Sosua catch a moto (50 pesos) or taxi (200 pesos?) to Mary Rose depending on what you have to carry. The local transport might have a better clue where Mary Rose is than your Costambar cab, but I would keep Rick's phone number handy so they can phone for directions.

So a 1000 pesos saved. Probably only worth it if you are travelling light(ish).

[Manny51]

I did Blackbeards then Sosua my last trip. Rick has said he can't do pick ups at blackbeards because of some Taxi mafia. A taxi from blackbeards will cost $1,700 pesos I believe. It's posted in blackbeards, make sure the taxi agrees to this before getting in. My driver tried to say 2,000 pesos, then I showed him the sign. If you get bored of fucking at blackbeards walk over to the beach and get a mani / pedi and a beer from Mary for about $20 US, she a nice girl and easy on the eyes. Oh, chances are if you are social at BB you will meet some other guys headed to Sosua.

Can someone elaborate on this "taxi mafia?" Is that just a term for collusion that the drivers agreed upon? Or could they eventually go and beat up someone that I hire as a private driver?

The few times that I have been to the PP area I have either rented a car or arranged a private transfer from the airport. $40 seems excessive for a one way trip from Sosua to BB. Do the mafia drivers allow you to put 3 guys in the cab to split the cost?

[D Cups]

I did Blackbeards then Sosua my last trip. Rick has said he can't do pick ups at blackbeards because of some Taxi mafia. A taxi from blackbeards will cost $1,700 pesos I believe. It's posted in blackbeards, make sure the taxi agrees to this before getting in. My driver tried to say 2,000 pesos, then I showed him the sign. If you get bored of fucking at blackbeards walk over to the beach and get a mani / pedi and a beer from Mary for about $20 US, she a nice girl and easy on the eyes. Oh, chances are if you are social at BB you will meet some other guys headed to Sosua.

OK good to know. Thanks, BII and Mr. E. Guys, this will be my debut to DR so I really appreciate any help.

[Tempoecorto]

In fact I haven't pulled a girl from there in over two years.

Someone with your experience and connections has no need to pull anyone from the strip. I will be spending a few days in Sosua soon but to do my restaurant and cigar tour (and the beach) along with the women (none of whom know how to swim. How hilarious can that be?) that would be joining me from elsewhere.

I think a 3 month trip has this great benefit: When I go, I have barely a week and way more than 7 women lined up and very soon I am all out of leche. A longer stay like what you are describing, gives a man an opportunity to replenish the supply, rather than the marathon I am forced to run. Must be great, indeed I am green with envy!

By the way, I would this time drive to las terrenas (To see a different part). I plan to pass through Bonao, Cotui, Pimentel prior to hitting the Samana Peninsula. Let's see what's cooking in those places.

[BoredInIN]

Thanks, CP. How much is the taxi to Rocky's or I wonder if Rocky's would pick me up.

I did Blackbeards then Sosua my last trip. Rick has said he can't do pick ups at blackbeards because of some Taxi mafia. A taxi from blackbeards will cost $1,700 pesos I believe. It's posted in blackbeards, make sure the taxi agrees to this before getting in. My driver tried to say 2,000 pesos, then I showed him the sign. If you get bored of fucking at blackbeards walk over to the beach and get a mani / pedi and a beer from Mary for about $20 US, she a nice girl and easy on the eyes. Oh, chances are if you are social at BB you will meet some other guys headed to Sosua.

[BoredInIN]

A taxi to Rocky's from where? You do realize that Rocky's is a restaurant / hotel in Sosua? If you get off the bus in Puerto Plata the town of Sosua will be no less than 20 minutes east of you, while Blackbeards Resort will be about 15 minutes west of you in Costambar.

I am staying at the Mary Rose for the first time in a couple weeks, I've never even been by the place as its location is somewhat off the monger beaten path, it comes well recommended and I've met the owner Rick on a number of occasions.

