Sosua Reports

[Wrx2005]

In all due respect, where did you get this information?

Also, where does one go in Sosua to make a copy of their passport, with stamp? How much would it cost?

As always, Manizales, thanks for your input. It is always appreciated.

I know and used two places in Sosua to get my passport copied. The 1st place is the computer / office center in the plaza behind Baileys restaurant on Alejo Martinez. Their color copying is very reasonably priced. Next is the business / office store on calle Dr. Rosen. If you stand in the Metro Bus station parking lot (facing calle Dr. Rosen) , you can look right at it. They also made the same color copies, and lamination. For some reason, I prefer going to the store behind Baileys Restaurant.

I had my 1st two pages copied in color then laminated in actual size of my passport. One side has my photo, details and the other side is the 2nd page of my passport. On another occasion I also had them make the same copies of my passport, then they shrunk it down into the size of a credit card. Laminated. I try to get them to make at least 5 copies. I haven't yet copied my entry stamp. Mainly because I'm still legal from when I left and returned back in January.

I also got several laminated copies of my Universal Medical Insurance Card, and my USA driver license. They all look very official in color and laminated to look like the real thing.

For those possibly needing to pay for an overstay of their tourist visa:

Yesterday went to La Sirena in PP. Did a dry run looking for the DR Immigration Office at 95 Calle Beller, near Calle 20 de Diciembre. Calle Beller runs One way, west to east, until you get past calle 27 de Febreo, then it becomes two way ( The street name may change? ), . Once I was driving on Beller traveling east, I realized that I had been on it dozens of times.

If you follow it towards the direction of Sosua it will take you to the big circle where that Judicial Office bldg is and the main autopista. Coming from the direction of Sosua, heading into Puerto Plata, you would have to follow the same road going in the opposite direction, knowing that it splits in the area of 27 de Febrero and becomes one way, east to west ( again do not know the name, but it runs parallel to Calle Beller ).

After about 5 to 8 blocks past 27 de Febrero, you will have to turn left (at least 2 blocks past calle 20 de Diciembre) on one of those side streets to head about 2 blocks south to Calle Beller to turn left to go back east. If you turn onto Calle Beller and the address numbers are higher than 95, then the Immigration office is behind you. And you need to navigate to go back. If you turn on Calle Beller and the numbers are lower than 95, then just keep driving looking on your right hand side for it. Next door is the TSS office. Dont look for any large office building. You could easily pass it because the entrance to the Immigration bldg is relatively small and it doesnt seem like it belongs in the area.

[Scotch]

We watch the Super Bowl in the back of city lights. It was about 12 of us so you should've saw the waitresses argue over who's customers we were a real clown show very unorganized. After the game hung out in the city lights Waiting on a waitress to get off work Classicao closed at 1 o'clock on Super Bowl Sunday. I thought they would ease the ban for the Super Bowl, but I was wrong. Supposedly plaza casino stays open all night never been there. We went to the casino near the old Victorian house it was dead just a couple of stragglers. OK fellas I'll keep you guys posted I have to get rid of this waitress it's her day off but she's not staying with me.

[Oakie]

Maybe, maybe not. This board does not seem to have a very good record on making predictions about Dominican politics, and things that seem random to the casual observer must always have some underlying rationale, even if we don't know what it is. I remember Cuba Dave saying the same thing about the closure of La Pasion nightclub, that a few bribes needed to be paid and normal service would be resumed at the famous brothel as soon as possible. I wonder what he is doing now.

"Even if we don't know what it is", this mysterious, almost religious "underlying rationale" to you, is no such thing to locals. They understand the corrupt game that goes on. I explained it in my post, Simply politics and money. The age old tension between what politicians say to become popular vs what they actually do!

When I first started hangin with the locals I kept hearing the word "mafia". I was curious as to where this mafia was. Turns out the words mafiosa and mafioso describe individual bad dudes, while "mafia" is their word for the political powers that be that are in charge of essential services like water and electricity, and decide what will be enforcement flavor of the month.

I don't listen to "predictions" from this board, or rumors. Most turn out to be useless. 180 degrees wrong, or only half the story.

Things like Sosua prostitution being on its last legs, or Sosua dying as a prostitution destination. Sosua as a dangerous place. A den of thieves. So-called "smart" mongers moving out.

If I did I would not be going back as often as I could for that cheap, beautiful, abundance of safe tropical pussy. I'd rather believe my own lyin' eyes. My own enjoyment of the place improves with every visit, if that is possible.

I don't know why some folks here are not happy to hear that, but that's their problem.

I agree with them in one aspect, they SHOULD move on!

To mix metaphors, Sosua is the energizer bunny that keeps on ticking, and defies all exaggerated reports of its death! It just needs a new battery now and then!

Truth is it runs on money and politics, like all places.

I just like the fact that the locals are far more aware of this than your average PC NA resident who tend to idolize their politicians.

[Boriman]

You're wrong, this is serious shit. The people that paid the 2500 pesos were given an extension and a receipt for the money to show to immigration at the airport when leaving...

In all due respect, where did you get this information?

Also, where does one go in Sosua to make a copy of their passport, with stamp? How much would it cost?

As always, Manizales, thanks for your input. It is always appreciated.

[Wrx2005]

I was eating lunch at Bergen Street across from Runba enjoying the sights. The guy that cooked chicken and rumba was in front of the spot saying it will be open tomorrow. Last night I was in Clasicos The place was so packed it was unbearable left after a half an hour.
It was more guys than girls hopefully tonight will be the opposite. Downstairs tons of women it's a buyers market.
I drove by field of dreams some very nice women A new owner worth the trip. Here's a pic she said don't show her face but ass and🤡pussy is OK

I believe the place you were eating at was Bourbon Street. And RUMBA is across the street. If the guy on crutches (they call him chicken man) is the one who told you that Rumba is supposed to be open on Super Bowl, he mislead you. In fact he's been telling people since last year that Rumba would be opening soon. All of his reports and predictions have been false. And as far as I know, he isn't the one cooking. He waited on folks. Maybe he used to cook? One of the main cooks for Rumba ( when it was open ), NOW works at The Tree House bar / restaurant on the beach. #112. Short stocky Dominican.

So as of 1205 midnight, Rumba did NOT open for Super Bowl to the general public. And was not open for business. False rumors and reports is the norm in the DR. I've got to the point that I do not rely on most of what I hear people say, until the information is confirmed.

[Frannie]

Business as usual it is!

The deck chairs are re-arranged occasionally,

So called "crackdowns" occur randomly and often

Maybe, maybe not. This board does not seem to have a very good record on making predictions about Dominican politics, and things that seem random to the casual observer must always have some underlying rationale, even if we don't know what it is. I remember Cuba Dave saying the same thing about the closure of La Pasion nightclub, that a few bribes needed to be paid and normal service would be resumed at the famous brothel as soon as possible. I wonder what he is doing now.

[Charles Pooter]

I drove by field of dreams ... a new owner.

I had not been to field of dreams in years I think the owners name was Billy last time I was there.

LOL. We shall not be relying on you for news flashes. Billy departed from Field of Dreams over nine years ago! There have been at least four longish-term regimes since him, not counting temporary re-shuffles (Cristal's owner, Alberto & Amado, Jeffrey etc, and the current mob). When Billy ran it there were no on-site putas, guys took in their own girls. In my opinion a much better model.

I had a nice time with a Haitian girl last night. Best out of the five girls on the trip. The other four were Dominicans.

OK, now I am warming to you. Another convert to the dark side. I hope the ratio will be the other way round on your next visit (hopefully not another nine years distant?

[Scotch]

I had not been to field of dreams in years I think the owners name was Billy last time I was there.

He was an ex pat the manager on site now is a Dominican guy. They Had a couple of spinners.