The purpose of me staying there is I am interested in possibly renting there for three months, I have a golden opportunity to rent out my place in Colombia during the holiday / feria season which would be great as I don't like being there during that time anyway, too much craziness, noise and too many thieves, been there, done that. For what I have been offered, it will pay for all my DR expenses for three months with money left over..

Manizales911,

The area where Mary Rose is very quite. As mentioned there is a little grocery store a block away. It is some what limited but what they do have, they offer at the best prices in town as this place is always busy. Of course you can always take the moot to the super market for about 40 pesos. As far as restaurants it's pretty limited. There is a little cheap local carry out spot a block down by the island hotel. There is also a good cheap little German place next door that offers breakfast, lunch, dinner but good luck finding it! It has the worst signage and marketing ever. It's literally right across the street and is part of some hotel. You will see the little street front bar ran by the Canadian Ted, good guy, stop and have a drink while you're there. Then right after his bar chances are you will see a blue pick up truck parked in a little open door looking garage. Just walk in through there and you will see a pool and hotel then the restaurant. I never really mind walking anywhere in Sosua though, it's small and I felt safe everywhere.

[Mr Enternational]

Thanks, CP. How much is the taxi to Rocky's or I wonder if Rocky's would pick me up.

A taxi to Rocky's from where? You do realize that Rocky's is a restaurant / hotel in Sosua? If you get off the bus in Puerto Plata the town of Sosua will be no less than 20 minutes east of you, while Blackbeards Resort will be about 15 minutes west of you in Costambar.

[Manizales911]

I could not do 3 months in Sosua. It is very small and will become very boring after a week. Consider SD much more to do. Nicest malls I have ever seen. Something new everyday. You speak the language and have those skills that would make SD very interesting. You can also do trips to other cities when you get bored. You make friends and learn the real dr. There are reasonable apartments in good neighborhoods that woud be fun to learn. I spent a week in a neighborhood in the colonial zona. After a few days I felt a part of the seen. Your Dominican friends will introduce you to more women then you could dream of. Cute non pros who want to fuck and nag the rich Foreigner. We are talking dream come true. Three months in SD would be amazing.

For many guys that would be correct but I have been to the DR enough times where I know how to keep myself entertained, I plan on staying in Sosua using it as base camp but I have no plans to spend three months hanging out on the strip. In fact I haven't pulled a girl from there in over two years. I will spend my days on the beaches of both Sosua and Cabarete chilling out drinking beer and chatting up girls and taking trips around the north coast. I'll go to the bars in Sosua to drink but I have girls, I don't need those hard core putas. If I get bored I'll leave but I doubt I will, I'm used to spending the winter balls deep in snow, now THAT'S boring. No offense OldKool but I most likely have seen a lot more of the DR than you have but thanks for posting your advise nonetheless.

[D Cups]

It makes sense if you get off the bus in Puerto Plata. No point in going to Sosua if your first stay is Blackbeards.

Thanks, CP. How much is the taxi to Rocky's or I wonder if Rocky's would pick me up.

[OldKool]

I could not do 3 months in Sosua. It is very small and will become very boring after a week. Consider SD much more to do. Nicest malls I have ever seen. Something new everyday. You speak the language and have those skills that would make SD very interesting. You can also do trips to other cities when you get bored. You make friends and learn the real dr. There are reasonable apartments in good neighborhoods that woud be fun to learn. I spent a week in a neighborhood in the colonial zona. After a few days I felt a part of the seen. Your Dominican friends will introduce you to more women then you could dream of. Cute non pros who want to fuck and nag the rich Foreigner. We are talking dream come true. Three months in SD would be amazing.

[Member #4351]

There is a small store about 50 meters from the apartments. There is also a restaurant, but I'm not sure if it serves breakfast, Rick could fill you in. Good kitchen so you or a GF can always cook the breakfast in your apartment. As an alternative, I believe that Rocky's delivers to the M. R.