Last night we walk to Classico and Guys were coming out saying it was Too pack. We hung out downstairs for a little while it was a decent selection of girls in the bar. Then we went to city lights lots of women especially Haitians girls there. I Had a nice time with a Haitian girl last night best out of the five girls on the trip the other four were Dominicans. If anybody knows of a big Super Bowl party tonight please post It. Fellas mentioned the sunrise and bellamar hotel along with City lights are doing something today. My hotel is brand-new or I should say still under construction the TV and wifi are not working yet but the food is excellent three meals a day. It's owned by the X owner of the Victorian house. He also owns the Bourbon street restaurant.

I'll let you guys know if Rumbas open tonight.

[Berthold]

You're wrong, this is serious shit. The people that paid the 2500 pesos were given an extension and a receipt for the money to show to immigration at the airport when leaving. Don't confuse Immigration police with the police walking the street, they aren't going to take bribes or put money in their own pocket. This has been 2 or 3 years in the making and is not going away, we have been warned about this happening but every body thought that they would only come down on the Haitians. If they want to force the illegal Haitians out they need to come down on other illegal foreigners or else they will lose foreign aid.

I second that, in Cabarete they rounded up a guy who has been in the D.R. for 20 years without ever getting residency. He had to pay 5 k us dollars in order to be released in POP.

[Revere]

You're wrong, this is serious shit. The people that paid the 2500 pesos were given an extension and a receipt for the money to show to immigration at the airport when leaving. Don't confuse Immigration police with the police walking the street, they aren't going to take bribes or put money in their own pocket. This has been 2 or 3 years in the making and is not going away, we have been warned about this happening but every body thought that they would only come down on the Haitians. If they want to force the illegal Haitians out they need to come down on other illegal foreigners or else they will lose foreign aid.

Ok, but, I talked to brothers on the ground and he said none of them have their passports on them and immigration looks the other way when they see them. So, why not stop everyone. But, you arrest canadians for having passports in the hotel.

[Manizales911]

Just my take but the red flag is the DOP 2,500 fine. Just another way of making money. From my experience with Sosua every so often the police get the urge to stop tourists on scooters or motoconchos, especially if they do not have a helmet. Barring this, they check for a driver's license.

With rented cars it is having a driver's license or being fined for not having your seat belt on.

In this case, immigration took it a step further.

Now, multiply 2500 by 47. I guess immigration did well. Sounds like a money making venture to me.

I guess after all the complaints Immigration ran off crying (all the way to the bank.) They will be hurting (more like laughing, by the look of things) for a while.

That said, I always carry copies of my passport book, a passport card and my birth certificate. I do like Oldkool says and leave the originals in the hotel safe.

As for the police being upset. It is because they did not think of it themselves. Any true veteran monger, or his friend, will have experienced or heard stories of tourists being shaken down by the Politur (or Cestur). Sounds like business as usual.

You're wrong, this is serious shit. The people that paid the 2500 pesos were given an extension and a receipt for the money to show to immigration at the airport when leaving. Don't confuse Immigration police with the police walking the street, they aren't going to take bribes or put money in their own pocket. This has been 2 or 3 years in the making and is not going away, we have been warned about this happening but every body thought that they would only come down on the Haitians. If they want to force the illegal Haitians out they need to come down on other illegal foreigners or else they will lose foreign aid.

[Charles Pooter]

FOD ... do not have a new owner.

Thanks. I was surprised when Scotch posted that they did have.

Blackbeards is isolated as you have to take a taxi to go anywhere.

I corrected that for you.

Field of Dreams is very conveniently located. 25 ride minutes to Sosua for 50 pesos. 10 minutes ride to Puerto Plata city center for 25 pesos. Playa Dorada 10 minutes walk. Nevertheless, I would not normally recommend anyone to stay there with that mob in charge.

[Oakie]

Just my take but the red flag is the DOP 2,500 fine. Just another way of making money. From my experience with Sosua every so often the police get the urge to stop tourists on scooters or motoconchos, especially if they do not have a helmet. Barring this, they check for a driver's license.

With rented cars it is having a driver's license or being fined for not having your seat belt on.

In this case, immigration took it a step further.

Now, multiply 2500 by 47. I guess immigration did well. Sounds like a money making venture to me.

I guess after all the complaints Immigration ran off crying (all the way to the bank.) They will be hurting (more like laughing, by the look of things) for a while.

That said, I always carry copies of my passport book, a passport card and my birth certificate. I do like Oldkool says and leave the originals in the hotel safe.

As for the police being upset. It is because they did not think of it themselves. Any true veteran monger, or his friend, will have experienced or heard stories of tourists being shaken down by the Politur (or Cestur). Sounds like business as usual.

Business as usual it is!

The deck chairs are re-arranged occasionally, bars close, another one opens up next door, an old one re-opens with a new name.

The locals refer to places by the old name, I. E. Happy Bar Pizza, although the New York Pizza has nothing in common with the dance bar that preceded it.

Your favorite restaurant / pub might be bulldozed, closed, renamed the next time you are there.

I have seen it all.

So called "crackdowns" occur randomly and often. Sometimes it is closing in the open windows of bars, sometimes confiscating motoconchos for not wearing helmets, sometimes posting signs, no women allowed without escorts. Periodic roundups of Hatians, Streetwalkers and even road workers taken off the street.

Tomorrow chairs on the street could be banned, or even all traffic.

"Fines" are designed to be affordable, levied with a smile, and the average monger is not likely to be "disappeared" into the bowels of some third world jail.

It keeps the place from becoming too boring.

Some of our more excitable mongers see these changes as the latest "death knell" and predict the demise of Sosua, yet again, but a couple days later it is back to business as usual. All is forgotten.

When I ask local friends about this crazy stuff they say it is just about a show of the flag by politicians who have made promises, and the Cestur / Politur / Federales activities are used to keep them busy and in training, just like any drill. Tomorrow it could be open drinking on the main street, or some obscure building infraction.

There's really nothing else for them to do! Might as well have them produce a little income, for themselves and the public coffers.

So enjoy Rumba and D'Latin, or is it City Lights and Bourbon Street today?

Just be sure to carry a copy of your papers, and a few pesos for emergemcies.

Treat the cops with respect, they are bored too. Chasing hoes down the street is not what they signed up for.

[Boriman]

Just my take but the red flag is the DOP 2,500 fine. Just another way of making money. From my experience with Sosua every so often the police get the urge to stop tourists on scooters or motoconchos, especially if they do not have a helmet. Barring this, they check for a driver's license.

With rented cars it is having a driver's license or being fined for not having your seat belt on.

In this case, immigration took it a step further.

Now, multiply 2500 by 47. I guess immigration did well. Sounds like a money making venture to me.

I guess after all the complaints Immigration ran off crying (all the way to the bank.) They will be hurting (more like laughing, by the look of things) for a while.

That said, I always carry copies of my passport book, a passport card and my birth certificate. I do like Oldkool says and leave the originals in the hotel safe.

As for the police being upset. It is because they did not think of it themselves. Any true veteran monger, or his friend, will have experienced or heard stories of tourists being shaken down by the Politur (or Cestur). Sounds like business as usual.

[Boriman]

Here is the article on the tourists arrested.

Sosua-News.

Sosúa, Wednesday, February 2, tourists have been arrested in the streets by soldiers ordered by officials of the immigration service from Santo Domingo. They were checked for a valid identity document. Especially people driving a rented scooter or car were arrested when they could not produce a passport or identity card.

The vehicle was then confiscated. Story goes, 47 tourists have been arrested and have been locked up in a bus 7 hours. They were allowed to leave after paying a fine of 2,500 pesos. Most tourists leave their passports safely stored in a safe in the hotel. Just for assurance against loss or theft. Even elderly couples were arrested. According to the local TV station 'Detras Del Rumor' of Fabio Garcia this is a disgrace to Sosúa. This way you will chase the tourists away. Not only Detras del Rumor spoke of shame, almost all Dominican entrepreneurs and the local police in Sosúa were highly indignant about this action of the immigration service 'la Direccióand General de Migracióand.